Did anyone find primary day too "academic" or structured?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really like and respect the HOS too - I'm not a PDS parent or a teacher, just a teacher at another independent school who has had the chance to interact with and receive mentorship from him.

He seems legitimately genuine and I have always heard good things about PDS. I hope that the posters infighting in this forum can recognize that the school is respected by the wider community.

+100. My DDs attended PDS and loved their experience. They were more than well-prepared at their next schools. It's really a lovely school.

[Anonymous]

+1 Proved not to be the school for us but we did come away very impressed.

[Anonymous]

Current PDS parent here. Our child is in 2nd grade and youngest is heading in for PK next year. PDS is nothing short of amazing. It is challenging but nurturing and very genuine. The academics are superior to another private school (award winning)in Bethesda where one of our other children went. The facilities may not be as large or attractive as other schools but the substance truly sets it apart.

[Anonymous]

The facilities look great from the road.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current PDS parent here. Our child is in 2nd grade and youngest is heading in for PK next year. PDS is nothing short of amazing. It is challenging but nurturing and very genuine. The academics are superior to another private school (award winning)in Bethesda where one of our other children went. The facilities may not be as large or attractive as other schools but the substance truly sets it apart.

+1 My DD has thrived here. The academics, art, STEM, languages, and social skills they learn starting in Pre-K are fabulous. The facilities are beautiful and perfect for the 8 and under set.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current PDS parent here. Our child is in 2nd grade and youngest is heading in for PK next year. PDS is nothing short of amazing. It is challenging but nurturing and very genuine. The academics are superior to another private school (award winning)in Bethesda where one of our other children went. The facilities may not be as large or attractive as other schools but the substance truly sets it apart.

Why did you bring up a three month old thread to post this?

[Anonymous]

I"m pulling my Kindergartener out to go to Norwood where I have a 4th grader. PDS is very structured and the academics are antiquated.

[Anonymous]

What academics are antiquated, if any? I haven't found that to be the case at all and there was a parent meeting at the end of last school year specifically addressing the ways in which the curriculum was being refreshed in the future.

[Anonymous]

Antiquated? The reading and writing workshop models are not antiquated approaches to literacy instruction. I have a child at PDS who is thriving.

[Anonymous]

I’m not sure how phonics, Singapore math, writing workshop, Spanish, French, Chinese, STEM, art, music, PE, and responsive classroom are considered antiquated...

[Anonymous]

Omg this school is absurd. Wannabe fancy parents... yikes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I"m pulling my Kindergartener out to go to Norwood where I have a 4th grader. PDS is very structured and the academics are antiquated.

Interesting. DC is in kindergarten with AS/EW and absolutely loves it. I’ve been really impressed with the work that is done in STEM and phonovisual and how much DC has grown this year. I never understand parents who say that a school is too structured. I’m not paying for DC to hang out and play all day, but maybe I have different priorities.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, we've liked most things about PDS but I understand that it's not necessarily going to be the best fit for everyone (and WTF about "wannabe fancy parents," I don't even know what that means...everyone I've met seems friendly enough).

And the "antiquated" complaint makes no sense to me at all. There may be aspects of the school that not every parent loves, and legitimately so, but outdated curriculum shouldn't be one of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, we've liked most things about PDS but I understand that it's not necessarily going to be the best fit for everyone (and WTF about "wannabe fancy parents," I don't even know what that means...everyone I've met seems friendly enough).

And the "antiquated" complaint makes no sense to me at all. There may be aspects of the school that not every parent loves, and legitimately so, but outdated curriculum shouldn't be one of them.

+1 comments like that speak volumes about parents who are NOT at the school, rather than parents who are. Everyone I have come across has been very friendly and welcoming. I do agree that the school is not for everyone like some of the others in the area that are more open to different types of learning styles/differences. PDS is academic and structured and highly beneficial for the right type of child. My kids are thriving there and we have been extremely happy with the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Omg this school is absurd. Wannabe fancy parents... yikes

What does that even mean? You either didn't get in, or have never even been remotely near the school. Seek counseling.