Where to look at privates for this kid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Commonwealth Academy. It was a game-changer for my kid.

OP here. Interesting. I just read their website. The way they seem to be going about addressing attentional or similar issues seem counterintuitive to me though. My son, for example, hates project-based learning (which his elementary uses almost exclusively) and prefers traditional learning. Also all the technology in the classroom really is a distraction rather than a help to him. He can't screen it all out (access to email anytime, ads everywhere when his teacher sends them to youtube, the kid next to him playing video games when they're supposed to be clicking and dragging in google slides). It's awful, and I think I'd prefer to send him somewhere that sidelines all the devices rather than leaning into them.

Not liking PBL may be a problem as many of the privates recommended above use PBL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Those that wrote Burgundy Farm, can you tell me more? The outdoor integration looks amazing, but overall it looks too loose. For example, the website talks a lot about how things are student-led, and that doesn't work well for him. He needs individualized attention / more connection for sure, but I think on the academic focus he actually needs things to be more structured / traditional, not less. Also can you tell me more about the instrumental music that is offered? Is there an orchestra or band? Finally, is the overall culture very alternative? He's kind of a traditional kid. Very boy-ish and active and likes old fashioned boy-ish things (scouts, watching baseball, mowing the lawn, reads old fashioned books,) and not very artsy. Not making a political statement here; we're a liberal family, and definitely want him in school with kids of different backgrounds but also want to make sure there is a fit personality wise.

I think it is “alternative” in some respects but still does a lot in a more traditional manner. They do try to incorporate a lot of outdoor time and some project-based learning while maintaining structure in the schedule and curriculum. In middle school kids can choose band, orchestra, or chorus. They also take a language, either Spanish or French. And all kids get some type of art class each trimester (one of which is theater—each middle school grade does an all-class production). I would say every class at Burgundy has its own personality. Middle school grades are just around 30-32 kids each so different grades have a different mix of students. I would say quirky students are welcome there but not every kid fits that description either. If your son likes sports, there are plenty of extracurricular opportunities open to all (no cuts).

Reach out to Admissions and take a tour, which will help you determine if it’s the right fit.

Very helpful, thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Commonwealth Academy. It was a game-changer for my kid.

OP here. Interesting. I just read their website. The way they seem to be going about addressing attentional or similar issues seem counterintuitive to me though. My son, for example, hates project-based learning (which his elementary uses almost exclusively) and prefers traditional learning. Also all the technology in the classroom really is a distraction rather than a help to him. He can't screen it all out (access to email anytime, ads everywhere when his teacher sends them to youtube, the kid next to him playing video games when they're supposed to be clicking and dragging in google slides). It's awful, and I think I'd prefer to send him somewhere that sidelines all the devices rather than leaning into them.

Not liking PBL may be a problem as many of the privates recommended above use PBL.

I have noticed that. That’s one reason we’re looking at Catholics too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St. Anselm’s

This is definitely on our radar. An all-boys environment would be good for him, and I think the more traditional education style would be a good fit. How much active time do they have baked into the middle school day? Is it an hour daily of PE or athletics? Do they also practice their sports after school, or does the main practice take place during the school day? Do they have any sort of outdoor break during the day? How long is the lunch period? It looks like middle school students can choose orchestra for their music period, is that right? But there's no instrumental band is there?

PE and intermurals are 2 hour periods once a week each; 10 minute morning break, 1 hour lunch; sports are after school, schedule depends on the sport; music is a choice for the arts class, but jazz band and orchestra are after school. 10th period is club time, and boys are encouraged to join at least two. Clubs were hit or miss during COVID, but will be back to normal next year. Sports and music are after 10th period, so you can do clubs and sports/music/theater.

[Anonymous]

Have you thought about a Montessori program? It sounds like it might be a good fit. Check out Waterfront Academy - it would be on your way to work in DC.

http://www.waterfrontacademy.org

[Anonymous]

Alexandria Country Day School (ACDS) - your posts about what you think he needs could have been a description of the school. Not sure if they have any room in 5th, but they go through 8th and will guide you to the right high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St. Anselm’s

This is definitely on our radar. An all-boys environment would be good for him, and I think the more traditional education style would be a good fit. How much active time do they have baked into the middle school day? Is it an hour daily of PE or athletics? Do they also practice their sports after school, or does the main practice take place during the school day? Do they have any sort of outdoor break during the day? How long is the lunch period? It looks like middle school students can choose orchestra for their music period, is that right? But there's no instrumental band is there?

