Linder v Sycamore

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you elaborate on the colleges? I know that most colleagues have minimum requirements (e.g., 4 years English, 3 math, etc.), but it looks like there is only time during the day for four classes plus a "project" day vs. five core subjects (English, math, history, science, language). Am curious as to whether the approach in any way would take a cluster of colleges off the table? As I have no clue what my kid will like, I'd hate to put him in a position where he only could apply to say, small liberal arts schools, or schools that don't have minimum requirements, etc.

All of the required subjects are covered in the blended Experience classes plus other classes and electives. No colleges are "off the table" at all. Last year, seniors were accepted at most of the main universities in Virginia plus Columbia, Bryn Mawr, U. Delaware, Connecticut College, Haverford, SUNY, Wesleyan, Fordham, etc.

Just contact the Admissions officer to discuss how the curriculum and transcript lead to these acceptances.

I think only 8 or 9 graduated so question this list. I think this pster is listing all of the schools that kids have gotten into ever.

There were 11 seniors last year. All those acceptances come from that class. It was the largest senior class the school ever had, some of whom had been there since the school opened.

Note to parents thinking about TSS. This is what meant about admin being difficult/getting in their own way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you elaborate on the colleges? I know that most colleagues have minimum requirements (e.g., 4 years English, 3 math, etc.), but it looks like there is only time during the day for four classes plus a "project" day vs. five core subjects (English, math, history, science, language). Am curious as to whether the approach in any way would take a cluster of colleges off the table? As I have no clue what my kid will like, I'd hate to put him in a position where he only could apply to say, small liberal arts schools, or schools that don't have minimum requirements, etc.

All of the required subjects are covered in the blended Experience classes plus other classes and electives. No colleges are "off the table" at all. Last year, seniors were accepted at most of the main universities in Virginia plus Columbia, Bryn Mawr, U. Delaware, Connecticut College, Haverford, SUNY, Wesleyan, Fordham, etc.

Just contact the Admissions officer to discuss how the curriculum and transcript lead to these acceptances.

I think only 8 or 9 graduated so question this list. I think this pster is listing all of the schools that kids have gotten into ever.

There were 11 seniors last year. All those acceptances come from that class. It was the largest senior class the school ever had, some of whom had been there since the school opened.

Note to parents thinking about TSS. This is what meant about admin being difficult/getting in their own way.

So clear factual answers are difficult for you. OK.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you elaborate on the colleges? I know that most colleagues have minimum requirements (e.g., 4 years English, 3 math, etc.), but it looks like there is only time during the day for four classes plus a "project" day vs. five core subjects (English, math, history, science, language). Am curious as to whether the approach in any way would take a cluster of colleges off the table? As I have no clue what my kid will like, I'd hate to put him in a position where he only could apply to say, small liberal arts schools, or schools that don't have minimum requirements, etc.

All of the required subjects are covered in the blended Experience classes plus other classes and electives. No colleges are "off the table" at all. Last year, seniors were accepted at most of the main universities in Virginia plus Columbia, Bryn Mawr, U. Delaware, Connecticut College, Haverford, SUNY, Wesleyan, Fordham, etc.

Just contact the Admissions officer to discuss how the curriculum and transcript lead to these acceptances.

I think only 8 or 9 graduated so question this list. I think this pster is listing all of the schools that kids have gotten into ever.

There were 11 seniors last year. All those acceptances come from that class. It was the largest senior class the school ever had, some of whom had been there since the school opened.

Note to parents thinking about TSS. This is what meant about admin being difficult/getting in their own way.

So clear factual answers are difficult for you. OK.

why so nasty? Is it the weather?

[Anonymous]

My kid used to attend Sycamore . The teachers were very warm and several were incredibly bright and talented. They are the best part of the school and it's terrible that so many leave after a year or too.

