MD/DC school for rising 8th grader with average grades

[Anonymous]

Tl;dr: I think my son would really benefit from moving to private school, but before getting his hopes up, I want to know if he's got a shot at getting in anywhere, and, if so, where we should look.

To give more color, my son is currently in 7th grade in public school (MCPS). He's very bright (routinely 90th+ percentile on standardized tests, both math and reading), but he has mild inattentive-type ADHD and gets middling (A/B, more Bs than As) grades. This is largely due to not completing work on time or rushing and not doing it completely - when he does the work, he gets As, and good comments on critical thinking and creative writing especially.

I think he would do wildly better in a private school with smaller classes and more attention. He has done great (and gotten great feedback from teachers) in the few classes he's had with a small, more engaged, more hands-on class. Most of his classes are huge (30+ kids), though, with a ton of class time doing busywork on a chromebook, and he tends to be bored and unmotivated - rushes through the work, goofs off with the other kids, or just drifts off into space. Since his grades are adequate and he's not disruptive, he doesn't get much attention from teachers, and feels like most of them barely know who he is. We've gotten the impression from parent/teacher meetings that he's increasingly checked out in class, and I've noticed him becoming a lot more negative about school.

Other factors: he's got a couple extracurriculars (plays trumpet in band, did cross country this year, andis in two after school Dungeons and Dragons clubs). Socially, he's variable - he's quite reserved, but very witty once he opens up. He can be sarcastic and argumentative, though.

My question: is private school even a possibility for him? I'm concerned that he's got middling grades and will have middling teacher recommendations, even though his test scores are good, and I understand 8th grade is a weird year to try and enter. Schools that look appealing to me are Sandy Spring Friends, Barrie, maybe Burke, but I am having a very hard time figuring out how competitive these are to get into. And input would be hugely appreciated (and any suggestions for other school options too).

[Anonymous]

I would call around and ask the schools if they anticipate accepting students for 8th grade. Given that people change schools all the time due to moving, I'd be surprised if they didn't at least welcome an application, though they may not really know if there will be spots available for that grade next year.

[Anonymous]

he sounds like half the kids in my son's private school- try Field, Maret, St Andrews to start.

[Anonymous]

I’ll second the motion for Field and St. Andrews.

[Anonymous]

Bullis!

[Anonymous]

Thank you, I appreciate the suggestions (and would appreciate any more also, or any other additional feedback!). Good idea to call around and check who is accepting applications for 8th grade - I'll definitely do that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you, I appreciate the suggestions (and would appreciate any more also, or any other additional feedback!). Good idea to call around and check who is accepting applications for 8th grade - I'll definitely do that.

Definitely get started soon—you’re a little behind the curve for applications this year, especially if your kid needs to take the SSAT/ISEE for any of the schools. A few schools have December application deadlines; most are January.

[Anonymous]

You will have better luck applying for 9th as many schools expand class size at that year, if 8th doesn’t work out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:he sounds like half the kids in my son's private school- try Field, Maret, St Andrews to start.

Maret is harder to get in to vs STA, Sidwell or GDS. It accepts few students because of its size but has the same or more number of applicants as those schools in 9th grade. Though Maret does a better job of teaching the student vs imposing a one way of instruction to weeds out kids.

OP have you had your child tested and evaluated? This can really help specifically because the workload increase in high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ll second the motion for Field and St. Andrews.

Both of these schools are good choices for average kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tl;dr: I think my son would really benefit from moving to private school, but before getting his hopes up, I want to know if he's got a shot at getting in anywhere, and, if so, where we should look.

To give more color, my son is currently in 7th grade in public school (MCPS). He's very bright (routinely 90th+ percentile on standardized tests, both math and reading), but he has mild inattentive-type ADHD and gets middling (A/B, more Bs than As) grades. This is largely due to not completing work on time or rushing and not doing it completely - when he does the work, he gets As, and good comments on critical thinking and creative writing especially.

I think he would do wildly better in a private school with smaller classes and more attention. He has done great (and gotten great feedback from teachers) in the few classes he's had with a small, more engaged, more hands-on class. Most of his classes are huge (30+ kids), though, with a ton of class time doing busywork on a chromebook, and he tends to be bored and unmotivated - rushes through the work, goofs off with the other kids, or just drifts off into space. Since his grades are adequate and he's not disruptive, he doesn't get much attention from teachers, and feels like most of them barely know who he is. We've gotten the impression from parent/teacher meetings that he's increasingly checked out in class, and I've noticed him becoming a lot more negative about school.

Other factors: he's got a couple extracurriculars (plays trumpet in band, did cross country this year, andis in two after school Dungeons and Dragons clubs). Socially, he's variable - he's quite reserved, but very witty once he opens up. He can be sarcastic and argumentative, though.

My question: is private school even a possibility for him? I'm concerned that he's got middling grades and will have middling teacher recommendations, even though his test scores are good, and I understand 8th grade is a weird year to try and enter. Schools that look appealing to me are Sandy Spring Friends, Barrie, maybe Burke, but I am having a very hard time figuring out how competitive these are to get into. And input would be hugely appreciated (and any suggestions for other school options too).

I think you should call and ask to speak with admission director and ask them directly. Ask if they are admitting for 8th and if so explain in a short way that you would to come take a tour and apply for your son. Then you will be able to see which places feel right. St Andrews might also be good to look at. SSFS and Burke or Field would be great options to explore. I think you have a great shot if they are accepting for that grade and don’t be afraid to express your sincere interest at whichever you apply.

[Anonymous]

Also I would be open with what it is you are looking for and what about the school really seems like a good fit when writing your application.

[Anonymous]

OP: Aht, aht I highly recommend you remove St. Andrew’s from your list. The current 7th grade ( your cohort for 8th grade next year) has problems! Issues with kindness (huge lack there of) and social cohesion. For that grade, look elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

He'll be fine. Avoid pressure cookers, show that this ADHD is under control and even better if his current school can back that up in their recommendations, focus on telling a good story on his essays. His grades are fine if he's an A/B student with no Cs and below.

[Anonymous]

If you are open to Catholic schools, you might have a few more options.