SWS vs Maury

[Anonymous]

We are playing the lottery for K, and I realize both of these schools are a long shot but curious which the DCUM hive mind would rank first. They are essentially equidistant from our house, and their test scores and facilities seems comparable. I know SWS is Reggio, and Maury has a lot more students, but any other major differences to consider?

[Anonymous]

The SWS culture is kind of weird. The principal is an ideologue who seems to consider his mission in life to end racism. It comes through a lot, in everything the school does.

[Anonymous]

I've read elsewhere on this forum some parents concern with academics at SWS, particularly in the later years and their kids falling behind that of peer schools. Maury is more of a traditional approach to academics if that is what is important to you.

Personally, I'd choose Maury.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've read elsewhere on this forum some parents concern with academics at SWS, particularly in the later years and their kids falling behind that of peer schools. Maury is more of a traditional approach to academics if that is what is important to you.

Personally, I'd choose Maury.

+1. Not a Maury parent, but from those I know, it seems like a well run place.

[Anonymous]

My student went to SWS and while it’s not traditional, they and many of their peers ended up in the top math classes at BASIS. It’s weird but they are good at teaching students HOW to think/learn/reason.

[Anonymous]

Another parent of a SWS alum who ended up at BASIS, I don't get the concern about academics in higher grades. My kid enjoyed their time at SWS, did well and learned a ton, and has excelled at BASIS.

[Anonymous]

Both these schools are excellent in terms of academics and community. I don't think you can go wrong, really. Where I hear they differ is the traditional vs. maybe more innovative approach, but the difference is marginal. They're both about developing thoughtful, capable kids. (Maury parent but would have also been thrilled at SWS, also equidistant from both).

[Anonymous]

You need to be fine with the SWS way of doing things. They don't really tolerate input or dissent. For instance, the principal wouldn't add afterschool enrichment programming since not all kids would be able to afford it. (Didn't even get as far as seeing if parent group could subsidize; just a flat no.) I personally would choose Maury without hesitation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to be fine with the SWS way of doing things. They don't really tolerate input or dissent. For instance, the principal wouldn't add afterschool enrichment programming since not all kids would be able to afford it. (Didn't even get as far as seeing if parent group could subsidize; just a flat no.) I personally would choose Maury without hesitation.

What do you mean by afterschool enrichment? Current SWS parent here, we have Polite Piggys for aftercare, and they have afterschool enrichment programming with additional fees. What is more annoying is the lack of DCIAA sports teams, but that might not be an issue for some people.

[Anonymous]

True; if your kid is sporty (mine’s not) you might do better at Maury from 3rd/4th onward. Maybe hard to know at kindergarten. -Maury PP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to be fine with the SWS way of doing things. They don't really tolerate input or dissent. For instance, the principal wouldn't add afterschool enrichment programming since not all kids would be able to afford it. (Didn't even get as far as seeing if parent group could subsidize; just a flat no.) I personally would choose Maury without hesitation.

What do you mean by afterschool enrichment? Current SWS parent here, we have Polite Piggys for aftercare, and they have afterschool enrichment programming with additional fees. What is more annoying is the lack of DCIAA sports teams, but that might not be an issue for some people.

I mean enrichments outside/on top of the aftercare model like many other schools on the Hill now have (LT, CHML, VN at least). Like LT, for instance, offers like 50 different afterschool clubs. A few parents tried to bring this model to the principal and were completely shut down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The SWS culture is kind of weird. The principal is an ideologue who seems to consider his mission in life to end racism. It comes through a lot, in everything the school does.

He also strikes me as a little bit dumb. Sorry!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The SWS culture is kind of weird. The principal is an ideologue who seems to consider his mission in life to end racism. It comes through a lot, in everything the school does.

He also strikes me as a little bit dumb. Sorry!

He’s a very nice man. And it’s a sweet little school. But he wants to talk about race - and specifically Black people - all the time.

[Anonymous]

Again, this simply isn't correct--there are tons of pay-for enrichments available on top of the regular aftercare at SWS.

Anonymous wrote: I mean enrichments outside/on top of the aftercare model like many other schools on the Hill now have (LT, CHML, VN at least). Like LT, for instance, offers like 50 different afterschool clubs. A few parents tried to bring this model to the principal and were completely shut down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Again, this simply isn't correct--there are tons of pay-for enrichments available on top of the regular aftercare at SWS.

Anonymous wrote: I mean enrichments outside/on top of the aftercare model like many other schools on the Hill now have (LT, CHML, VN at least). Like LT, for instance, offers like 50 different afterschool clubs. A few parents tried to bring this model to the principal and were completely shut down.

Like what?