Potomac parents are SO ANNOYING

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Potomac is one of the better schools in McLean. Lots of local McLean folks send their kids there. The same is true for SSSAS - one of the better schools in Alexandria. It's all good!

Isn’t it the only school in McLean?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I dunno, I sort of agree. We’re at a NW private and I often see them at sports games- for some reason Potomac parents always seem snooty to me. I’m sure there are nice parents, but just a general impression

Potomac is kind of like
Congressional cc was 30 years ago.

For someone in their 30s who wasn't aware at the time... what do you mean?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mean take, but here goes nothing: I feel like if you are willing to live in NOVA, acceptance to the one decent private there is probably the biggest social signifier you have, and thus more important to flaunt.

Whoa! This thread is not holding back! I had no idea we were all secretly annoyed by them, I

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mean take, but here goes nothing: I feel like if you are willing to live in NOVA, acceptance to the one decent private there is probably the biggest social signifier you have, and thus more important to flaunt.

Whoa! This thread is not holding back! I had no idea we were all secretly annoyed by them, I

I just thought it was me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mean take, but here goes nothing: I feel like if you are willing to live in NOVA, acceptance to the one decent private there is probably the biggest social signifier you have, and thus more important to flaunt.

Bingo

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Potomac is one of the better schools in McLean. Lots of local McLean folks send their kids there. The same is true for SSSAS - one of the better schools in Alexandria. It's all good!

Isn’t it the only school in McLean?

There is Madeira, Langley, McLean, and Basis. Potomac is usually ranked after Basis and Madiera, but ahead of McLean and Langley

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Potomac is one of the better schools in McLean. Lots of local McLean folks send their kids there. The same is true for SSSAS - one of the better schools in Alexandria. It's all good!

Isn’t it the only school in McLean?

There is Madeira, Langley, McLean, and Basis. Potomac is usually ranked after Basis and Madiera, but ahead of McLean and Langley

Oooooooh I didn't realize Madeira was nearby (I always envisioned it further out in the country)... that definitely explains the panicked need to disassociate with McLean directly and try to reconfigure themselves as something else with their "regional appeal" thing they are alway talking about...

[Anonymous]

Taking issue with the parents wearing school merch bit is silly. Lots of parents from DCs' (different) schools wear some sort of hat or shirt or sweatshirt at sporting events. There's a school store, the school gives out tshirts at various times, people like to show their school spirit, and it's an easy way to find other parents to sit with in the stands when you are new, etc. Nbd.

I think the issue with Potomac is that the parents I've interacted with seem to have an air about them that pisses people off. They are the sneaky cutthroat people who talk a big game about diversity and inclusion while all the time looking down their noses at you. I've had lots of humblebrag type conversations with the parents we know and I think that's gross. The Sidwell parents just come right out and tell you their kids are better and smarter than yours, but the Potomac parents pretending they are down to earth is what I think annoys people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Taking issue with the parents wearing school merch bit is silly. Lots of parents from DCs' (different) schools wear some sort of hat or shirt or sweatshirt at sporting events. There's a school store, the school gives out tshirts at various times, people like to show their school spirit, and it's an easy way to find other parents to sit with in the stands when you are new, etc. Nbd.

I think the issue with Potomac is that the parents I've interacted with seem to have an air about them that pisses people off. They are the sneaky cutthroat people who talk a big game about diversity and inclusion while all the time looking down their noses at you. I've had lots of humblebrag type conversations with the parents we know and I think that's gross. The Sidwell parents just come right out and tell you their kids are better and smarter than yours, but the Potomac parents pretending they are down to earth is what I think annoys people.

+100 you articulated what I wanted to say so much better than I could have! This is thing that is being felt that gives us an unspoken pause.

[Anonymous]

I know Potomac parents and none of them are like this. However, I find it odd that you haven't seen this at the other DC schools you mentioned. I have kids at one of the others you mentioned, and I certainly where school gear -- mostly at sport events -- but since I own it, don't know why I wouldn't wear it whenever I wanted to. The answer is simple - school pride. Perhaps there is something ( constant fundraising that has to happen if a school is going to be sustainable, recognizable alum networks) about a private school that breeds this more than public schools, but I also couldn't say for certain.

My point is I definitely don't think its just a Potomac thing.

[Anonymous]

wear*

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Taking issue with the parents wearing school merch bit is silly. Lots of parents from DCs' (different) schools wear some sort of hat or shirt or sweatshirt at sporting events. There's a school store, the school gives out tshirts at various times, people like to show their school spirit, and it's an easy way to find other parents to sit with in the stands when you are new, etc. Nbd.

I think the issue with Potomac is that the parents I've interacted with seem to have an air about them that pisses people off. They are the sneaky cutthroat people who talk a big game about diversity and inclusion while all the time looking down their noses at you. I've had lots of humblebrag type conversations with the parents we know and I think that's gross. The Sidwell parents just come right out and tell you their kids are better and smarter than yours, but the Potomac parents pretending they are down to earth is what I think annoys people.

Yup! I’ve also noticed that when people from Potomac School respond with things like "jealous much?" it kind of reinforces the perception people are describing here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I'm a Potomac parent, and I have to say I've found the parents to be a down to earth, welcoming group. It doesn't sound like they are actually bothering or interacting with you, so maybe you could just try not to eavesdrop and ignore them? I admit I'm guilty of wearing Potomac gear on occasion if any of my kids have a sports or robotics or debate competition that day, but I definitely don't mean to be offensive. Instead, I am happy that my kids are proud of their school and the effort they're putting in at interscholastic things, so I'd like to support them. It never crossed my mind that it would irritate someone while I'm out running errands.
I can't say it sounds like you will be missed by not applying. I'd also guess it's much more of an upbeat and supportive place than you would be happy at.

Exhibit A...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I run into these parents a lot in McLean and they are the most annoying group of people. Constantly talking about Potomac. Why do you need to mention the name of your kids school so much and so loudly? I will be across the playground and hear them chattering Potomac this, Potomac that. This happens all the time. And I constantly see adults wearing Potomac hats and clothing.

We never hear little Langley parents or parents from the local publics doing this. I used to live in DC near AU and never heard people out living their lives talking about the Cathedral schools. I have many friends with kids at Holton, Landon, Prep, Gonzaga, Sidwell, STA, GDS, etc. and literally never seen an adult wearing any form of clothing for one of those schools.

So long way of asking .... what is wrong with these parents? Do they have nothing better going on in their lives? It has certainly turned me off from ever applying my kids.

I never go to McLean and never cross paths with anyone from Potomac except one family that has kids at another school in DC. Now that I think about it that family is sort of obnoxious in a way op describes. Mom wears their family name on their clothing which is sort of odd and she is cold and unfriendly. I don’t think it has to do with Potomac though.

[Anonymous]

well… this escalated into group therapy fast 😅