NCS - Pros and Cons

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Agreed. We have been very happy with college counseling. They can't perform miracles. There are going to be a lot of girls attending colleges ranked above 50 this year but that isn't college counseling's fault. the college environment has changed markedly in the past 5 years and NCS has not adapted.

Agree but one would think college counseling would be advocating for the change though instead of doubling down and defending it since they are at the forefront of what is happening and what they are seeing?

College counseling has no power. They are simply there to do a job.
The people who could change things are the HOS but she has doubled down in recent talks about NCS' identity as a rigorous school. The head of the upper school is worthless. Less than worthless really. She is disliked by everyone no one can actually figure out what she does since she is rarely seen in public by the girls or parents.

The whole "3.5 is the average GPA" thing worked 5 years ago and girls could get into colleges ranked 30 or so with that GPA. Not anymore. It's really rough out there.
Plus private school college counselors no longer have any ability to call colleges on behalf of kids. They did 5 years ago. Without this ability they are hoping that colleges will just pick NCS girls based on the schools' reputation.

Things are not going to change until NCS has a really, really bad college admissions year and people start withdrawing their kids or not accepting spots. Then maybe the HOS will listen and change course.

That is not true, the HOS is highly regarded by most parents and she is at ALL the events. I literally see her all the time. The college results for this year so far are outstanding so I think there is a lot of mis-representation here. I am very familiar with that class and the girls have excelled in their college placements so far. I think the post above is a little hysterical for no reason as far as I can tell.
For any parents looking to send their daughter to NCS, try to find a broad range of parents from the school. Some will be happy and some will not, the same as for any other school. NCS has a rigorous academic program, they do not shy away from that. It is well advertised and well known. It is probably the schools main characteristic. As others have said, go into the school with your eyes open. No one is trying to pretend otherwise. Don't send your daughter there if you think the academics will be a challenge, but do send them there if you think they are capable of rising to the challenge. My daughters came out a lot smarter than when they went in!! It was a great experience and continues to be, for our family at least, but as others have noted, it is all about the fit for your child.

Yeah easy for you to say that.....Please don't disregard parents concerns and wanting their kids to have a fair chance that they DESERVE when their peers at less rigorous schools re getting an advantage.

Yes I like the HOS and am not the pp you are talking to. I see her out and about at events. I also like the Upper School head as well. I don't have an issue with anyone particular and am NOT the previous person saying that.

I find it interesting that you use the word "DESERVE" and not "EARNED". My observation is that the parents complaining the most have students who are not taking the highest rigor. A high GPA is achievable at NCS and exists for most of the girls taking the more rigorous classes. These girls have earned the chance to get into a higher ranked school. There are a good number of them in each class.

Agree with PP that the word "deserve" is the problem here. Your daughter at NCS does not deserve a spot any more than any other kid that works hard at other schools (I am an NCS parent). I think you have some self-reflection to do. The NCS girls are going to incredible schools, Ivy League, and many other excellent schools. Many also chose schools for very particular programs and many also have financial concerns to consider just like other kids. Come back when you have been through the college process and if you are not there yet, you always have the option to leave rather than gripe. The school is extremely transparent, probably the most of any of the schools, there is almost no information that they will not give you in terms of the college process. You knew what you were signing up for and if you don't like it, then move to public school where although the grading is easier, you are then competing with 1,000 kids, so your daughter would need to be at the top of the grade. News flash - NCS has very high academic standards, that is very well established. Take it or leave it.

I think the problem here is that you actually think you are only talking to one poster and person. Moderator can verify it is more than one or two or three people....One likes the HOS and the other does not. One has two girls - one has a younger kid. Try reading comprehension before you come on to talk about reflection.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agreed. We have been very happy with college counseling. They can't perform miracles. There are going to be a lot of girls attending colleges ranked above 50 this year but that isn't college counseling's fault. the college environment has changed markedly in the past 5 years and NCS has not adapted.

Agree but one would think college counseling would be advocating for the change though instead of doubling down and defending it since they are at the forefront of what is happening and what they are seeing?

College counseling has no power. They are simply there to do a job.
The people who could change things are the HOS but she has doubled down in recent talks about NCS' identity as a rigorous school. The head of the upper school is worthless. Less than worthless really. She is disliked by everyone no one can actually figure out what she does since she is rarely seen in public by the girls or parents.

The whole "3.5 is the average GPA" thing worked 5 years ago and girls could get into colleges ranked 30 or so with that GPA. Not anymore. It's really rough out there.
Plus private school college counselors no longer have any ability to call colleges on behalf of kids. They did 5 years ago. Without this ability they are hoping that colleges will just pick NCS girls based on the schools' reputation.

