Looking for K, am I missing any good schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sandy Spring Friends School. About $20k for preprimary, my DC is now in K (did Pre K there, too) and is very, very happy. Very child centered, lots of play and movement and hands on learning outside. They offer a bus, which my pre-k child handled easily.

If I read OP's post correctly, she wants to stay close to NW or close in Bethesda.
SSFS is in the boonies.

[Anonymous]

To get low tuition you're going to need to look in the boonies.

Don't limit your choices based on money only. Look at everything. You'll soon figure out what feels right to you and what doesn't. There is financial aid. There are choices you can make in your lives if it is really important to you.

Plan on 5 percent tuition hikes yearly. Plan on extra money for field trips, books, lunches, camp, the bus, etc. It isn't inexpensive even at a "cheap" school.

[Anonymous]

If you are open to Catholic education I think Blessed sacrament kindergarten is worth considering. It is play based. The cost is $8500 for catholics and a bit more for non-catholics. The k open house was yesterday but they do have another on nov 13 for all grades.

[Anonymous]

As a PP noted, first just check the places out, please, without regard to the money, you will be doing yourself a favor. Seriously. There is no substitute for checking places out. Check out NPS, Grace, WES, St. Pat's, Beauvoir, and Sheridan at a minimum. Are these expensive? Yes (though Grace about 10k less than the others).

We had our own thoughts about certain schools and meeting the people at the school and visiting will give you a feel that you can't get from this board. I would note these aforementioned schools are entirely different from Blessed Sacrament - it is not an alternative to an independent education. It is a parish school. Not a knock on it, but I think that's even its mission statement. And I don't pick up that's what you are looking for.

[Anonymous]

OP: thanks for your feedback. I've seen most of the schools I listed already and I agree re: BS. I haven't looked at Sheridan, so I'll add that to my list. Grace, unfortunately, would be very bad logistically for us. I got the feeling that it could be a good fit.

About progressive v. traditional, I'm open as long as the teachers are good and the kids are getting enough enrichment in art, music, etc.

[Anonymous]

14:01 here again re: Sheridan. While we ended up not applying there (DC got into another school that started younger and just went with it), we toured Sheridan and then separately met with two different sets of parents. Totally awesome place and would have been convenient for daddy drop-off in morning commute. Alas, not there, but we were just so impressed. Check it out. We went to one of their fall open houses and they had a panel of students speak.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP: To 18:22, I completely agree. I recently visited one of the big 3 schools and came away with the feeling that they use the lower school to subsidize the upper school. The schools that focused on the primary years were so much better, in my opinion.

To the ones suggesting Norwood, thank you. I did not consider it because of the location, despite being highly recommended by several people I know and trust. I didn't realize they offered transportation. I will definitely visit! Unfortunately, the other ones outside the Beltway are too far (and I just checked the websites to see if they offered transportation, but they do not).

Re: the Norwood bus, it isn't free. It is in the 1-2K range and so it would push your cost closer to 27K+. Plus the school is mostly MD families and you need to think about whether the location works for you logistically in terms of getting involved in the school beyond pick up and drop off. Will you and your spouse be able to make it to assemblies etc and then get to work? Will you be willing to drive back out to the school for weekend of after hours events?

[Anonymous]

Sheridan is $29K for next fall.

that said, it does seem perfect based on OP's criteria. We love it a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would nix Green Acres. Not as progressive as they were a few years ago.

What does that mean? The kids aren't doing worksheets. I see lots of cooperative, project based learning. What am I missing?

[Anonymous]

How about Concord Hill?

[Anonymous]

Woods Academy.

[Anonymous]

Also, take a look at The River School. It really is an amazing place. Like Concord Hill, it goes through 3rd grade.

[Anonymous]

We are Sheridan Kindergarten parents and love it!!!

[Anonymous]

I'm putting in another vote for Grace Episcopal Day School in Kensington. It's within your budget, and our son, at least, has had a really nice experience there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At $20k, Grace Episcopal is an absolute bargain and it offers all the things you're looking for in a K program. The children in K get art several times a week, lots of outdoor time (the school sits on 11 acres, including a large wooded area with a stream and outdoor classroom space), two to three recess periods a day plus PE, and through the Responsive Classroom curriculum there is significant emphasis on social development. Here's a link to what they're currently doing in the K class: http://www.geds.org/page.cfm?p=456

Next Monday (Nov. 12) there is an open house (while classes are in session). Definitely worth checking out and learning more! We have been at Grace for three years now and couldn't be happier. It is a warm, nurturing environment and the family community is down-to-earth and welcoming.

Good luck in your search!

+1
Lots of DC families. Fabulous program, wonderful community. This is our tenth year at Grace, and we love it. Our youngest is now in second grade, and absolutely adores school. Kindergarten was magical for all three of my kids. I second the PP and encourage you to attend the open house.