When discussing raising kids in Burke, most people start with public schools.

Since Fairfax County Public Schools is so well-known, some wonder if they really need to pay a lot for private schools.

However, if you look around, there are quite a few families considering private high schools.

The reasons include a preference for smaller student populations and the search for specialized educational programs that fit their child's needs.

One school worth considering for commuting from Burke is Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly.

This co-ed Catholic high school serves grades 9 through 12 and has over 1,000 students, making it a fairly large private school.

It attracts families who prioritize college readiness and has an active sports program.

The tuition is well over $20,000 per year, so the initial number definitely reflects that it is a private school. When you factor in various additional costs, the actual burden can be even greater.

The second option is Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria.

Founded in 1964, this co-ed Catholic school has a long history. Since students need to commute from Burke to Alexandria, it's essential to check the morning traffic conditions.

This school also has significant tuition costs. Tuition may differ for Catholic and non-Catholic students, and you should expect it to be over $20,000 per year.

However, Catholic families often don't choose schools based solely on college admission rates. Many parents value the opportunity for religious education and character development within the school environment.

If you have a daughter, The Madeira School in McLean may also catch your attention. The atmosphere here is quite different from the previous two schools.

This school is for girls in grades 9-12 and operates both as a day school and a boarding school. It is relatively small and is known for emphasizing leadership and independent thinking in its education.

Of course, the tuition will take you by surprise. Madeira is among the more expensive private schools in Northern Virginia, making it a significant decision rather than just "let's send her to a school that's a bit better than public school."

However, while researching private schools, one thing became clear to me.

Just because a school is expensive doesn't mean it's the best fit for our child, and public schools aren't necessarily lacking.

Especially in Burke, there are excellent public school options like Lake Braddock, which can make the decision even more complicated when compared to private schools.

If you think about spending over $20,000 a year for four years, that's at least $80,000. If you have two siblings, the situation changes even more.

Therefore, I would recommend visiting open houses rather than making decisions based solely on school websites or rankings.

Seeing the classrooms, observing the student atmosphere, and talking to teachers can feel quite different from what you see online.

Ultimately, the most important factor in choosing a school isn't its reputation but finding a school that your child doesn't dread going to every morning.

What is a good school for parents isn't always the same as what is a good school for kids.