Things are not going to change until NCS has a really, really bad college admissions year and people start withdrawing their kids or not accepting spots. Then maybe the HOS will listen and change course.

That is not true, the HOS is highly regarded by most parents and she is at ALL the events. I literally see her all the time. The college results for this year so far are outstanding so I think there is a lot of mis-representation here. I am very familiar with that class and the girls have excelled in their college placements so far. I think the post above is a little hysterical for no reason as far as I can tell.
For any parents looking to send their daughter to NCS, try to find a broad range of parents from the school. Some will be happy and some will not, the same as for any other school. NCS has a rigorous academic program, they do not shy away from that. It is well advertised and well known. It is probably the schools main characteristic. As others have said, go into the school with your eyes open. No one is trying to pretend otherwise. Don't send your daughter there if you think the academics will be a challenge, but do send them there if you think they are capable of rising to the challenge. My daughters came out a lot smarter than when they went in!! It was a great experience and continues to be, for our family at least, but as others have noted, it is all about the fit for your child.

Yeah easy for you to say that.....Please don't disregard parents concerns and wanting their kids to have a fair chance that they DESERVE when their peers at less rigorous schools re getting an advantage.

Yes I like the HOS and am not the pp you are talking to. I see her out and about at events. I also like the Upper School head as well. I don't have an issue with anyone particular and am NOT the previous person saying that.

I find it interesting that you use the word "DESERVE" and not "EARNED". My observation is that the parents complaining the most have students who are not taking the highest rigor. A high GPA is achievable at NCS and exists for most of the girls taking the more rigorous classes. These girls have earned the chance to get into a higher ranked school. There are a good number of them in each class.

Agree with PP that the word "deserve" is the problem here. Your daughter at NCS does not deserve a spot any more than any other kid that works hard at other schools (I am an NCS parent). I think you have some self-reflection to do. The NCS girls are going to incredible schools, Ivy League, and many other excellent schools. Many also chose schools for very particular programs and many also have financial concerns to consider just like other kids. Come back when you have been through the college process and if you are not there yet, you always have the option to leave rather than gripe. The school is extremely transparent, probably the most of any of the schools, there is almost no information that they will not give you in terms of the college process. You knew what you were signing up for and if you don't like it, then move to public school where although the grading is easier, you are then competing with 1,000 kids, so your daughter would need to be at the top of the grade. News flash - NCS has very high academic standards, that is very well established. Take it or leave it.

I think the problem here is that you actually think you are only talking to one poster and person. Moderator can verify it is more than one or two or three people....One likes the HOS and the other does not. One has two girls - one has a younger kid. Try reading comprehension before you come on to talk about reflection.

I will add - I am NOT the person that does not like the HOS and Upperschool above.... That is a different person....

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I think the key to NCS is being honest about what kind of child you have. In a larger school (public or private) you get a wide variety of kids and so everyone eventually finds their "group" (large or small). NCS is very small, 70-75 girls in each class in HS. If you are very quiet or a child who is perhaps not yet socially comfortable, then this could be a lonely place. If your child is more outgoing or at least socially inclined than it could be a great experience. It is the same with academics, don't try to put your child in a HIGHLY academic environment if they are not that way inclined. You may wish your child to be an academic superstar, but don't kid yourself if they are not. The workload is hard is there is no getting around the fact that the demands and workload are high.
I think this is why the opinions on NCS are so varied, many families including ours love the school and their daughters have thrived there, but it is not for everyone. On the plus side your daughter will be pushed to achieve a level of academic success that will likely surprise you, but they will have to work for it. If you child is a B/C student, then this process could be demoralizing and I don't think anyone would ideally want that for their child no matter what the "brand" of the school. Our daughters have made incredible friends that I think they are likely to keep forever, but there are other kids who may have felt socially isolated. So I think the key is to be honest with yourself about what kind of environment your child will thrive in. Even if your child is an academic rockstar, NCS may still not be the right place for them because there is mandatory sports for example (why the girls games never have many spectators in case your are wondering - the girls are all at their own sports). Plus the social side can be tough. If you are not included in a group for invited to parties etc it can be isolating as the school is small.
I would say that NCS is perfect for a girl who is at least academically minded and able to cope with homework every night, plus a girl who has at least able to make a small group of friends at previous schools. If your child has struggled academically or is struggling in the middle school at NCS and is a bit socially reserved or has historically been socially isolated, then I would not chose NCS.

I think this is the case at ALL schools. Quiet reserved kids do often struggle but your daughter is going to find a more diverse group of kids at NCS (diverse in all ways not just racially but in interests too) at NCS than at some other schools that are currently having major mean girl issues where there is no place for girls that do not fit a certain mold. NCS is quite diverse and has become even more diverse in the past 5 years and that allows for a lot of different types to find their people there. As said if your child struggled before she came then she may struggle there too but maybe not. Also I want to correct the above poster who I think may be a bit dated. Classes are not 70-75 and have not been in years if ever. Classes are somewhere between 80-90 students.

