@CrimsonWife I hear you, and am sorry you don’t have a good local option. I agree I’d rather spend to avoid the situation you describe. We are in a similar situation with the public school for our zone, but have good local private options where our son is thriving, but our daughter is wilting, thus the school search for her. So, we definitely are “in” for paying more, it’s just a question of finding the balance of value.
@Calliemomofgirls I am flattered that our process is helping you in any way! I am so grateful for this online community that is so generous with their perspectives. BS is not at all the norm in our southern town, so I am incredibly thankful for all I have learned reading threads and for the kind responses I have received to questions.
I hope we all get great news next week and can make happy, affordable decisions about schools where all our kids will thrive.