Potomac vs Big 3 - academic workload

Anonymous
We have a DS in a big 3 middle school. The high school seems like it might be a bit intense for him academically. Do people know where Potomac stacks up re workload/intensity? We'd look at Bullis or St Andrews but not anywhere close to where we live, particularly given fewer transportation options at those schools compared to Potomac.
Anonymous
I think it all evens out. There’s more work assigned in Big 3 but the kids are also smarter so…
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I think it all evens out. There’s more work assigned in Big 3 but the kids are also smarter so…

The kids aren’t smarter in Big 3 schools.

It depends on the rigor of the student’s schedule at Potomac. I know because I work with students at both schools.
Anonymous
I don't think you'll see much difference at Potomac. Places like St. Andrew's, Bullis, Flint Hill, SSSAS, Field, and Burke will have less intense tracks.
Anonymous
Potomac is very good at grind, studies, work output, whatever you want to call it.
Anonymous
Call Potomac and ask about workload and homework. My child’s school puts homework expectations right in the handbook and so far, it has been accurate. For freshmen/sophomores, 10-15 hours of homework a week. For junior/senior, 20 hours with a caveat that AP classes may require more than that. I don’t have any experience with Potomac, but when we were looking to apply to private HS, I got the impression from an admissions counselor and our school counselor that Potomac was pretty similar to Big 3s.
Anonymous
I get the impression that Potomac is pretty on par with the Big 3. You might want to look elsewhere.
Anonymous
Big three has better college placement.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I think it all evens out. There’s more work assigned in Big 3 but the kids are also smarter so…


F ck off
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think it all evens out. There’s more work assigned in Big 3 but the kids are also smarter so…


F ck off


Too soon?
Anonymous
I don't think you will find relief at Potomac - their hard track will be just as much work. Plus, they have a big EC requirement - which would be a big time commitment added vs Sidwell or GDS (maybe on par with STA).
Anonymous
The social scene is something to consider too as it will affect your child’s happiness. In addition to the heavy workload, the Potomac US is a miserable place to be for many kids not in the “right” cliques. Probably the same in the Big 3-but the lack of fostering of a good community for an entire class is extremely disappointing.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think it all evens out. There’s more work assigned in Big 3 but the kids are also smarter so…


F ck off


Too soon?


Why bother being polite to a troll.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I think it all evens out. There’s more work assigned in Big 3 but the kids are also smarter so…


OP is asking about their individual kid who presumably will be equally smart wherever they go.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I think it all evens out. There’s more work assigned in Big 3 but the kids are also smarter so…


Please stop acting that way. It isn't true. There are smart kids everywhere and kids who struggle at every school. You have no idea what it does to kids when you take that attitude.
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