Baltimore Private for Middle School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Social - lots of “questioning” about sexual orientation etc I believe some people are not comfortable with that, and I don’t say that with any blame at all. It can be disconcerting. That said, I’ve had kids in many schools and I think this is how it is these days in middle schools, at least for a certain set of girls. To me, it shows how comfortable kids are at school that they can be so open about gender and sexual orientation.

I think BM is also becoming “the” school for girls (I lose that term cautiously) who are non binary, transitioning, or questioning. At least, that’s what I see happening within my extended friend group. It’s definitely the most “actively” accepting of the local options.

[Anonymous]

Agree. On par with Park.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Roland park is getting new head. Margaret Lofgren.
Amanda at BMS is not leaving, fortunately, as she is wonderful.

Another Bryn mawr parent and most people don’t agree with this. Amanda
should have been gone long ago for many reasons. The lower, upper and head of school are all strong though.

Why do you think so?

She is horrible on racial issues ( she is personally responsible for situation with middle school theatre teacher that led to tri school protests last year, but that is only one of many incidents she handled poorly) and bullying issues. Personally know several families that left school over situations where she failed to intervene, including a member of the board. She favored her daughter and her classmates when they were in middle school. She does not like spirited girls and is much harsher with them than girls she favors. She is also very unpopular with middle school faculty. Really find it shocking that someone who has spent any time at middle school would describe her as lovely. My dd has attended since lower school and is now in upper, and I would unequivocally say she is a real weak link, and should be fired.

If the school, which is hardly a bastion of conservatism, retain her despite all these allegations, odds are pretty good that it is mainly hysteria rather than anything grounded in reality.

She is just a horrible administrator, the faculty are great but the middle school is pretty joyless compared to lower and upper due to Amanda’s style. We stuck through it and are happier with the upper school. God knows why she is still there, but the complains about here go beyond racial issues and are longstanding.

Wow. NP here with a kid in the middle school and this has not been our experience at all. My child’s class is full of joy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Roland park is getting new head. Margaret Lofgren.
Amanda at BMS is not leaving, fortunately, as she is wonderful.

Another Bryn mawr parent and most people don’t agree with this. Amanda
should have been gone long ago for many reasons. The lower, upper and head of school are all strong though.

Why do you think so?

She is horrible on racial issues ( she is personally responsible for situation with middle school theatre teacher that led to tri school protests last year, but that is only one of many incidents she handled poorly) and bullying issues. Personally know several families that left school over situations where she failed to intervene, including a member of the board. She favored her daughter and her classmates when they were in middle school. She does not like spirited girls and is much harsher with them than girls she favors. She is also very unpopular with middle school faculty. Really find it shocking that someone who has spent any time at middle school would describe her as lovely. My dd has attended since lower school and is now in upper, and I would unequivocally say she is a real weak link, and should be fired.

If the school, which is hardly a bastion of conservatism, retain her despite all these allegations, odds are pretty good that it is mainly hysteria rather than anything grounded in reality.

She is just a horrible administrator, the faculty are great but the middle school is pretty joyless compared to lower and upper due to Amanda’s style. We stuck through it and are happier with the upper school. God knows why she is still there, but the complains about here go beyond racial issues and are longstanding.

Wow. NP here with a kid in the middle school and this has not been our experience at all. My child’s class is full of joy.

What year?

[Anonymous]

I’m a PP and completely agree!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you looked at going over the bridge instead? My daughter attends The Gunston School. The Kent School provides transportation and is in Chestertown. It's a great school with a solid reputation.

I was going to say this exact thing. I'd think the commute to Gunston would be better than up to the Baltimore schools, and socially you're much likely to get friends in Annapolis/Kent Island going to Gunston than Baltimore.
I'd also seriously consider the STEM or IB magnets in AACPS. (Granted, it's a lottery, so you might not get in, but IB at least usually has enough spots for all the qualified kids)
- Mom with one in AACPS and one in an Annapolis private

[Anonymous]

I'm aware of all the advantages of a good private education but I also know two graduates of Baltimore private schools who live in Annapolis and sent their children to South River and the kids are going off to great colleges. Something to consider.

I wouldn't subject a child to a twice day commute to a north Baltimore private just for the sake of a private education. If you want private school and find the Annapolis options limited, boarding would be better. McDonogh and Garrison Forrest both offer weekly boarding options.

[Anonymous]

Severn school is very good. Academic is top quality and they send kids to top universities. Loved the Lower School. It is far better than Key school.

[Anonymous]

Isn't Amanda a racist?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm aware of all the advantages of a good private education but I also know two graduates of Baltimore private schools who live in Annapolis and sent their children to South River and the kids are going off to great colleges. Something to consider.

I wouldn't subject a child to a twice day commute to a north Baltimore private just for the sake of a private education. If you want private school and find the Annapolis options limited, boarding would be better. McDonogh and Garrison Forrest both offer weekly boarding options.

Mcdonogh only offers boarding for high school.