Norwood v. Lowell MS

[Anonymous]

Hi there-

We are jumping from MCPS to independent for middle school b/c my kiddo needs some extra support socially. Experienced pretty bad bullying in ES. They are academically strong, pretty nerdy, not athletic. We want to prioritize a space that will keep an eye on them and also keep them engaged. Would love to bring them back to public HS if we can--private is financially possible for us but not in our grand financial plan. Anyone have thoughts on these two options? I think our final choices. We also got into Burke and WL at St. Andrews. Burke is logistically tricky.

[Anonymous]

We love Norwood.The middle school is an amazing place where kids are challenged academically but still get to be kids. The teachers really know each student (as does just the entire staff) and pushes them to grow while also supporting them every step of the way. By the time they graduate, they’re confident, curious, and truly ready for high school.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely love Norwood. DC is not athletic but has a great group of friends. Supportive, down to earth parent community. Kids are always excited to get new kids in class. Teachers are warm and attentive. The newish head of middle school is amazing. Great extracurriculars for everyone. A lot of public speaking opportunities. Really depends on how much you want to benefit from it, but the resources are there for those who want to embrace the school activities! since it is K-8 a lot of leadership opportunities at the middle school level. Good racial and socio-economic diversity. I can keep going on and on that’s how much we love it!

[Anonymous]

Your child can absolutely thrive at Lowell as well. You can do all of the things in MS - arts and dance, creativity are celebrated just as much, if not more, than athletics.

[Anonymous]

Another fan of Norwood. It's been great for our family. I almost didn't consider it because it's a K-8 but I'm thrilled we did.

[Anonymous]

Norwood. We were dazzled and thought it was the best value of all the places dc applied to, including big three. DC really clicked at another school and it was their first choice. It worked out but we were so impressed with every aspect of Norwood and we know many happy families there. I’d pick it in a heartbeat.

[Anonymous]

What do you mean by Burke is logistically tricky? It's very small and in 6th grade every student is new (even if a few families aren't totally new because parents are on staff or faculty or because of older siblings there).

Do you mean transportation logistics? If so, check out the bus routes and consider Metro. I've also heard some families also organize carpools. Or is your concern something else?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do you mean by Burke is logistically tricky? It's very small and in 6th grade every student is new (even if a few families aren't totally new because parents are on staff or faculty or because of older siblings there).

Do you mean transportation logistics? If so, check out the bus routes and consider Metro. I've also heard some families also organize carpools. Or is your concern something else?

My kid has loved Burke and the logistics have been pretty good for us from MoCo. Using the metro and bus has given our kid a lot of independence and confidence. We drive them to school most mornings but they mostly get home on public transportation.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely not a fan of Norwood. We had a horrible experience there. They have a bad reputation for bullying in middle school. Just check the other post in this forum. Proceed with caution.

[Anonymous]

Both of my kids had a great experience at Norwood.

[Anonymous]

You can’t go wrong with either Norwood or Lowell so look at things like travel time, extra curricular activities to see if that tips the scale. Pity about Burke not working logistically. Burke would have been the best choice in my opinion since it goes to high school. Are you sure it won’t work. It’s also walking distance from a metro stop

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't recommend Lowell right now, or at least until they clean their administrative house. They have a lot of things to sort out in that department. Drama aside, their MS academics also leave a lot to be desired. There is some solid teaching happening there, but potential is limited by an administration that can't seem to get out of its own way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely not a fan of Norwood. We had a horrible experience there. They have a bad reputation for bullying in middle school. Just check the other post in this forum. Proceed with caution.

Norwood parent here. I'm not sure when your DC attended, but any hint of bullying is addressed quickly. The new Head of Middle School is fantastic.

[Anonymous]

We left Norwood because of bullying in the middle school. Definitely try to get off the waitlist at St. Andrew's - far superior. Lots of the kids at Norwood come after having been behavioral issues in the public schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't recommend Lowell right now, or at least until they clean their administrative house. They have a lot of things to sort out in that department. Drama aside, their MS academics also leave a lot to be desired. There is some solid teaching happening there, but potential is limited by an administration that can't seem to get out of its own way.

Can you say more?