Private school is way more affordable than you think.

My daughter attends a private school in Arnold, MD.  She is considered a “legacy” student since I graduated from the same school in 2002.  She is currently in the 3^rd grade, and I am now beginning to wrestle with the idea of what is next for Vanesa academically.  Do I let her continue on at Severn for middle school or is it time to pull her out and give her a more multicultural education?  My ONLY issue with Severn is that Vanesa may have a culture crisis if I make her a lifelong Severn student.  Severn is not very representative of the real world; hence the push for diversity within the school.

Every morning I slap cocoa butter on her face and smooth her edges down with edge control.  My mother greases her scalp every Sunday with a mixture of pine tar and bergamot.  She gets asked questions by her peers like “why is your hair so greasy” or “why do you smell like trees.”  Thankfully, Vanesa has an amazing personality and a funny wit that makes me not worry so much for her in these situations.  Her response tows the line of “girl I gotta keep my edges laid” or “I prefer to have hair so it needs grease” or “don’t be mad cuz my baby hairs on fleek.”

I know being the only black child in her grade doesn’t affect her now, but I KNOW it will.  It may not bother her, but she does notice it.  It can weigh on your confidence to look around and relate to no one.  We is “po” folks in comparison to some of her classmates, we eat collard greens, braids are a staple, black lives matter, Vanesa has witnessed racism against our family, she has witnessed drug addiction, and she has experienced way more death of loved ones than most 9 year olds.  It is easy to feel like an outsider.  Of course, this is somewhat perception.  But, I have experienced the isolation and shock as a black Severn student myself.

So what are the options?  Attend Severn for Middle School – maybe.  Attend Corkran Middle School – her dad says HELL NO.  Or explore another private school that is more culturally diverse.  Vanesa attended Annapolis Area Christian School’s Summer Camp, and I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity and proximity to home.  Even perusing the school site gave me a sense of belonging.  We will definitely tour the school and do a class visit when the time comes.

For now, Vanesa is adamant about staying at Severn.  I understand!!  She has been there since PS-3 and has had the same friends for five years.  So now I have to put her fate on my fellow Anne Arundel County residents.  Sorry not sorry.  But, I have the cheat codes y’all.  Most families think they cannot afford Severn, but that is the furthest thing from the truth.  Don’t let that $20,910 tuition tab scare you.  Whether you are black, white, Asian, low-income, out of county, the first step is to tour the school.

Severn is top notch when it comes to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics).  Vanesa knows how to use a 3D printer, she paints like Matisse, play is important, her cursive handwriting is beautiful, she designs buildings out of cardboard, her class does science experiments, and so forth.  The curriculum really is top-notch and has her on a path to be a future leader/ivy leaguer.  What Severn also provides her with is experiences.  For example, she was able to have an intimate viewing of the Stanley Cup because one of her classmates has a connection to the Washington Capitals.  We were also able to tour the White House due to one of her classmates parent’s being an adviser to President Obama.  Where else they do that at?!?

So getting back to the cheat codes your child needs to round out  my daughter’s education.  Set up a tour of the school with the admissions office.  The next step would be scheduling a classroom visit.  If your family likes the school, then fill out the necessary admission application and associated forms.  If you know you want to give your child the best education, but are worried about how to afford it, then your next step is to fill out the financial aid application.  Severn offers SUBSTANTIAL aid to low and middle income families.  $3 million in scholarships were given out in the 2017-2018 school year, and it is completely confidential.  To sweeten the deal even further, let me introduce you to the BEST program.  Take note of the participating member schools (cough::Severn::cough).  BEST provides scholarships for students from kindergarten to the 12th grade.  Your son or daughter could potentially have his or her tuition 100% paid if you couple all of the above options.

So please don’t make Vanesa wait any longer.  She needs a “fleek” buddy, a boy to have a crush on, someone to sing about beans, greens, tomatoes, potatoes with, a Steph Curry fan, etc. . .  Don’t let money keep you from accessing a great education for your kids.

(Can you guess who is doing the voice over in the beginning?  I make a cameo too!!)