Nicest parent communities which schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Over the years I have learned that when people start resorting to personal attacks and name-calling the person being attacked is usually the one that should be trusted.

Yes, NCS people are so extra. I know several and they are nauseating. That parent was not very negative. They suggested that not much has changed at NCS wrt DEI after the recent hire which is probably true. They reminded us that NCS’ DEI head quit suddenly mid-year a couple years ago. Also true. Finally, they described how NCS responds to parent concerns (with gaslighting). Maybe true? Maybe not? No school is perfect and there are a lot of defensive people in this area, case in point, this post. Seriously, stop calling posters trolls when you don’t like what they say. You all are the trolls.

[Anonymous]

We have really liked the parent community at GDS and our kids are really happy there.

[Anonymous]

We liked the Burke parent community more than the community at a Big 3 School but YMMV. But I'd pick the school based on the kid's needs not my preferences for parent events.

[Anonymous]

Parent events and kids’ experiences can go hand in hand.

[Anonymous]

We’ve been really happy with the community at Maret. Really wonderful families in both our kids’ classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sadly not STA. It varies some by class but large population of mean girl moms who never mentally graduated from junior high.

This is sad to hear. I had hoped STA would figure this out. The Chevy crowd at STA (and NCS) is vicious. Hands down probably one of the worst crowds in the DMV.

NCS keeps this crowd more contained from what I have heard. They are there but their input is kept at a minimum. NCS PA presidents last few years are African American and not in the club crowd and neither is the executive committee.

Different at STA. At STA half of the PA grade reps and exec committee are members of CCC (some Congo - same crowd too) as well as the Governing Board. It’s a very who knows who place and that’s how you get those positions. Parents select their replacement so many parents get overlooked. Same friend group keeps these spots with the exception of one two.

Have kids at both and agree. PA and leadership and grade reps more diverse socially and racially at NCS. School selects them at NCS. Parents select them at STA. Big difference.

I don't think the school selecting reps is a good thing although STA's model is worse. PA leadership at STA is invited to serve by four people usually CCC members.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s a family in the STA senior class that likes to blackball people at their clubs for sport. They have been involved with blackballing at least a few families at CCC and I just heard that she’s trying to blackball another parent from joining another club she belongs to despite that parent having a lot of support. What a crazy lady!

100% the best way to join clubs in DC is to be a member before your kids go to school. Otherwise school gripes seep into membership consideration/gossip.

There are many posts about this parent, seems like it must be common knowledge in the community?

This is three different posts combined into one… formatting off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent events and kids’ experiences can go hand in hand.

Absolutely agree. They are not separate at all even in highschool. Privates around here are very social and many social activities for the kids include the parents like trips or family events etc..

[Anonymous]

Even in high school? I had hoped that the kids would make their own friends by high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Even in high school? I had hoped that the kids would make their own friends by high school.

Of course they make their own friends but there is a very significant social component at certain schools with heavily involves entire families and parents etc... If you are not friends with the parents you are not included or part of it and neither is your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have really liked the parent community at GDS and our kids are really happy there.

Same here! Our kids have graduated but we are still in touch with many parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Even in high school? I had hoped that the kids would make their own friends by high school.

Of course they make their own friends but there is a very significant social component at certain schools with heavily involves entire families and parents etc... If you are not friends with the parents you are not included or part of it and neither is your child.

My kid is at the center of the super popular crowd at his/her Big3 high school and we have nothing in common with the other parents (many of whom are lifers whereas we arrived in 9th grade). The other parents used to openly look through us but now our kid has spent so much time at their homes they are nice to us when they see us at school events. However we certainly don't hang out together outside of school.

Our second kid wants nothing to do with the popular crowd. It's been sort of a relief. I was not popular growing up and my husband even more of a geek. Our first child's social world is foreign to both of us.

[Anonymous]

Lowell! Down to earth parent body, not pretentious at all.

[Anonymous]

Second this about Lowell!

[Anonymous]

I didn’t realize the extent to which parent friendships dictate the social scene for the kids. This thread is eye-opening!