Schools that are supportive of children who have LGBT parents?

[Anonymous]

Just wondering what schools - particularly private schools - people have heard about that are particularly supportive environments for children with LGBT parents?

I'll start: our child is entering preschool in the fall, and we found all of the schools to which we applied to be receptive (NCRC, Aidan Montessori, School for Friends, and Chevy Chase Montessori), with School for Friends perhaps the most receptive (and with a gay Director). We really loved how supportive the School for Friends was but ended up selecting another school that appeared to be a better fit for our child in other ways.

And, of course, we are already thinking down the line and wondering about ongoing private schools. I have frequently observed that parents on this board describe Beauvoir as more "conservative" and Georgetown Day as more progressive, with Sidwell somewhere in between.

Looking forward to hearing the thoughts of others

[Anonymous]

Would also appreciate feedback on this subject from non-LGBT parents. TIA.

[Anonymous]

GDS is the first to come to mind, but both GDS and Maret have open houses specifically for LGBT parents.

[Anonymous]

May not be too helpful, but I am the mother of a (now) 19 yo who I placed for adoption with a gay couple in NYC. This was many moons ago, and she grew up in NYC, but she spent her entire academic career at the Friends Seminary in NYC and they were extremely understanding and caring about her family situation. She has since visited other "Friends" schools in the US, and only has good things to say about them.

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

OP---if you wouldn't mind sharing, which school did you end up picking for your child? We have a child at one of the schools you listed. Our experience is mixed, the school is welcoming per se, but doesn't go to any specific lengths, also no other families like ours there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP---if you wouldn't mind sharing, which school did you end up picking for your child? We have a child at one of the schools you listed. Our experience is mixed, the school is welcoming per se, but doesn't go to any specific lengths, also no other families like ours there.

Kind of afraid of outing ourselves...

You go first

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP---if you wouldn't mind sharing, which school did you end up picking for your child? We have a child at one of the schools you listed. Our experience is mixed, the school is welcoming per se, but doesn't go to any specific lengths, also no other families like ours there.

Kind of afraid of outing ourselves...

You go first

And I don't mean in terms of our being LGBT, obviously! Just that their did not seem to be too many families out there that were diverse in this particular way.

[Anonymous]

We are considering Greenwood in Hyattsville. Has a great rep, and know other gay parents planning to send their child. Recent visit to the school was very positive.

[Anonymous]

GDS. They are extrememly supportive of LGBT families. They have a specific open house geared toward our families, too. Definitely check them out and you can even ask for the name(s) of a parent(s) to speak with.

[Anonymous]

as for preschool, we're an NCRC family, and we've really reached good critical mass there. good mix of queer parents throughout the classes. it's been a very welcoming place.

in looking at schools for the next transition, i found the following three schools most open/inclusive/progressive: gds, maret, and green acres. all 3 have the open houses just for gay families which is really nice. green acres just hosted a traveling photo exhibit of all different kinds of families, including gay families. the exhibit was incorporated into the curriculum appropriately at all grade levels. the school also hosted a couple of reception nights so the entire family could participate.

we're choosing green acres because it's the best fit for my son. the gay issue was not paramount, but it was important to me that any school we choose accept us for the family we are.

[Anonymous]

For public schools, we've had great luck with the staff at North Chevy Chase Elementary, Westland Middle School, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase. Montgomery County is pretty good in the LGBT department!

[Anonymous]

Arlington County schools are supportive. Our son attends a generally diverse school in the county and it's so far been a good experience

[Anonymous]

Washington Yu Ying has a number of LGBT families and is very progressive in curriculum and attitude/atmosphere. However, it's also a very young school, and isn't private like most of the other schools being mentioned here, so it may not be what you're looking for. If you'd consider a charter though, check it out.

[Anonymous]

We've applied to Aiden Montessori & British School of Washington....Anyone have any info on them? I like the school, but really don't know anything regarding the LGBT community there, if any.