Anyone have any thoughts on GDS Lower School? We are considering but curious of how things are with climate and culture? Staff? Principal? Students? Instruction? Etc. |
Known to be the best DC area school... |
The lower school principal is leaving after just a couple years. |
Have they announced an incoming LS principal to replace her? |
We love it! |
We have been at GDS since preK ans we love it. A warm environment. Kids are very happy there. We highly recommend it! |
The outgoing principal was atrocious. There is very little discipline and I have witnessed some pretty terrible behavior there with no repercussions. Not the warmest or kindest children in my daughter's grade but she seems happy. The school really lacks in the social emotion component in lower school. Very little detail or focus on treating others with kindness or even teaching good community values. With all this being said, we have loved all of her teachers and think the academics are top notch. |
We have been there since 1st grade and totally disagree with every part of this. I am sure it is grade by grade but we have two kids in different grades who have had great experiences |
The administration a bit of mess but the teachers are great. And our kid spent their day w the teachers - and very nice kids a so we were happy. |
We have been there for years and there have been a few lower school principals of late. Hope they find someone good who will stay! |
Did you get in or you’re considering applying?
GDS is warm and welcoming and values community. The kids I know seem really comfortable there. Most of the teachers are phenomenal. It’s a city school, they don’t have a sprawling campus, but the new building is gorgeous. Good use of space… there are two additional floors below ground. The school cares about the kids’ holistic growth, not just academics. They are also focused on helping kids become good citizens of the planet, so if you want a school that’s just going to teach your kid reading and math it’s not the place for you. Happy to answer any questions. |
Has a new LS principal been selected? |
We have been very happy with the lower school teachers. They are wonderful. |
GDS does not have a strong LS program- be careful. Students are not receiving math and reading instruction on a level that creates a foundation for academic success in the later years. Save your child the struggles, send them to a school with a clear curriculum! |
Wondering when a new lower school principal will be hired? |