WES or Norwood for a boy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would go to the newly accepted parents coffee at both and meet and talk with current parents. This will give you a chance to see if you get the family atmosphere you are looking for.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the responses. I realize that I wasn't exactly forthcoming with descriptions of my son. He is a sweet kid who can be very focused on things he's interested in. He's not overly energetic (he can definitely sit still and listen and follow directions) and doesn't seem to be particularly sporty. He can get frustrated when he struggles with tasks. He has a hard time with loud noises (and loud, disruptive children...and can get frustrated with those children). I like the religious aspects of WES and like the small community, but am concerned about the attrition rate and rumors of mean teachers. We really liked Norwood but are unsure if it really has the "family atmosphere" we are looking for. We just want our kid to be loved and respected and in a school that he feels safe, confident and at home. I know he will get a great education at both schools.

As others have said, traditionally there has been some attrition at WES in 3rd/4th grade. However, all bets are off with a GREAT new head and a new elementary head to be named. FWIW, I like the fact that there are smaller classes as the kids get older. Small class sizes are the BEST for learning. I would say go with WES - they have a great K program and the school is only getting better. There are many boys there who sound just like your son. Good luck, whatever you decide! You are in an enviable position to be able to choose between them.

[Anonymous]

My DD sounds like your DS, OP. She's also very afraid of loud noises. She has loved Norwood since the first day she started! I'm not sure how they do it, but all the teachers get to know all the kids and go out of their way to make them feel welcome. There is a real focus on being a good person, basically. Being kind to each other, etc. I was pleasantly surprised (we had been at different schools before this). It's a very happy place.

[Anonymous]

Be wary of too small classes. If your child doesn't fit in with dominant crowd hard to find alternatives. Socially, I absolutely think Norwood is the right size.

[Anonymous]

One could also caution against large classes, getting lost in the crowd and being one of the many. Sense of community vanishes with size unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

Definitely Norwood, WES doesn't have a good reputation for boys and Norwood is good with athletics, academics, arts, and more and WES is still good though.

[Anonymous]

WES definitely for a boy!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child is 3rd grade or older, go with Norwood. Many boys leave in 3rd and 4th for Landon and St. Albans.
Norwood seems to keep more of their kids in school till 8th.


Their outplacement is very good. Excellent music program.

Our son is at Norwood and there were no boys that left for Landon or St Albans through entire lower school experience - but maybe this was what you were trying to say???

I am not familiar with the program at WES, but Norwood has recess every day and PE 4x a week for lower school. Someone mentioned it being "sporty" but I'd say there are plenty of boys that are less atheletic (mine being one) - but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy "activity". PE class (like everything else) is co-ed and has a lot of games that are not a specific sport - but are lots of fun and teach coordination and teamwork.

Kids at Norwood also change classes many times a day. Since 1st grade our child has switched from homeroom for every class: reading, math, science, art, spanish, music, library, and PE (note - not all classes are taught every day) . It gives them a chance to move a little and they thrive on the independence to move throughout the building. Many have noted they feel this is great for boys. (Note - we weren't there for K so I don't know how much they move. Also, I think that math is now taught in homeroom for 1st grade)

The other wonderful part of Norwood is the character education and the amount of time spent to teach the value of the month. This is a great message for boys and girls.

I was referring to WES.

True. I know both schools well. Both schools have good middle schools, but based on our experience, I would not recommend WES for primary grades. Norwood LS is happy experience for most kids.

[Anonymous]

norwood middle school is amazing!

[Anonymous]

WES is an awesome place for boys and girls. I had a DD and a DS graduate from from there. They both had a great experience. The middle school trips are amazing. They were experiences they will never forget. WES also does a great job with outplacement and were well prepared for high school. WES and Norwood are both great schools. Rather than be negative about any school go see them for yourself and see which one fits your child. Just because one person on DCUM likes a certain school doesn't mean it is right for your child. Do your homework! Go visit!

[Anonymous]

There is a "community feel" at Norwood however it is kind of formal, not a laid back, come as you are type of parent group for the most part. Some teachers are fantastic, others not so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One could also caution against large classes, getting lost in the crowd and being one of the many. Sense of community vanishes with size unfortunately.

Sure but that's not the case with either school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a "community feel" at Norwood however it is kind of formal, not a laid back, come as you are type of parent group for the most part. Some teachers are fantastic, others not so much.

Interesting. I'm a Norwood mom I'm in jeans or yoga pants most often

[Anonymous]

DS was at WES - it was a disaster because of the mean teachers - we left. The kids are bullied by the teachers, not the kids. I would not recommend it for a boy or a girl. Go and visit - look closely and you might notice how rigid it is.

[Anonymous]

+1.