Has anyone heard of Whittle School?

[Anonymous]

There are so many options in this area- hard to pick a school that’s unknown and very expensive

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you all for your information. Originally was thinking if I should go to their information session today. Now I'd give up that idea.

[Anonymous]

They do have an impressive roster of senior administrators and advisors, but who knows how the school will be. The thing that's intrigued me is the architect they've hired to design the interior (Renzo Piano). We are at another UNW private, so no skin in the game. I was very dismissive initially especially after reading about Avenues, but I have to say the talk they talk on the web site was better than I expected. It's a gamble and it's also very expensive, but there's something intriguing about it. If they could realize what they promise, it would be an exciting new option. Just not sure they can.

[Anonymous]

Am I the only one who thinks he paid an astronomical amount for a school building, and that since there’s no way he could recoup the investment, maybe there’s some other reason he wants to be seen as running a school? Something seems off. They do seem to be hiring good staff, but I wouldn’t want my kid to be the guinea pig.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one who thinks he paid an astronomical amount for a school building, and that since there’s no way he could recoup the investment, maybe there’s some other reason he wants to be seen as running a school? Something seems off. They do seem to be hiring good staff, but I wouldn’t want my kid to be the guinea pig.

The Whittle School will also be opening a school in Shenzhen China catering to wealthier students who want an international education experience. I suspect a large number of students at the Whittle School will be Chinese nationals looking for a US-based education. Chinese students attending US prep schools (not university) is one of the fastest growing areas in the education sector.

https://www.fastcompany.com/40542482/at-many-us-boarding-schools-a-glimpse-of-chinas-future

[Anonymous]

They have a space in Mazza Gallerie. Is that for marketing the school. Seems really weird to me.

[Anonymous]

The commercial feel is very, very off-.putting.

[Anonymous]

are they doing tours at the intelsat building?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one who thinks he paid an astronomical amount for a school building, and that since there’s no way he could recoup the investment, maybe there’s some other reason he wants to be seen as running a school? Something seems off. They do seem to be hiring good staff, but I wouldn’t want my kid to be the guinea pig.

The Whittle School will also be opening a school in Shenzhen China catering to wealthier students who want an international education experience. I suspect a large number of students at the Whittle School will be Chinese nationals looking for a US-based education. Chinese students attending US prep schools (not university) is one of the fastest growing areas in the education sector.

https://www.fastcompany.com/40542482/at-many-us-boarding-schools-a-glimpse-of-chinas-future

This... I think the school is really for Chinese kids to get a US education/experience. Lots of money there and not a lot of options... So this opens up a unique experience.

[Anonymous]

I work at another DC private and applications are way up this year, so maybe there will be enough demand as long as they’re not trying to be tremendously picky with their first cohorts? I am not at a big 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They keep posting here to keep their name recurring on this board. Mostly they are trying to figure out the current buzz (if any) in the parent community.

Yes this is their advertising strategy. I would never send my kid to a new school. Give them time to work out the kinks. Too expensive anyways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work at another DC private and applications are way up this year, so maybe there will be enough demand as long as they’re not trying to be tremendously picky with their first cohorts? I am not at a big 3.

Why do you think applications are up? Is that across grades or just certain years. Have your colleagues in other schools shared the same impression?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They have a space in Mazza Gallerie. Is that for marketing the school. Seems really weird to me.

Oh, I was at the AMC Mazza Gallery on Sunday and saw a big get together for the school there. I had never heard of the school but also was surprised about them having briefing sessions at a mall.

[Anonymous]

Nope

[Anonymous]

No clear information or curriculum or accreditation process. No thank you.