Schools with a kind culture

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How come NCS or STA haven't been mentioned?

Whether it's deserved or not, NCS has a reputation of having a culture of mean girls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How come NCS or STA haven't been mentioned?

Whether it's deserved or not, NCS has a reputation of having a culture of mean girls.

Well, there are 2-3 posters who post almost continuously trying to give it this reputation. The sheer obsession and the fact that at least obe of them attended 20 years ago tends to undermine their message, however. It's hard to know where the truth is.

[Anonymous]

There are more than 2 to 3 of us. Even if you disagree, i can't imagine anyone calling NCS "kind."

[Anonymous]

What would you all suggest for schools in No.Va. with the same charateristically kind student body?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lowell is always the first school that comes to mind for a genuinely nice, pretense-free environment from the top down. I also have found that Norwood has a tradition of turning out some of the most poised, polite and polished students that I have come across. But an earthy, crunchy environment it isn't. It is a beautiful campus and the school is very committed to music and art and community service. But each class there does seem to have its own flavor. Some are more open and warm than others. St. Andrew's also is widely reputed to be a warm and caring school, but I have no personal experience to offer there.

Have to disagree with the Norwood comments. Students may appear "poised," etc., but it is in an "Eddie Haskell" way, if you remember him from Leave it to Beaver. Many of the kids come from very wealthy families and are stuck up snobs who only care about the next thing their parents are going to buy for them. Norwood has very little community service until 7th and 8th grade -- isn't that a little late to start teaching kids about this important topic? Also the school is not "very committed" to music (art, yes). Music faculty is so-so at best (except K music teacher) and music facilities are sub-par after 4th grade. Ask to see where the Middle School band, bells and strings rehearse and you will see for yourself.

I do not believe this Eddie Haskell post is reflective of the Norwood community as a whole. There are a mix of families and of kids and we have experienced it to be a kind place. And while a Haskell type child or a flashy parent might stick out, they do so because they are not the majority (& well, those types stick out anywhere, if you ask me! I just stay clear) plus, let's be honest, I have discovered those types all over the place, on non-school sports teams, general neighbors, etc. They are frustrating but this is DC, for goodness sakes, they are surely not the result of Norwood culture and Norwood is not a haven or magnet for these 'types'.

As for music, part of why we came to Norwood is our child loves music and we felt it was a good match to support that love. And it has been. Our child HAS had commited teachers and has always gained a lot from music - this is true for the school day but also for the fabulous violin program - so I 100% disagree on that end as well. I can't speak for MS yet, but their annual musical theatre performance is fabulous and their violin, bells, chorus and band always are impressive at performances, so not sure how your 'practice' point fits in there?

I find the school does foster a kind culture, as do the parents. But as with any school, it varies grade by grade with dynamics and who makes up the class. The original post re Norwood was more accurate.

PS - other kind places we have encountered: Sheridan, Langley (in McLean, VA), Grace Episcopal.

Good luck in your search.

[Anonymous]

The last poster was spot on about Norwood. Norwood children are kind and caring. We have so loved the school and miss it now that our children have moved on to high school. The best beginnings happen at Norwood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WES!

NO!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The last poster was spot on about Norwood. Norwood children are kind and caring. We have so loved the school and miss it now that our children have moved on to high school. The best beginnings happen at Norwood.

Are you in marketing or are you naturally fluent in adspeak?

OK, I know this isn't kind.

[Anonymous]

^^ But so funny. And spot on? Undoubtedly the PR or media person from Norwood writing that.

[Anonymous]

We have found CHDS to be a very kind place.

[Anonymous]

Green Acres has really nice, gentle kids.

[Anonymous]

Sandy Spring is an amazing community. Give them a call and go and see for yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What would you all suggest for schools in No.Va. with the same charateristically kind student body?

Potomac

[Anonymous]

WIS, definitely.

[Anonymous]

Definitely NOT SSSAS in VA.