The senior class is 71 girls

Class of 23 was 75.

[Anonymous]

Getting back to the original question, ninth grade is challenging academically in a great way, girls are friendly and kind, some are stressed about grades, but overall I think they are very happy and learning a lot.

[Anonymous]

I know several girls from NCS who have very high GPAs. They are super smart and work hard, yes, but it's certainly possible to get a high GPA there.

The bigger question is why so many other schools have such ridiculous grade inflation. It makes it impossible to distinguish between students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know several girls from NCS who have very high GPAs. They are super smart and work hard, yes, but it's certainly possible to get a high GPA there.

The bigger question is why so many other schools have such ridiculous grade inflation. It makes it impossible to distinguish between students.

What is a high GPA to you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know several girls from NCS who have very high GPAs. They are super smart and work hard, yes, but it's certainly possible to get a high GPA there.

The bigger question is why so many other schools have such ridiculous grade inflation. It makes it impossible to distinguish between students.

People like you are the exact problem pp above is talking about. Insinuating that others are not working hard or super smart despite having a perfect ACT or SAT score? Explain that please.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know several girls from NCS who have very high GPAs. They are super smart and work hard, yes, but it's certainly possible to get a high GPA there.

The bigger question is why so many other schools have such ridiculous grade inflation. It makes it impossible to distinguish between students.

People like you are the exact problem pp above is talking about. Insinuating that others are not working hard or super smart despite having a perfect ACT or SAT score? Explain that please.

The PP said that it is possible to get a high GPA. This is true. He/She didn't say others weren't working hard. Some kids work hard and get mostly As. Others may work hard and get mostly B+s.

Colleges consider GPA AND standardized test scores. They are two separate things. Getting a high GPA and a high test score should be a differentiator from a student getting a 3.5 GPA and a high test score.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I think the difficulty is that, in HS, NCS is something of an environment of extremes. It’s a huge pressure cooker. Girls work their absolute hardest and may scrape by with a B+ in English simply because the teacher doesn’t like to give out A’s. It’s a grind. And some girls thrive under pressure and competition and are happy and confident, and others are worn down and doubt themselves. Plenty of anxiety and depression and therapy.

If it’s a good fit for your daughter then it’s a great school and an amazing education. If it’s a bad fit it could be truly harmful.

The LS and MS are not the level of pressure that the US is, so if your daughter is younger and it seems like a good fit, try it out but be open to changing for HS if needed. If you’re already looking at HS, just really think about how well your child does under pressure cooker demands.

You write this exact same thing on every NCS post verbatim.

NP, but if people keep asking the same questions, they are going to get the same answers. I generally agree with the post above. I would say that beyond grades, at the HS level there is just a general focus on achievement that increases competition. I have had kids at other schools, and the girls seem to put more focus on winning accolades: becoming President of a Club, becoming Captain of a team, winning this award or that one, etc. I am not saying that’s bad, but like the poster above, I would say that some girls thrive and others get worn down. Our DD liked her experience there and it was good for her, but it was not easy.

The mayor complaint from recent grads and current seniors is that many of their policies seem to hurt the girls in the college process. I hate to say this because we love the school but it is the truth. They refuse to even consider making any changes - some are simple easy changes that could really have positive effects.

This is a very hot topic right now in the senior, junior, and even sophomore grades.

This is true. Teachers are excellent. Administration and College Counseling need some work.

It's not college counseling's fault that the girls can't get into competitive colleges!!
It's the school. if you are giving an average GPA of 3.5 that isn't going to fly in 2024.

I agree. I did not write that! I like the admin and CC. I agree they need to change the GPA system. Other schools have changed theirs in recent years so it CAN be done.

Look at the Field school thread - 10 percent of their kids went to Ivies last year and had 4.3-4.0 GPA's. Difficult to compete with that.

That’s great but how many kids graduate from Field each year? 40? So 4 went to and Ivy. Those 4 kids may have from another school too, had they gone elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

NP here (really!!), some current classes are small in the 70s but 9th grade is currently 89 girls. 27 were added this year. My impression is the school would like to graduate about 90 girls.

Also, the college acceptances I have heard about (from my daughter who is not a senior but is in US) are quite strong. They are still making decisions but I haven’t heard about lot of shut outs. College admissions are a hard thing these days and we still think NCS is worth the possibility that our daughter could have gotten into a better school from our downright horrible DCPS. She is thriving at NCS. LS was not hard, MS ramped up a bit and US can be a slog but as PPs have said, time management and executive function skills are key.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here (really!!), some current classes are small in the 70s but 9th grade is currently 89 girls. 27 were added this year. My impression is the school would like to graduate about 90 girls.