I think the school is still evolving in terms of who the target student is. But I thought it was great overall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you elaborate on the colleges? I know that most colleagues have minimum requirements (e.g., 4 years English, 3 math, etc.), but it looks like there is only time during the day for four classes plus a "project" day vs. five core subjects (English, math, history, science, language). Am curious as to whether the approach in any way would take a cluster of colleges off the table? As I have no clue what my kid will like, I'd hate to put him in a position where he only could apply to say, small liberal arts schools, or schools that don't have minimum requirements, etc.

All of the required subjects are covered in the blended Experience classes plus other classes and electives. No colleges are "off the table" at all. Last year, seniors were accepted at most of the main universities in Virginia plus Columbia, Bryn Mawr, U. Delaware, Connecticut College, Haverford, SUNY, Wesleyan, Fordham, etc.

Just contact the Admissions officer to discuss how the curriculum and transcript lead to these acceptances.

I think only 8 or 9 graduated so question this list. I think this pster is listing all of the schools that kids have gotten into ever.

There were 11 seniors last year. All those acceptances come from that class. It was the largest senior class the school ever had, some of whom had been there since the school opened.

Those are acceptances or matriculations?

A few top kids may have received multiple acceptances.

Acceptances is the word in the text. Everyone who applied is going to college now, most at their first choice.

With a diverse student body in terms of interests and needs, their target schools were not the usual DCUM, "Oh my God, did they get into the top top top top schools?"

Sycamore is not about that on many levels. A couple of very strong students had an impressive array of choices for matriculation. Pretty sure everyone had multiple acceptances.

Ok. So if it’s not matriculations then it may have been just one or two kids accepted to the colleges you listed.

Just trying to clarify what you meant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you elaborate on the colleges? I know that most colleagues have minimum requirements (e.g., 4 years English, 3 math, etc.), but it looks like there is only time during the day for four classes plus a "project" day vs. five core subjects (English, math, history, science, language). Am curious as to whether the approach in any way would take a cluster of colleges off the table? As I have no clue what my kid will like, I'd hate to put him in a position where he only could apply to say, small liberal arts schools, or schools that don't have minimum requirements, etc.

All of the required subjects are covered in the blended Experience classes plus other classes and electives. No colleges are "off the table" at all. Last year, seniors were accepted at most of the main universities in Virginia plus Columbia, Bryn Mawr, U. Delaware, Connecticut College, Haverford, SUNY, Wesleyan, Fordham, etc.

Just contact the Admissions officer to discuss how the curriculum and transcript lead to these acceptances.

I think only 8 or 9 graduated so question this list. I think this pster is listing all of the schools that kids have gotten into ever.

There were 11 seniors last year. All those acceptances come from that class. It was the largest senior class the school ever had, some of whom had been there since the school opened.

Those are acceptances or matriculations?

A few top kids may have received multiple acceptances.

Acceptances is the word in the text. Everyone who applied is going to college now, most at their first choice.

With a diverse student body in terms of interests and needs, their target schools were not the usual DCUM, "Oh my God, did they get into the top top top top schools?"

Sycamore is not about that on many levels. A couple of very strong students had an impressive array of choices for matriculation. Pretty sure everyone had multiple acceptances.

Ok. So if it’s not matriculations then it may have been just one or two kids accepted to the colleges you listed.

Just trying to clarify what you meant.

Without just copying the whole spreadsheet, that list covers acceptances across the senior class. They typically had 1-5 acceptances each depending on their interests and how many schools they applied to. No one who wanted to go to college failed to get in somewhere they wanted to be.

To clarify, it's not a typical DCUM school student population, so comparing that list to NCS or Madeira or whatever is meaningless. But it's also not "most kids couldn't get in anywhere decent" by miles and miles. Judge that as you will.

Hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you elaborate on the colleges? I know that most colleagues have minimum requirements (e.g., 4 years English, 3 math, etc.), but it looks like there is only time during the day for four classes plus a "project" day vs. five core subjects (English, math, history, science, language). Am curious as to whether the approach in any way would take a cluster of colleges off the table? As I have no clue what my kid will like, I'd hate to put him in a position where he only could apply to say, small liberal arts schools, or schools that don't have minimum requirements, etc.

