If I like Norwood School in Bethesda...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Norwood is going through some changes now and it may some day become a great school, but for now, I would save your money and do public school then take a peek at it in 4 years. The head of school is scheduled to leave in 2014! Then after that, they will bring in some new folks, who could flop, but even if they succeed, it will take a few years to fix things, hence the four years. Agree with those who say that the LS is weak, which makes the higher grades look better, but they really aren't that great. The school appears to be well organized, but it is not. Decisions are made by weak teams. Unfortunately, parents grumble quietly, then get frustrated, then leave. They will give vague feed back like, it was not a good fit for us, or we have financial problems, which is a polite way of saying goodbye.
Unfortunately, choices are slim. I have heard MANY negatives about WES, Landon, Holton (LS), St. Andrews, Bullis. The schools are all playing a game, and until parents walk or complain, they will continue.
Let's face it, when people lay out that much cash for private school, it is hard to admit that there are any shortcomings.

If you are looking for negatives there are MANY negatives about any private independent school in the forum including Beauvoir, GDS, Sheridan, St Patricks and Sidwell. I do not want to generalize but it seems MANY of these posts are only really about fear, which is bred by envy and insecurity. People who worry constantly about whether they have made good choices for their children get to the place where they have to attack others for choosing differently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Norwood is going through some changes now and it may some day become a great school, but for now, I would save your money and do public school then take a peek at it in 4 years. The head of school is scheduled to leave in 2014! Then after that, they will bring in some new folks, who could flop, but even if they succeed, it will take a few years to fix things, hence the four years. Agree with those who say that the LS is weak, which makes the higher grades look better, but they really aren't that great. The school appears to be well organized, but it is not. Decisions are made by weak teams. Unfortunately, parents grumble quietly, then get frustrated, then leave. They will give vague feed back like, it was not a good fit for us, or we have financial problems, which is a polite way of saying goodbye.
Unfortunately, choices are slim. I have heard MANY negatives about WES, Landon, Holton (LS), St. Andrews, Bullis. The schools are all playing a game, and until parents walk or complain, they will continue.
Let's face it, when people lay out that much cash for private school, it is hard to admit that there are any shortcomings.

If you are looking for negatives there are MANY negatives about any private independent school in the forum including Beauvoir, GDS, Sheridan, St Patricks and Sidwell. I do not want to generalize but it seems MANY of these posts are only really about fear, which is bred by envy and insecurity. People who worry constantly about whether they have made good choices for their children get to the place where they have to attack others for choosing differently.

I thought this thread was about suburban schools. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

The Langley School in McLean is exceptional! Just over the Chain Bridge, very easy access from DC and MD

[Anonymous]

Differences between Norwood and WES - WES has retained and celebrates its Episcopal heritage while Norwood has evolved their faith tradition into "values education." Norwood has a nicer-looking campus. WES is more diverse, more traditional (uniforms), smaller community and feel. Academics are comparable, though I hear that WES has more homework. Norwood has more suburban families, WES draws more from NW DC, and sends larger percentage of graduates to DC's independent high schools. Don't honestly think the differences are that great. Maybe you should go to which ever is a closer commute?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lowell? Can't tell if you're limiting search to Bethesda, or just noting that Norwood is in Bethesda.

Norwood is really in Potomac. It's a stretch to call it Bethesda. I agree with the PP who said it is not similar to Oneness, Green Acres or Lowell, which are progressive schools.

How is it a stretch to call something that is, in fact, located in Bethesda (i.e., Bethesda is it's address) located in Bethesda? So strange. You realize that Bethesda is a very large area, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lowell? Can't tell if you're limiting search to Bethesda, or just noting that Norwood is in Bethesda.

Norwood is really in Potomac. It's a stretch to call it Bethesda. I agree with the PP who said it is not similar to Oneness, Green Acres or Lowell, which are progressive schools.

How is it a stretch to call something that is, in fact, located in Bethesda (i.e., Bethesda is it's address) located in Bethesda? So strange. You realize that Bethesda is a very large area, right?

Norwood Parish is in Bethesda, as is Sidwell and Primary Day.

[Anonymous]

With new administration - in ever division - Norwood is a school everyone should be watching - things have really improved!