View All PostsAlex McCord
Schools, Schools And More Schools.
The New York City school system is no picnic!
March 18, 2008Schools, schools and more schools. Sometimes it's enough to make you want to home school. Whether it's public or private, getting your child into a good school is a blood sport here in New York. The application process would baffle most thinking people; what sort of essay do you write about a toddler? Once your child's interview or playgroup is over, all the hedge fund cash in the world and a letter from the mayor won't grease the wheels. First on the list are children of teachers and alums, next are siblings and finally new applicants like us. It's then down to age and gender -- 2 years 10 months is light years away from 3 years 1 month according to the admissions directors, and they usually want an equal mix of boys and girls.
Here's an abbreviated timeline. We started researching schools shortly after François was born, and applied to three schools when he was 2 1/2 years old. (Also, as a precaution in the event of our deaths, we registered him at Simon's high school in Australia, where, unless registration is done at birth, entry isn't even guaranteed). He was waitlisted at all of them. Later that year during an incidental conversation with another school's Admissions Director, we heard that there was one spot for a 3 year old boy available in a great preschool we hadn't applied to, and they were willing to make a slight exception to allow in our (2 years 10 month old) son. Simon and I literally dropped everything and raced over to the school with our checkbook, filled out the application and enrolled him on the spot. His initial preschool experience came down to a well-timed phone call!
Kudos to you both for placing such importance on your children's education. In season one it seemed you were looking for "status" schools, but after season two and reading your blog, I have changed my mind.
It is obvious both of you are primarily concerned with what is best for your boys.
What a hassle NY schools are!
I was most unwise in my choice of husbands and he didn't care one bit about our childrens' education. He insisted we move from a top notch school district, where my oldest daughter graduated top of the class to a rural backwater where the schools have been a nightmare.
The effect on the children was horrible and the consequences of this mistake can still be seen in their lives.
It is good to see couples who really care about their children.
I love you Alex. You are the only real one on the show. If I had one word for Alex it would be "sweet". You really are so nice. You never get into the drama and trash talk. You are beautiful and very talented. I loved the logo you did for Bethany. I think Simon is awesome too. He loves you soooo much, as I know you love him too. I love the way you two interact. It is beautiful to see a couple get along so well and really love the same things and genuinely have so much in common. I think you are the smartest two on the show. I can't believe the trash that people say about you and your family. I have never thought you were out of line in any of the shows. You are just real and nice people. I think the trash comes from people that just love drama. Maybe people would like you better if you fought with the other ladies on the show and treated your husband like a piece of crap. you seem to avoid the drama. and I love that about you. They are all jealous. You bring a freshness to the show and an example of how people should act. Love you Alex...... Don't change
Post new comment
Get Mobile
- Get games, show updates, and more on your cell phone.
- Message & data rates may apply.
You will receive 5 msgs/wk.
Text STOP to 27286 to quit, or HELP for help
Comments