Alexandria Independent Schools ACDS and Burgundy

[Anonymous]

We're current ACDS parents and were very happy with the Lower School, both under the previous and current head (our child is now in the Middle School and we are equally as happy). At all levels of faculty and staff, every person at ACDS knows our child and they know us. Our child is challenged in her classes, asked to step outside of her comfort zone, and her confidence has soared at ACDS. We transferred from another private school in the area where our experience wasn't even a close 2nd to what both our child and we as parents are getting at ACDS. You should visit ACDS, talk to faculty, staff, parents and other students. BTW, the building and grounds are fantastic, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why the huge turnover of teachers at ACDS? Change in admin?

PP, you should bear in mind that this kind of turnover is not uncommon in private schools. The compensation is roughly half of what public schools pay, so most teachers in private do not have the luxury of viewing it as long-term employment.

This is not remotely true unless you are talking about small parish schools.

[Anonymous]

NP, différent school. The pay is easily 2/3 or less of public and the benefits (retirement , health, etc.) are poor.

[Anonymous]

ACDS HoS and HoMS are both completely unqualified to lead a private school. They do not understand children at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ACDS HoS and HoMS are both completely unqualified to lead a private school. They do not understand children at all.

That is a little harsh, they do understand the kids who’s parents have money......and let them away with murder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ACDS HoS and HoMS are both completely unqualified to lead a private school. They do not understand children at all.

That is a little harsh, they do understand the kids who’s parents have money......and let them away with murder.

Do you think this is a current problem? We are looking at ACDS and have been impressed by their emphasis on building empathetic, kind children. Too good to be true?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ACDS HoS and HoMS are both completely unqualified to lead a private school. They do not understand children at all.

That is a little harsh, they do understand the kids who’s parents have money......and let them away with murder.

Do you think this is a current problem? We are looking at ACDS and have been impressed by their emphasis on building empathetic, kind children. Too good to be true?

Not too good to be true. Don’t listen to the haters.

[Anonymous]

FWIW Burgundy just brought on a full-time differentiation specialist and that has been this year's focus for the teachers too. This person will serve all students, not just those with special needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FWIW Burgundy just brought on a full-time differentiation specialist and that has been this year's focus for the teachers too. This person will serve all students, not just those with special needs.

Interesting. There are many threads on DCUM saying Burgundy does not want any kids with learning differences. Often parents of current kids. Something changed?

[Anonymous]

We have a middle schooler at Burgundy and an older child who graduated from Burgundy. It is idyllic in the early years. Our kids had wonderful teachers and we loved the nurturing, play-based, experiential style. I would not hesitate for a second to recommend the early childhood and lower school programs.

The middle school was another story. It is a mess: far more "traditional" in style, too much homework, some very uninspired teachers, out of touch administration. I wish we had left after 5th. That said: there is a brand new middle school head so fingers crossed for a rejuvenation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a middle schooler at Burgundy and an older child who graduated from Burgundy. It is idyllic in the early years. Our kids had wonderful teachers and we loved the nurturing, play-based, experiential style. I would not hesitate for a second to recommend the early childhood and lower school programs.

The middle school was another story. It is a mess: far more "traditional" in style, too much homework, some very uninspired teachers, out of touch administration. I wish we had left after 5th. That said: there is a brand new middle school head so fingers crossed for a rejuvenation.

Helpful. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

But is Burgundy inclusive? That was the PP's question.

[Anonymous]

Inclusive in what sense? (I did not take that from OP's question).

Burgundy is very inclusive in the lower school, and very inclusive in terms of race, ethnicity, income, etc.

Middle school handles interpersonal and gender dynamics very badly, however, in my view. Too much handwringing and "tell us how you feel," not enough "Sorry, you can't do that here and if you continue there will be consequences."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Inclusive in what sense? (I did not take that from OP's question).

Burgundy is very inclusive in the lower school, and very inclusive in terms of race, ethnicity, income, etc.

Middle school handles interpersonal and gender dynamics very badly, however, in my view. Too much handwringing and "tell us how you feel," not enough "Sorry, you can't do that here and if you continue there will be consequences."

I think they meant inclusive w re learning differences. A PP mentioned “differentiation.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ACDS HoS and HoMS are both completely unqualified to lead a private school. They do not understand children at all.

That is a little harsh, they do understand the kids who’s parents have money......and let them away with murder.

Do you think this is a current problem? We are looking at ACDS and have been impressed by their emphasis on building empathetic, kind children. Too good to be true?

Not too good to be true. Don’t listen to the haters.

Don't listen to the blind supporters either. Make up your own opinion.