Is McLean School too Traditional?

[Anonymous]

Our ed. consultant says McLean is 'very traditional'. Anyone have first hand info. on why it is considered so traditional? For ex, is there quite a bit of homework in the lower grades? Are kids expected to sit in desks all day and write? Would a kid who needs some sensory breaks not thrive there?

[Anonymous]

I think the school would be great for kids with sensory issues, check it out.

[Anonymous]

You need a new ed consultant. Mclean is traditional in the sense that there are regular classes, a stated curriculum and behavior standards. What is not traditional is that each child can have specific accommodations based on different learning styles (auditory vs visual vs kinetic) learning issues, comfort within the classroom etc. There is a very modest amount of hw till 4th grade were long range projects are added ot the mix to help the kids learn to research, plan and organize and to help bring more comfort to making presentations in public.

They do not sit at desks all day and write and yes a kids needing breaks would do fine. They also have an excellent science program, learn spanish, take an instrument or sing in chorus and have PE every day. You might want to visit the school instead of listening toi someone who really does not seem to have a clue how the school functions

[Anonymous]

I would post this in the private and or special needs board.

[Anonymous]

OP. post in special needs. For some reason McLean is not really talked about in the private school forum. It is, however, in special needs.

[Anonymous]

You can also search on the special needs forum as there are several threads dealing with Mclean. Several posters in that forum have an issue with the school b/c it claims to serve kids with learning differences and then rejects lots of applicants with learning differences -- they are very picky about who they can and cannot serve. My dc with learning differences applied last year and was rejected. It seemed like a warm, welcoming school with small classes and teachers who used interesting strategies to teach (dc did a summer school class there as well). The best way to see if it would be a fit is to call and make an appointment for a meeting/tour. That way you will be able to develop your own opinion.

[Anonymous]

Do a search in the Private School forum. There are many posts about Mclean. Mclean tends to take kids with mild to moderate learning issues. If you have severe issues, than you are probably better off at Lab or Kingsbury.