[quote=cabal]
A few comments on LJCDS. In the 90s, the tuition for kindergarten at LJCDS versus a top Montessori was approximately 8K and 6k, respectively, not a huge difference. Moreover, for an additional $400 at LJCDS, your child can stay until 5pm for the entire school year. Tuition at 20K-25K today would be hard to swallow. I enrolled my son at LJCDS by chance because we could not get him into a decent Montessori/preschool. Apparently, you needed to sign up for the waiting list 2 yrs ahead of time.
The quality and attention at LJCDS is unmatched. As I recall, the kindergarten class had 10? kids, with two full time, degreed teachers. The curriculum was challenging, while the teachers were overly supportive providing one-to-one attention. Overall, the classroom presented a great environment to build self esteem. The enrichment programs were outstanding. For example, science at other preschools may consist of reading basic books. At LJCDS, Sally Ride would come into the classroom and lecture the kids on the experience of flying on the shuttle into space.
Bearishgurl – Rich people use their money wisely, which is why they stay rich and keep getting richer. In addition to the outstanding educational experience, the tuition at a place like LJCDS buys access. These kids live primarily in RSF, Del Mar, La Jolla, etc. There were a few from Poway, Escondido, East and South County, maybe even Santee, but very few. The parents were typically CEOs, upper management, Doctors, Lawyers, etc. and all very well connected. Kids want to play with each other, which means parents meet each other socially. It’s very easy to develop networks and build that invaluable asset called “Social Capital”. Ask any CEO what is their most prized possession and they will immediately point to their rolodex. So, is 25K a year tuition worth it? It is if you can turn your lousy 150k/yr job into 500K/yr.[/quote]
This is a great post. Sorta like going to a top 5 MBA school not for the education, but to build long term business contacts for your own career…With how busy a lot of executives, doctors, business people are and most not really giving you the time of day, being in the same circle as their kids while they are on play dates can’t help but open some doors.
