Private elementary schools near close-in Silver Spring

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sheridan is nowhere near Silver Spring.

Depends where in Silver Spring...from downtown Silver Spring it is about 15 minutes.

Right. We live in downtown SS and are a Sheridan family. Its 15 minutes. If you are far out SS (20905, 20904, 20906), yes its much farther. And in that case, looking at sandy spring friends might be a better choice. But if you are considering Lowell. then Sheridan is not much further of a drive.

That's weird because I drive every day from Sheridan to Discovery Communications in DTSS and the trip takes 24 minutes, every single time, at 8:15

[Anonymous]

Barrie School is not really close-in, but you should take a look: http://www.barrie.org/

One of the top progressive school options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:@ Grace Parent Responders: Thanks so much for your insight and reassurance!!! As you know, the quest for the best education for your children can take over your life! Great to have a place where parents are candid and helpful. (Looks like this Blog isn't really that bad afterall (smile)).

Back at ya! Grace parents are a great bunch of folks. I've met some of my dearest friends during the 12 (!) years I've been a Grace parent.

[Anonymous]

We live in the DTSS area and decided on Woods Academy in Bethesda. We also considered Sandy Spring Friends Schools and Grace. SSFS was wonderful, but too far; even with the bus, would mean getting home after an hour bus ride in the afternoon. Grace is closer and felt very welcoming and has excellent outplacement, but with only 1 class per grade it felt a little too small for us. Because we were switching from MCPS at 4th grade, then certain need to move schools again after 6th was a negative. Although Catholic (but independent), Woods felt like a good mix of small classes, warm school, good mix of specials including daily French or Spanish and good differentiation. Although the privates do not do much for acceleration in math in lower grades, following the MCPS "enrichment" rhetoric. Woods goes thru 8th grade which was a plus in the event we stay private from here on out. It was also more affordable. I'm not Catholic, and neither is my husband any more, but the level of religion feels tolerable for this non-believer right now.

We are very happy with our decision so far! You could join our carpool .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live in the DTSS area and decided on Woods Academy in Bethesda. We also considered Sandy Spring Friends Schools and Grace. SSFS was wonderful, but too far; even with the bus, would mean getting home after an hour bus ride in the afternoon. Grace is closer and felt very welcoming and has excellent outplacement, but with only 1 class per grade it felt a little too small for us. Because we were switching from MCPS at 4th grade, then certain need to move schools again after 6th was a negative. Although Catholic (but independent), Woods felt like a good mix of small classes, warm school, good mix of specials including daily French or Spanish and good differentiation. Although the privates do not do much for acceleration in math in lower grades, following the MCPS "enrichment" rhetoric. Woods goes thru 8th grade which was a plus in the event we stay private from here on out. It was also more affordable. I'm not Catholic, and neither is my husband any more, but the level of religion feels tolerable for this non-believer right now.

We are very happy with our decision so far! You could join our carpool .

A number of Grace kids seem to go to Woods now when they graduate from GEDS, so there's some kind of affinity. I hear good things about Woods but didn't know about it when we opted for Grace.

[Anonymous]

I would also say take a look at Friends Community School in College Park. They have open houses, you can go visit and get a feel for it. Families are happy there, from what I hear. We almost sent our DC there, but in the end kept him in public school.

[Anonymous]

This is our first year at Woods and we love it. Small classrooms, solid teachers and a community that cares about your child's welfare. So worth the money!!

[Anonymous]

We love Lowell!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:@ Grace Parent Responders: Thanks so much for your insight and reassurance!!! As you know, the quest for the best education for your children can take over your life! Great to have a place where parents are candid and helpful. (Looks like this Blog isn't really that bad afterall (smile)).

Back at ya! Grace parents are a great bunch of folks. I've met some of my dearest friends during the 12 (!) years I've been a Grace parent.

+1.