I was going to try and ignore some of these comments I’ve been reading but one thing I love about being in my late 40s, I don’t hesitate any longer, I say what’s on my mind.
@DeepBlue86 first of all what’s a “high end NY Private school”? They all charge tuitions upwards of 40k…I guess “high end private” is subjective.
Now let’s talk about how you’re talking down about my city and our private schools. I don’t know if you’re a NYer but I can tell you, your experience (assuming you have some and not just repeating hearsay) is very different than mine. I am a native NYer (born and raised in Lower East Side of Manhattan). You said, “living here is inherently abnormal relative to ANYWHERE else on the planet.” If you consider the largest melting pot of ethnicities and cultures abnormal, then yes we are abnormal and I’m proud of that! Is NYC perfect? Absolutely not but we must be doing something right when so many flock here daily for not only job opportunities but educational ones too.
As for our private schools being filled with “an alarming proportion of whose families are extraordinarily wealthy/influential.” Yes, there are tons of wealthy people here in NYC (I’m not one of them). Who else would be representing the majority at schools with tuitions over $40k year? But let me tell you one difference between a NYC private school and let’s say, a wealthy NYC public school or a wealthy NY suburban public (where my nieces and nephews attend). The difference is opportunity for all. You see, these (as you called them) NYC Gilded bubble schools, have huge scholarship funds. It is because of these scholarships that the schools bring in kids from “the 'hood” (where I was raised). It is the opportunity given by these “high end” private schools to many smart children whose families are economically disadvantaged. These schools (some do it better than others) have a real commitment to diversity They bring all types of socioeconomic groups, same sex families and all types of households into their mix.
You also said, “no high-end NY private school is set up to foster “normalcy in childhood.” I’d say our students serving lunch to the homeless once a week is forstering much more than normalcy. We have a commitment and a relationship with our local soup kitchen. We also have a huge charity network where the students not only take part in but come up with ways to help and give back. We have older students mentoring our younger students (big sister, big brother set up). Our school community is very service driven and I find the children love helping because they want to especially since there is no obligation to do so. I think we are doing a great job when it comes to fostering our future leaders. Instilling values, empathy, courage and love of being there for your fellow man.
You did say something I agree with. You said, “make friends with the surprising number of kids who are relatively normal and grounded in spite of their environment.” You know where they got that normalcy from? Their diverse neighborhoods and school communities. Acceptance and inclusion does not care about your economic status. I prefer schools that don’t hesitate to let someone in just because they don’t live in the right zip code.
I know NYC is not for everyone but many of these school communities have made it possible for many children to obtain an education that otherwise would not be attainable.
I’m all for everyone expressing their opinion. If one doesn’t like a particular school, can we please keep the comments about that one particular school? Blankets statements tend to be divisive.