Have you transfered from DCPS to British School of Washington?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: BSW has for us and our child during his last three and a half years in middle school, been a nightmare beyond proportions. Of course on the social side he will fortunately keep good memories of his friends, but on the academic side (despite his good grades - at BSW maked in a most unusual incomprehensible way never experienced before) we cannot say the same. The profit objective of this school overtakes everything else: 4 toilets for 400 people or rather, 2 for 350 kids and the other two for the staff. No showers. Unhealthy food catered in, supplemented by organized outings to safeway (under teacher supervision); bullying as a normal schoolyard activity; no phys ed. facilities (has to be begged from other institutiosn next door every time), outdated IT equipment, constant exodus of teachers (2/3 left in the last 14 months, while the shool is now 'led' by its third schoolmaster during the same period. The fact this is the only international school that accepts kids anytime (all others have long waiting lists) speaks for itself. We were blinded by the name 'British School' as our child comes from another 'British School' in another country, thinking it would be the continuation of the same standards, curriculum and teaching methods; grave mistake: Other than the name, it had nothing to do. We are moving to a public shool very nearby, where facilities are a million times better (including healthy breakfast and lunch at the school, latest IMac, three IT rooms, inside and outside PE facilities etc). Don t make the same mistake: Save your money and go elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

For profit school. Nuff said.

[Anonymous]

OP - your original post sounded like you would info on transferring to WIS after BSW. Is that correct? If you are planning to transfer to WIS during the Primary school years (PK-5th) then your child will either need to have a very good grasp of French or be willing to be put in the Spanish as a Second Language program (SSL) which begins in 2nd grade (I think...). SSL is a good program and often kids will be put into the mainstream spanish class after 1 or 2 years in SSL (depends on the child's language acquisition). If you transfer to the MS or HS then you would have the option of the beginning French program or test into the Intermediate Spanish program.

I cannot say anything about BSW since I'm not familiar with it at all, but there have been several kids who transferred to WIS from BSW and have done well and seem quite happy.

[Anonymous]

Too many underlying issues/ problems. Unfortunately the number of students leaving is alarming. Agree with the above dissatisfied parents. We too have decided to leave. Good teachers make the school and a strong leadership sets the tone. However, there a handful of teachers who do not treat all fairly. Poor communication from management to parents. We have been to many private schools, the situation at this school is the first of its kind we've experienced and quite frankly, quite ridiculous. We take the few good memories with us and wish them well. They need to make permanent changes to restore parents confidence.

[Anonymous]

Very surprised to read this. Our experience is quite different.

Our son has attended BSW for two years; he has been academically challenged and is supported when needed; he recently struggled a little with maths but this year has jumped two and a half sub levels, after receiving support and encouragement from his teachers. My son was thrilled when the class went on a ski trip earlier in the year and is looking forward to returning in September, and, is especially looking forward to his music class.

Your comments about the number of toilets, showers, outdated IT equipment, bullying and "constant exodus of teachers", are, quite frankly wrong.

I understand that schooling for our children is always an emotive issue, and everyone is entitled to say what they feel - but for others reading this, remember this is a multi faceted issue and there are many of us parents who do not feel this same way.