Hi Folks, we would like to have advice in choosing between Collegiate and Dalton (for kindergarten). We know these are great schools. When comparing the two schools, we prioritize flexibility—for instance, allowing our child to spend one or two years overseas during elementary school and we will still pay the tuition. We are aware that some schools may remove students after enrollment for some reasons(though we are uncertain if either of these schools does so) and want to ensure that the time abroad does not negatively impact future academic progression. Any information will be highly appreciated!
Both are great choices, with the key differences being the neighborhoods (UES may offer better access to day care/tutors/classes, IMHO) and co-ed vs. all boys. Personally, I think Dalton would allow your son to better develop as a person, but that’s just my opinion.
Paying tuition just to keep your spot while you’re overseas is a rather uncommon practice. You should have a discussion with the schools to make sure they’d let you do so.
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@Catcherinthetoast may be able to help regarding The Dalton School.
I heard of this happening a few times at various NYC day schools (during COVID), but I think that the range of responses now varies by school.
One family went abroad for a temporary posting and asked the school to hold their spots. The school wouldn’t commit to it when they left. When the family returned two years later, the school made on child repeat a grade since the education they received abroad wasn’t up to the school’s standards.
Another family had to re-apply their children for the spots that they released a year prior. The children were accepted to re-enter the school, but it was quite stressful.
It may be easier to do this at schools that aren’t quite as competitive as Dalton or Collegiate.
Why are you suggesting this? I know families that had kids attend almost all of the NYC prep schools so why Dalton?
I think that the intellectual atmosphere at Collegiate is likely better for the older students. But that’s just my two cents