GDS versus Holton

[Anonymous]

We are very lucky our DD got into both GDS and Holton, an upper grade in a lower school. How do the schools compare in terms of social-emotional development, peer groups, community, and academics for Lower School and Middle School for girls? I heard both high schools are excellent. Would like to hear some feedback on 4h/5th grade and the middle school experiences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are very lucky our DD got into both GDS and Holton, an upper grade in a lower school. How do the schools compare in terms of social-emotional development, peer groups, community, and academics for Lower School and Middle School for girls? I heard both high schools are excellent. Would like to hear some feedback on 4h/5th grade and the middle school experiences.

What are the pros and cons of starting middle school at 5th grade in GDS versus 7th grade in Holton?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are very lucky our DD got into both GDS and Holton, an upper grade in a lower school. How do the schools compare in terms of social-emotional development, peer groups, community, and academics for Lower School and Middle School for girls? I heard both high schools are excellent. Would like to hear some feedback on 4h/5th grade and the middle school experiences.

What are the pros and cons of starting middle school at 5th grade in GDS versus 7th grade in Holton?

DD loved 4/5 teachers at GDS, found the girls in her grade to be fun and kind kids -- no cattyness etc

[Anonymous]

Holton LS parent here.
We love the school - day to day operations run smoothly, communication is great and the teachers we have encountered in LS are really wonderful.

I have been impressed with everything the girls get exposed to throughout the year and the writing development in particular was a standout to me at recent parent/teacher conferences.
There is also a clear emphasis placed on developing executive functioning skills (the girls are given a planner and taught to write in it every day).

They do a lot of social-emotional work in a period they call "Seminar", learn to use "I" statements, how to manage conflict, etc. and have focused on nutrition, self-care, etc.
Some of this stuff I rolled my eyes at when we were applying, but I've been impressed that it hasn't just been fluff.

In general I feel like the girls accept new girls and are excited to have them. After a couple weeks everyone adjusts. I haven't heard reports of any cattyness or whatever, and I think the school is quick to put a stop to that kind of behavior in LS.

All the parents I've met so far have been nice and the community has been lovely. Like I said before, we are really happy there!

[Anonymous]

Another LS parent here and I LOVE that the middle school at Holton doesn’t start until 7th. It let kids be kids for longer and the 6th graders really feel like leaders of the lower school. There’s no pressure to grow up too quickly.

Every year there are new girls and they seem to integrate really well. There are all kinds of girls at Holton it’s a range of interests. My DD has lovely friends and in general we really like the other parents in her grade.

I know Holton is getting a bad wrap in certain circles lately for not being progressive enough but candidly we are fine with that. Parents can teach what they want to their kids at home and school can be for learning (and we are liberals). I would personally feel uncomfortable with all the virtue signaling that GDS seems to be constantly doing.

[Anonymous]

The inclusiveness is more balanced and honest in Holton. In GDS is exaggerated and just to pretend to be interested in social issues (slacktivism).

[Anonymous]

One of the things that stood out to me about Holton when we toured it versus other DC area schools was that it didn’t feel the need to constantly talk about diversity on the tour. You just had to look around and see there was actual diversity in the school. This was a few years ago but it really stood out to me (and my DD does attend and has a wide ranging friend group).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another LS parent here and I LOVE that the middle school at Holton doesn’t start until 7th. It let kids be kids for longer and the 6th graders really feel like leaders of the lower school. There’s no pressure to grow up too quickly.

Every year there are new girls and they seem to integrate really well. There are all kinds of girls at Holton it’s a range of interests. My DD has lovely friends and in general we really like the other parents in her grade.

I know Holton is getting a bad wrap in certain circles lately for not being progressive enough but candidly we are fine with that. Parents can teach what they want to their kids at home and school can be for learning (and we are liberals). I would personally feel uncomfortable with all the virtue signaling that GDS seems to be constantly doing.

I echo this. The homeroom teacher structure is very nurturing, I thought.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of the things that stood out to me about Holton when we toured it versus other DC area schools was that it didn’t feel the need to constantly talk about diversity on the tour. You just had to look around and see there was actual diversity in the school. This was a few years ago but it really stood out to me (and my DD does attend and has a wide ranging friend group).

OP here, what about learning approaches in middle school? ECs such as music and sports in upper, lower, and middle schools in these two schools? In building confidence in girls?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One of the things that stood out to me about Holton when we toured it versus other DC area schools was that it didn’t feel the need to constantly talk about diversity on the tour. You just had to look around and see there was actual diversity in the school. This was a few years ago but it really stood out to me (and my DD does attend and has a wide ranging friend group).

OP here, what about learning approaches in middle school? ECs such as music and sports in upper, lower, and middle schools in these two schools? In building confidence in girls?

Not familiar with MS yet, but if you want confidence building in girls, Holton is the school. This is fundamental to the school and they do a great job of it.

[Anonymous]

Had kids attend both high schools recently. There are pros and cons to both. AMA!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Had kids attend both high schools recently. There are pros and cons to both. AMA!

Can you elaborate on the pros and cons? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

If you are looking for who would be victorious if this is a large open field all out battle, gotta give the nod to Hilton.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The inclusiveness is more balanced and honest in Holton. In GDS is exaggerated and just to pretend to be interested in social issues (slacktivism).

LOL--had kids go through both. Holton definitely does not have more balanced inclusiveness and honesty--girls schools all will have some mean girls exclusion (inherent especially in middle school girl cliques) that doesn't happen when also being friends with boys at school is an option. Holton has some wonderful qualities (great teachers, girls are challenged to be confident and succeed, good sports, good cafeteria) but it's hands down less tolerant of difference than GDS. GDS is much more "you do you" than Holton by a long shot. Both schools have some legit activism and a bit of slacktivism.

[Anonymous]

I’ve also had kids at both schools, in the grades you are looking at.

This has been discussed ad nauseam on this board but Holton has really changed in the past several years. A lot of amazing faculty have left, the school is enrolling a lot more girls so the classes aren’t as close. The school is actively catering to a certain type of wealth/class/culture that values sports over academics.

I think if your family belongs to a country club and regularly associates in high income circles, you’ll feel very comfortable at Holton. If you don’t, you (and your daughter) might feel very out of place.

I know the Holton army will come after me for this post (as they always do) but I’m always hoping that families for whom 60k is a financial stretch, don’t commit to a school that caters to the needs of the uber wealthy.