what lower schools fit this description?

[Anonymous]

I am just starting the process of looking at schools for DC to start K in 2014. I'm told DC will thrive most in a school with strong academics, small group learning environment (not just teacher/student ratio, but small group settings), and a socially nurturing environment. Suggestions for my 'long list'?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Concord Hill, St. Patrick's.

[Anonymous]

Washington Episcopal is a small school that might work for your family. The classes at WES are very small.

[Anonymous]

Where do you want the schools to be located - DC, MD or VA? Can the school be religious? Are you looking for a K-8 or K-12?

[Anonymous]

OP here - we're in NW DC so prefer DC or close in MoCo. No preference as to K-8 or K-12 - or even K-some other endpoint that is a natural transition to other schools. Prefer non-religious - we're Jewish - but dont mind a religious underpinning as long as there isn't imposed religion, if that makes any sense (for ex., dont mind the idea of chapel but it cant be heavy on J.C.).

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Take a look at Grace Episcopal in Kensington. The religious aspect is minimal with more of an emphasis on good character development. The classes are small and the teachers tend to work in small groups with students.

[Anonymous]

Norwood.

[Anonymous]

St Patrick's could work. They definitely split the kids into small groups for reading, math, etc. They go to chapel once a week and have religion class, but I can't say they are learning a ton of New Testament stuff. It seems more golden rule, deist to me. There is a Christmas Pageant, but I don't think it is too heavy on the JC. If you aren't a believer, it is a good story.

Look into Maret, GDS, Sidwell, WIS, too. I don't have experience with them though, so I can't say how good a fit they would be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - we're in NW DC so prefer DC or close in MoCo. No preference as to K-8 or K-12 - or even K-some other endpoint that is a natural transition to other schools. Prefer non-religious - we're Jewish - but dont mind a religious underpinning as long as there isn't imposed religion, if that makes any sense (for ex., dont mind the idea of chapel but it cant be heavy on J.C.).

Thanks!

A second recommendation for Washington Episcopal School in close-in Bethesda. Episcopalians welcome everyone. There are Jewish children in DC's class and a mom came in during Hanukah last year to share some special snacks, play dreidl and tell the story of Hanukah. The families may decide that their children not participate in the Christmas pageant. Weekly religion classes focus more on values and morals and there is some discussion through the year of many different faiths. Small school with small classes, very nurturing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am just starting the process of looking at schools for DC to start K in 2014. I'm told DC will thrive most in a school with strong academics, small group learning environment (not just teacher/student ratio, but small group settings), and a socially nurturing environment. Suggestions for my 'long list'?

Thanks!

Primary Day would be an option. It goes through 2nd grade

[Anonymous]

Go look at a number of schools, including Sheridan, St. Pat's, Beauvoir, GDS, Maret, Sidwell, etc...so you get a feel for what makes each one different. It's hard to understand just looking at numbers or statements on paper and you shouldn't go by what people on here say, either positive or negative. Plan to spend a few hours each week doing a tour and you likely will quickly find yourself feeling a pull toward one or two schools and outright rejecting others. It won't always be the ones you'd thought you'd like or dislike at the outset.

[Anonymous]

Christ Episcopal School! You should attend their November 15 Open House and see for yourself. You won't be sorry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go look at a number of schools, including Sheridan, St. Pat's, Beauvoir, GDS, Maret, Sidwell, etc...so you get a feel for what makes each one different. It's hard to understand just looking at numbers or statements on paper and you shouldn't go by what people on here say, either positive or negative. Plan to spend a few hours each week doing a tour and you likely will quickly find yourself feeling a pull toward one or two schools and outright rejecting others. It won't always be the ones you'd thought you'd like or dislike at the outset.

Some of these schools have larger classes than others, specifically Sheridan, Beauvoir, GDS, Maret, Sidwell. They certainly break out into smaller groups at times, but if OP wants small classes I wouldn't look there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am just starting the process of looking at schools for DC to start K in 2014. I'm told DC will thrive most in a school with strong academics, small group learning environment (not just teacher/student ratio, but small group settings), and a socially nurturing environment. Suggestions for my 'long list'?

Thanks!

Yours, and every other kid on the planet.

Sorry, OP, but that's hardly criteria to go school-shopping on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:St Patrick's could work. They definitely split the kids into small groups for reading, math, etc. They go to chapel once a week and have religion class, but I can't say they are learning a ton of New Testament stuff. It seems more golden rule, deist to me. There is a Christmas Pageant, but I don't think it is too heavy on the JC. If you aren't a believer, it is a good story.
Look into Maret, GDS, Sidwell, WIS, too. I don't have experience with them though, so I can't say how good a fit they would be.

Not to get off-topic, but how pathetic is that?