Current 8th graders at NCS, applying out for 9th?

[Anonymous]

The parents of the current 8th grade class have been talking about this fairly openly and several have told me about it. The number "28" has been bandied about but no one knows for certain how many girls went through with submitting apllications to other schools in the end. Many girls were ceratinly talkign about applying out. The girls (according to their parents) want to leave for a variety of reasons, including: atmosphere too intense both intellectually and socially; girls want less rigorous academics for high school; girls want a change of social scene because have been there since Beauvoir; unhappy as that class has some unkind socal dynamics; boarding school has always been the plan. The interesting part IMO is that many of the girls who are considered "popular" by their peers or "more social/into appreances/into boys" are many of the grils looking for a change.

Several are applying to boarding schools and that in and of itself is not unusual but the numbers applying to bs this year are higher than normal.

I do know a surprising large group (8 or so) wants to tranfer to Visi. They see it as slightly less intense/rigorous and yet still great school. That is a really unusual move.

The rumors flying around are fairly accurate in this case and I think its because its the girls who want to leave, and those girls' parents, who started most of the talk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:6:59... spoken like a parent who has been at NCS...a total of 6 months.

6:59 here, they do listen and I won't get into a tit for tat with you but certainly your comments are heard here and you are a fine representation of an unhappy parent who is unhappy about things who should do one of two things go take your grievances to the administration or find another school for your daughter. I on the other hand am quite familiar with there is no perfect school and problems exist in every establishment or school. No DC/VA schools private or public are immune and my attitude is and always will be to be part of any necessary change I want to see advocating not just for my own daughter but yours too. Perhaps you can share your concerns at a parent greeting and I will work with you in helping see what we can work towards a unified address to administration. I've done this on a continuous basis in my life and my child's schools and I've been quite successful than the parents who lurk in the corners regarding there grievances. Far as I see it, go through the process and if you don't see results give your daughters spot to a girl on the waiting list. I do believe one thing the school can do better is not only look at the girl but play close attention to the parents of the girls. Perhaps a large group of new girls in 9th grade is absolutely what the school needs. It's hard to have a clear appreciation of your child's education when you are basically lifer. The grass isn't always greener or better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6:59... spoken like a parent who has been at NCS...a total of 6 months.

6:59 here, they do listen and I won't get into a tit for tat with you but certainly your comments are heard here and you are a fine representation of an unhappy parent who is unhappy about things who should do one of two things go take your grievances to the administration or find another school for your daughter. I on the other hand am quite familiar with there is no perfect school and problems exist in every establishment or school. No DC/VA schools private or public are immune and my attitude is and always will be to be part of any necessary change I want to see advocating not just for my own daughter but yours too. Perhaps you can share your concerns at a parent greeting and I will work with you in helping see what we can work towards a unified address to administration. I've done this on a continuous basis in my life and my child's schools and I've been quite successful than the parents who lurk in the corners regarding there grievances. Far as I see it, go through the process and if you don't see results give your daughters spot to a girl on the waiting list. I do believe one thing the school can do better is not only look at the girl but play close attention to the parents of the girls. Perhaps a large group of new girls in 9th grade is absolutely what the school needs. It's hard to have a clear appreciation of your child's education when you are basically lifer. The grass isn't always greener or better.

Oh forgot to add maybe it is greener for your girl but you will never know if you don't actively pursue your issues you have. Better yet if she is in HS a fine opportunity to let her self advocate for herself with your guidance and support.

[Anonymous]

9:42 you frighten me...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:6:59... spoken like a parent who has been at NCS...a total of 6 months.

I agree with 6:59 as a new parent. I guess it's the new parent vs old perspective but I question why they didn't apply out if they are so unhappy or don't think school listens to them. Why do you stay?

[Anonymous]

Decisions are being made now, so are that many girls really leaving NCS next year for 9th at Visitation or elsewhere?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with 6:59 as a new parent. I guess it's the new parent vs old perspective but I question why they didn't apply out if they are so unhappy or don't think school listens to them. Why do you stay?

This thread exists precisely because a very large number of families are said to be applying out.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if it also has to do with the fact that Visi is almost 1/2 the price. It's a long road if you started paying those prices at NCRC and have college coming up next.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with 6:59 as a new parent. I guess it's the new parent vs old perspective but I question why they didn't apply out if they are so unhappy or don't think school listens to them. Why do you stay?

This thread exists precisely because a very large number of families are said to be applying out.

