Beauvoir

[Anonymous]

PP, I agree completely. Norwood better prepares them for STA? I don't know, given that the sample of Norwood kids who have gone on to STA is ridiculously small. I'm not being mean here, I'm just saying that I wouldn't base any conclusions on the 5-6 Norwood kids who have gone on to STA. On the other hand, I wonder why it is that of the Beauvoir kids accepted to STA, very few of them don't go on to succeed at the school? Perhaps STA has a special interest in keeping their "younger brothers", but frankly if Beauvoir were so bad you would hear the parents themselves complaining like mad when the kids enter the first year. I haven't heard any complaints. Except here. That's all you hear here.

[Anonymous]

I think many of these comments are posted to get prospective applicants to think twice. Result more vacancies for other applicants.

[Anonymous]

I'm the person who posted about Norwood. I heard it from a current Beauvoir parent. That's why I said I had heard it. Not that it was true. Flame me if you want to, but perhaps you ought to start the withhunt within the current B parent community.

[Anonymous]

I'm not a previous poster either, but I have heard from current parents that STA is quite different than Beauvoir and it's not always an easy transition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not a previous poster either, but I have heard from current parents that STA is quite different than Beauvoir and it's not always an easy transition.

I'm a B/STA parent and on that I would agree. However to say that Norwood necessarily prepares them better is sort of out of left field. I have no idea about Norwood, but it's just a strange comment to make, especially based simply on talking with one B/STA parent. I would say that Beauvoir could do a better job in many areas in terms of preparing kids for those other cathedral schools (in terms of knowing math facts better...not stressed to any great degree at Beauvoir/having some preparation for the amount of homework, and generally being accustomed to more significant responsibility), but then their mission may not be to guarantee a smooth transition to STA or NCS. They have their own mission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the person who posted about Norwood. I heard it from a current Beauvoir parent. That's why I said I had heard it. Not that it was true. Flame me if you want to, but perhaps you ought to start the withhunt within the current B parent community.

My intent was not to Flame you (I am sorry to quote your post in my little rant) it was to flame those in the Beauvoir parent community who are posting their issues here. Have they spoken to the head of school? The classroom teachers? No! they post on a board where we do not even need to sign in or post a user name and say how bad things are, I stand by my statements above. I had heard about the transistion from Beauvoir to STA when I worked in DC and yes it was hard for many of the boys.

[Anonymous]

When students transition to different schools is always going to be difficult. In public school when our fifth and sixth graders transition to Middle school it is a difficult transition. When Middle school students transition to High School another difficult transition. Every institution is going to have different policies, routines, and procedures thus making the transition difficult.

I do agree that Beauvoir parents need to vent their concerns to the head during Parent Coffees or other school events. That is the only way change will come. PP excellent comment regarding differences in mission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When students transition to different schools is always going to be difficult. In public school when our fifth and sixth graders transition to Middle school it is a difficult transition. When Middle school students transition to High School another difficult transition. Every institution is going to have different policies, routines, and procedures thus making the transition difficult.

I do agree that Beauvoir parents need to vent their concerns to the head during Parent Coffees or other school events. That is the only way change will come. PP excellent comment regarding differences in mission.

I've been to those coffee hours and other such events. I've seen other parents vent. Most come across as crazed. Probably because they are. Venting here serves many purposes. It allows us to get it out of our sytem. It allows us to say what we are really thinking. It allows us to share with similarly situated others and those who might be interested in the school. It allows us to communicate with the head and other key administrators. They do read DCUM! They seem to do a nice job of ignoring the idiocy, and taking the nuggets of wisdom and suggestions to heart, and yes, I've seen it happen, implementing change as a result.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When students transition to different schools is always going to be difficult. In public school when our fifth and sixth graders transition to Middle school it is a difficult transition. When Middle school students transition to High School another difficult transition. Every institution is going to have different policies, routines, and procedures thus making the transition difficult.

I do agree that Beauvoir parents need to vent their concerns to the head during Parent Coffees or other school events. That is the only way change will come. PP excellent comment regarding differences in mission.

I've been to those coffee hours and other such events. I've seen other parents vent. Most come across as crazed. Probably because they are. Venting here serves many purposes. It allows us to get it out of our sytem. It allows us to say what we are really thinking. It allows us to share with similarly situated others and those who might be interested in the school. It allows us to communicate with the head and other key administrators. They do read DCUM! They seem to do a nice job of ignoring the idiocy, and taking the nuggets of wisdom and suggestions to heart, and yes, I've seen it happen, implementing change as a result.

It is my understanding that significant changes are being implemented to increase the rigor of the Mathematics Program at Beauvoir. I know this was a direct result of a conversation during a Parent Coffee held earlier this year. I am a working mother and can not always attend these meetings it would be nice if the school would provide a written summary of the meeting for parents who are not able to attend or at least post the information in the secure section of the website.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have an idea of how the academics at Beauvoir compare to Norwood or WES?

We've been looking into this also. Haven't learned much about how Norwood stacks up, and would appreciate info.