I suggest a hard pass on this school. To answer your music question, there is instrumental music which is okay, not impressive and no orchestra.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Alexandria Country Day School (ACDS) - your posts about what you think he needs could have been a description of the school. Not sure if they have any room in 5th, but they go through 8th and will guide you to the right high school.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St. Anselm’s

This is definitely on our radar. An all-boys environment would be good for him, and I think the more traditional education style would be a good fit. How much active time do they have baked into the middle school day? Is it an hour daily of PE or athletics? Do they also practice their sports after school, or does the main practice take place during the school day? Do they have any sort of outdoor break during the day? How long is the lunch period? It looks like middle school students can choose orchestra for their music period, is that right? But there's no instrumental band is there?

I suggest a hard pass on this school. To answer your music question, there is instrumental music which is okay, not impressive and no orchestra.

Do you mind sharing why? Solely because of the lack of robust music, or other reasons?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St. Anselm’s

This is definitely on our radar. An all-boys environment would be good for him, and I think the more traditional education style would be a good fit. How much active time do they have baked into the middle school day? Is it an hour daily of PE or athletics? Do they also practice their sports after school, or does the main practice take place during the school day? Do they have any sort of outdoor break during the day? How long is the lunch period? It looks like middle school students can choose orchestra for their music period, is that right? But there's no instrumental band is there?

PE and intermurals are 2 hour periods once a week each; 10 minute morning break, 1 hour lunch; sports are after school, schedule depends on the sport; music is a choice for the arts class, but jazz band and orchestra are after school. 10th period is club time, and boys are encouraged to join at least two. Clubs were hit or miss during COVID, but will be back to normal next year. Sports and music are after 10th period, so you can do clubs and sports/music/theater.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St. Anselm’s

This is definitely on our radar. An all-boys environment would be good for him, and I think the more traditional education style would be a good fit. How much active time do they have baked into the middle school day? Is it an hour daily of PE or athletics? Do they also practice their sports after school, or does the main practice take place during the school day? Do they have any sort of outdoor break during the day? How long is the lunch period? It looks like middle school students can choose orchestra for their music period, is that right? But there's no instrumental band is there?

I suggest a hard pass on this school. To answer your music question, there is instrumental music which is okay, not impressive and no orchestra.

Do you mind sharing why? Solely because of the lack of robust music, or other reasons?

+1 The music is likely the least of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St. Anselm’s

This is definitely on our radar. An all-boys environment would be good for him, and I think the more traditional education style would be a good fit. How much active time do they have baked into the middle school day? Is it an hour daily of PE or athletics? Do they also practice their sports after school, or does the main practice take place during the school day? Do they have any sort of outdoor break during the day? How long is the lunch period? It looks like middle school students can choose orchestra for their music period, is that right? But there's no instrumental band is there?

I suggest a hard pass on this school. To answer your music question, there is instrumental music which is okay, not impressive and no orchestra.

There is a small orchestra (its a tiny school). They didn't perform this year due to scheduling conflicts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St. Anselm’s

This is definitely on our radar. An all-boys environment would be good for him, and I think the more traditional education style would be a good fit. How much active time do they have baked into the middle school day? Is it an hour daily of PE or athletics? Do they also practice their sports after school, or does the main practice take place during the school day? Do they have any sort of outdoor break during the day? How long is the lunch period? It looks like middle school students can choose orchestra for their music period, is that right? But there's no instrumental band is there?

I suggest a hard pass on this school. To answer your music question, there is instrumental music which is okay, not impressive and no orchestra.

There is a small orchestra (its a tiny school). They didn't perform this year due to scheduling conflicts.

What orchestra? I don’t think so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St. Anselm’s

This is definitely on our radar. An all-boys environment would be good for him, and I think the more traditional education style would be a good fit. How much active time do they have baked into the middle school day? Is it an hour daily of PE or athletics? Do they also practice their sports after school, or does the main practice take place during the school day? Do they have any sort of outdoor break during the day? How long is the lunch period? It looks like middle school students can choose orchestra for their music period, is that right? But there's no instrumental band is there?

I suggest a hard pass on this school. To answer your music question, there is instrumental music which is okay, not impressive and no orchestra.

There is a small orchestra (its a tiny school). They didn't perform this year due to scheduling conflicts.

What orchestra? I don’t think so.

There weren't live performances for the last two years. They practice in the Reid Theater. It's tiny, a small chamber orchestra, but they have violins, violas, a cello and a double bass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Commonwealth Academy. It was a game-changer for my kid.

OP here. Interesting. I just read their website. The way they seem to be going about addressing attentional or similar issues seem counterintuitive to me though. My son, for example, hates project-based learning (which his elementary uses almost exclusively) and prefers traditional learning. Also all the technology in the classroom really is a distraction rather than a help to him. He can't screen it all out (access to email anytime, ads everywhere when his teacher sends them to youtube, the kid next to him playing video games when they're supposed to be clicking and dragging in google slides). It's awful, and I think I'd prefer to send him somewhere that sidelines all the devices rather than leaning into them.

On this point and your desire for a Catholic school, perhaps The Heights?