Please tell me about Whitman

[Anonymous]

For a shy 14 year old who has been at private her entire life. Kind, religious (Christian) but not obnoxiously so just faithful, gentle, doesn’t like drama, gets along with everyone, athletic, bright.

[Anonymous]

Fourth Presbyterian church on River Road has a really strong youth program and many of them go to Whitman since it's in that area. She should join that.

[Anonymous]

Whitman will feel very big - more kids in each classroom, more clubs, more people of any personality type or interest and therefore more potential friends, but also more to navigate, and less hand-holding. The tryouts for certain sports teams are more competitive than at privates.

[Anonymous]

It’s a very large school with lots of kids with different faiths, interests, and personality types. Don’t believe anything you read about any W schools on DCUM. Whitman has a great principal and a really welcoming community. We have two kids who have graduated from there and another in MS. We run on the track or on the cross-country course regularly, and that’s a nice way to get a sense of the grounds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whitman will feel very big - more kids in each classroom, more clubs, more people of any personality type or interest and therefore more potential friends, but also more to navigate, and less hand-holding. The tryouts for certain sports teams are more competitive than at privates.

They have no-cut teams. You clearly are just some rando on the internet pretending to know a school you know nothing about. Nice. Classy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whitman will feel very big - more kids in each classroom, more clubs, more people of any personality type or interest and therefore more potential friends, but also more to navigate, and less hand-holding. The tryouts for certain sports teams are more competitive than at privates.

They have no-cut teams. You clearly are just some rando on the internet pretending to know a school you know nothing about. Nice. Classy.

But PP specifically referred to “certain sports teams,” not all of them. You’re just substantiating Whitman’s reputation for uptight, a-hole parents. Well done.

[Anonymous]

Re sports, it’s definitely hard to make the soccer or basketball teams, but some of the others are less competitive. My DD’s friend made the JV then varsity field hockey teams with no prior experience. In addition to the no cut teams, there are several intramural options, which are really fun and a great way to meet people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fourth Presbyterian church on River Road has a really strong youth program and many of them go to Whitman since it's in that area. She should join that.

+1 my church youth group was my lifeline at Whitman 20 years ago when I moved from private (different church, not sure how that youth program is now)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whitman will feel very big - more kids in each classroom, more clubs, more people of any personality type or interest and therefore more potential friends, but also more to navigate, and less hand-holding. The tryouts for certain sports teams are more competitive than at privates.

They have no-cut teams. You clearly are just some rando on the internet pretending to know a school you know nothing about. Nice. Classy.

But PP specifically referred to “certain sports teams,” not all of them. You’re just substantiating Whitman’s reputation for uptight, a-hole parents. Well done.

To be fair, the post lacks detail and nuance - it sounds like it is a place full of competitive sports teams, which it is not.

[Anonymous]

Whitman is an amazing school. But it’s very big, so depends on how shy your kid is. Is she willing to go out of her comfort zone and talk to kids she doesn’t know? Is she able to speak up in class and seek out a teacher after class for help? Will she be overwhelmed by jammed packed hallways? Is she ok with 30 kids in a class? If yes to these, go for it. The class selection and opportunities are amazing. If no, she might get swallowed up and fall through the cracks.

[Anonymous]

Not OP but how is the new-ish principal? I always heard the previous principal was amazing but haven't heard much about the current one.

Also, how do you know which are the no cut sports? Does JV mean no cut? My DS is going to Whitman next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but how is the new-ish principal? I always heard the previous principal was amazing but haven't heard much about the current one.

Also, how do you know which are the no cut sports? Does JV mean no cut? My DS is going to Whitman next year.

Principal is great. We weren’t there under old one, so can’t compare. But Dr. Dodd seems fantastic and very involved.
I know cross country is no cut. Not sure what else. Soccer is very competitive and people do get cut from JV. Depends on sport.

[Anonymous]

This is not entirely accurate. The fastest 12 runners are the only ones who are on varsity and next 12 JV. You can go to practice but many kids don't compete. It is actually very competitive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is not entirely accurate. The fastest 12 runners are the only ones who are on varsity and next 12 JV. You can go to practice but many kids don't compete. It is actually very competitive.

The 12/12 set up is true for all HS cross country teams. It’s still awesome to be on the team and train. There are always so many great co-ed social events. Maybe he’s changed (extremely doubtful), but when my kids were at Whitman a couple years ago, the cross country coach seemed to resent the fact that it’s meant to be a no cut sport. He didn’t welcome people who tried and failed to make the team for another sport even if they were in the top 12 and only wants people who have XC as their number 1. I wish they’d replace him. His wife —maybe ex-wife (the Pyle XC coach)—is fantastic and she used to co-coach Whitman. Not sure if she’s still involved at Whitman. Go to the Whitman athletics page to find other no-cut sports. They used to include ultimate frisbee (which is an amazing sort) and bocce.

[Anonymous]

Dr Dodd is great.

Most teachers are committed and passionate. Not all. But probably as good as anywhere.

Track is pretty intense. Coach Hays is a USATF L3 coach and is trying to run a serious program. Not Loudoun Valley but expect a high level of intensity in the training.

If your kid does year round swim, the swim program is great and Coach Chris is super positive and encouraging.