The Potomac School - Spill the Beans Please

[Anonymous]

To the previous poster who just went on a K visit to Potomac... could you tell me more about your experience? What did you think of the facilities?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Having just attended my rising 1st graders play date at the Potomac School, I totally agree with admissions' concern with a family's holistic approach to childhood and learning. I was awed by the number of families with children (5 and 6 year olds) who appeared groomed and rehearsed for the occasion, while my 5 year old squirmed in his chair and played with his toys. Since we began this process, I've often questioned whether my kids would 'fit' into such an environment. My kids are average kids and did not score in the 99th percentile on the IQ tests, as I've read on many of the other posts. They are kids who have a love for learning, but are not driven by grades. I hope that comes through in the end and that they 'fit'.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Having just attended my rising 1st graders play date at the Potomac School, I totally agree with admissions' concern with a family's holistic approach to childhood and learning. I was awed by the number of families with children (5 and 6 year olds) who appeared groomed and rehearsed for the occasion, while my 5 year old squirmed in his chair and played with his toys. Since we began this process, I've often questioned whether my kids would 'fit' into such an environment. My kids are average kids and did not score in the 99th percentile on the IQ tests, as I've read on many of the other posts. They are kids who have a love for learning, but are not driven by grades. I hope that comes through in the end and that they 'fit'.

Typo correction......Pls excuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To the previous poster who just went on a K visit to Potomac... could you tell me more about your experience? What did you think of the facilities?

My experience was good. There were a number of kids there, so our session was split into two groups. My DC said that he liked the experience, especially the giant chocolate chip cookie....parting gift . There were also a number of families that were already acquainted with one another. I wondered what school they were representing. As for the facilities, the IS chorus room was the meeting location. I did not venture around the campus as there were a lot of activities taking place. The new LS is under construction and if it’s anything like the HS, it's going to be awesome.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for the info!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It said that they came across this THREAD by accident.

Well then, clearly a white lie. If you know DCUM, and are an administator at a private school, there is simply no way you can come across this thread by ACCIDENT. It's no secret that school staff and adminstators lurk here. I just wish they would post more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks so much for the info!

NP, 20:16. BTW, our visit was for the 1st grade. I cannot speak to the K visit(s). However, I would like take this opportunity to add that in addition to the attractiveness of the new LS and the other campus improvements that were clearly underway, there was an air about The Potomac School that was like no other. The students and parents were busy attending weekend activities, the LS students canvassed the campus munching on fruit, and the overall interest in extracurricular events was impressive. The campus seemed busier on a Saturday morning, than on a regular school day. That was refreshing. There is noticeably a love for the school by staff, students and parents. Now that our application process is over and we await the March decisions for our two DC, our overall experience at The Potomac School was pleasant. Say a prayer for us!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the previous poster who just went on a K visit to Potomac... could you tell me more about your experience? What did you think of the facilities?

My experience was good. There were a number of kids there, so our session was split into two groups. My DC said that he liked the experience, especially the giant chocolate chip cookie....parting gift . There were also a number of families that were already acquainted with one another. I wondered what school they were representing. As for the facilities, the IS chorus room was the meeting location. I did not venture around the campus as there were a lot of activities taking place. The new LS is under construction and if it’s anything like the HS, it's going to be awesome.

Giant chocolate chip cookies as parting gifts?

Maret only gave us a pencil and silly sticker.

What about the other schools?

[Anonymous]

Gosh our playdate school didn't give us anything! Must be because its a second-tier school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the previous poster who just went on a K visit to Potomac... could you tell me more about your experience? What did you think of the facilities?

My experience was good. There were a number of kids there, so our session was split into two groups. My DC said that he liked the experience, especially the giant chocolate chip cookie....parting gift . There were also a number of families that were already acquainted with one another. I wondered what school they were representing. As for the facilities, the IS chorus room was the meeting location. I did not venture around the campus as there were a lot of activities taking place. The new LS is under construction and if it’s anything like the HS, it's going to be awesome.

Giant chocolate chip cookies as parting gifts?

Maret only gave us a pencil and silly sticker.

What about the other schools?

Beauvoir gives crayons.

[Anonymous]

I actually did come across this website and thread by accident (if I remember it was linked to My Space in some way), but I am glad I did. I am a very strong believer in parents being informed consumers, and if I can help in that regard, I am more than willing to do so. Brendan

[Anonymous]

Is the selection process at the Potomac School similar to the NWDC Big 3? Any experiences that you'd like to share?

[Anonymous]

I don't know about the selection process similarities as I have not applied to all....only Potomac and Maret. I really don't know what you mean by selection process. I've never been involved in the process, but know that all of the top schools in the DC Metro are competitive. Wish I knew more about the number of openings and specific goals for filling those openings, i.e. male, female, etc.

What I wonder is if all of these schools have diversity in their mission statement, why are there so few racially diverse students...specifically Potomac? Are the diversity numbers lumped into social, economic, geographic, etc? Is that a way to reduce the visually diverse students?

[Anonymous]

Potomac has had a commitment to issues of diversity that goes back to the days when RFK sent his kids to the school because of its progressive position. Presently, students of color represent 29% of our kids, and our Board has consistently over the years made a financial commitment to the issue. Our 40 buses represent the largest private fleet of in the Washington region (other than Metro ), allowing us to promote our diversity efforts in Maryland, Virginia, and DC, the original home of the school. Brendan Sheerin, Head Of Intermediate School.

[Anonymous]

Hi Brendan,

I wanted to take the time to say thank you for sharing your knowledge of what is going on at the Potomac School; I'm sue we all appreciate it. Have you ever worked in the middle school admissions office? I have a rising 4th grader and we applied, but wanted to know any insights you have on openings, what you are looking for, is that a specific score range that your DC has to be in on the WISC IV test, etc. Also, if the PS has a financial aid endowment and if so, the average amount of award granted to those who need it. I had a horrible experience at a school last year and my DC got waitlisted and nothing ever materialized. I mean the school didn't even know how many slots they had opened even at our interview. Why waste all of our times, just tell us already! When are decisions as far as admissions really made and why do we have to wait so long?
Thanks!