All of the required subjects are covered in the blended Experience classes plus other classes and electives. No colleges are "off the table" at all. Last year, seniors were accepted at most of the main universities in Virginia plus Columbia, Bryn Mawr, U. Delaware, Connecticut College, Haverford, SUNY, Wesleyan, Fordham, etc.

Just contact the Admissions officer to discuss how the curriculum and transcript lead to these acceptances.

I think only 8 or 9 graduated so question this list. I think this pster is listing all of the schools that kids have gotten into ever.

There were 11 seniors last year. All those acceptances come from that class. It was the largest senior class the school ever had, some of whom had been there since the school opened.

Note to parents thinking about TSS. This is what meant about admin being difficult/getting in their own way.

I am not sure I see that here, PP. Sounds like last year was a strong class academically? Not denying your experience , just not sure what you mean here.

To those currently affiliated with the school, is there a Sycamore "type"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you elaborate on the colleges? I know that most colleagues have minimum requirements (e.g., 4 years English, 3 math, etc.), but it looks like there is only time during the day for four classes plus a "project" day vs. five core subjects (English, math, history, science, language). Am curious as to whether the approach in any way would take a cluster of colleges off the table? As I have no clue what my kid will like, I'd hate to put him in a position where he only could apply to say, small liberal arts schools, or schools that don't have minimum requirements, etc.

All of the required subjects are covered in the blended Experience classes plus other classes and electives. No colleges are "off the table" at all. Last year, seniors were accepted at most of the main universities in Virginia plus Columbia, Bryn Mawr, U. Delaware, Connecticut College, Haverford, SUNY, Wesleyan, Fordham, etc.

Just contact the Admissions officer to discuss how the curriculum and transcript lead to these acceptances.

I think only 8 or 9 graduated so question this list. I think this pster is listing all of the schools that kids have gotten into ever.

There were 11 seniors last year. All those acceptances come from that class. It was the largest senior class the school ever had, some of whom had been there since the school opened.

Note to parents thinking about TSS. This is what meant about admin being difficult/getting in their own way.

I don’t understand what this comment means. How is the fact that there are 11 seniors an example of admin getting in their own way?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you elaborate on the colleges? I know that most colleagues have minimum requirements (e.g., 4 years English, 3 math, etc.), but it looks like there is only time during the day for four classes plus a "project" day vs. five core subjects (English, math, history, science, language). Am curious as to whether the approach in any way would take a cluster of colleges off the table? As I have no clue what my kid will like, I'd hate to put him in a position where he only could apply to say, small liberal arts schools, or schools that don't have minimum requirements, etc.

All of the required subjects are covered in the blended Experience classes plus other classes and electives. No colleges are "off the table" at all. Last year, seniors were accepted at most of the main universities in Virginia plus Columbia, Bryn Mawr, U. Delaware, Connecticut College, Haverford, SUNY, Wesleyan, Fordham, etc.

Just contact the Admissions officer to discuss how the curriculum and transcript lead to these acceptances.

I think only 8 or 9 graduated so question this list. I think this pster is listing all of the schools that kids have gotten into ever.

There were 11 seniors last year. All those acceptances come from that class. It was the largest senior class the school ever had, some of whom had been there since the school opened.

Note to parents thinking about TSS. This is what meant about admin being difficult/getting in their own way.

I am not sure I see that here, PP. Sounds like last year was a strong class academically? Not denying your experience , just not sure what you mean here.

To those currently affiliated with the school, is there a Sycamore "type"?

TSS was designed for students who ran into obstacles at other schools, mostly public (bullying, noise, rigid instruction methods, etc.). Many students are neurodivergent with varying degrees of ADHD, emotional disregulation at times, and some with ASD. It is NOT a special needs school. Rather, it falls into the gap between conventional public/private and special Ed.

It has proven very successful taking kids who were struggling or no longer trying at other schools and giving them a safe space with a lot of emphasis on personal attention, executive functioning, and SEL while still covering the subject requirements for a HS degree.

