Does your kid fit in with the culture at Wootton HS?

[Anonymous]

We are contemplating moving to this school district but I am concerned about the sheer size of the school and also about the culture of the school. My kids are little now so too soon I think to tell how they will do in a large competitive academic environment. FWIW, we are a white, dual income family with advanced degrees. I can't visualize us being the kind of parents who will push our kids sooooooo over the top hard as if there is nothing else in life but A's and IB programs. I have heard the school can be very competive but I don't think I can really grasp the big picture. If your kids go to school there can you please tell me about your experiences - good and bad? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Wootton is not currently an IB school so no worries there.

My DC goes to another W school and thrives there. There is really room for everyone at these schools. I think there is some academic competitiveness within a certain group but there are plenty of happy kids outside that group. I expect the same is true at Wootton.

[Anonymous]

I live here and have had some less-than-optimal experience with local high schoolers. If your kid isn't super-bright and high-achieving, it can be hard to fit in. But if you plan to Tiger Mom it for the next 15 years, your kid should fit right in.

Also not thrilled with the teens who hang at the pool. That night just be specific to my neighborhood though, and not the school. But there is a serious entitlement mentality. Not very polite.

[Anonymous]

My child is graduating from Wootton this year. She had a very good experience, socially and academically, but she is a very capable and organized sort of person. She has definitelynhad to stay on top of teachers who accidentally enter an incorrect grade for a project, or who dragged thier feet when recommendations had to be written for colleges. For a student who is smart and motivated, it"s got a lot to offer. She did an internship, took lots of AP classes, psychology, photography, etc. but, it is a very big school and some kids fall through the cracks a bit. FWIW, she says she might have done better at Churchill -- i don't know why, but kids who she knows who are comparable to her seem to have gotten into slightly better colleges.
As much as we were happy with Wootton, neither of her younger brothers will go there. They both have minor processing issues so are both going private for high school because i thought that the somewhat chaotic nature of wootton would be too much. If you have any other questions, please ask and i'll answer them.

[Anonymous]

Wootton is fine. Both of my sons went there and did fine. It did take my older son five years to geaduate college but he did it . School offers a good mix of academics, sports and theatre.