Late Friday afternoon the long awaited announcement about which school the Obamas had selected was made. Sidwell Friends is the choice. Read A School For Malia And Sasha for details of how Michelle Obama chose Sidwell. While she certainly had the advantage of being a high profile parent, the process she followed was essentially the same one you and I would follow.

I was delighted to read that in the final analysis the only thing which mattered to the Obamas was finding the school which was the best fit for their daughter. Their children's happiness trumped ranks and other factors.

Most schools close for the Thanksgiving holiday this weekend. Most classes will resume Monday, December 1. Travel safely. Enjoy your time with friends and family. Get some rest.

Need a good book to read? I have been collecting titles which parents and teachers alike have recommended over the years. Take some time for yourself and enjoy a couple of them.

I have been holding my breath as this economic downturn becomes a full blown recession. While I am no economist, I have been through several recessions in my lifetime. This is by far the worst I have experienced. The question I have been afraid to ask is what impact the recession is having on private schools and parents. So let me ask it.

Are schools seeing an uptick in the number of parents who are having difficulties paying school fees? How have endowment funds been impacted? Has this affected the amount of financial aid which can be offered?

How about parents?

Are you having problems paying your school fees because you have been laid off? Do you know people who have been impacted?

Please share your stories and comments with all of us by posting in the Private Schools Forum.

The last SSAT before most admissions deadlines is December 13. Advance registration for this test date ends this week. I know that Thanksgiving is a family time, but it might be an idea to squeeze in some last minute practice tests whenever and wherever possible. Have you completed your applications? Don't put those off until the last minute.