With a small enrollment and limited in-house facilities, TSS doesn't try to be like every other school. It's great for the students it serves, some of whom go back to the public school system or off to more conventional college life after graduation.

Hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a quick add- after being at publics and other privates in our family's experience Linder has been the most kind, inclusive, understanding, accepting group of peers, teachers, parents, and administrators that we have encountered.

Ditto! Similar experience for us.

[Anonymous]

For what it’s worth, Linder will have a ninth grade class next year, and will continue through high school.

[Anonymous]

Update: Linder is opening a combined middle and high school this fall. Their website updated last night and there's an Open House on May 8 from 5-7pm.

Accreditation must not matter if home schooled kids get into college all the time. I googled it and it doesn't seem to be a barrier.
Also seems like accreditation takes 3-5 years so it's completely normal for a school not to have it and that Virginia doesn't require any private school to be accredited.

What matters more to colleges is:

* A strong academic record (transcripts showing rigor and achievement)
* Standardized test scores (if required)
* Letters of recommendation
* A demonstrated passion for learning or extracurricular involvement
* A clear, well-documented curriculum (which Linder will provide)

The video on YouTube about the new high school says Linder (I assume Kristin Linder herself) has 16 years experience getting kids into college and the new high school aims to create unique transcripts in an area where everyone around here looks the same.

I'll go to the Open House and report back. I feel like Linder is our best shot at college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Update: Linder is opening a combined middle and high school this fall. Their website updated last night and there's an Open House on May 8 from 5-7pm.

Accreditation must not matter if home schooled kids get into college all the time. I googled it and it doesn't seem to be a barrier.
Also seems like accreditation takes 3-5 years so it's completely normal for a school not to have it and that Virginia doesn't require any private school to be accredited.

What matters more to colleges is:

* A strong academic record (transcripts showing rigor and achievement)
* Standardized test scores (if required)
* Letters of recommendation
* A demonstrated passion for learning or extracurricular involvement
* A clear, well-documented curriculum (which Linder will provide)

The video on YouTube about the new high school says Linder (I assume Kristin Linder herself) has 16 years experience getting kids into college and the new high school aims to create unique transcripts in an area where everyone around here looks the same.

I'll go to the Open House and report back. I feel like Linder is our best shot at college.

Interesting timing to announce the opening of new divisions for next year, AFTER the regular admissions cycle. I would think that would limit the number of families who would enroll to those who didn’t get into any school, decided too late that maybe they want to move to private, or are willing to break contracts and lose deposits at other schools.

[Anonymous]

What kind of rigor Will Linder offer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Update: Linder is opening a combined middle and high school this fall. Their website updated last night and there's an Open House on May 8 from 5-7pm.

Accreditation must not matter if home schooled kids get into college all the time. I googled it and it doesn't seem to be a barrier.
Also seems like accreditation takes 3-5 years so it's completely normal for a school not to have it and that Virginia doesn't require any private school to be accredited.

What matters more to colleges is:

* A strong academic record (transcripts showing rigor and achievement)
* Standardized test scores (if required)
* Letters of recommendation
* A demonstrated passion for learning or extracurricular involvement
* A clear, well-documented curriculum (which Linder will provide)

The video on YouTube about the new high school says Linder (I assume Kristin Linder herself) has 16 years experience getting kids into college and the new high school aims to create unique transcripts in an area where everyone around here looks the same.

I'll go to the Open House and report back. I feel like Linder is our best shot at college.

Interesting timing to announce the opening of new divisions for next year, AFTER the regular admissions cycle. I would think that would limit the number of families who would enroll to those who didn’t get into any school, decided too late that maybe they want to move to private, or are willing to break contracts and lose deposits at other schools.

Linder is for a pretty specific population so I don't know that the regular admissions cycle matters as much. They aren't competing for kids with the traditional private schools. They are a wonderful alternative for kids who fall in the gap of needing more support than a traditional classroom, and less than special education. Happy for those kids that Linder is expanding to high school and wish the school well!