Is anyone happy with their school? ( starting k applications)

[Anonymous]

Our two children are at Beauvoir and are loving it. Our son is very gregarious and always on the go. Our daughter is quieter and more methodical. They both know and like their teachers (including their Spanish teacher, P.E. teacher, librarians, etc.), and have developed good relationships with their classmates. In my view, the academic education is age-appropriate and strong, and the moral education (with the focus on the Beauvoir "Life Rules" from day 1) is well taught by words and actions. Our kids particularly enjoy the global studies program. As for the parents, it's been a nice community, with people involved to varying degrees based on availability and interest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agreed PP, people can disagree and all schools have their doubters/haters. But in this case the person clearly has an axe to grind and is clearly intent on bashing.

You initially said 1 to 2 people, so it sounds like more than one person disagrees with your opinion of the school. It's hard to hear contrary opinions when you're spending 30K a year.

[Anonymous]

Our kids are at Burgundy and we're very happy. Burgundy isn't perfect, but for us it was the best place overall, given where we live (Alexandria) and given our general leanings (towards a progressive school). But agree with the PP who notes that there's no one "best" school in the abstract. There is probably a "best school for your child and family," though.

[Anonymous]

Actually, most people who bash a school on here are NOT entitled to "their" opinion. Most bashers have neverhad a child at that particular school. They either did not get their child/ren in to said-school or dislike someone at said-school or their child has a peer who came from said-school who poster conmsiders "less-than" and then colors the entire school with her small anecdotal sample. It is not an opinion based on anything real or measurable. To the few bashers who do have a child do did go to said-school and come on repeatedly to bash that school - one has to wonder what the real cause of the problem was. Let it go people. Each private in the area has its strength and is weakness. All are a good fit for someone, ergo they are in business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Actually, most people who bash a school on here are NOT entitled to "their" opinion. Most bashers have neverhad a child at that particular school. They either did not get their child/ren in to said-school or dislike someone at said-school or their child has a peer who came from said-school who poster conmsiders "less-than" and then colors the entire school with her small anecdotal sample. It is not an opinion based on anything real or measurable. To the few bashers who do have a child do did go to said-school and come on repeatedly to bash that school - one has to wonder what the real cause of the problem was. Let it go people. Each private in the area has its strength and is weakness. All are a good fit for someone, ergo they are in business.

Or maybe someone has or had a DC at a school and has a legitimate reason for disliking it.

[Anonymous]

Our DS is at Congressional (Falls Church) and we're very happy. Agree with PPs that no school is going to be right for every family but it's been great for us so far. We are pleased with the academics and the teachers. A good combination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, save your dollars; it is a total waste of $$ to spend it on any grade up to 5th or 6th if you live in ward 1, 2, 3. There are also exceptions for some great Elemetary schools in other wards. You wanna be HAPPY? GO PUBLIC, and count your money. Then, like me, you have your choice or private school options, if you even find private necessary at this point, but I assure you if your kid is smart and you're involved they'll have their pick easily by 6th.

I agree. My kid is in a ward 2 public and I love it and so does my child.

[Anonymous]

Love Norwood. It's a happy place.

[Anonymous]

DC was at WIS last year and absolutely hated it. I still hurt when I remember how miserable he was. The very structured and dry environment in the French program, and the poorly supervised playground did it. DC was already bilingual so the issue was not the immersion. DC still asks me if it is ok to use his imagination when coloring. Apparently the teacher thinks it is not ok if kids draw horses/cows/dogs with wings and purple dots. Poor thing...

[Anonymous]

Actually, most people who bash a school on here are NOT entitled to "their" opinion. Most bashers have neverhad a child at that particular school. They either did not get their child/ren in to said-school or dislike someone at said-school or their child has a peer who came from said-school who poster conmsiders "less-than" and then colors the entire school with her small anecdotal sample. It is not an opinion based on anything real or measurable. To the few bashers who do have a child do did go to said-school and come on repeatedly to bash that school - one has to wonder what the real cause of the problem was. Let it go people. Each private in the area has its strength and is weakness. All are a good fit for someone, ergo they are in business.

Gee wiz. And what do you expect parents writing $30,000/year checks to say about the school their gifted child attends? Any guesses?

[Anonymous]

Selection bias and conflict of interest. Let's all preach to the converted

[Anonymous]

DC is at Sheridan in K this year and so far we are very, very happy. Lots of activity/movement, which is good for our child, teachers working hard to figure out what makes child tick, good communication from school and, most important, DC is eager to go to school each day. This hasn't always been true so it's a welcome change!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Actually, most people who bash a school on here are NOT entitled to "their" opinion. Most bashers have neverhad a child at that particular school. They either did not get their child/ren in to said-school or dislike someone at said-school or their child has a peer who came from said-school who poster conmsiders "less-than" and then colors the entire school with her small anecdotal sample. It is not an opinion based on anything real or measurable. To the few bashers who do have a child do did go to said-school and come on repeatedly to bash that school - one has to wonder what the real cause of the problem was. Let it go people. Each private in the area has its strength and is weakness. All are a good fit for someone, ergo they are in business.

Gee wiz. And what do you expect parents writing $30,000/year checks to say about the school their gifted child attends? Any guesses?

Exactly -- you need to read both types of comments critically. Those bashing a school usually have some agenda, and they're often uninformed, so their comments rarely are credible. And similarly, those promoting a school usually have an agenda as well, so their comments are biased.

If posters don't offer specific and detailed reasons for promoting (or bashing) a school, I just assume it's all bullshit.

[Anonymous]

And even when they do offer specific and detailed reasoning its still only representative of theri experience. I usually discount the comments that are based on "people I know" who either love or hate the school.

[Anonymous]

LOVE Grace Episcopal Day School in SS/Kensington. Have been a Grace family for 10 years, and still love it, and our three children have thrived there.

My advice to you is to do a little research, go to some open houses, and trust your instincts. As long as you are seeking a school that fits your child and family (and not just looking for a "name" school), you will make the right choice. Good luck!