School recommendations?

[Anonymous]

Wanted: Academically rigorous school for current 3rd grader for next year. He's an accelerated student (assessed multiple grade levels ahead in reading and is also ahead in math), but absolutely needs small classes. He is encountering more and more in-classroom problems as the public school classes get bigger).

Location: Lower MoCo or DC areas that would be a relatively reasonable commute from SS area.

So far, it seems like Norwood and Sheridan may be good places to explore further. Others?

He really does need a smaller, quieter environment. He is a child who actively avoids crowds and often complains about school b/c he can't focus with all the talking going on around him.

[Anonymous]

Not Sheridan -- its a small school but because there is one class per grade, that class can be loud. St. Patricks?

Is it possible he has ADHD?

[Anonymous]

No one, not pediatrician or teachers, think he has ADHD. We are testing to see if we can figure out root cause of issues.

[Anonymous]

WES

[Anonymous]

No school is going to be "multiple grade levels ahead". If accurate, you need to find a truly specialized program, not a standard private.

[Anonymous]

Sheridan and NPS are both small, but foster great learning environments. Norwood might be a good place for you, location-wise and its bigger than Sheridan and NPS, so two classes per grade as opposed to one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No school is going to be "multiple grade levels ahead". If accurate, you need to find a truly specialized program, not a standard private.

I don't think that is true. There are many kids who are reading above grade level at area privates. Eventually that evens out.

[Anonymous]

Norwood is three homerooms per grade - with the exception of the current 3rd grade class that is four homerooms. There is usually 18-19 children/homeroom.

There is ability grouping, but if your child is working multiple grades ahead, not sure how that would work. I would talk with Admissions.

[Anonymous]

Whenever these conversations occur, I can never understand how someone knows her child is working"several grades ahead."

I should start a new thread.

[Anonymous]

St. Anselms would probably be a good fit but it starts in 6th grade.

The problem you are going to face is that compared to MoCo, no private is going to accelerate your child the way that they accelerate in public.

ability grouping is different than acceleration.

There are other benefits that you are looking for such as smaller classes and the opportunity to do other things like language but you really need to look at the curriculum's to see if it will meet your needs. We found it did not.

[Anonymous]

What others have said is true. Private schools will usually not differentiate kids in math until 6th grade at the very earliest. You would be better off sticking with a G+T program in MoCo if you want your child pushed ahead.

[Anonymous]

I have a son who sounds similar to yours and the schools that were recommended to us were Norwood, St. Patrick's, WES, and NPS. NPS may not be the best choice for you since it ends at 6th grade and your child would be applying for 4th. We ruled out Sheridan for the same reason PP mentioned- one large class is not a good idea for kids who tend to get distracted. You may also want to look into Landon and Maret to see if they might fit. I know that Landon has learning center to help kids with issues like ADHD. Even though your child doesn't have this, they would probably have the resources and ability to work with your son on learning to cope with distractions.

[Anonymous]

McLean in Potomac, MD?

You should look at Lowell too (relatively closeby).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:McLean in Potomac, MD?

You should look at Lowell too (relatively closeby).

I was thinking McLean, but with a clear eye to what you are getting. My DS goes there and is truly ahead in reading. He was a completely fluent reader when he started in kindergarten. I also know of a child who is gifted and advanced in math who is doing well there. Part of the individualization that they offer is support for kids who are ahead in one area. My DS absolutely needs the small classes and structure and it has been a great fit for him, even though he is advanced in some areas. BUT . . . in general, it is not as rigorous as other privates in the area. You really have to visit and get a sense yourself for whether it is a good fit. They would be able to handle your DS' issues with distraction beautifully, probably better than any other school in the area. The question for you would be the academics. You can ask their admissions department questions like this and they may be very helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sheridan and NPS are both small, but foster great learning environments. Norwood might be a good place for you, location-wise and its bigger than Sheridan and NPS, so two classes per grade as opposed to one.

NPS has 2-3 classes per grade.