My thoughts as well so I am not sure why 8:44 attacked 6:59 whose comments seemed to be validated by a few other post. Larger number than usual various dynamics in that class and various reasons why a girl would apply out. My daughter is currently W/L for 9th grade and we are eagerly awaiting a spot! I hope the existing 8th grade parents whose daughters applied out unhappy or stay are not so negative like the two existing parents attacking the new 9th grade parents perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Decisions are being made now, so are that many girls really leaving NCS next year for 9th at Visitation or elsewhere?

Do you know when they have to make this decision another NCS waitlisted 9th grade parent asking?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The parents of the current 8th grade class have been talking about this fairly openly and several have told me about it. The number "28" has been bandied about but no one knows for certain how many girls went through with submitting apllications to other schools in the end. Many girls were ceratinly talkign about applying out. The girls (according to their parents) want to leave for a variety of reasons, including: atmosphere too intense both intellectually and socially; girls want less rigorous academics for high school; girls want a change of social scene because have been there since Beauvoir; unhappy as that class has some unkind socal dynamics; boarding school has always been the plan. The interesting part IMO is that many of the girls who are considered "popular" by their peers or "more social/into appreances/into boys" are many of the grils looking for a change.

Several are applying to boarding schools and that in and of itself is not unusual but the numbers applying to bs this year are higher than normal.

I do know a surprising large group (8 or so) wants to tranfer to Visi. They see it as slightly less intense/rigorous and yet still great school. That is a really unusual move.

The rumors flying around are fairly accurate in this case and I think its because its the girls who want to leave, and those girls' parents, who started most of the talk.

+1 current 8th grade accepted to Visi. Daughter deciding to stay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So we have lots of friends there, and I can think of both good and bad explanations for this. On the good side, 9th is when girls would tend to leave for boarding, which in many families is a foregone conclusion and nothing to do with the school. It's also when kids who can't cut it get counseled out. And yes, it's also the age when girls push to go to co-ed schools.

Flip side, I keep hearing about a cyber bullying problem and some real race issues that have parents and girls very upset.

As a parent of a current 9th grader (she entered NCS in upper school) I hope to nip the rumors dispelled here in the bud. Yes, girls are applying out is it as high as 28, no. Is it higher than last year's class, yes. Is the increase in girls applying out a phenomenon or indication that there is a problem, no. Is NCS concerned, no. Each class is unique and each class has girls who by completion of lower and middle school have determined or raised the question is NCS the place for me, do I want to remain with my peers or do I want to try something different, am I prepared for the rigorous road of head, can I complete at a higher level in sports while maintaining grades, will I have a life outside of school work - do I want to work hard my HS years, is boarding school a better option, I don't really care for all the girls I've been with since 4th or some cases PK will my feelings change with the new girls, will STA class sharing in JR/SR year and some sports, play or choral be enough coed for me? Those are the most of the reasons consistently voiced amongst the 8th grade girls and their families. All of which are valid questions of any independent thinking young girl at this age. Some will leave and explore other options that are best for them but most willl stay despite the apply out. Regardless NCS will support them either decision. Race issues, crazy?!! Have you seen the diversity in girls of color
and religion!! I certainly can't speak for lower school but not one mention of or display of racial issue comments from the meetings between upper and middle school parent. Absolutely certain not an issue HS. Cyber bullying, NCS has zero tolerance if you post a rumor like that provide facts and don't do it anonymously, especially if you don't attend the school!

Truths about NCS:
It's rigorous and your daughter will be prepared for college.
Are girls stressed, absolutely!! These are high achieving girls who care about their grades and future while trying to be their best.
Is it a supportive environment absolutely! There are so many resources, faculty/administration support and measures put in place to mitigate stress.
Is there girl drama sometime? Absolutely do you have daughters, sisters, girlfriends..! It's a all girl school!!
Are most girls opinionated? Absolutely the girls are independent thinkers not afraid to share their thoughts.
All religions welcome, respected and embraced
Very supportive head of school who believes in the development of young women and a mother of grown daughters herself

I hope this helps those who are so concerned regarding the number of girls applying out. New 9th grade applicants would be so luck if 28 girls left in addition to the 16-24 who are added to the class!!!
+ 1
9th and 12th grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The parents of the current 8th grade class have been talking about this fairly openly and several have told me about it. The number "28" has been bandied about but no one knows for certain how many girls went through with submitting apllications to other schools in the end. Many girls were ceratinly talkign about applying out. The girls (according to their parents) want to leave for a variety of reasons, including: atmosphere too intense both intellectually and socially; girls want less rigorous academics for high school; girls want a change of social scene because have been there since Beauvoir; unhappy as that class has some unkind socal dynamics; boarding school has always been the plan. The interesting part IMO is that many of the girls who are considered "popular" by their peers or "more social/into appreances/into boys" are many of the grils looking for a change.

