I hear great things about Potomac

[Anonymous]

Switched both kids from Big 3 to Potomac and could not be happier.

They were not being challenged in Big 3 LS; Potomac math/science program is much, much stronger.

[Anonymous]

We really liked a lot of things about Potomac. As a school community though, we heard very unsettling things about upper school pressure, mental health and wellness for students that was alarming, making us choose another route.

No facilities are worth that trade off IMO.

[Anonymous]

Can you elaborate on upper school pressure? I think you might mean academic pressure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a child in the Lower School at Potomac, and we couldn't be happier.

The teachers differentiate the kids as needed, truly care about the kids and are open and available. There are full time reading and math specialists that work with the kids on an almost daily basis. The specialists pull out kids (from just one at a time to a few at a time) who are excelling in the subject matter just as frequently as they pull those who need a little support, so absolutely no one feels singled out. The "specials" teachers (Science, Tech, Art, Music, Library) are great. For example, the art teacher has had artists come visit the classes, teaches even the littlest ones about famous artists and has the kids do projects inspired by those artists. The Library teacher not only reads to the kids, but is teaching them library science starting in Kindergarten. The kids are learning coding in tech class on iPads. The science teacher frequently uses the outdoor space and natural surroundings to teach the kids - ours has come home with projects ranging from the solar system to the human body's systems. The music teacher teaches the kids singing, directs music assemblies, introduces the kids to all kinds of instruments, etc.

The Lower School also has "sharing assemblies," where child in the grade presenting (each grade presents several times per year) speaks at their grade's assembly so as to foster public speaking skills from an early age.

Beyond the academic benefits, the school fosters a sense of community among the kids and the families. Watching the kids support each other is amazing. Moreover, there is a very active parent association and volunteer opportunities for interested parents abound.

Can anyone comment how do these compare to little Langley?
We are considering at applying at both in the coming years.

[Anonymous]

Potomac is a great school and contrary to previous posts has a strong sibling and strong legacy component. We have a child in the lower school and between legacies, siblings and staff kids there are probably only a handful of kids who do not have some sort of pre-existing connection. They do emphasize community with countless events. I will say that because so many of the families are either legacies or siblings it can be hard to bond and feel like a part of the community both for the kids and the parents who are not connected. It probably takes a couple years to really settle in if you don't have a pre-existing group of acquittances.

[Anonymous]

Ugh

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Can you elaborate on upper school pressure? I think you might mean academic pressure.

Yes academic pressure. Unfortunately the school has experienced too many losses as a result in recent years.

[Anonymous]

Steer clear is my only advice-worst decision I’ve ever made for my kid.

[Anonymous]

Why? What happened?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We really liked a lot of things about Potomac. As a school community though, we heard very unsettling things about upper school pressure, mental health and wellness for students that was alarming, making us choose another route.

No facilities are worth that trade off IMO.

I echo this and the post just previous to this one. If your child is not extremely talented in some way, very highly intelligent without being exceptional, or just impervious to intense pressure, rethink Potomac. I agree that they do some things extremely well and there are a number of incredibly caring, supportive staff members there. But, it is extremely competitive, and almost impossible for an average kid to thrive. It became painfully aware that change was needed, but nothing has changed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Can you elaborate on upper school pressure? I think you might mean academic pressure.

Yes academic pressure. Unfortunately the school has experienced too many losses as a result in recent years.

Losses meaning suicides?? Or just students leaving for other schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We really liked a lot of things about Potomac. As a school community though, we heard very unsettling things about upper school pressure, mental health and wellness for students that was alarming, making us choose another route.

No facilities are worth that trade off IMO.

I echo this and the post just previous to this one. If your child is not extremely talented in some way, very highly intelligent without being exceptional, or just impervious to intense pressure, rethink Potomac. I agree that they do some things extremely well and there are a number of incredibly caring, supportive staff members there. But, it is extremely competitive, and almost impossible for an average kid to thrive. It became painfully aware that change was needed, but nothing has changed.

How can this be when they are a K-12 school? I would assume at least a third to half of the graduating class would be “lifers” and I doubt those kids are total geniuses because it’s hard to identify them at age 5.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Can you elaborate on upper school pressure? I think you might mean academic pressure.

Yes academic pressure. Unfortunately the school has experienced too many losses as a result in recent years.

It's a competitive private. The academic pressure is no different at NCS, St. Albans, Sidwell (insert name of top private). If you think that isn't the case at the Big 3 or any of the top privates or boarding schools, you are kidding yourself.

Average students in any top private will likely struggle and feel an immense Potomac is no different in this regard...; If you want a low pressure academic environment, you should look at some of the lower tier privates in this area that are not as academically rigorous and not as hard to gain entry into.

[Anonymous]

So are students regularly counseled out or asked to leave if they don’t live up to expectations?

It doesn’t sound like a great place if your kid is bright but not an academic superstar.

[Anonymous]

the school is a pressure cooker. If your kid thrives on pressure and completion in the US go for it but if you are looking for a place your child will blossom the US is not the place.