How is Burgundy for elementary school?

[Anonymous]

I have heard great things about the pre-k and k, and great things about the middle school, but opinions seem less positive about 1st through 5th. I know a parent who pulled their kids out due to dissatisfaction with the teaching (3rd grade), but i don't know if this is unusual or just some weird thing with that family. Any Burgundy parents here? I'd like my kids to stay in the same school through eighth grade but hate to start them at Burgundy if elementary school is weak.

[Anonymous]

There are lots of previous threads about Burgundy. What are you looking for? If it is strictly academic acceleration, there may be stronger schools. If it is academics, nurturing, incredible outdoor experiences, and a school community that cares more about children and less about labels, then Burgundy is the place for your family. -- Very happy Burgundy family, with kids who went all the way through (and got into so-called "top 3" high school, if that is important).

[Anonymous]

OP here, I am looking for exactly that, a consistent, nurturing, progressive school experience, on that encourages independence, curiosity, self-confidence, and empathy. My concern is that I have heard that the teaching in the elementary years is not as good as either before or after. "Good" defined here as matching what Burgundy promises to offer, and what you describe above.

PP, it's good to hear that Burgundy was great all through for your kids, but you use the past tense-- sounds like all your kids are at least several years beyond Burgundy elementary. Are there any current Burgundy elementary school parents who can comment?

[Anonymous]

Current Burgundy parent here with child in elementary right now. We have been very pleased with the school ... DC will be starting his fourth year there this fall. I agree with the prior poster that rigorous, accelerated academics is just not what this school is all about and anyone hoping for that would be disappointed. On the other hand, the academics are certainly challenging, well integrated across subjects, taught in small classes with some differentiation (example--harder reading materials or spelling lists for those who need them, "challenge" math problems for those who could benefit from them and individual instruction from teachers for all children during the day that allow teachers to teach each child at their level ... this in addition to group teaching.) My child's teachers have to date been very good about using lots of hands on projects, collaborative work, topic-related field trips, and so forth to make the social studies and science topics engaging for the kids. Science is taught by a separate teacher who is extremely good and has contagious enthusiasm for the topic ... they make excellent use of the great outdoors at the Alexandria and WV campuses to really bring science alive.

Lest you think I am a complete "brainwashed" booster, I would say that the weaker areas include the use of Everyday Math (which they do supplement, but it still gives me some pause) and the foreign language (which is very fun and culturally oriented, but weak on actual acquisition of foreign language skills until middle school). And not to sound ridiculous, but that Burgundy gravel dust on my car every single day is not my favorite aspect of the school!!

Overall, the school lives up to its philosophy of providing an emotionally supportive and safe place for children to grow and learn. Lots of support on helping children understand how to be kind and supportive to each other no matter the differences between them. It is an extremely inclusive community in any way you care to define that and the parent community is very involved and welcoming. The teachers and administrators are truly wonderful and caring ... they will devote as much time to your child as you could ever wish. Some teachers are better than others, but the school tries hard to match children with different learning styles to the appropriate classroom and I think they are largely successful in that regard.

Hope this is helpful.

[Anonymous]

Another Burgundy parent here. Will agree for the most part with pp re the philosophy but will say that we liked the LS much better than the MS.

OP, I think what you are hearing is about the changes made to 4/5 after a number of teachers left due to pregnancy and moving. There were a couple years where some parents were unhappy and the teaching combinations were not working as well as hoped. Administration was very aware and has been working on a lasting solution.

As for 2/3, the two sets of teachers are polar opposites so it is wise to have a discussion with them if accepted to find the right fit for your child. We happened to love 2/3....

I would also explore the MS as most parents focus on the LS and don't think about those crucial MS years. The two are not alike in many ways.

[Anonymous]

We loved the middle school. In terms of providing the appropriate academic, social and emotional experiences for 11-14-year-olds, it was wonderful.