CHDS vs Burgundy Farm

[Anonymous]

My kiddies got into Burgundy and CHDSand we loved both places, but in the end chose Burgundy. I was working on the hill, but we live in Alexandria, and since my own schedule was flexible I didn't want to get locked in to daily rush hour commutes to and from the Hill. Glad I chose Burgundy, since I ended up changing jobs and now it would be really inconvenient to shlep the kids to the Hill each day!

I wouldn't describe Burgundy as substantially more earthy crunchy in ethos-- it's just that the outdoor space and barn and so on are a big part of life, which i think is great. the kids can have much more independence within a very safe environment. I would not agree either about "not very much homework." My 2nd grader has way too much, in my view. Nightly, often 30 minutes plus, and kind of stupid stuff. That's actually one of my few dissatisfactions with Burgundy.

Most Burgundy kids live in Alex and Arlington, though a significant minority come from Capitol Hill and from over the Wilson bridge. One thing I also like about having chosen burgundy: in our Alexandria neighborhood, my two kids each have three or four burgundy classmates within two or three blocks. So it does feel rather like a neighborhood school: there are neighbors who can pick up/drive in my kids in a pinch, etc; easy afterschool playdates, and so on.

A word about that carpool line: it really isn't so bad, after the first few weeks, which are always chaotic. We NEVER have a wait at morning drop off that's more than 30 seconds or so. In the afternoon, coming on the earlier or later side virtually eliminates the line. And you can always park and walk-- plenty of parking.

[Anonymous]

Former Burgundy parent with child who started at JK and graduated from 8th. Know nothing about CHDS but I can tell you that Burgundy's LS and MS are very different from each other. Some of it due to kids getting older and a focus on teaching self-advocation.

We thought the LS was perfect for a young child - loved it and almost all the teachers. Very nurturing. Also thought the homework was just about right. The usual complaints about Everyday Math.

For us, the MS takes backseat to the LS. Thought it was too laid back and there was hardly any homework which concerned us. And as with any smaller K-8 school, once you've been there for awhile, it can get a little too small.

I do think it's premature to think that once your child is accepted to a school, that he or she stays there until graduation. Children change and can outgrow or need something else. I suggest you find a school that works for your child now and see what happens down the road.