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WES v Norwood
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Anonymous
| Agree with PP about international component at WES. We didn't want to go the intensive WIS route, but wanted our child to learn about other cultures and languages. Half of DC's classmates are the children of foreign nationals. It has had an obvious impact in terms of language and interest in foreign lands. |
Anonymous
| Which is better for an active child? |
Anonymous
| I would also like to know which one is better for an active child. |
Anonymous
On teh active child question, I am not really sure how to answer that because I am familiar with only one of the schools. Norwood has PE 4 times a week, recess every day, a large facility with expansive grounds, and lots of transitions so the kids move from class to class for practically everything (reading, math, music, art, etc.). When I have been in the classroom the teachers also give kids a chance to get up to go to the bathroom, wash their hands, etc. when they are transitioning among activities. I would assume that would be enough for most active kids. I have no idea how this compares to WES. You might try asking the ADs at both schools and seeing what kind of response you get. At this point, you're already in - they can't take it back. 
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Anonymous
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As a WES parent, I can't really comment on Norwood. But given the size of the campus, they certainly have enough room for kids to run around.
I can say that my very active boy gets all the outlets for his energy that he needs at WES. There are 3 gyms, a rock-climbing wall, a soccer field (and plans to put in additional playing fields), age-appropriate playgrounds, etc. The children meet in the morning on the playground to get the wiggles out before school starts. (The early grades have classrooms opening onto the playground). DC also has two recesses per day (PK level), PE twice a week (introduction to ball sports, obstacle courses, running games, etc), and an energetic "music and movement" class in a huge room. Depending on the energy level of a given class, teachers have been known to adapt their methods (limiting circle time if necessary). And, the school is 80,000 square feet of space. The kids get a bit of exercise just moving between the art studios and the science labs, etc. Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision. Can't go wrong, either way! |
Anonymous
| bump |
Anonymous
There are now two morning bus routes serving upper NWDC and Chevy Chase. |
Anonymous
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WES is a nice enough school. But, their academics aren't
as sharp as many of their competitors offerings. And, while the students enjoy a 'small atmosphere', that atmosphere doesn't allow for much social growth. Lots of kids leave after 3rd grade, so keep that in mind. |
Anonymous
The bus service is going to be expanded at Norwood next year...I think. |
Anonymous
| Former Norwood parent here. Someone earlier mentioned that langauges are good, and I think this is just not true. French was a disaster (luckily are phasing this out) - so very slow. I think once in 7th grade the Spanish picks up, and there is an honors class, but that means the first 5 years are very slow. I think they added Chinese, but my understanding is there has been teacher turnover. (It is hard to find a good Chinese teacher nowadays. The best ones are always getting hired away.) Anyway, my view in a nutshell: the English and History/social studies are strong, visual and performing arts really good, math OK, science weak (same as at most privates), and foreign languages definitely not a strength. |
Anonymous
Spanish starts in K, same as a lot of the others. They are done with French, little demand. Science in early grades is also weak (non existent) in MCPS. BTW, there is little evidence that kids need much "science" other than exploration in elementary school. Agree with your assessment of Math. |
Anonymous
I'm in a position to tell you that, based on academic preparedness, WES applicants are viewed by admissions officers as some of the most competitive candidates for placement. |
Anonymous
| What position is that? |
Anonymous
Norwood parent here - I just want to echo that Dick Ewing is a great Head of School - we love him. |
Anonymous
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Norwood parent again. It is a nice school. I have to think very hard to come up with negatives. I am comparing it to local public schools, which are very good, rather than to WES. I have spoken to teachers at other private schools who say that it is one of the best in MC. Some say better than Sidwell's lower school. Also, two public school teachers say that it is superior to some in Bethesda that have good reputations.
The areas that I think they could improve are wrt diversity and some other issues that relate to subtle snobbery. Also, the math program is not the best in the early grades. That said, we looked at all the other big privates in MC (Green Acres, Sidwell, WES) and also found their math to be poor. That can also be said about MCPS since it seems to be the same program. I just wish that Norwood would do more to correct that now. They do a very good job with languages. My children are learning Spanish, and the accent is coming along nicely. Reading is encouraged in such a positive way. The standards are high. Children are happy. |