Several are applying to boarding schools and that in and of itself is not unusual but the numbers applying to bs this year are higher than normal.

I do know a surprising large group (8 or so) wants to tranfer to Visi. They see it as slightly less intense/rigorous and yet still great school. That is a really unusual move.

The rumors flying around are fairly accurate in this case and I think its because its the girls who want to leave, and those girls' parents, who started most of the talk.

+1 current 8th grade accepted to Visi. Daughter deciding to stay.

Score: 1 staying, 27 unknown (assuming 28 is the correct #for applications out)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The parents of the current 8th grade class have been talking about this fairly openly and several have told me about it. The number "28" has been bandied about but no one knows for certain how many girls went through with submitting apllications to other schools in the end. Many girls were ceratinly talkign about applying out. The girls (according to their parents) want to leave for a variety of reasons, including: atmosphere too intense both intellectually and socially; girls want less rigorous academics for high school; girls want a change of social scene because have been there since Beauvoir; unhappy as that class has some unkind socal dynamics; boarding school has always been the plan. The interesting part IMO is that many of the girls who are considered "popular" by their peers or "more social/into appreances/into boys" are many of the grils looking for a change.

Several are applying to boarding schools and that in and of itself is not unusual but the numbers applying to bs this year are higher than normal.

I do know a surprising large group (8 or so) wants to tranfer to Visi. They see it as slightly less intense/rigorous and yet still great school. That is a really unusual move.

The rumors flying around are fairly accurate in this case and I think its because its the girls who want to leave, and those girls' parents, who started most of the talk.

Visi?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So we have lots of friends there, and I can think of both good and bad explanations for this. On the good side, 9th is when girls would tend to leave for boarding, which in many families is a foregone conclusion and nothing to do with the school. It's also when kids who can't cut it get counseled out. And yes, it's also the age when girls push to go to co-ed schools.

Flip side, I keep hearing about a cyber bullying problem and some real race issues that have parents and girls very upset.

As a parent of a current 9th grader (she entered NCS in upper school) I hope to nip the rumors dispelled here in the bud. Yes, girls are applying out is it as high as 28, no. Is it higher than last year's class, yes. Is the increase in girls applying out a phenomenon or indication that there is a problem, no. Is NCS concerned, no. Each class is unique and each class has girls who by completion of lower and middle school have determined or raised the question is NCS the place for me, do I want to remain with my peers or do I want to try something different, am I prepared for the rigorous road of head, can I complete at a higher level in sports while maintaining grades, will I have a life outside of school work - do I want to work hard my HS years, is boarding school a better option, I don't really care for all the girls I've been with since 4th or some cases PK will my feelings change with the new girls, will STA class sharing in JR/SR year and some sports, play or choral be enough coed for me? Those are the most of the reasons consistently voiced amongst the 8th grade girls and their families. All of which are valid questions of any independent thinking young girl at this age. Some will leave and explore other options that are best for them but most willl stay despite the apply out. Regardless NCS will support them either decision. Race issues, crazy?!! Have you seen the diversity in girls of color
and religion!! I certainly can't speak for lower school but not one mention of or display of racial issue comments from the meetings between upper and middle school parent. Absolutely certain not an issue HS. Cyber bullying, NCS has zero tolerance if you post a rumor like that provide facts and don't do it anonymously, especially if you don't attend the school!

Truths about NCS:
It's rigorous and your daughter will be prepared for college.
Are girls stressed, absolutely!! These are high achieving girls who care about their grades and future while trying to be their best.
Is it a supportive environment absolutely! There are so many resources, faculty/administration support and measures put in place to mitigate stress.
Is there girl drama sometime? Absolutely do you have daughters, sisters, girlfriends..! It's a all girl school!!
Are most girls opinionated? Absolutely the girls are independent thinkers not afraid to share their thoughts.
All religions welcome, respected and embraced
Very supportive head of school who believes in the development of young women and a mother of grown daughters herself

I hope this helps those who are so concerned regarding the number of girls applying out. New 9th grade applicants would be so luck if 28 girls left in addition to the 16-24 who are added to the class!!!

Just because there is diversity doesn't mean there aren't race issues.

And while you may not be seeing race issues (I don't know your race, of course), the parents of girls of color (who attended BVR with us) are seeing them. Likewise, your child may not be involved in the cyber bullying, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. Parents are concerned and unhappy that the school either isn't or hasn't been able to stop it - I can't speak to what they have or have not tried.