Potomac

[Anonymous]

I posted 15:29 (again, still getting familiar with the posting protocol so please excuse if I don't get it right). I wrote my previous post as I am trying to decide between Potomac and Langley so all posts related to either school are getting my attention now (new to this board). I have a child in Arlington Public Schools Montessori Pre-K now -- so that's why I'm trying to learn about differences in school cultures and curriculum. Not trying to "stir any pot" or encourage negative comments about either school. They both seem great -- just trying to understand the similarities and differences. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Most people with a choice choose Potomac. Both are good schools and both have some terrific kids and academics. I am not convinced that Langley is substantially more academic than Potomac (neither push the kids too hard in early grades). You will likely be happy with either choice. For us, the benefit of not having to ap

[Anonymous]

(con't - computer probs) apply out was significant and we also liked that Potomac was closer to our house.

[Anonymous]

We've had kids in different grades at both schools. Both are great. Langley is a little more intimate and nurturing, Potomac is a little more well-rounded (sports, etc) - but both are great. Lots of Langley kids end up at Potomac for Upper School.

[Anonymous]

Does Potomac ever take kids in 2nd grade?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does Potomac ever take kids in 2nd grade?

Yes.

[Anonymous]

The fact that very little is said about Potomac is a symptom of the current problems. Issues are routinely swept under the rug or tolerated. This is in part because an unhealthy environment can be self perpetuating. There are many influential people there. Most parents either don't have the time to speak up or the inclination to be "that guy" fearing that their children will experience the fallout. Such a shame, since there are many wonderful people there. Evil prospers when good men do nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The fact that very little is said about Potomac is a symptom of the current problems. Issues are routinely swept under the rug or tolerated. This is in part because an unhealthy environment can be self perpetuating. There are many influential people there. Most parents either don't have the time to speak up or the inclination to be "that guy" fearing that their children will experience the fallout. Such a shame, since there are many wonderful people there. Evil prospers when good men do nothing.

What do you mean, please? What are the "current problems"? We outsiders who are contemplating the school would like to know more about the "unhealthy environment" and the "evil" -- those are pretty harsh accusations.

[Anonymous]

Talk to current parents - not anonymous snipers who may or may not have ulterior motives. We talked to more than five different families before we applied (folks we knew, not people school referred) - we liked what we heard - and we are proud to be attending Potomac next fall.

[Anonymous]

We chose another school for DS than Potomac but this poster who continues to make outrageous claims with nothing to back them up should be ignored. Some of the brightest kids from DC's preschool (with nice parents!) are going to Potomac this fall and we know several families there now. I find it very hard to believe that there are so many issues swept under the rug.

[Anonymous]

Do any students in the middle level like the uniforms? Do Upper Schoolers also have more freedom in their dress?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with poster who said some one is trying to stir the pot. This information was all out there during admissions season, but not posted here. Why is it being posted now, the exact week that people are trying to decide whether to accept an admission offer or turn it down??

No I'm a potential faculty member

[Anonymous]

I have to ask since looking at the transportation list and understanding that parents must not drive the 1-12, is there no bus or shuttle that comes to Fairfax? So where do the Fairfax kids meet the buses in Oakton or Vienna?

[Anonymous]

As a Current Potomac Student, I feel that Potomac has fairly challenged me. Yes there are rough nights for students, but thats because students at Potomac challenge themselves. They want to be better students, writers, actors, athletes, etc. If i can guarantee you one thing about Potomac it is the following: the student will not only become well-rounded through challenging academics, exceptional arts programs and athletics, but also evolve into leaders of our world today. For example, Rostam Batmanglij a strong student, who studied at Columbia University was the co-creator of the famous and successful band Vampire Weekend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a Current Potomac Student, I feel that Potomac has fairly challenged me. Yes there are rough nights for students, but thats because students at Potomac challenge themselves. They want to be better students, writers, actors, athletes, etc. If i can guarantee you one thing about Potomac it is the following: the student will not only become well-rounded through challenging academics, exceptional arts programs and athletics, but also evolve into leaders of our world today. For example, Rostam Batmanglij a strong student, who studied at Columbia University was the co-creator of the famous and successful band Vampire Weekend.

Wow. Just what I want my child to grow up to be .... a famous and successful band member!