Robinson Secondary

[Anonymous]

Robinson has been great for my introverted son. The big size actually allowed him to find his niche and then grow out from there. They have sub-schools and small groups that make things a little more manageable. On the first orientation day he and I were both really overwhelmed and I thought it was going to be awful because it was so big. But after the first two weeks or so he felt at home. There are also so many activities that it's easy to find a few small groups--and some of the activities are tied to classes/electives so even introverted kids get drawn in. We've been surprisingly pleased.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a freshman & a junior at RSS. I think the school is great! The size may seem intimidating from the outside, but it's not as scary as it seems. Agree with the PP about sub-schools. Also, 7th/8th graders largely kept separate from the high schoolers. Both my kids are focused on studies and the school has excellent academics and great staff - I've never had a bad interaction with any of them. RSS has some AP classes, but it's an IB school, so that's a plus if that's your style and a minus if it isn't (my daughter transferred here for IB before we moved within the boundary). The only drawback that I have noticed as a result of the size of the school is that it can be very competitive to get on a sports team (or many other groups that you have to try out for and have limited numbers accepted - though not ALL groups are like that). Good luck with your decision, OP!

NP. Also considering Robinson with an introverted kid. Which activities/sports are no cut?

My kid goes to another school, but for an introvert wanting no cut, theatre tech is a good option. They end up with a really tight group. One of the music classes is good too, especially choir or band.

Crew has been awesome for my introverted DS. And it’s no cut.

[Anonymous]

What about bullying at this school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about bullying at this school?

I've asked my son (now a senior), he says he hasn't ever experienced it or seen it. He's on the nerdy side and so are the dozen or so friends of his I know. Never have heard from any of them or their parents about bullying issues. Of course that doesn't mean it never happens, but I have never encountered it as a concern. I can't imagine that a school of 4000 doesn't have some bullying, but it doesn't seem to be prevalent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about bullying at this school?

I've asked my son (now a senior), he says he hasn't ever experienced it or seen it. He's on the nerdy side and so are the dozen or so friends of his I know. Never have heard from any of them or their parents about bullying issues. Of course that doesn't mean it never happens, but I have never encountered it as a concern. I can't imagine that a school of 4000 doesn't have some bullying, but it doesn't seem to be prevalent.

Bullying is most common in middle school and Robinson is certainly not immune from this. It’s not something most kids share with their parents, even when they probe. Kids figure out what answers their parents want to hear and don’t want their parents intervening and making a situation worse.

[Anonymous]

I think Robinson's size really cuts against the idea that there's bullying. It's too big to have one dominant culture. There are groups for all kinds of kids there. Most students have a better chance of finding their niche at those schools. Are you a super high-achieving type-A overscheduled Captain America type? You'll find some at those there. Are you a lower-income, apartment dwelling student with high academic potential but less involved parents? You'll find some at those three schools. Are you from a non-christian religion and want to dress according to your religion? You'll fit in, too. Are you an average middle-class student who doesn't really care about being the best and just want to get through school, go to college, and do your thing? Plenty of people like you. Gay? There's a large enough cohort of LGBTQ kids that it's a non-thing.