Christ Episcopal School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Interest timing on this post OP. Things that make you say hmmmmmm

This is just a weird comment. CES has always been more of a rolling admissions school, so it’s not exactly strange to see people advertise or the school hold events throughout the year (not just admissions “season”). They have an event next month. So not sure why the timing of this post would be considered “interesting.”

Np There have been so many comments on this forum as well as next door I kind of wonder what’s going on too.

If this doesn't epitomize DCUM, I don't know what does. Parents' enthusiasm for the school has crossed over the threshold of whatever some people here deem appropriate, and therefore the school must be the opposite of what they say it is. SMH. What's going on is that there is an off-season open house and summer camp coming up that the school/parents will be advertising. So yes, you will probably see a lot of activity here and on Nextdoor. Tough crowd when parent enthusiasm is viewed as ominous or suspicious. They are literally using these platforms as intended. CES is a wonderful school. The trolling and snark here are ridiculous.

Former parent here, could't agree more. Apparently you're not allowed to advocate for schools outside the Big 3 (or Big 5, or whatever). Our daughter was a "lifer" (K-8) and was amazingly well-prepared for high school. Can't say enough about the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This School is a gem. Strong leadership that is transparent. True sense of community and kids learn character values. Strong academic curriculum.

Highly recommend...go visit!

Can you speak more about the "strong leadership that is transparent"? Specifically, there were a lot of complaints in the fall that this school failed to open and leadership was not good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This School is a gem. Strong leadership that is transparent. True sense of community and kids learn character values. Strong academic curriculum.

Highly recommend...go visit!

Can you speak more about the "strong leadership that is transparent"? Specifically, there were a lot of complaints in the fall that this school failed to open and leadership was not good.

The school opened virtually, as did most schools. They are now in-person, I believe.

The HOS school they hired turned out to be a disappointment, but the current HOS is simply amazing. She's taught at the school for over five years and was head of the Upper School before being elevated to HOS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This School is a gem. Strong leadership that is transparent. True sense of community and kids learn character values. Strong academic curriculum.

Highly recommend...go visit!

Can you speak more about the "strong leadership that is transparent"? Specifically, there were a lot of complaints in the fall that this school failed to open and leadership was not good.

The school opened virtually, as did most schools. They are now in-person, I believe.

The HOS school they hired turned out to be a disappointment, but the current HOS is simply amazing. She's taught at the school for over five years and was head of the Upper School before being elevated to HOS.

I think they did in person instruction quite a bit later than similarly sized schools. Which was really important to private school parent this year.
Glad to hear people are happy with the new HOS. There were many complaints that were public earlier this year, so I think it’s fair people are trying to get the full picture after hearing vastly different opinions on this forum about CES. Parents calling troll when questioned about the now glowing reports doesn’t help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This School is a gem. Strong leadership that is transparent. True sense of community and kids learn character values. Strong academic curriculum.

Highly recommend...go visit!

Can you speak more about the "strong leadership that is transparent"? Specifically, there were a lot of complaints in the fall that this school failed to open and leadership was not good.

The school opened virtually, as did most schools. They are now in-person, I believe.

The HOS school they hired turned out to be a disappointment, but the current HOS is simply amazing. She's taught at the school for over five years and was head of the Upper School before being elevated to HOS.

I think they did in person instruction quite a bit later than similarly sized schools. Which was really important to private school parent this year.
Glad to hear people are happy with the new HOS. There were many complaints that were public earlier this year, so I think it’s fair people are trying to get the full picture after hearing vastly different opinions on this forum about CES. Parents calling troll when questioned about the now glowing reports doesn’t help.

There is a difference between asking questions and heavily implying that something is fishy. Questions are fine. Regarding this fall, Kindergarten essentially came back to campus from the get-go, it was about 4-6 weeks for 1-4 to start coming back, and 5-8 started some time after winter break. Was it slower than desired? Absolutely. But, CES had the unfortunate timing of the long-time HOS’ retirement taking place in June 2020. There was an interim Head who, as was already mentioned, wasn’t a good fit and was overly cautious. The permanent HOS replaced him in December, and was far more decisive. That being said, I know a family who switched their child to CES in the winter from a highly-ranked public school in Bethesda even though their child would have to be partially virtual for a few more weeks and said the virtual learning was amazing. In any case, I haven’t seen parents call people asking legitimate questions on here a troll...saying things like “whoa something is up” is not a question, it’s an implication. CES parents will gladly answer actual questions. They love the school and want to spread the word. If that is perceived as over the top by some, well, it is what it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This School is a gem. Strong leadership that is transparent. True sense of community and kids learn character values. Strong academic curriculum.

Highly recommend...go visit!

Can you speak more about the "strong leadership that is transparent"? Specifically, there were a lot of complaints in the fall that this school failed to open and leadership was not good.

The school opened virtually, as did most schools. They are now in-person, I believe.

