The Potomac School - Spill the Beans Please

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure that this school has it's own thread. Just a few random references here and there on DCUM. Why isn't this discussed more? A reflection of NW school obsession or anti-VA bias? Seems like one of the "elite privates" as far as I can tell. So, can anyone out there share their experiences, impressions, etc.?

[Anonymous]

We applied to Potomac twice, but didn't get in. DS did get in to our top choice, so it worked out fine.
We found the whole admissions process to be quite unwelcoming. There were no open houses or information sessions, or any public way to find out more about the school. Maybe they feel they just don't need to make the effort?

[Anonymous]

Used to be a Wash DC school in the 1940s and before. Was probably 80%+ DC kids in the 1970s with great bus service, now it's definitely at least 70% Virginia kids. Lots of Va. tycoons' kids and lots of money sloshing around. Kids seem very happy; exmissions not quite up to NCS/STA

[Anonymous]

I had a close friend apply (and they got in). Like PP, she said the admissions person was unpleasant and off-putting. I know they are required to bus almost everyone in through the neighborhood and have lots of group bus shuttle stops around McLean, Arlington and other areas. I also know their facilities can't accommodate a child in a wheelchair very well.

I have another friend whose kids go there and they love it.

[Anonymous]

We applied years ago and had a very unpleasant, off-putting experience with the admissions person. They also "bribed" the kids at the group playdate by handing out cookies (of course, my pre-k daughter immediately decided she wanted to go to the place with the cookies). It seemed to us that admissions (at least at the K level) are very much "who you know." We were really turned off by it. Hope it's changed since then.

[Anonymous]

I don't know about Potomac, but Geoff Jones was my HS principal (in the mid 90s) and he was very well respected (and still is, I think).

[Anonymous]

We applied there this year and know a current family there. From what I've heard, the school is great and has a lot of resources. I know a few younger people from this area and they said that if you're looking for a school where the kids come out pretty well rounded and academically sound, Potomac is one of the best places to go. It's our 2nd choice school and the shuttles system is pretty extensive.

[Anonymous]

How is college placement, putting aside the Virginia schools?

[Anonymous]

I am an administrator at The Potomac School, and I just came across this thread by accident. Spill the beans?-happily! Potomac is a school that in its 104 year history, first in Dupont Circle and now in McLean, has remained true to its roots as a school where kids, K-12, are known, loved, and have the opportunity to be the best they can be surrounded by dedicated, experienced adults. Our results speak for themselves, and we remain committed to a holistic view of childhood that emphasizes collaboration and community over competition. We sit on almost 100 acres, and we teach students to be the stewards of the land that was there before us, and that we will pass on to future generations. We are just finishing Phase 1 of a campaign that has allowed us to build an-award-winning Upper School, and an almost completed Lower School. Our Head of School is Geoff Jones who we lured away from the school he founded: Thomas Jefefrson Science and Technology School, and he has a vision of a school where excellence in learning happens everywhere. We ar proud of all our students, including last year's world runners-up robotics team, our state-winning debate team, and our championship boys basketball team. We also have award-winning students in the arts. Finally, we continue to see ourselves as a Washington school, and our extensive fleet of over 40 buses runs throughout the metro area, allowing us to promote our core goal of diversity.

I have been at the school for 24 years, and I don't actually feel the need to "sell" Potomac-those who are at the school love it because of the support it gives to families. I would argue that 95% of the kids and adults are happy and productive, and I think that's pretty good. I would be happy to speak to anyone further if they wish- I want everyone to have a good experience at Potomac, especially those visitors coming to us for the first time. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me at [e-mail]. I am the proud Head of Intermediate School, a unique division established to support seventh and eighth graders in their own division. Happy to answer any questions. Brendan

[Anonymous]

Could you tell us what you look for in an 4th grade applicant? How can a parent prepare his/her child to do good on the tests, interviews, etc.?

[Anonymous]

In terms of parents, my understanding from friends is that there is a higher percentage overall of exceptionally wealthy and relatively younger parents with many more SAHMs than some of the privates closer in to the District (which was of note to my friends because they are women who became mothers in their mid to late 30's and early 40's). Just fwiw.

[Anonymous]

This is a great question regarding test taking. Speaking about Potomac specifically, and as someone involved in the admissions process for 7th/8th grades, we regard test taking as one small part of a much bigger puzzle that has many different pieces. The school reports, the interest of the child, and most importantly, "the fit"! Do we see a child and family buying into our philosophy and mission statement regarding a holistic approach to childhood and learning? Is a child driven only by grades, or is there a greater love of learning? Does the child show empathy and a generosity of spirit? Rest assured: no school is going to look just at a kid's scores, and if they do, do you really wish to go there in the first place? Brendan Sheerin [e-mail].

[Anonymous]

Having just attended my raising 1st graders play date at the Potomac School, I totally agree with admissions' concern with a family's holistic approach to childhood and learning. I was awed by the number of families with children (5 and 6 year olds) who appeared groomed and rehearsed for the occasion, while my 5 year old squirmed in his chair and played with his toys. Since we began this process, I've often questioned whether my kids would 'fit' into such an environment. My kids are average kids and did not score in the 99th percentile on the IQ tests, as I've read on many of the other posts. They are kids who have a love for learning, but are not driven by grades. I hope that comes through in the end and that they 'fit'.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I am an administrator at The Potomac School, and I just came across this thread by accident. Spill the beans?-happily! Potomac is a school that in its 104 year history, first in Dupont Circle and now in McLean, has remained true to its roots as a school where kids, K-12, are known, loved, and have the opportunity to be the best they can be surrounded by dedicated, experienced adults. Our results speak for themselves, and we remain committed to a holistic view of childhood that emphasizes collaboration and community over competition. We sit on almost 100 acres, and we teach students to be the stewards of the land that was there before us, and that we will pass on to future generations. We are just finishing Phase 1 of a campaign that has allowed us to build an-award-winning Upper School, and an almost completed Lower School. Our Head of School is Geoff Jones who we lured away from the school he founded: Thomas Jefefrson Science and Technology School, and he has a vision of a school where excellence in learning happens everywhere. We ar proud of all our students, including last year's world runners-up robotics team, our state-winning debate team, and our championship boys basketball team. We also have award-winning students in the arts. Finally, we continue to see ourselves as a Washington school, and our extensive fleet of over 40 buses runs throughout the metro area, allowing us to promote our core goal of diversity.

I have been at the school for 24 years, and I don't actually feel the need to "sell" Potomac-those who are at the school love it because of the support it gives to families. I would argue that 95% of the kids and adults are happy and productive, and I think that's pretty good. I would be happy to speak to anyone further if they wish- I want everyone to have a good experience at Potomac, especially those visitors coming to us for the first time. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me at [e-mail]. I am the proud Head of Intermediate School, a unique division established to support seventh and eighth graders in their own division. Happy to answer any questions. Brendan

Brendan: Thanks for sharing. But starting out with the "I just came across this board by accident" preface is an unnecessary white lie. Be proud that you're a DCUM reader! GD

[Anonymous]

It said that they came across this THREAD by accident.