Walls Freshman/New Parents - How is it going?

[Anonymous]

I would love to hear from any families who are new to Walls share what it is like. I'd love to know about the community and how they build connection among the students and families. I'd love to know how they integrate the "without walls" part from "the inside". Are you mostly happy you chose Walls? What was your other option? (zoned school, stay in private, or choose private etc.) What kind of kid do you think thrives there? What do they usually do for lunches? All off campus? Mix? Any social/friend "drama"

A bit about my student:

We will be applying to Walls next fall from a rigorous, competitive private. Child has straight A's (needs to keep it up, cold be mostly A's by the transcripts) plays three school sports (all three are at Walls - will likely want to keep 1-2) is in accelerated math one grade level above, math olympiad, DEI club, model UN, studying two languages (beginner wants to be fluent). Loves to read. When I ask about career, it's as you would expect - a celebrity or a lawyer - hahahah! I just think too young to really even give that a thought. Child is very social, focused, and busy!

What I'm hoping for in HS is a challenge academically (more encouraging than an unnecessary pressure cooker) and a strong preparation for college (academic and independence), want a strong co-ed community vibe, school spirit, teachers who stay and love their job.

If your student is in college now, I would love to hear about when they entered Walls and how well you think it prepared them. Overall, what are the recent pros/cons of the school? Of course, I'm aware it's very difficult to get in.

[Anonymous]

When you say accelerated math, is your child taking Algebra1 or Geometry in 8th grade?

Walls parent here, and from your description, your child will thrive at Walls-
Mine loves it and very happy with the outcome and being admitted. We love the academics, the teachers so far are very dedicated. But like others say in different threads, it is also a mixed bag. This is after all, a public high school. But child is happy and thriving. We love the location and being embedded with GWU- it has given my child a sense of agency and responsibility, plus the inspiration. The kids study sometimes at the GWU student center and they love the entire space. They feel inspired and motivated.
My child takes their home lunch the majority of days and on some days picks up something from whole foods around the corner. The students get an hour of lunch and they can leave school premises.
The first term was slower and it seems it was a warm-up, but increasingly academics are starting to become more demanding. This past week my student put in 4-5 hours of studying almost every night of the week.
They recently did the PTConference, and it was well organized and impressive how they handle in-person and online meetings seamlessly!
They do the classic team building events, trips, dances etc.. and their sports teams did very well recently in local competitions.
We love the building and its history! It is old, red brick from 1882, and comes with the classic old building problems, that the administration is constantly trying to address. It is a charm with a headache!
Remember- this is a humanities oriented high school. The students are studious and focused. It has been quite easy for my child to build new friendships so far! They have exciting and numerous clubs including the ones you highlighted.
Good luck with your application.

[Anonymous]

As a parent of a former walls students and a junior I have some feedback.
PROS
Most teachers are great, you have to remember that this is a dcps school and there will always be teachers that aren't so great.
The academics are good and the school is filled with students who want to learn and are committed. When my kids were freshman
they were surprised by how well behaved the students in their classes were and how much they learned.
They do play sports and come home pretty late + homework so they end up going to bed later then I would like them to but it doesn't seem to impact them much.
Of course eating lunch off campus is really great and it gives them freedom and teaches them independence and responsibility.
CONS
The building is horrible. They are all crammed into a tiny building. They don't have any lockers and no auditorium, gym, field or proper cafeteria. The teachers have to share rooms and in general it is not a good situation. The students do have access to some GW places but you have to remember that GW is a college and these are high school students. The principal and staff aren't very communicative and could be better. They also don't have many whole grade field trips or fun activities, though I don't know if other high schools have that or only Middle and Elementary schools.

Walls seems like a good fit for your child but you never know. My two oldest kids really like(d) walls but my younger one (now a sophomore) did not at all. She was similar to her siblings but felt like she was missing out on the typical high school experience and had some trouble making friends since the kids there can be very competitive. She is now at another school and enjoys it.
I think you should give walls a shot - you child can always transfer out if they don't end up liking it.

[Anonymous]

Thank you both so much! I didn't realize the school was in such bad shape. Bummer, but not a deal breaker as long as it isn't too disruptive on a regular basis. We will apply because it can't hurt.

Looking for any tips. I assume it will be just her if she gets an interview. She should discuss her interests, hobbies, and why she thinks Walls will be a great place for her to learn.

She does some volunteer work over the summer, which I am sure is a plus.

Was there anything unexpected in your kid's interview? Do they talk to the parents?

[Anonymous]

Generally happy with the experience. The building is fine, especially since you know what you’re getting and either are OK with it or not before you apply.

The teachers have been a positive. At least the teachers my DC has this year take great pride in teaching Walls kids and are responsive to emails.

We haven’t had a huge issue with school admin communications. They send a weekly note with information for the upcoming week. DC fills in any gaps when we have questions. I also think HS is for students rather than parents, so YMMV.

The only complaint I’ve heard from DC is about how small the school is and how the population is a bit uniform in personality. That said, DC has found a good group of friends, has good academic-social balance as of now, and enjoys the freedom and trust placed in students to wander off campus for lunch.