The Potomac School - Spill the Beans Please

[Anonymous]

I'm the pp who mentioned the other form of testing. I should clarify that it applied to the Intermediate School. In addition to the usual SSAT test, students also had to come back on a Saturday for a couple hours and write essays. This, in addition to the SSAT and app essays. Afterwards, they had a half hour interview with a member of the faculty.

Maybe someone with a child in the LS can explain the admissions testing.

[Anonymous]

I'm not aware of any additional testing in the lower school. Process there for K is an admissions tour/parent interview, WPPSI scores, recommendations from preschool teachers, and playdate in Jan/Feb.

Potomac is a wonderful school.

[Anonymous]

I think the playdate in Jan/Feb has a minor reading and/or math assessment built in while the teachers observe the kids. This isn't to say that the children are reading or doing math - it's more like "academic readiness".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:13:30 -- Potomac is a nice school for sure. However, it is no Sidwell Friends. I can't believe you would even make that comparison. Potomac is more like Maret.

I would say that Sidwell and Potomac are definitely comparable. From what I have seen of Sidwell, they do a lot to place themselves on a pedestal. They do deserve their reputation, but they are also always certain to make sure that they gain attention. Take, for example, their green certification. Potomac's buildings meet the same stipulations as theirs, but the school opted not to pay the $1 million cost to gain LEED certification.

Just a thought.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP -- you still haven't named 5 recruits or any for that matter from Potomac

Let's go, buddy...

1. PJ Miller- New Jersey Institute of Technology
2. Brian Freeman- Fordham University
3. Tim Prowitt- Stanford University
4. Ross Condon- Villanova University

(that's basketball)
1. Duane Jones- University of Richmond. Played in the NFL.

Those are just some examples. Many students elect to play at D III schools, which do not recruit.

Alum Jordan Yarboro, who attends Tufts, is a Division III all-American.

But, as other posters have noted, these type of discussions are silly. St. Stephen's is in the IAC, a more competitive league than the MAC.

[Anonymous]

Nice post PP. I think we've proven the SSSAS booster was clearly wrong. If you didn't already see it, this link provides a comprehensive list of Potomac alums who played college sports - frankly an impressive number of Div I schools and an impressive number of top tier academic schools (Stanford, Yale, etc) http://www.potomacschool.org/athletics/panther-alumni/index.aspx

SSSAS does have an impressive historical record in girls lacrosse - but Potomac's sports programs are really on the rise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I honestly love Potomac and I am so glad that I stayed for 13 years.

You have not known anything else. do you not want to say that it is so wonderful to be done with school and just graduate?

Not at all!! I love Potomac. I have had the chance many times to change schools but I decided to stay. I love Potomac because there is nothing else like it... simple as that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I honestly love Potomac and I am so glad that I stayed for 13 years.

You have not known anything else. do you not want to say that it is so wonderful to be done with school and just graduate?

Grow up!! You have no idea what you're talking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Middle class single mom here with no connections whose son got into Potomac at K. I completely agree with the comments above about the type of students and parents Potomac is looking for. Supportive, low maintenance, kind parents and kids (who happen to be pretty bright and hardworking.)

Some of the highest maintenance parents ever to cross the realm of elementary schools and youth sports leagues ended up with kids at Potomac. Famous parents known for over involvement whose efforts far surpassed the success of the child. I am not talking professionally but in the arena of child related endeavors.

[Anonymous]

I ran across this thread while reading another board. I have no connection with Potomac School, however am a retired FCPS teacher, and am envious!

That being said, I can add a bit about Geoff Jones. I was the boys' basketball coach at TJ in the 90s when Geoff was the principal there. I could not have worked for a better principal. We did not see eye to eye on all issues but he was always fair and extremely supportive of me as a coach and athletics as a whole. The only reason I left there was that I could not get a teaching position in the school. Maybe I wasn't qualified but I'd rather think it was because the head of the social studies department had a bias against coaches, but to Geoff's credit he was always up front and honest. I did have a scrimmage one year at Potomac, and we faired fairly well. Actually quite well, since for a brief period we had ample talent and one of our players did go on and play at Harvard, he was recruited by a number of DI schools.

This past season I went to a boy's bball game at Potomac just because I enjoy seeing high school basketball and noted in the paper that there was a game that day at Potomac. I really enjoyed the atmosphere. With the gym being relatively small it was packed, in my mind makes for a much better atmosphere than so many of the public school monster gyms that are nearly empty. I was very impressed with talent level at Potomac and how well coached they were and how hard they played. I can well imagine it would be a great place to coach/work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I am an administrator at The Potomac School, and I just came across this thread by accident. Spill the beans?-happily! Potomac is a school that in its 104 year history, first in Dupont Circle and now in McLean, has remained true to its roots as a school where kids, K-12, are known, loved, and have the opportunity to be the best they can be surrounded by dedicated, experienced adults. Our results speak for themselves, and we remain committed to a holistic view of childhood that emphasizes collaboration and community over competition. We sit on almost 100 acres, and we teach students to be the stewards of the land that was there before us, and that we will pass on to future generations. We are just finishing Phase 1 of a campaign that has allowed us to build an-award-winning Upper School, and an almost completed Lower School. Our Head of School is Geoff Jones who we lured away from the school he founded: Thomas Jefefrson Science and Technology School, and he has a vision of a school where excellence in learning happens everywhere. We ar proud of all our students, including last year's world runners-up robotics team, our state-winning debate team, and our championship boys basketball team. We also have award-winning students in the arts. Finally, we continue to see ourselves as a Washington school, and our extensive fleet of over 40 buses runs throughout the metro area, allowing us to promote our core goal of diversity.

I have been at the school for 24 years, and I don't actually feel the need to "sell" Potomac-those who are at the school love it because of the support it gives to families. I would argue that 95% of the kids and adults are happy and productive, and I think that's pretty good. I would be happy to speak to anyone further if they wish- I want everyone to have a good experience at Potomac, especially those visitors coming to us for the first time. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me at [e-mail]. I am the proud Head of Intermediate School, a unique division established to support seventh and eighth graders in their own division. Happy to answer any questions. Brendan

Brendan: Thanks for sharing. But starting out with the "I just came across this board by accident" preface is an unnecessary white lie. Be proud that you're a DCUM reader! GD

I think it is great that an Administrator would post on this site. It speaks volumes about the school. However, I wouldn't assume that he reads DCUM. If you take your eye off your navel for just a moment and google any DC Private school that has been flamed or just posted on on this site , the post will show up on either google page 1 or 2. He could have just googled the school or a booster may have and tipped him off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After a year+ reading DCUM I have never been motivated to reply to a thread until now. I too am a former African-American Potomac School student -- from kindergarten until 8th grade. Further, I keep in touch with other AA students from my time there as well. I am shocked and deeply offended by the PP unfounded assertions about the experience of children of color at Potomac. I know firsthand-- the environment is inclusive, well-rounded and well-tailored to individual students. I could not have had a better elementary school experience and felt extremely well prepared for all of my future academic endeavors (from Potomac to Groton School then Harvard). I have a 1 y/o daughter of my own now and would love to send her to Potomac.

BTW Brendan Sheerin taught me in 8th grade and remains one of the most effective educators I have encountered as well as genuinely and personally committed to diversity-- to this day one of my most memorable and favorite teachers!