8th grade personalities at different schools

[Anonymous]

We are looking to apply to high school for my rising 8th grader this year. We are looking for a school that 1) has interesting STEM programming, 2) not 100% centered around sportiness -- my DS is not gifted in that area and we know at some schools, that can be a big social hit for a boy, and 3) really has a kind/sweet group of kids and families as part of its grade personality.

Considering the small grade sizes of independent schools in this area, we are very aware of how the chemistry of a given grade can be wonderful, and another can be very challenging. So I was hoping there are some parents online for our target schools that could speak to the dynamic of the rising 8th graders at Bullis, St. Andrew's, Burke and Field. SSFS was also on our list but I'm getting a little worried seeing the tumult there, but if there are any parents from the 8th grade there too, that would be wonderful. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Class of 2029? Just want to make sure the class year is clear to those willing to answer.

[Anonymous]

Yes, exactly.

[Anonymous]

BIM

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BIM

Which doesn’t answer the question. If you think BIM is where OP should look, talk about the cohort for class of 2029.

[Anonymous]

I understand your curiosity, but I don't think there should be a post where people characterize certain grades at individual schools. That feels like it's infringing on student privacy.

OP, I'm going to leave this post here in the hope that you see it and repost a version of your question that doesn't invite people to do this.

[Anonymous]

I think most of these schools allow shadow days and will let you contact current parents for feedback.

These grades do expand considerably between 8th and 9th and children can also change greatly between 7th and 9th grades.

As much as you want to have all available info, and I understand that, there is a certain amount of faith and trusting your gut that goes on with making the decision.

[Anonymous]

Field sounds like a great fit!

[Anonymous]

OP here. I appreciate the PPs comments including the one that worries about privacy. Honestly, positive commentary is equally helpful or even better. Like the one above about Field. Anyhow appreciate any advice.

[Anonymous]

I think one of the things that is tricky about your question is that classes can
change a lot between 7th and 9th. There’s a lot of growth and maturity that happens in those years, plus there’s a somewhat sizable change in the make up of the class between 8th and 9th as some kids depart and a group of new kids join. DS’s class at a K-8 was socially awful in 7th grade but a couple of kids leaving plus kids just maturing led to a tight-knit, kind, and fun 8th grade group. I understand why you are asking OP, but kids grow and change a lot in those years, and even just one or two kids coming in or departing can change the overall feel of the group, so how someone reports they are in 7th may not be how they are in 9th (and it can go from bad to good or the other way).

[Anonymous]

I understand your desire to know the vibe of the class your kid will join, and definitely take in any insight you get, but also know that it can change dramatically each year as kids leave and enter, especially in the expansion year from 8th to 9th. We were warned about lots of “girl drama” and strong personalities during MS in the grade my DD was joining for 9th - after we’d accepted and the door was closed - but nothing came of it in 9th. Several students left plus 20-30 new kids joined and changed the feel of the whole grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I appreciate the PPs comments including the one that worries about privacy. Honestly, positive commentary is equally helpful or even better. Like the one above about Field. Anyhow appreciate any advice.

Op, there are some schools that really frown on talking about them publicly on these boards. When you have a class of 30 kids it’s really easy to figure out who is who if they’re posting online. That’s why you find positive commentary being more generic, negative commentary likely from people who are obvious former families. Without saying which school my child is at, I will tell you that they’re at the same grade as your child and looked at the same schools. I agree with the PP that taking tours, etc. really be helpful for you to get a feel. So many tours, practically weekly that the kids really do stay themselves so you’ll be able to see how they act in class, camaraderie, etc.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest maybe be swapping out Bullis for Gds.

[Anonymous]

I have the same question as OP but without caring about the details of the 8th grade class. For a STEM-loving, sports-indifferent kid, what do you think of her list? Bullis, St. Andrew's, Burke and Field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have the same question as OP but without caring about the details of the 8th grade class. For a STEM-loving, sports-indifferent kid, what do you think of her list? Bullis, St. Andrew's, Burke and Field.

This is a good list but St. Andrews has a bullying problem.