Strong academics in lower school

[Anonymous]

I've seen many posts about the strength of academics and rigor at top DC area private schools for high school...but I am curious about which programs offer rigor for elementary grades when/if appropriate? And, if elementary is a 'no-go', how about middle school?

We may be looking to transfer from our current school in the future to find more challenge and a stronger peer group for our child. DC loves current school but is starting to express an interest and willingness to leave for a more challenging environment with other children who have a similar desire to learn (& listen) in class. Both DC and we like our school for the most part, so thinking of a potential move is a little rough. But it's kind of been my sense that a lot of the local privates don't accelerate much in lower school anyway so I'd hate to go down this road only to find it didn't change much.

I guess there's always the county GT- Magnet route too, but that raises other uncertainties - especially with 2.0 complicating maters.

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

I think the K-8's get pretty academic at around grade 4-5. They start easier but really ramp up toward middle school.

[Anonymous]

Long time private school parent here, with experience at various schools including Big 3 and progressive. (I have some very different children). There is a tension at the more rigorous schools between kids who want to learn and kids who are pushed by competitive parents. I have a kid who loves to learn and was at a Big 3 but found that the atmosphere created by the competitive parenting was really toxic. Fabulous student, but unhappy. Transferred to a progressive school and loved it.

My point is that the more rigorous schools are two-edged. Also you need to make sure you don't become one of those competitive parents -- it can become poison when the kids get older.

If what you want is differentiation you are more likely to get it in public school. Otherwise I suggest you visit some privates to get a feel. I wouldn't rely on the opinions you read here because many are just loopy. You really can get a gut feeling when you visit the schools.

[Anonymous]

10:05, with which progressive school are you having such a positive experience? We're having a similar experience and are looking at other options should the climate continue this way.

[Anonymous]

Field. Love it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Field. Love it.

Over the years, I've heard wonderful things about Field. We considered it, but worried about the strength of the academics. DC is a rising 10th grader now at a Big 3.

[Anonymous]

If your DC is happy, thats great. But if not you should really consider switching, it can make such a difference. Field has a range of learners. My DC has been challenged and loves their particular approach (focus on discussion and writing). It is not as difficult in terms of work load as a big 3, which I think is good. The academics are sophisticated.

[Anonymous]

Field doesn't start until 6th. I wouldn't consider it a lower school.

[Anonymous]

True, Field is not a strong academic school. Students are not held responsible for their work but they have a great time.

[Anonymous]

Probably wait until 6th if you missed apps for 4th. I would try gds, sidwell, maret or holton if girl. Gl

[Anonymous]

What grade is your child in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Long time private school parent here, with experience at various schools including Big 3 and progressive. (I have some very different children). There is a tension at the more rigorous schools between kids who want to learn and kids who are pushed by competitive parents. I have a kid who loves to learn and was at a Big 3 but found that the atmosphere created by the competitive parenting was really toxic. Fabulous student, but unhappy. Transferred to a progressive school and loved it.

My point is that the more rigorous schools are two-edged. Also you need to make sure you don't become one of those competitive parents -- it can become poison when the kids get older.

If what you want is differentiation you are more likely to get it in public school. Otherwise I suggest you visit some privates to get a feel. I wouldn't rely on the opinions you read here because many are just loopy. You really can get a gut feeling when you visit the schools.

This is a really helpful and interesting post.
With regards the split between academically driven kids and those driven by parents - I'd be very interested to know, would you say its a gender divide? Girls working hard, boys not so much, or was it not dependent on that?

[Anonymous]

Barnesville differentiates for things like reading and math in the lower school, while keeping the whole class together for the specials (art, music, Spanish, PE, etc.) and for much of the rest of the day. We find it a nice balance, keeps the students bonded socially while allowing students to either get extra help or move ahead in some areas according to their needs.

[Anonymous]

Someone is going to have to define "rigorous" as it relates to elementary school for this discussion to make any sense. It seems to me that some people use it more to describe a rigid or competitive atmosphere, others to describe methods of teaching, and others to describe the content being taught.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Barnesville differentiates for things like reading and math in the lower school, while keeping the whole class together for the specials (art, music, Spanish, PE, etc.) and for much of the rest of the day. We find it a nice balance, keeps the students bonded socially while allowing students to either get extra help or move ahead in some areas according to their needs.

Many schools offer differentiation, but you also need to consider the strength of the cohort at each school (which may vary from year to year) and the expectations the school and parents have for different groups.