Everyone I spoke to (including an educational consultant) seems to agree that WES is extremely rigorous (kids really have to work for top grades -- no grade inflation) and that the grads are well prepared for any high school. Talked to one parent who moved 2 of her 3 kids from Cathedral schools to WES because they needed more structure and discipline. Thought that was interesting because aren't the Cathedral schools also supposed to be very traditional and structured?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have an idea of how the academics at Beauvoir compare to Norwood or WES?

We've been looking into this also. Haven't learned much about how Norwood stacks up, and would appreciate info.

Everyone I spoke to (including an educational consultant) seems to agree that WES is extremely rigorous (kids really have to work for top grades -- no grade inflation) and that the grads are well prepared for any high school. Talked to one parent who moved 2 of her 3 kids from Cathedral schools to WES because they needed more structure and discipline. Thought that was interesting because aren't the Cathedral schools also supposed to be very traditional and structured?

WES is easier in upper elementary and middle school than ncs , sta, and Norwood. Norwood and WES students apply to STA since they end at grade 8.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have an idea of how the academics at Beauvoir compare to Norwood or WES?

I have heard that Norwood does a better job of preparing kids for schools like STA and NCS than Beauvoir does. I found that interesting since Beauvoir is supposed to be the feeder. No clue on WES.

You people who bitch and moan are amazing! If Beauvoir is such a terrible place, no one feels welcome, there are too many mean families, the lunch is not good enough etc, etc, etc! Then put up or shut up!!! Pull your children OUT send them to other schools that you think do a better job or better yet do not apply so that those who think it is a good place can send their child to the school. If Beauvoir did not prepare their students for STA and NCS then STA and NCS would not admit them (I know some of you think that Beauvoir has some magical power to get children in anywhere they want but lets not start that discussion again) I do not understand why Beauvoir and the cathedral schools get such reactions and venom shot at them on this website. There are a number of very good independent schools in the DC metro area all of which have their pros and cons no place is perfect for all but may be for someone's famliy. Focus on what is best for your family and if you do not find it at product A move on to B. Before anyone asks I am not part of the cathedral community and I have not lived in the DC area for a few years but I was a teacher in DCPS system and had many great interactions with many students and teachers from the DC independent schools. Just my two cents. [b]FIRE WHEN READY!

My sense is that most of the venom comes from outside of the Beauvoir community. Most within might quibble here and there about this or that, but truly love the place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have an idea of how the academics at Beauvoir compare to Norwood or WES?

I have heard that Norwood does a better job of preparing kids for schools like STA and NCS than Beauvoir does. I found that interesting since Beauvoir is supposed to be the feeder. No clue on WES.

You people who bitch and moan are amazing! If Beauvoir is such a terrible place, no one feels welcome, there are too many mean families, the lunch is not good enough etc, etc, etc! Then put up or shut up!!! Pull your children OUT send them to other schools that you think do a better job or better yet do not apply so that those who think it is a good place can send their child to the school. If Beauvoir did not prepare their students for STA and NCS then STA and NCS would not admit them (I know some of you think that Beauvoir has some magical power to get children in anywhere they want but lets not start that discussion again) I do not understand why Beauvoir and the cathedral schools get such reactions and venom shot at them on this website. There are a number of very good independent schools in the DC metro area all of which have their pros and cons no place is perfect for all but may be for someone's famliy. Focus on what is best for your family and if you do not find it at product A move on to B. Before anyone asks I am not part of the cathedral community and I have not lived in the DC area for a few years but I was a teacher in DCPS system and had many great interactions with many students and teachers from the DC independent schools. Just my two cents. [b]FIRE WHEN READY!

My sense is that most of the venom comes from outside of the Beauvoir community. Most within might quibble here and there about this or that, but truly love the place.

Yes, regardless of any diversity issues that my family and social subset experienced, I can say that I truly do love Beauvoir. And, most importantly, my ds has cherished memories of his teachers and friends. He felt cared about and loved there. Couldn't ask for anything more.

[Anonymous]

Yes, regardless of any diversity issues that my family and social subset experienced, I can say that I truly do love Beauvoir. And, most importantly, my ds has cherished memories of his teachers and friends. He felt cared about and loved there. Couldn't ask for anything more.

What diversity issues have your family and social subset experienced? Please elaborate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Yes, regardless of any diversity issues that my family and social subset experienced, I can say that I truly do love Beauvoir. And, most importantly, my ds has cherished memories of his teachers and friends. He felt cared about and loved there. Couldn't ask for anything more.

What diversity issues have your family and social subset experienced? Please elaborate.


We were a small group of non-traditional and economically diverse families that were of a different fit at Beauvoir. You wouldn't describe any of us as shy or reserved. We volunteered at school functions and in our children's classrooms. In general, we usually felt out-of-place during parent mixers so would only converse with each other. In comparing notes, most of us experienced being ignored on some level, i.e., not being looked at, at all, stilted one-on-one conversations (wouldn't describe it as small talk awkwardness), feeling "cliqued out" with no where to fit in, icky moments when class distinctions would become all-too apparent -- chit-chat about exotic, vacation plans.