Also, the college acceptances I have heard about (from my daughter who is not a senior but is in US) are quite strong. They are still making decisions but I haven’t heard about lot of shut outs. College admissions are a hard thing these days and we still think NCS is worth the possibility that our daughter could have gotten into a better school from our downright horrible DCPS. She is thriving at NCS. LS was not hard, MS ramped up a bit and US can be a slog but as PPs have said, time management and executive function skills are key.

I heard only one into Tulane (ranked 73) and none into BC so far. Those are shut outs for EA and ED and EDII. I am hearing good news from the parents with good news and not good news from the parents with not good news.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here (really!!), some current classes are small in the 70s but 9th grade is currently 89 girls. 27 were added this year. My impression is the school would like to graduate about 90 girls.

Also, the college acceptances I have heard about (from my daughter who is not a senior but is in US) are quite strong. They are still making decisions but I haven’t heard about lot of shut outs. College admissions are a hard thing these days and we still think NCS is worth the possibility that our daughter could have gotten into a better school from our downright horrible DCPS. She is thriving at NCS. LS was not hard, MS ramped up a bit and US can be a slog but as PPs have said, time management and executive function skills are key.

I heard only one into Tulane (ranked 73) and none into BC so far. Those are shut outs for EA and ED and EDII. I am hearing good news from the parents with good news and not good news from the parents with not good news.

To clarify several applied to the above either and/or early action, early decision and/or early decision II and as those three options the above results so please don't down play the parents and students that not be getting good news. Same for 2023. Yes lots of great schools but many many were not happy with their college placement and were very open about it to all and still are open about it. Maybe you are only talking to people with good news or people not happy don't feel comfortable sharing its with you? Not sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here (really!!), some current classes are small in the 70s but 9th grade is currently 89 girls. 27 were added this year. My impression is the school would like to graduate about 90 girls.

Also, the college acceptances I have heard about (from my daughter who is not a senior but is in US) are quite strong. They are still making decisions but I haven’t heard about lot of shut outs. College admissions are a hard thing these days and we still think NCS is worth the possibility that our daughter could have gotten into a better school from our downright horrible DCPS. She is thriving at NCS. LS was not hard, MS ramped up a bit and US can be a slog but as PPs have said, time management and executive function skills are key.

I heard only one into Tulane (ranked 73) and none into BC so far. Those are shut outs for EA and ED and EDII. I am hearing good news from the parents with good news and not good news from the parents with not good news.

To clarify several applied to the above either and/or early action, early decision and/or early decision II and as those three options the above results so please don't down play the parents and students that not be getting good news. Same for 2023. Yes lots of great schools but many many were not happy with their college placement and were very open about it to all and still are open about it. Maybe you are only talking to people with good news or people not happy don't feel comfortable sharing its with you? Not sure.

I know several 2023 girls already transferring colleges for next year. You can transfer into a much higher ranked school after a year of college and this is not uncommon with girls that ended up with a college placement they are unhappy about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here (really!!), some current classes are small in the 70s but 9th grade is currently 89 girls. 27 were added this year. My impression is the school would like to graduate about 90 girls.

Also, the college acceptances I have heard about (from my daughter who is not a senior but is in US) are quite strong. They are still making decisions but I haven’t heard about lot of shut outs. College admissions are a hard thing these days and we still think NCS is worth the possibility that our daughter could have gotten into a better school from our downright horrible DCPS. She is thriving at NCS. LS was not hard, MS ramped up a bit and US can be a slog but as PPs have said, time management and executive function skills are key.

I heard only one into Tulane (ranked 73) and none into BC so far. Those are shut outs for EA and ED and EDII. I am hearing good news from the parents with good news and not good news from the parents with not good news.

To clarify several applied to the above either and/or early action, early decision and/or early decision II and as those three options the above results so please don't down play the parents and students that not be getting good news. Same for 2023. Yes lots of great schools but many many were not happy with their college placement and were very open about it to all and still are open about it. Maybe you are only talking to people with good news or people not happy don't feel comfortable sharing its with you? Not sure.

I know several 2023 girls already transferring colleges for next year. You can transfer into a much higher ranked school after a year of college and this is not uncommon with girls that ended up with a college placement they are unhappy about.

What does this even mean? That is not an ideal situation socially for most.

[Anonymous]

I have neighbors with an 11th grader. They have become insufferable in their elitism, convinced that no other school provides a decent education. Our DD is in a magnet program that we are happy with, but they don’t bother to inquire about her experience and just assume it is inferior. I can’t judge a school based on one family, but their behavior is a huge turn off - we avoid them and no longer consider them friends.