Beauvoir

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beauvoir appears to be ramping up their math curriculum, probably in response to parental concerns.

Any Beauvoir parents noticed a change in the math curriculum this year?

We just got an e-mail regarding a summer camp math program. What's that all about?

[Anonymous]

It's about options. You may enroll your child if you think he or she needs the enrichment or remedial math education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In particular, Beavoir is often described as more "conservative" than Sidwell & GDS. Could you comment on what you think that means and what your experience in this area has been? Thanks.

I agree with the other replies to your query regarding the meaning of "conservative." But there are other layers to "conservative" as it pertains to Beauvoir. It also applies to the dress of both the parents and their kids. Pearls are not quite de rigueur, but even at the morning drop off, the pearls (and diamonds, and Tiffany baubles) can be dazzling, or dizzying, or daunting, depending on your perspective. For the men, Brooks Brothers might as well open up an outpost at the school, and Beauvoir men seem to be doing their best to bring back the bow tie. And as for the wee ones, polo shirts, oxford shirts, and other preppy regalia vastly outnumber the t-shirt look seen most elsewhere.

Okay, that's "conservative" in a lower case "c" type way. But you will find upper case instances of "C" as in "Conservative" here. You'll like find more true Republicans here than in any other of the private schools. You can't throw a rock without hitting a former Hucakbee supporter (not that this die-hard Dem is suggesting such a thing, mind you). I suppose in such a politically liberal city (I'm talking about the politics of those who actually live in DC), this is a diversity of sorts! And yes, I fear that at times "Conservative" applies to the world view of so many Beauvoir parents. Life for a fair number, dare I say the overwhelming majority of Beauvoir families, seems to be distilled down into a simple formula -- Beauvoir + NCS/St. Albans = IVY = $ = Happiness. Deviating in any way from this tried and true formula is anathema. "Question Authority" is not in their vocabulary. Creative thinkers, rebels, and "artsy types" might have a hard time fitting in. I'm not saying impossible. Just hard. But once you get past that, once you convince such parents that you're not about to rally the peasants for a charge up Mt. St. Alban to take over the school and turn it into a homeless shelter or abortion clinic, it's a lovely place, with lovely teachers, and lovely parents (Big C or Little C or Non-C).

I have looked very hard for these baubles all year. No luck. Otherwise, I agreed with your post when I first read it after we got in last year, and I agree with it now.

[Anonymous]

I'm assuming essentially no Catholic families attend B or the other Cathedral Schools. King vs. Pope, etc. Have read posts by Jewish, AA, other non-episcopals in attendance at B, just no Catholic families. Not Catholic ourselves, but very interested in having some representation in DC's classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm assuming essentially no Catholic families attend B or the other Cathedral Schools. King vs. Pope, etc. Have read posts by Jewish, AA, other non-episcopals in attendance at B, just no Catholic families. Not Catholic ourselves, but very interested in having some representation in DC's classes.

I have lived all over the world and, I have to say, without a doubt, Americans are the strangest people I have ever met!! This post is so strange.

[Anonymous]

I've known a handful of Catholic families at B and NCS - along with a handful of Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.

The Jews get excused from cathedral services on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; I think the other non-Christians have to ask.

In 5th grade there was a problem with some Jewish and Muslim girls sitting together and whispering during services.

[Anonymous]

Thank you PP. I've lived long and broadly too. Enough so that when I run into things I don't understand I don't call them strange.

[Anonymous]

The National Cathedral's mission states that it welcomes and honors all religions and all of the Cathedral schools (Beauvoir, NCS & STA) share in this mission. There is absolutely no preference given in offering openings to Episcopalians. All religions & denominations are not only welcome. All of the Cathedral schools will go out of their way to honor and accomodate the traditions and beliefs of the families who attend their schools.

Say whatever you like about the Cathedral schools, but I don't think you will find any first hand experiences from non-Episcopalian Cathedral community members who would not advocate about the above statement.

[Anonymous]

Happy practicing Catholic Beauvoir parent here. No problems at all. Hadn't even occurred to me anyone would think it an issue.

[Anonymous]

Some still may care that English Royal House selects the Archbishop of Canterbury who in turn decides membership in the Anglican Communion.

[Anonymous]

Catholic here. I do not feel persecuted, this is not the Middle Ages after all, but make no mistake about it - WASPs run the school administratively and culturally.

[Anonymous]

Catholic Cathedral School family here. Love the religious aspect of the education without all the guilt-ridden conservative Catholic messages I was raised with.......
Aren't all religions teaching the same thing anyway - love thy neighbor, forgiveness, respect, responsibility?

[Anonymous]

bump

much of this thread might be helpful this time of year

[Anonymous]

I have a question about sibling admission to Beauvoir. Friends that attend the school have always said that their sibling children were encouraged to apply in Pre-kindergarten or they were not given sibling preference. However, I know several families that are applying their sibling child to Kindergarten in the Fall. Is this a change in policy? Just wondering how many spots this will leave for other non-sibling families?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a question about sibling admission to Beauvoir. Friends that attend the school have always said that their sibling children were encouraged to apply in Pre-kindergarten or they were not given sibling preference. However, I know several families that are applying their sibling child to Kindergarten in the Fall. Is this a change in policy? Just wondering how many spots this will leave for other non-sibling families?

The policy has not changed, sibling preference is only for Pre-K and families are sent a letter reminding them of the deadline to apply( earlier than reg deadline). It is a "preference" only and not a guarantee. If families chose to skip Pre-K and apply for K only, they are in same boat as everyone else, so whatever the AD quotes as "spots available" for K, is what is available for sib and non-sib alike. Best of luck to your DC ! I am sure he/she is a great kid, that B would be happy to have.