I hear great things about Potomac

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:By “profile”… I mean Filling a certain demographic. I think They do a great job of valuing diversity in candidates.

You mean selecting candidates based on immutable characteristics ?

Judging them by the color of their skin as opposed to the content of their character?

[Anonymous]

We have a child in the Lower School at Potomac, and we couldn't be happier.

The teachers differentiate the kids as needed, truly care about the kids and are open and available. There are full time reading and math specialists that work with the kids on an almost daily basis. The specialists pull out kids (from just one at a time to a few at a time) who are excelling in the subject matter just as frequently as they pull those who need a little support, so absolutely no one feels singled out. The "specials" teachers (Science, Tech, Art, Music, Library) are great. For example, the art teacher has had artists come visit the classes, teaches even the littlest ones about famous artists and has the kids do projects inspired by those artists. The Library teacher not only reads to the kids, but is teaching them library science starting in Kindergarten. The kids are learning coding in tech class on iPads. The science teacher frequently uses the outdoor space and natural surroundings to teach the kids - ours has come home with projects ranging from the solar system to the human body's systems. The music teacher teaches the kids singing, directs music assemblies, introduces the kids to all kinds of instruments, etc.

The Lower School also has "sharing assemblies," where child in the grade presenting (each grade presents several times per year) speaks at their grade's assembly so as to foster public speaking skills from an early age.

Beyond the academic benefits, the school fosters a sense of community among the kids and the families. Watching the kids support each other is amazing. Moreover, there is a very active parent association and volunteer opportunities for interested parents abound.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:By “profile”… I mean Filling a certain demographic. I think They do a great job of valuing diversity in candidates.

You mean selecting candidates based on immutable characteristics ?

Judging them by the color of their skin as opposed to the content of their character?

NP Here - but no. Potomac, while valuing diversity, does not judge the applicants by the color of their skin. Just like any other independent school in the area, it chooses kids it believes will succeed in their academically rigorous program and be independent thinkers. It also emphasizes character. Potomac's five core values are not just a slogan. They are emphasized beginning with the youngest kids.

[Anonymous]

The references to commercial real estate are funny. The three families I know in McLean (where I am) who are “lifers” at Potomac are all in commercial real estate.

They are all stereotypically white, preppy, country clubby families…

[Anonymous]

OP it is the only private school in NoVa that is on par (or nearly on par) with the elite privates in DC or MD. Thus, you have all of the new money Virginians vying for spots as well as some DC kids. The numbers are working against any applicant, especially those who are not in the new moneyed set. Give it a go, but know the numbers are against you.

[Anonymous]

OP here, good points. I realize admission chances are slim.

It’s nice to hear that the kids support one another and there’s a sense of community.

For some reason, I thought it might be more cutthroat and competitive between the kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, good points. I realize admission chances are slim.

It’s nice to hear that the kids support one another and there’s a sense of community.

For some reason, I thought it might be more cutthroat and competitive between the kids.

We ended up at the Cathedral schools but were also interested in Potomac. We have friends with kids there and it seems like the academics are pretty similar. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Judging them by the color of their skin as opposed to the content of their character?

Typical disingenuous application of what MLK said and meant.

[Anonymous]

Potomac is a great school, but it’s not true that they have a tough sibling policy. There are WAY too many siblings at Potomac for that to be true. Often times 3,4 siblings attending.

In fact it seems you have a better shot at getting in if you have siblings apply together like K and 3 or 7 and 9.

Anyway, even if one sibling gets denied you have MUCH better odds in future years.

It’s a great school and the fact that they have a strong sibling policy is part of the draw for many families who want a strong community.

However, this does make it harder to get in for your first kid as often a big chunk of spots get taken up for siblings in the lower school AND 4th grade year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, this is great perspective.
Follow-up question: What is the biggest selling point about Potomac for your family?

It would be a joint decision between my husband and I to apply for our kids, but he’s not quite convinced that it would be worth the $$$ price tag.
I’m not looking to get my kids into the Ivy League necessarily but I do want them to be prepared for college. I want them in a safe environment where they can excel, move through and master material quickly, and gain confidence.

Help me make an argument as to why Potomac is better.

OK, but are you in commercial real estate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP it is the only private school in NoVa that is on par (or nearly on par) with the elite privates in DC or MD. Thus, you have all of the new money Virginians vying for spots as well as some DC kids. The numbers are working against any applicant, especially those who are not in the new moneyed set. Give it a go, but know the numbers are against you.

The vast majority of the people in DC and MD angling for spots in DC/MD privates are also the definition of "new money." Most of the DC families we knew who were hell bent on getting their kids into St. Albans or GDS were transplants whose parents were immigrants to places like Brooklyn and Queens and at most one generation removed from Brooklyn College or CCNY. Some had preppy trophy wives to go along with their Kalorama or Chevy Chase addresses, but most were anything but "old money."

[Anonymous]

New money, Old money is a really ridiculous term in this day and age. THere's just a ton more money. Period.

Kudos to Potomac School, sounds like they're doing a lot of right things. Wish we had more coed schools that were strong and normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New money, Old money is a really ridiculous term in this day and age. THere's just a ton more money. Period.

Kudos to Potomac School, sounds like they're doing a lot of right things. Wish we had more coed schools that were strong and normal.

Posters making reference to “new money Virginians” are totally ridiculous. Bezos and Musk are new money; Soros and the Koch brothers are old money. Elizabeth, Charles and the Windsors are old money; heck - the Brits think all Americans are garish new money.

You can show you resentment of Virginia in many ways - just dont use the expression “new money”.

Potomac is a mighty swell school for old or new money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New money, Old money is a really ridiculous term in this day and age. THere's just a ton more money. Period.

Kudos to Potomac School, sounds like they're doing a lot of right things. Wish we had more coed schools that were strong and normal.

Define "strong and normal"

[Anonymous]

strong curriculum. not pushing politics 24/7. like top schools in the rest of the country. DC top schools are crazy and create jaded students after 3+ years of it.