Why was I given such a child?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Why was I given such a child?
10
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 12:27pm

I have been questioning myself lately about trying to get my oldest into this fancy private school. I mean, it's ridiculously expensive and how much money am I willing to spend on just one child when I have 2 others to think of, plus we live in such a tiny apartment and that money could go towards a house or vacations or savings or a million other things. I've been working diligently on the applications and financial aid. I recently handed out all of the applications that needed to be filled out at his school and I just got back the one from his principal which includes all of his grades and test scores. It also included a questionnaire for the principal and I was absolutely stunned by what he said about Aaron.

There was a box of questions where he needed to check off whether Aaron was Average, Good, Top 10% of his class or 'One of the top few I have ever encountered'. This is what he put:

DS is the top 10% of his class in

Academic Potential
Academic Achievement
Organization (right!)
Creativity
Concern for others

DS is 'One of the top few I have ever encountered':

Intellectual curiosity
Effort /Determination
Ability to advocate for self
Ability to work independently
Ability to work in a group
Willingness to take intellectual risks
Honesty/Integrity
Self-esteem
Maturity (relative to age)
Responsibility
Respect accorded by teachers
Respect accorded by peers
Emotional stability
Overall evaluation as a person
Overall evaluation as a student

I mean, think about that! This is from a principal who has been teaching for his whole life. He is in his 60's! Not some young teacher!

He also said that DS is Confident, motivated and respected by his teachers and his peers and that he is active in school affairs. He would be a tremendous addition to the Derryfield community.

I was also looking through his test scores and he really has been documented at reading at a 10th grade level, since 3rd grade!

I don't know if we will be able to afford a $23,000 dollar a year college prep school, even with some tremendous financial aid, but this definitely affirms to me the fact that this kid is special, outside of just being a 'good' student. This is why I am trying so hard to give him the most opportunities that I can. I need some ideas on how I can get him learning and growing even more with his insatiable desire to know everything! On a limited budget!

We already go to museums on a regular basis and I have him in a free Judo program that is amazing. He does theater once a year and has his music lessons at school. He plays the viola and the drums. He doesn't really like to read novels, but he loves science books and anything full of information. I want to know that even if I can't afford this school, I can still do as much as I can for him on my own.

Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 12:53pm

I can't really give you much advice but just wanted to say Congratulations!


I know it's difficult when you are struggling with money to afford all the extras, etc... but it's still awesome!


I was going to say does your community college have course he could take?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2010
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 12:59pm

Well, I certainly wasn't blessed with a child like that by any stretch of the imagination, mine both struggle with their schooling.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2005
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 1:12pm

Hey Abbie, congrats on Aaron's fabulous recommendation!

Wedding
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 1:24pm

Abbie,

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2007
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 1:55pm

Hi,


I posted a while back about social problems we encountered when my DD went to a private school.

Lilypie First Birthday tickers
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 2:01pm
Thanks...we are definitely aware of the other expenses and we have a point that we are willing to go to and beyond it is just impossible. We kind of just did this as a "what if?" type of thing. It's been an interesting and educational experience. I'm sure it will definitely help me out when it comes time for college applications.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 2:01pm

And you know, wherever that child goes to school, he will do well.


DD was in the top of her elementary, classified as gifted, reading at high school level by 2nd grade (she went to kindergarten able to read.)




iVillage Member
Registered: 08-08-2005
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 2:26pm
Abbie that's great news! You should be very proud of your son and yourself - we don't get good kids by accident, we make them! Don't beat yourself up if you find you cannot afford this school, great students can be great students anywhere. If that private school is not an option, talk to someone at your high school or local college. In our area we have (had when I was there) an Upward Bound program that was a terrific program (and I believe that it was no cost, although some trips did require a student contribution). Also, you never know, alot of private schools have hefty scholarship money to hand out. My ODS is a sophmore in high school and we have begun looking at college costs (scary but great for my diet - who can eat junk when you feel like puking, lol) and I was amazed to find out that Harvard has a program available to students who have a family household income of less than 60k where they don't pay tuition! When you start looking it's truly eye opening at what you can find. My boy still has his heart set on West Point, but I am still making him

Angel

Wife to Wayne, Mommy to Tyler (15), Nickolas (3) and Noah (1)

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-11-2010
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 2:38pm

This is a huge concern for me.

Leslie
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Fri, 01-22-2010 - 2:51pm
I agree! And I know that wherever he does end up going, he will do well. I just want to make sure that he will be challenged and that he won't just be able to coast through.