Choosing Schools

Over the past few days I have been discussing Michelle and Barack Obama's choosing a school for their daughters when they move to Washington early in 2009. Let me review the considerations the Obamas probably have, as they are the same considerations you or I would have if we had to find a school for our children.

Our first decision was whether to look for a public or a private school. I went with private schools simply for the security reasons. Your circumstances might be different; but if, for example, you are a high level executive with a major corporation, you need to carefully review security issues as well.

The next set of decisions concerned the kind of school the Obamas might want to consider. I assumed that religion or at least spirituality might be important. That's why I put Sidwell Friends and National Cathedral on the list. But just to be safe I also included a non-sectarian school. Since the girls presently attend a coed school, I put two coed schools on the list but also included a girls' school.

The issue of boarding or day school was a non-issue as far as I was concerned. Barack and Michelle Obama have spent months separated from their girls during those long primary and presidential campaigns. I kind of have a hunch that family time will be very important to the Obamas. That's why I went with day schools.

Do you see how this is all coming together? When the Obamas announce their decision, we will come back and examine the reasons for their choice.