The HOS school they hired turned out to be a disappointment, but the current HOS is simply amazing. She's taught at the school for over five years and was head of the Upper School before being elevated to HOS.

I think they did in person instruction quite a bit later than similarly sized schools. Which was really important to private school parent this year.
Glad to hear people are happy with the new HOS. There were many complaints that were public earlier this year, so I think it’s fair people are trying to get the full picture after hearing vastly different opinions on this forum about CES. Parents calling troll when questioned about the now glowing reports doesn’t help.

There is a difference between asking questions and heavily implying that something is fishy. Questions are fine. Regarding this fall, Kindergarten essentially came back to campus from the get-go, it was about 4-6 weeks for 1-4 to start coming back, and 5-8 started some time after winter break. Was it slower than desired? Absolutely. But, CES had the unfortunate timing of the long-time HOS’ retirement taking place in June 2020. There was an interim Head who, as was already mentioned, wasn’t a good fit and was overly cautious. The permanent HOS replaced him in December, and was far more decisive. That being said, I know a family who switched their child to CES in the winter from a highly-ranked public school in Bethesda even though their child would have to be partially virtual for a few more weeks and said the virtual learning was amazing. In any case, I haven’t seen parents call people asking legitimate questions on here a troll...saying things like “whoa something is up” is not a question, it’s an implication. CES parents will gladly answer actual questions. They love the school and want to spread the word. If that is perceived as over the top by some, well, it is what it is.

My issue was with 9:56 calling troll, not you. You can surely see as a parent not at the school, seeing the difference in attitude toward this school from the fall to spring would make people wonder what happened...and, yes, "whoa something is up". Semantics, possibly, and could have been asked in a nicer way, but 9:56 was overly aggressive.
It must be a great school if so many parents speak so highly of it. That says a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This School is a gem. Strong leadership that is transparent. True sense of community and kids learn character values. Strong academic curriculum.

Highly recommend...go visit!

Can you speak more about the "strong leadership that is transparent"? Specifically, there were a lot of complaints in the fall that this school failed to open and leadership was not good.

The school opened virtually, as did most schools. They are now in-person, I believe.

The HOS school they hired turned out to be a disappointment, but the current HOS is simply amazing. She's taught at the school for over five years and was head of the Upper School before being elevated to HOS.

I think they did in person instruction quite a bit later than similarly sized schools. Which was really important to private school parent this year.
Glad to hear people are happy with the new HOS. There were many complaints that were public earlier this year, so I think it’s fair people are trying to get the full picture after hearing vastly different opinions on this forum about CES. Parents calling troll when questioned about the now glowing reports doesn’t help.

There is a difference between asking questions and heavily implying that something is fishy. Questions are fine. Regarding this fall, Kindergarten essentially came back to campus from the get-go, it was about 4-6 weeks for 1-4 to start coming back, and 5-8 started some time after winter break. Was it slower than desired? Absolutely. But, CES had the unfortunate timing of the long-time HOS’ retirement taking place in June 2020. There was an interim Head who, as was already mentioned, wasn’t a good fit and was overly cautious. The permanent HOS replaced him in December, and was far more decisive. That being said, I know a family who switched their child to CES in the winter from a highly-ranked public school in Bethesda even though their child would have to be partially virtual for a few more weeks and said the virtual learning was amazing. In any case, I haven’t seen parents call people asking legitimate questions on here a troll...saying things like “whoa something is up” is not a question, it’s an implication. CES parents will gladly answer actual questions. They love the school and want to spread the word. If that is perceived as over the top by some, well, it is what it is.

My issue was with 9:56 calling troll, not you. You can surely see as a parent not at the school, seeing the difference in attitude toward this school from the fall to spring would make people wonder what happened...and, yes, "whoa something is up". Semantics, possibly, and could have been asked in a nicer way, but 9:56 was overly aggressive.
It must be a great school if so many parents speak so highly of it. That says a lot.

I will definitely agree that there was a period where the tone was different. But, CES was wonderful pre-interim HOS and is wonderful post-interim HOS. I think what people are seeing on various forums is excitement from parents regarding the direction of the school under Mrs. Stone, the new HOS, and happiness that the fantastic legacy left by Dr. Chapin is being carried forward but also improved upon by Mrs. Stone. There is a lot to be proud of and parents feel very comfortable advocating quite vocally now because of confidence in Mrs. Stone’s leadership.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with PP. We have had a wonderful experience at CES. The curriculum is strong the the teachers/staff/community are so loving. The school turns out students that get accepted to their first choice high school programs and are widely respected by those high schools. It's an amazing place. Like other posters said, they are offering a PS summer camp this year, and holding an extra open house that is off season. Why is it questionable to advertise that?? The parents I know in the school truly love it and want to spread the word. This school has been known as "Rockville's hidden gem" for decades. Perhaps they just don't want it to be hidden anymore!

