Smaller Upper schools with challenging curriculum but nurturing support

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Then you would want to take Sandy Spring off list. While some teachers provide DI or similar if skilled, as an institution, they have delicately walked that line. Marketing might appear that they provide, as does philosophy, but school simply doesn't have bandwidth or resources. All the best to you and your search.12:18 makes vg point, look for curriculum guide or path if available.

I couldn't disagree more with this comment. The school has made it a priority in our years at the school and we have noticed the range of assessments and learning expectations.

[Anonymous]

Barnesville, but only goes up to 8th grade.

Echo the recommendation of St. Andrews.

I would defer to the parent at SSFS, but our experience exploring them was that they were very hesitant re kids needing help on the social side, despite their wanting to put the friendliest face forward. The message they gave to us was that the kids are expected to work in independent collaborative groups, so if being assertive socially is an issue, they might not be the best fit.

[Anonymous]

Does Burke have learning specialists who are accessible for the students and families?

[Anonymous]

Bump

[Anonymous]

Burke has one learning specialist for the middle school and another for the high school. They also have an after-school study hall (optional) that is staffed by teachers, including several afternoons with math teachers, where HS students can do homework and get help. The teachers are very available to kids who seek them out and, as a PP said, send frequent emails if your kid is sturggling (and some when your kid does really well). Finally, they are pretty open to having private tutors meet with kids at the school.

That said, the philosophy of the school is all about kids taking responsibility for their own education. If your child wants help, they can offer a lot. If your child resists help, they won't do a lot of chasing him/her down. Also, the learning specialists are oriented towards accommodations, not towards remediation.

[Anonymous]

One of the best things my child is learning at Burke is self-advocacy.

[Anonymous]

DD is attending SFS. We are not a well connected or affluent family. I do not believe she would have the same opportunities at a public or larger school. Benefits go far beyond college admittance. She feels like a kid in a candy shop, there are so many wonderful teachers who have connected with her, and so many extra-curricular activities where she can play a significant role, in part because the school is smaller. She is gaining in independent thinking and genuine intellectual interest daily. Plus she has great friends and loves the diversity. Sidwell is very nuturing for kids who reach out. Might not work for shy or nervous child. There is a lot of homework, so kid must be ready to work hard.

[Anonymous]

Agreed, not SSFS, from another parent. Not all children have same experience as PP.