Flint Hill Lower School Unable to Fill Classes

[Anonymous]

This year and next year, Flint Hill School has been unable to fill its Kindergarten classes and possibly (from what I hear) its First Grade classes too. There are big problems with the head of the Lower School and financial problems too. If you are considering FH Lower School, ask hard questions and listen carefully to the answers.

[Anonymous]

We toured Flint Hill's lower school for a middle elementary grade. While it was wonderful, what they were doing was nearly identical to what our kid was already doing at public school. All they really had to offer was smaller class sizes and nicer facilities. We decided to revisit the idea for middle or high school when the difference between FH and public is greater. Maybe that's happening a lot more than they realize.

[Anonymous]

I'd be interested in hearing more about this- I'm considering applying for K for the 2014 yr so just starting to learn about all of this. I'm not sure i know the questions to ask to get more information as initial poster said. How is what they are doing similar to the public school- besides class size and facilities? Can anyone talk about experience at the elementary level? I like what i heard from a friend of a friend, but it was a high school experience. At this point i don't think my child has a learning disability, and am not worried about it in regards to services we may potentially need. Greatly appreciate information.

[Anonymous]

OP is just trying to sow poison and trouble. I have had extensive dealings with the head of the lower school, and can testify that she is exceptional. To say otherwise is scurrilous.

[Anonymous]

Hmm, I grew up in this area and remembering even as a kid wondeirng why kids when to Flint Hill since there didn't seem to be anything that stood out about it. I ended up believing that it was a "special" school and actually believed it up until I met someone at college who went there.

[Anonymous]

Poster is waitlisted at Flint Hill?

[Anonymous]

Look at what is covered at each grade level and whether there is accelerated learning. Ask about standardized test scores.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm, I think that is the OP's point -- there probably is no waitlist for those grade levels...

[Anonymous]

I know nothing about Flint Hill but I do know that periodically people come on and attack schools and it should be taken with a grain of salt. There have been posts like this about every school around here. Think about it, why would someone come on and post "I just heard something about a school that should make everyone hate it."? No identifying information for how OP heard this information or why she would post this attack.

In other words, ignore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP is just trying to sow poison and trouble. I have had extensive dealings with the head of the lower school, and can testify that she is exceptional. To say otherwise is scurrilous.

What about the statement that K and 1st grade are not filled?

It is fine to attack a poster but you did not answer the post. How many spots are available vs how many are filled.

Not being able to fill 1 or 2 seats is probably pretty normal in this economy. but if is 7 or 10, than you have to ask yourself as a prospective parent, why don't other people see this school as a possibility for our kids. what is going on at the school or with the teachers or the head?

These are all valid questions to ask when contemplating spending $32,000 on school. It is a huge investment and more families need to do their due diligence not just at this school but any school they are thinking of attending. If you were going to make an investment in a business of $32,000 would you not ask lot of questions and look at the numbers?

[Anonymous]

I agree with the poster above. I think the original poster is suggesting that people look carefully and ask hard questions, which would be good advice for any potential school, but perhaps more so for Flint Hill. Why do people immediately call someone a liar or suggest ulterior motives? Perhaps a poster is trying to help. As people have noted, it is a lot of money, and most people want to see that it is money wisely spent.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the poster above. I think the original poster is suggesting that people look carefully and ask hard questions, which would be good advice for any potential school, but perhaps more so for Flint Hill. Why do people immediately call someone a liar or suggest ulterior motives? Perhaps a poster is trying to help. As people have noted, it is a lot of money, and most people want to see that it is money wisely spent.

When the original poster speaks about herself in the third person, it does raise questions about motives. You should be careful not to abuse the anonymous posting practice that we allow here.

[Anonymous]

"From what I hear" is the tip off. Posting rumors is bad enough, but posting rumors as attacks should not even be allowed here.

[Anonymous]

Our DCs go to FHS. Great school but very expensive. We have no complaints whatsoever.

[Anonymous]

It's clear the poster has no idea what he/she is talking about. Acceptances at these schools aren't due until March 20--and even at that point some schools may go to a waiting list to fill any potential openings. No one has nailed down their classes at this point. Bizarre.