McLean School in Potomac for Child without LD?

[Anonymous]

MY DS doesn't have an "LD" exactly and he doesn't have a diagnosis, but he is thriving with the personalized attention at Mclean. HE is in his first year in 5th grade and I have been impressed with the willingness to try new ideas and strategies to help whatever issues I may raise. My son went to public school in bethesda and there he received minimal or negative attention and his grades were mostly Is while he tested high on his WISC scores. I wanted a small classroom environment that would focus on him and any learning issues he might present because I didn't know what he was truly capable of. The change from Bethesda public schools to Mclean has been dramatic. His grades have skyrocketed (honor roll) and his comfort level is amazing.

[Anonymous]

the small class sizes and dedicated teachers are really the biggest value added at McLean - not so much on strategies or cutting edge thinking, but just a lot of time and attention which makes sure none of the kids can "hide" if they're not doing well. That works really well with kids who have no or minor LDs, so OP should definitely consider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:the small class sizes and dedicated teachers are really the biggest value added at McLean - not so much on strategies or cutting edge thinking, but just a lot of time and attention which makes sure none of the kids can "hide" if they're not doing well. That works really well with kids who have no or minor LDs, so OP should definitely consider.

We are unhappy at McLean and I would still completely agree with this.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the prior post but, in particular -- "McLean - not so much on strategies or cutting edge thinking". There really aren't any. So, if your child does not have LDs and you just want a small learning environment and attention they would not get at a larger public or traditional private, it would likely be a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the prior post but, in particular -- "McLean - not so much on strategies or cutting edge thinking". There really aren't any. So, if your child does not have LDs and you just want a small learning environment and attention they would not get at a larger public or traditional private, it would likely be a good fit.

If one is seeking mostly a smaller learning environment I (in hindsight) would not recommend it. In my experience I'm not finding enough appropriate peer models there. McLean.

[Anonymous]

For middle school, it's ok but the high school is very limiting socially and for athletic kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For middle school, it's ok but the high school is very limiting socially and for athletic kids.

DC is in lower school and it's socially too small an environment. Not enough strong peer models.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We knew a family that placed a child at McLean because other schools thought she was too young for the grade the parents wanted her to be in, and McLean seemed willing to accommodate them. She had no LD that I know of. I do not know how that has worked out for them.

They spent $35K just so their child could go to school in the grade the parents wanted her to be in?

So? It won't be the first time that's happened. I did it for my kid (different school).

I wanted my September kid to "go on time." We paid for a private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went there 30 years ago and had mild LD. Graduated law school with honors and now am the most senior lawyer at my company.

This is terrific to hear!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the small class sizes and dedicated teachers are really the biggest value added at McLean - not so much on strategies or cutting edge thinking, but just a lot of time and attention which makes sure none of the kids can "hide" if they're not doing well. That works really well with kids who have no or minor LDs, so OP should definitely consider.

We are unhappy at McLean and I would still completely agree with this.

Can you say more? I'm sure no school is perfect for every child, but I'm trying to figure out which kids fit best at McLean. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I have two kids at McLean. For one kid, it's a perfect fit. They just needed a smaller learning environment and a little individualized instruction to get the boost they needed and build confidence. My other kid has a mild learning disability and needs more support, one on one and a bit more structure. In the beginning grades of middle school (5th and 6th), it's great. But, by 7th and 8th, there really is no support or strategies. It's almost like the rug is pulled from under kids who still need some support. I also believe the new head is trying to get away from McLean being a school that helps kids with mild to moderate learning differences to really a mainstream school with smaller classes. The middle school learning specialist is pretty worthless, basically a conduit for outside tutors and support, which makes you wonder why your child is at McLean if you need outside tutors on top of the $37K price tag. So, visit and ask a lot of questions before you sign the contract.

[Anonymous]

The teachers are attentive and caring and PP is right that your child will not get lost there. We found the academics kind of blah, not in terms of the type of teaching which was great. Scaffolding and attention for the kids who needed, challenge for the kids who needed that. But the content wasn't inspiring or interesting. And it is socially very small. That worked for my son initially and then not at all. Same with the academics, it was a great fit for him initially and then not so much. I think thats fine. No school is for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Middle school is McLean's largest program. It thins out significantly in high school. A lot of families leave for other high schools as we probably will too. As PP said, socially limiting, blah blah academics and an abysmal athletics department. The new athletic director came from Stone Ridge but he's done absolutely nothing to build the athletic program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Middle school is McLean's largest program. It thins out significantly in high school. A lot of families leave for other high schools as we probably will too. As PP said, socially limiting, blah blah academics and an abysmal athletics department. The new athletic director came from Stone Ridge but he's done absolutely nothing to build the athletic program.

He's in his second year so I'm not sure how much he could have done so far. Their high school enrollment/retention is up significantly, I heard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have two kids at McLean. For one kid, it's a perfect fit. They just needed a smaller learning environment and a little individualized instruction to get the boost they needed and build confidence. My other kid has a mild learning disability and needs more support, one on one and a bit more structure. In the beginning grades of middle school (5th and 6th), it's great. But, by 7th and 8th, there really is no support or strategies. It's almost like the rug is pulled from under kids who still need some support. I also believe the new head is trying to get away from McLean being a school that helps kids with mild to moderate learning differences to really a mainstream school with smaller classes. The middle school learning specialist is pretty worthless, basically a conduit for outside tutors and support, which makes you wonder why your child is at McLean if you need outside tutors on top of the $37K price tag. So, visit and ask a lot of questions before you sign the contract.

So you're saying it's better for kids with less significant needs. We know kids at other schools that are just as expensive who have to hire outside tutors. Nothing unique to McLean.