GT @ Barnsley

[Anonymous]

We are thinking of apply for a spot for next year for our child. Does anyone have feedback on the program and the school in general? I am not looking for a program that just piles on the work and calls itself challenging... I am looking for higher level math and more writing opportunities. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My kid went. It wasn't a hike and a half for us- it wasn't our home school, but it was only 5 minutes away for us. The neighborhood parents are snooty, even though there is a MUCH nicer area nearby (Flower Valley and Manor) so they have no reason to be all uppity. We loved the program- great teachers, just the right amount of work without overkill- but the "neighborhood parents" didn't like "center parents." That was my experience 5 years ago, may have changed. The principal has changed since we left as well, so that may make a difference.

[Anonymous]

Just apply -- I don't get why people debate applying -- it's a short form and a test. You can always turn it down if DC gets in.

Our experience is that these are wonderful programs that can be life-changing for the right kid. Lots of writing, plenty of access to higher level math. I looked at a lot of private schools and my impression is that you can't pay any amount of money for a program as challenging, thoughtful and well run as our HG Center program (at Pine Crest).

Do be aware that it's pretty hard to get in -- I think there were about 800 applicants for 250 spots.

[Anonymous]

What's the format of the test? I wonder if it's going to put a lot of pressure on the child. Is it a written test, or more interactive with the teacher? Does it include math, reading, and even writing?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[Anonymous]

Don't worry about the test -- your child doesn't need to prepare. It's not an achievement test where she needs to demonstrate knowledge of facts -- more like an IQ test.
It's written.

It puts no pressure on the kid -- they just pull a group of them out of class one day and they take the test.

Honestly, if you think pressure is going to be THAT much of an issue, I wouldn't apply.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid went. It wasn't a hike and a half for us- it wasn't our home school, but it was only 5 minutes away for us. The neighborhood parents are snooty, even though there is a MUCH nicer area nearby (Flower Valley and Manor) so they have no reason to be all uppity. We loved the program- great teachers, just the right amount of work without overkill- but the "neighborhood parents" didn't like "center parents." That was my experience 5 years ago, may have changed. The principal has changed since we left as well, so that may make a difference.

The previous principal at Barnsley was a nightmare, at least for the teachers (hence all the turnover). I understand the current one is very good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid went. It wasn't a hike and a half for us- it wasn't our home school, but it was only 5 minutes away for us. The neighborhood parents are snooty, even though there is a MUCH nicer area nearby (Flower Valley and Manor) so they have no reason to be all uppity. We loved the program- great teachers, just the right amount of work without overkill- but the "neighborhood parents" didn't like "center parents." That was my experience 5 years ago, may have changed. The principal has changed since we left as well, so that may make a difference.

The program is very good and the teachers are top notch.

As for the pp's comments, I think he/she may have been interpreting the attitudes of the neighborhood parents incorrectly. You have to remember that many of these parents have had their children at the school for grades K-3, so they have known each other for a long time. So by the time your child starts at the school in 4th grade, you are trying to integrate into an established community. The home school parents are not snobby, they just know each other well. And, honestly, there could be some resentment. Approximately 25 to 30 percent of the student population at Barnsley each year are in the center, but the PTA does not have a similar representation of center parent volunteers.

[Anonymous]

That's an interesting observation about the PTA.

My DC is at a different Center program but I stay far away from the PTA at the school. I guess you could say I've been through it and have no desire to do the PTA thing again. So I give money and volunteer directly int he classroom but I don't go to the PTA meetings either.