Tell me about Holton's lower school.

[Anonymous]

My DD had a FANTASTIC teacher in 3rd grade, she flourished under her fun ways, challenged her mind, and praised her wonderful traits. Now in 4th grade she wakes up with a smile on her face, eager to go to school. Lower school principal is caring and engaged. Couldn't be happier with Holton.

[Anonymous]

I really like the new fourth grade teacher and my daughter is happy in her class. I agree with the LS director not being very good. However, other than that, the school is great.

[Anonymous]

Up until last year they had this incredibly stupid teacher who they moved around for awhile until she was finally let go. Thanks, considering the tuition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Up until last year they had this incredibly stupid teacher who they moved around for awhile until she was finally let go. Thanks, considering the tuition.

If we are on the same page, yes, incompetent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP You are correct except for that remark about the new fourth grade teacher. The newest teacher in fourth is the opposite of cold and the kids absolutely love her! She is kind and very funny and she has great experience. I have heard the 5th grade teachers are wonderful too. Overall the LS is terrific, they really do an amazing job educating those girls and the girls have a lot of fun! I could not be more pleased with our decision to go with Holton.

You are right maybe I jumped too soon. Only an observation because my daughter is not in her class. Yes we love LS and the last two years the most.

Yes, the new 4th grade teacher plays favorites and is not a strong teacher. Previously, she was a 1st grade teacher and don't think she is qualified to teach older kids. She was nice at the open house but I hear that she has the tendency to ramble on in class.

[Anonymous]

2 new 4th grade teachers this year. Both taught prior to Holton. Both taught lower elementary 1st and 2nd grade. The girls have all 3 teachers - Math is taught by the home room teacher.

[Anonymous]

We have had good experiences with the lower school teachers at Holton. I do agree that the lower school director
is not impressive, is a weak administrator, and seems to not be well liked by many parents and students.

[Anonymous]

I think it is mostly the entitled, PITA parents who don't like the LS director.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have heard that it is not as challenging as the middle and upper school, and that it might be best to wait to get in in grade 6 or 7 where it gets more intense.

Middle school starts in 7th grade at Holton and that's when my daughter joined. I can tell you it's NO JOKE when it comes to intensity at Holton middle school. If you join in 7th you won't be disappointed because lots of girls come in then and it's a really fun time.

[Anonymous]

These glib comments about Holton's LS head are really unfair and off base. Many parents (myself included) think he is wonderful. My daughter thinks he is great. Don't assume it's true just because some anonymous person on this message board says he's bad. If you are considering Holton for your daughter, you should meet with him and decide for yourself!

[Anonymous]

We are applying now for 6th grade for 2016-2017. We had hoped it would work out, but at Applicant Visiting
Day, it looked like there were about 50 girls applying for however many spots (perhaps around 10 spots)? We're discouraged! But perhaps we can apply again in the future.

[Anonymous]

All in all quite good. And they are not passive in dealing with issues. Up until last year they had a complete neurotic on the faculty but quietly dealt with it, so they do deal with things to the overall benefit of the school community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These glib comments about Holton's LS head are really unfair and off base. Many parents (myself included) think he is wonderful. My daughter thinks he is great. Don't assume it's true just because some anonymous person on this message board says he's bad. If you are considering Holton for your daughter, you should meet with him and decide for yourself!

+1000

Our whole family loves the lower school principal. He is caring, fun and is really interested in the girls. So happy to have him.

[Anonymous]

The middle school principal is amazing! He is very different from the lower school principal. Everyone is very sad he is leaving to travel and hope the next middle school principal will be just as good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The middle school principal is amazing! He is very different from the lower school principal. Everyone is very sad he is leaving to travel and hope the next middle school principal will be just as good.

Any word on who they're talking to for the role? Nobody can replace Tony Shawe but we are hoping the new head will be great in his or her own way!