Lowell k

[Anonymous]

Thinking of putting in a late application for k. Why do you think that they still have space? How are the academics? Have a very bright boy who got waitlisted at big 3 or so and I am wondering if it will be a good fit. Also, how do they feel about applying out in 3rd grade.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Lowell parent here. My guess as to why they may have a couple of spaces is based on the economy and the lack of financial aid resources for new families, which impacts preK and K the most. So there are families that were accepted but just couldn't make the finances work with the FA offered.

In terms of your questions about the academics and transferring out, let me try to answer your questions from the perspective of one parent who has had kids at Lowell for a long time now (I have a 5th and 3rd grader). There is no doubt that my kids have received a strong academic background at Lowell. I can tell this from both what I see my kids doing (reading books well above grade level, putting together complex research projects, etc.) and from the hard evidence like test scores (ERBs). My daughter has never gone anywhere but Lowell and is testing well into the 90s among independent school students, with many 99 percent scores. I also know that the kids overall have a strong academic background because I now know many parents who have kids who have gone from Lowell to other schools and there have been no problems with that transition and the kids are not "behind".

In terms of transferring out in 3rd grade, it is certainly something you can do, although obviously it is the preference of the school and most parents that kids stay longer than that. A few people do leave then and one of my daughter's friends is transferring to NCS for 4th grade next year. Of course most people stay and then make the move to these other schools after Lowell.

I don't know if you had looked at Lowell before as part of your earlier school search or if you are just now considering it. I would encourage you to talk with the school to have any questions you have about the educational philosophy answered and see if it is a good fit for you. K is a great year there. Best of luck with what you decide.

[Anonymous]

is this true that there is space in K? A friend was wait-listed for that grade...

[Anonymous]

Sometimes - speaking for schools in general, not just Lowell - there is a gender imbalance, and some excellent candidates are wait listed. Sometimes, parents who are in debate about independent school, wait till first grade to apply, reluctant to spend the money for kindergarten. (reasonable enough.) Considering how many excellent candidates are currently wait listed for full first grades, I'm guessing that kindergarten classes will have fewer late season openings next year, as parents find first grade entrance is not as available an option as they had hoped.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:is this true that there is space in K? A friend was wait-listed for that grade...

In today's economy, they may choose people who can pay full tuition over those who need FA that they may not have to offer.

[Anonymous]

Lowell parent again. I don't know if they actually have any K spaces available. I was assuming so from OP's post, but don't know myself. If you are interested, the best bet is to just give them a call.

[Anonymous]

Why Lowell rather than some other schools? Assuming your "Big 3" are Beauvoir, Sidwell, and GDS, why not try some others that may be more similar to, say, Beauvoir?

[Anonymous]

I was told that there are spaces for a boy in K. We are going to apply.

[Anonymous]

I know of two families who applied, were accepted and then declined due to financial issues.

[Anonymous]

Definite openings in pre-k programs.