Lol yeah sure

[Anonymous]

I'm actually one of the parents who complained about the school not opening fully in the other thread. However, if you notice, my complaint and the complaints of others were only about the school not opening in person - never about the instruction, academic rigor or school community itself. All of those things are actually wonderful. I was just rightfully impatient in the Fall but am very pleased with the leadership of the current HOS. She has her ear to the ground and her own kids are enrolled there so she has a vested interest in doing what's best for the school community. She acted expeditiously to re-open the school and has identified what parents want and makes every effort to keep the kids engaged and the parents satisfied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Interest timing on this post OP. Things that make you say hmmmmmm

This is just a weird comment. CES has always been more of a rolling admissions school, so it’s not exactly strange to see people advertise or the school hold events throughout the year (not just admissions “season”). They have an event next month. So not sure why the timing of this post would be considered “interesting.”

Np There have been so many comments on this forum as well as next door I kind of wonder what’s going on too.

If this doesn't epitomize DCUM, I don't know what does. Parents' enthusiasm for the school has crossed over the threshold of whatever some people here deem appropriate, and therefore the school must be the opposite of what they say it is. SMH. What's going on is that there is an off-season open house and summer camp coming up that the school/parents will be advertising. So yes, you will probably see a lot of activity here and on Nextdoor. Tough crowd when parent enthusiasm is viewed as ominous or suspicious. They are literally using these platforms as intended. CES is a wonderful school. The trolling and snark here are ridiculous.

Slow your roll lady Jesus

[Anonymous]

We have friends with children there - at older grades now - and they have been happy both pre-COVID and during COVID

[Anonymous]

We looked here years ago for my daughter for K and decided to pass and try our public instead. We then reconsidered a couple of years ago, enrolled and afterwards really regretted not enrolling her sooner. It is a good fit for her - we really liked the small class sizes and sense of community. And I felt like my daughter actually had fun while learning which is something she didn't experience in her public school.

I will say I was not impressed with the former interim HOS and was really challenged by his glacial pace. But I am extremely pleased with the current HOS. She has pivoted nicely, is a real workhorse and adeptly balances the needs of the students and families during COVID-19.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Interest timing on this post OP. Things that make you say hmmmmmm

This is just a weird comment. CES has always been more of a rolling admissions school, so it’s not exactly strange to see people advertise or the school hold events throughout the year (not just admissions “season”). They have an event next month. So not sure why the timing of this post would be considered “interesting.”

Np There have been so many comments on this forum as well as next door I kind of wonder what’s going on too.

If this doesn't epitomize DCUM, I don't know what does. Parents' enthusiasm for the school has crossed over the threshold of whatever some people here deem appropriate, and therefore the school must be the opposite of what they say it is. SMH. What's going on is that there is an off-season open house and summer camp coming up that the school/parents will be advertising. So yes, you will probably see a lot of activity here and on Nextdoor. Tough crowd when parent enthusiasm is viewed as ominous or suspicious. They are literally using these platforms as intended. CES is a wonderful school. The trolling and snark here are ridiculous.

It's not trolling. There has been much discussion on how this school is in financial trouble. I would want to research that before signing up for the school. It's just so over the top it seems like people are set out to "save" it. Which I hope happens, like it did with my kid's school Seneca. Good luck! But, yes, people can wonder what is going on without trolling.

PP - how do you like Seneca?

[Anonymous]

If you like having super small class sizes and have a child that fits “it the box,” you will likely not mind paying the 22k. If you are looking for a strong STEM program, innovative teaching or a school that encourages “out of the box thinking,” you will likely be disappointed. The saying ‘All that glitters is not gold’ comes to mind with this school. We have friends that love CES and we have friends that have transferred out. The parents and staff that post on this board will paint a perfect picture of the school because they want it to succeed. We liked the school when we were there and wish it well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you like having super small class sizes and have a child that fits “it the box,” you will likely not mind paying the 22k. If you are looking for a strong STEM program, innovative teaching or a school that encourages “out of the box thinking,” you will likely be disappointed. The saying ‘All that glitters is not gold’ comes to mind with this school. We have friends that love CES and we have friends that have transferred out. The parents and staff that post on this board will paint a perfect picture of the school because they want it to succeed. We liked the school when we were there and wish it well.

For someone who wishes the school well, this is certainly an attempt to paint a damning picture! I would imagine that most parents on here who are happy with their child’s school will try to convey a positive message on DCUM, so that’s not exactly unique to CES. I am sorry if the above was your experience at CES, but my children’s has been the opposite. They love how diverse the student body is and we haven’t observed there to be a “box” that students must fit into in order to be successful there. The school is ramping up STEAM offerings under the new Head and the teachers are phenomenal. Re: the tuition, that is not the cost anymore as the new Head lowered it. In any case, our family and our friends’ families cannot relate to the PP’s gripes about the school. Hopefully interested parents who read that will still take a look and draw their own conclusions. Personally, I can’t say enough good things about CES.