GDS parents of lower school kids: Can you help?

[Anonymous]

We are moving to the DC area and are in the midst of applying to schools. Our kids are in elementary school already so they will be applying as transfers. It is much harder to get a sense of the schools when you fly down for a quick tour (which we did); there's not the opportunity to ask a bunch of parents or neighbors about their experiences.

A friend told me about this site and so I am asking here.

One of the ones we are most interested in is GDS. Would parents mind sharing their & their kids' experiences with the lower school? Are they generally positive? Are the kids happy at school? Do they get enough time to run around and play or is it really heavily focused on academics? What about homework? Is there a ton? Does GDS have good communication with parents? Are the kids excited about learning and do they look forward to going to school?

I know, of course, that many of these answers will be influenced by your child's individual personality (e.g., looking forward to going to school)... but I want a general picture of the school and whether the kids enjoy it, get enough outdoor/indoor play time (it IS elementary school after all), if they are learning and the school is fostering a love of learning, etc.

Thanks!
-Soon to Be DC Parent

[Anonymous]

I am not a GDS parent, but I am friends and neighbors with many at the school. With the exception of one child in the middle school years, every single one of them has had an overwhelmingly positive experience with the institution.

The one who is not as happy is not feeling academically challenged.

This is one out of at least 20 or so kids I know at the school at this time. It would be a fine choice if there is room for your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are moving to the DC area and are in the midst of applying to schools. Our kids are in elementary school already so they will be applying as transfers. It is much harder to get a sense of the schools when you fly down for a quick tour (which we did); there's not the opportunity to ask a bunch of parents or neighbors about their experiences.

A friend told me about this site and so I am asking here.

One of the ones we are most interested in is GDS. Would parents mind sharing their & their kids' experiences with the lower school? Are they generally positive? Are the kids happy at school? Do they get enough time to run around and play or is it really heavily focused on academics? What about homework? Is there a ton? Does GDS have good communication with parents? Are the kids excited about learning and do they look forward to going to school?

I know, of course, that many of these answers will be influenced by your child's individual personality (e.g., looking forward to going to school)... but I want a general picture of the school and whether the kids enjoy it, get enough outdoor/indoor play time (it IS elementary school after all), if they are learning and the school is fostering a love of learning, etc.

Thanks!
-Soon to Be DC Parent

Since you are new to town (congrats), thought I would mention that this site has a good search function. You will find a ton of threads on GDS.