First Preference Independent School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I totally agree with this (keeping them younger) and have heard it from many educators and parents. I like the idea and am looking at schools with that model for a reason. Yes, that means applying again for highschool, but these schools are very helpful and have great placement (Norwood, WES, for example). But again, just a personal preference, but it seems to resonate as very true to me. Public schools are doing some similar things to keep kids shielded a bit from the bigger kids and all that the bigger kids bring with them.

Doesn't the concept of "keeping the children young" not work at Sidwell and GDS. Sidwell's lower school is separate from it's middle and high school. Same for GDS -- the lower and middle schools are separate from the high school.

[Anonymous]

I like the middle school to be separate from the high school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like the middle school to be separate from the high school

At GDS (for example), the middle school is separate from the high school. They are physically on two different campuses. So I'm not sure why schools like WES, Norwood or Sheridan would be more advantageous.

[Anonymous]

True physical separation can be part of it. But, there is more to it than physical separation. The eighth graders at PK or K through 8 schools are the "top of the heap." They are the ones presenting to the school, taking the leads in the plays, displayed in the art shows, being the heads of student councils, taking the leads in community service, running the buddy program, etc., etc. The list could go on and on.

Something else to look into is where the emphasis on funds/time/resources is placed in the PK or K through 12 school. Is the focus on great college placement so the academics are "top down?" Is the middle school a focus at the school for teachers and resources, or is it really the high school where that emphasis is placed?