Our school choices - any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Hi - I have two daughters (grades 5 & 2) - and so far, we are thinking of applying to the following (order of preference, based on 'reputation'):

1. Holton Arms
2. Potomac School
3. Washington International School
4. Langley School
5. Flinthill School

Are we missing any good schools? We called Maret / GDS / Sidwell - but they aren't likely to have openings... Any advice on these schools, or suggestion on some other possibilities, would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance!

[Anonymous]

So are you applying for 3rd and 6th grade? If so, I was under the impression that 6th was an entry year for Sidwell and GDS (we have several friends who sent their kids to those schools at that grade level). If you're looking for 6th, you might consider Edmund Burke as well -- it's not discussed as often on this board, but many people seem to love it. What about NCS? And Maret is going to start taking applications for 6th grade soon, I forget if it's this year or next.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So are you applying for 3rd and 6th grade? If so, I was under the impression that 6th was an entry year for Sidwell and GDS (we have several friends who sent their kids to those schools at that grade level). If you're looking for 6th, you might consider Edmund Burke as well -- it's not discussed as often on this board, but many people seem to love it. What about NCS? And Maret is going to start taking applications for 6th grade soon, I forget if it's this year or next.

Thank you for your reply-I really appreciate it! Actually I should have clarified - our daughters will be 2nd and 5th grade next year. This is why it's rather difficult, as they are non-expansion grades...

[Anonymous]

Where do you live?

[Anonymous]

If you would consider a K-8 school, I highly recommend that you take a look at Norwood School in Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

or Capitol Hill Day School.

[Anonymous]

Goodness -- the far reaches of Bethesda. The far reaches of northern VA. A girl's school. A language immersion/international school. What are you looking for?

[Anonymous]

The order of preference thing based on "reputation" seems a bit odd. Not sure any of those schools have seriously distinguishable academic reputations (other than Holton) so I would suggest you base the order of pref on fit and feel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The order of preference thing based on "reputation" seems a bit odd. Not sure any of those schools have seriously distinguishable academic reputations (other than Holton) so I would suggest you base the order of pref on fit and feel.

I agree. These are all very different schools. Tour them, see which type of education 'fits' your children the best, then also consider other schools that are similar. Your list of schools is a bit strange in terms of location and philosophy.

[Anonymous]

Just a plug here for Holton. I went to an all-girls' school from age 10 on and really loved it -- and my social life never suffered either! Have you looked at Sheridan? It only goes to 8th, but still . . .

[Anonymous]

I second the suggestion about Norwood.
BTW, they might be looking at getting a bus next year.

[Anonymous]

I also looked at this list and thought WOW, very different schools. SHOULD really be about where the kids would be happiest, but I get trying to keep them together! These schools are also all over the place..where do you live? Doesn't that matter?

[Anonymous]

Holton does add girls in 5th and 6th grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The order of preference thing based on "reputation" seems a bit odd. Not sure any of those schools have seriously distinguishable academic reputations (other than Holton) so I would suggest you base the order of pref on fit and feel.

Actually, I think Potomac has one of the better outplacements -- following Sidwell -- of the co-ed schools.

[Anonymous]

Check out Washington Episcopal School in Bethesda. My kids (3rd &5th) love it as do we.