S/O: Holton Parents - "I wish I had known x" type advice

[Anonymous]

Just read the NCS thread. There is some bashing, although not as much as I'd have expected, but also some posts that seem to hold information that seems well-thought out and worth considering. We're interested in a couple of schools for DD and would be interested in responses on similar threads.

[Anonymous]

Are you the poster who has started all these "I wish I had known" posts?

[Anonymous]

I'm curious to see what people say here. I posted in the NCS thread that I am an alum and I wouldn't send my daughter - so Holton is definitely a place I would consider.

[Anonymous]

I didn't start the NCS. But, I acknowledged in both this thread and the Stone Ridge thread that I started these based on the NCS thread and wanting to see more thoughts on each of these schools as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn't start the NCS. But, I acknowledged in both this thread and the Stone Ridge thread that I started these based on the NCS thread and wanting to see more thoughts on each of these schools as well.

Because you have a daughter who is thinking about attending, or because you are just curious, or because you like to stir the pot, or because you enjoy watching the independent school moms get their panties all in a bunch before unleashing the damage control squads?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn't start the NCS. But, I acknowledged in both this thread and the Stone Ridge thread that I started these based on the NCS thread and wanting to see more thoughts on each of these schools as well.

Because you have a daughter who is thinking about attending, or because you are just curious, or because you like to stir the pot, or because you enjoy watching the independent school moms get their panties all in a bunch before unleashing the damage control squads?

I think I said in my first post, and in the SR thread, that we're interested in these schools for our DD. Hate trolls and threads that devolve into bashing. Sorry to see that you assume such nefarious intent!

[Anonymous]

I wish I had worried less about some of the really negative posts. My DD loved the school. DH and I felt really good about it when we toured. We really second guessed our instincts because the negative posts about any school tend to be pretty memorable. In retrospect, we came very close to talking ourselves out of following DD's lead and our own guts. DD has been really truly happy at school. Her confidence has increased and she's found a very kind group of friends. I think fit is really key and no school can be all things for all kids. So I guess this is less Holton specific, but broadly, you know your child better than anyone. Your child probably has a good sense of their own needs. If your family feels a school is the right fit and the school feels your child is the right fit for the child, go for it. Best of luck making your decision!

[Anonymous]

I wish I had known to request a specific teacher for DD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish I had worried less about some of the really negative posts. My DD loved the school. DH and I felt really good about it when we toured. We really second guessed our instincts because the negative posts about any school tend to be pretty memorable. In retrospect, we came very close to talking ourselves out of following DD's lead and our own guts. DD has been really truly happy at school. Her confidence has increased and she's found a very kind group of friends. I think fit is really key and no school can be all things for all kids. So I guess this is less Holton specific, but broadly, you know your child better than anyone. Your child probably has a good sense of their own needs. If your family feels a school is the right fit and the school feels your child is the right fit for the child, go for it. Best of luck making your decision!

I agree with the feel of a right fit. But if I could hand out one piece of advice, I would encourage parents to thoroughly look BEYOND the grade you are applying for even if your intentions are to have DC in a school for specific grades. This doesn't just include the academics. I went to a 'rate the teacher' website with ratings from parents and students. My DC had one of the teacher's rated and I dismissed the poor rating and comments as disgruntled students. They were right on the money.

Of course, you take these websites with a grain of salt as you would with DCUM. However, as I agreed with PP, fit is critical and all schools put on their best front during application time. There is NO perfect school but DCUM does get mature, level-headed posters (along with the rift-raft), and I would encourage investigating their experiences along with your own observations far and beyond the grade you are applying for. This not by any means a perfect solution and is time consuming but it could possibly avoid grief for DC.

[Anonymous]

Good advice 09:35. One of the schools we looked at a few years back (and almost picked for DC) did not offer particular types of advanced classes that we knew DC would probably want based on a present strong interest at the time.

While our crystal ball was cracked and kids interest change, we recognized at an early age that DC had a propensity for the subject. So, reluctantly, we did not choose our first choice. It was the right decision as we found another good private that would be a better academic fit and has worked out socially. Again, it was not easy letting the 1st school go but we did look at the bigger future picture as much as we could. No regrets!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish I had known to request a specific teacher for DD.

We did and were denied. The school knows what is best for you. Pay and go away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish I had known to request a specific teacher for DD.

\

That has got to be the worst advice ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish I had known to request a specific teacher for DD.

We did and were denied. The school knows what is best for you. Pay and go away.

Unfortunately, the only way you get a specific teacher is to homeschool. Sometimes, DC's schedule (sports, conflict with specialized classes, etc) prevent accommodation for a particular teacher. It's not always because it's a control game.

[Anonymous]

I wish I had known that the school is so warm and the that we would meet so many parents that we enjoy spending time with. I actually look forward to attending parent socials, it gives us a chance to hangout with some really fun parents and have great conversations. Also, I wish I had known how far the school will go to ensure the success of my DD. All girls are treated well regardless of race or SES.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish I had known that the school is so warm and the that we would meet so many parents that we enjoy spending time with. I actually look forward to attending parent socials, it gives us a chance to hangout with some really fun parents and have great conversations. Also, I wish I had known how far the school will go to ensure the success of my DD. All girls are treated well regardless of race or SES.

The construction "I wish I had know . . . " implies you would have done something differently, had you known. What would you have done differently?