Best Science Program? Best Science Teaching?

[Anonymous]

My Kindergarten son is really into science (mom and dad are scientists, too), and we are looking for the best school(s) for science in the area with insprirational science teachers. Any recommendations?

[Anonymous]

As a scientist myself, I would say the DC private school universe does not have a lot of strength in science, as compared to the humanities. Perhaps most of the parents are lawyers, politicos, journalists (at least that is my experience) and they pass on those genes/environment to their kids. Most of the engineers/scientists I work with send their kids tp public (in part because don't make enough money for private) and focus on TJ in Virginia or Blair magnet in Montgomery county. I hear good things about science at Holton but that won't help a boy. GDS has some great science teachers and a pretty rich science curriculum, including some research electives, and a strong math team and math program at least compared to the other privates, so would encourage you to look there.

[Anonymous]

He's in kindergarten. Please relax.

[Anonymous]

OP here... It's never too early to be inspired! And the youngest children are so into science. Just want to keep that love alive Thanks for any thoughts and recs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My Kindergarten son is really into science (mom and dad are scientists, too), and we are looking for the best school(s) for science in the area with insprirational science teachers. Any recommendations?

If the DC is really into science, they can do fine anywhere. If it's the DP that is really into science for the DC, you will be disappointed anywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a scientist myself, I would say the DC private school universe does not have a lot of strength in science, as compared to the humanities. Perhaps most of the parents are lawyers, politicos, journalists (at least that is my experience) and they pass on those genes/environment to their kids. Most of the engineers/scientists I work with send their kids tp public (in part because don't make enough money for private) and focus on TJ in Virginia or Blair magnet in Montgomery county. I hear good things about science at Holton but that won't help a boy. GDS has some great science teachers and a pretty rich science curriculum, including some research electives, and a strong math team and math program at least compared to the other privates, so would encourage you to look there.

This response is not really age appropriate

[Anonymous]

OP, we supplement with activities and camps that are science oriented. There is a science camp for young boys at Avalon this summer if you don't mind the drive to Gaithersburg.

[Anonymous]

Feynman

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a scientist myself, I would say the DC private school universe does not have a lot of strength in science, as compared to the humanities. Perhaps most of the parents are lawyers, politicos, journalists (at least that is my experience) and they pass on those genes/environment to their kids. Most of the engineers/scientists I work with send their kids tp public (in part because don't make enough money for private) and focus on TJ in Virginia or Blair magnet in Montgomery county. I hear good things about science at Holton but that won't help a boy. GDS has some great science teachers and a pretty rich science curriculum, including some research electives, and a strong math team and math program at least compared to the other privates, so would encourage you to look there.

This response is not really age appropriate

New poster. It's spot on.

[Anonymous]

Not a school but check out Ideaventions in Vienna.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a scientist myself, I would say the DC private school universe does not have a lot of strength in science, as compared to the humanities. Perhaps most of the parents are lawyers, politicos, journalists (at least that is my experience) and they pass on those genes/environment to their kids. Most of the engineers/scientists I work with send their kids tp public (in part because don't make enough money for private) and focus on TJ in Virginia or Blair magnet in Montgomery county. I hear good things about science at Holton but that won't help a boy. GDS has some great science teachers and a pretty rich science curriculum, including some research electives, and a strong math team and math program at least compared to the other privates, so would encourage you to look there.

This response is not really age appropriate

New poster. It's spot on.

As a former private school parent totally agree as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a scientist myself, I would say the DC private school universe does not have a lot of strength in science, as compared to the humanities. Perhaps most of the parents are lawyers, politicos, journalists (at least that is my experience) and they pass on those genes/environment to their kids. Most of the engineers/scientists I work with send their kids tp public (in part because don't make enough money for private) and focus on TJ in Virginia or Blair magnet in Montgomery county. I hear good things about science at Holton but that won't help a boy. GDS has some great science teachers and a pretty rich science curriculum, including some research electives, and a strong math team and math program at least compared to the other privates, so would encourage you to look there.

This response is not really age appropriate

New poster. It's spot on.

As the parent of 3 STEM kids who attend/ed a DC independepent school, I would agree that it's spot on as far as the observations I've highlighted above. I would add, however, that my kids have had a great experience at their school, and the two who have gone on to college (the youngest is still a high school student) were well-prepared to major in STEM subjects at a university consistently ranked in the top 5 by US News (not gospel, but a convenient short-hand for selective, rigorous schools). In addition to taking the most challenging math and science courses offered at their school, they developed strong oral and written communications skills in their humanities courses. The school's small overal size and low teacher:student ratio allowed them to get to know their teachers, who have continued to serve as mentors and friends even after graduation.

[Anonymous]

Holton! (JK, although we all know that poster will be here soon)

[Anonymous]

seriously? out dd was at holton and took all her advanced science classes at landon.

[Anonymous]

Seriously.ook at Feynman. It's for gifted kids, heavily STEM focused and a high proportion of parents are scientists.