I know what you mean--but I have found that even in places (schools/neighborhoods) that have that reputation there are always plenty of exceptions to the stereotype. I bet you will be able to find some like-minded friends.

Congrats to everyone's children! Lots of exciting news all around!

That is what I am hoping for; the school does have a reputation for snooty parents and spoiled children but a number of my friends' children went there and my friends aren't snooty and their children are not spoiled. So, hopefully, all will turn out okay.

Congratulations to your DD!

It is also very encouraging to see that there are still some US colleges that give out actual merit scholarships too.

Congrats to brilliantcp! That is wonderful. We are laying the groundwork for our dd to make a similar decision. Madeinuk, yes, lots of kids from my daughter's high school get merit scholarships. And my cousin's daughter just got a full ride at Johns Hopkins. (60k/yr)

OK so trying not to have disappeared for a year and then monopolize brag thread with tales of my dd but this one is great. Her high school orchestra is extremely competitive--last year the highest level was one of only 5 schools to win a national award. It was quite an achievement for her to make the 2nd highest of 7 levels as a freshman. She was determined to make the highest level this year and did practice- very hard (although truthfully, perhaps not as hard as she should have) but then had strep the week of auditions, missed her private lesson, was trying to practice with a 102 fever, and was still feeling yucky the day of the audition. But I think she thought she did ok and was very disappointed to find out she hadn't made it. But instead of being discouraged she decided to work harder and commit to practicing 100 days in a row again, and to add at least 15 minutes to practice time. So 30 days into this the director calls her in and tells her he decided he is moving her up to the highest level, that the audition clearly didn't reflect what she is capable of and he wants her in the highest group. I was so proud of how she handled the setback even before this good news--but what a wonderful affirmation that her hard work was recognized! She really loves the orchestra program and this will be such a positive experience and stretch her in a way she wouldn't have been in the lower level. Thanks for listening!

That is a good director, deacon girl. And so proud of your daughter for kicking it up a notch...or two!

Congrats on the college acceptances. So wonderful when they have options and make good choices, what's right for THEM.

DD8 (golly! I have to get used to her being 8!) finished reading Romeo and Juliet this morning, with me. She wanted to do activities with it (from my teaching files I let her peruse a couple weeks ago). So she did a creative writing assignment and then she took the unit exam, for fun, and aced it (The test was one I used for 9 Honors). I know her teacher is uninterested in this type of enrichment we do on homeschool days, so I had to tell you all!

That is great! My 14 yr old would love to hang out and talk Shakepeare with her!

Thanks, deacongirl! I'm thinking of starting a Shakespeare or drama club at her school, or just for homeschoolers...