Beauvoir - what do you like? What don't you like?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone! If you all are a good representation of the parents at Beauvoir that speaks volumes. This board is notorious for negative Nancy's and someone who always has something negative to say...the fact that has not happened in this entire thread I think say a lot about the schools values truly being reflected in the families it admits.

OP, I hope I will not get slammed as a "negative Nancy," but as a parent of two former Beauvoir students, I will offer a slightly different opinion than those previously expressed: Beauvoir is a fine school, and certainly among the top in this area, but it is lacking in a few areas. For example, it's simply not as strong as some other schools in such areas as art and music, if that's important to you. While Beauvoir has a beautiful campus with light-filled classrooms, a nice cafeteria (and good food), and of course that magical playground, I always found it strange that the school lacks a proper theater. Performances take place in a small multipurpose room or in the Cathedral (where everyone not lucky enough to snag a pew in one of the first rows cranes their necks for a view). The art classes (at least when my kids were there) were run with a heavy hand - every student produced the same artwork, with slight variations. My kids (who didn't choose to go to NCS/STA, but instead to other competitive area schools) were not as well prepared for fourth grade as some of their new classmates, particularly in math and Spanish.

Both my kids were generally very happy at Beauvoir. Most of the teachers were good, although one of my kids had a truly subpar teacher one year- not at all at the level she she should have been for a school of Beauvoir's reputation (and price tag). However, you will find this uneven level of teaching talent at all the schools in this area.

I hope this is helpful. Best of luck.

Thanks for your insight, and no you don't sound like a Negative Nancy just someone who didn't have as good as of experience as some others. I noticed that there was no theater. I chalked it up to the grade level they focus on. I imagine Pk-3 don't really need to perform on a big stage. I don't particularly have an interest in the arts but I definitely want my children to be exposed to it because they could very well have one that I am currently unaware of.

As for the language I find that interesting. When talking to other parents about the language programs most say you don't get any real intensity till the 4th grade and only an introduction (unless you go the immersion route). At least one school - GDS - doesn't offer language until the 3rd of 4th grade I think. Nonetheless, this is something I will follow up with the school on because foreign language instruction is important to me, as well as a good foundation in math. If you don't mind sharing which schools did your kids go to? How hard was it for them to catch up?

11:45 here. I don't want to identify my children's schools, but they are schools frequently mentioned in conjunction with NCS/STA. It was not difficult for our kids to catch up, but it took some extra work over the first semester.

I agree that a full-size theater is not always necessary for young children's performances, but it would be nice to have a room with stadium seating, at least, so that parents can truly see and enjoy the performances. The school always asked parents who wanted to film or photograph their children to be considerate of those seated behind them, but unfortunately, there were always those one or two parents who blocked the views of others with their phones and iPads. It just seemed odd that a school with so many resources lacked this basic facility that many other schools have.

To the parent who feels I unfairly characterized the art instruction: of course the children produced a variety of artworks throughout the year using different media. It's just that the subject was usually dictated to them: today we are making a collage of the cathedral, or we are making a sculpture of X, using X materials, or we are making Keith Haring-like designs, using X color. There didn't seem to be much opportunity for individual expression. But again, this is my particular POV.

And just to comment on the outplacement process: James Carroll is amazing at his job. It cannot always be a pleasant job (especially when parents are disappointed about their children's options), but in our experience he was kind, diplomatic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very well-connected. Everyone hates the process of applying to schools, but he took a great deal of the stress out of it. I can't speak highly enough of him.

[Anonymous]

OP here: thanks PP. Glad they where able to get up to speed, though I can imagine it was a bit nerve wrecking. As for the theater, I see your point. I wonder if they have considered purchasing raised seating platforms that can be removed when not needed (might be a cost effective solution short of building an actual theater). I can understand why parents would want to videotape their kids performances (I am a take a picture/video of every moment kind of parent because of a not to great past experience that compels me to capture every moment), but I also see how it can become a PIA when it interferes with other parents ability to even see.

[Anonymous]

Just to follow up on a PP who said that she felt her Beauvoir grad children were behind in Math as of 4th grade, Beauvoir has completely revamped its math curriculum in the past couple of years. Our children are young (and I am no math whiz), so I have no context to determine if it's better (or if children will emerge from the new math curriculum better prepared), but that was definitely the stated goal of the re-vamp and the math specialists and head of school are pretty excited about how they've tightened up and improved the math education @ Beauvoir. The math specialists were available to talk to us at Open Houses and at a panel to meet educators after acceptance, or you could ask to speak to them if you have questions, I'm sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just to follow up on a PP who said that she felt her Beauvoir grad children were behind in Math as of 4th grade, Beauvoir has completely revamped its math curriculum in the past couple of years. Our children are young (and I am no math whiz), so I have no context to determine if it's better (or if children will emerge from the new math curriculum better prepared), but that was definitely the stated goal of the re-vamp and the math specialists and head of school are pretty excited about how they've tightened up and improved the math education @ Beauvoir. The math specialists were available to talk to us at Open Houses and at a panel to meet educators after acceptance, or you could ask to speak to them if you have questions, I'm sure.

Good to know. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just to follow up on a PP who said that she felt her Beauvoir grad children were behind in Math as of 4th grade, Beauvoir has completely revamped its math curriculum in the past couple of years. Our children are young (and I am no math whiz), so I have no context to determine if it's better (or if children will emerge from the new math curriculum better prepared), but that was definitely the stated goal of the re-vamp and the math specialists and head of school are pretty excited about how they've tightened up and improved the math education @ Beauvoir. The math specialists were available to talk to us at Open Houses and at a panel to meet educators after acceptance, or you could ask to speak to them if you have questions, I'm sure.

Good to know. Thanks!

+1 Older threads also suggest that they do not handle the high achievers as well as other schools (sit in the hallway with your own work method). Has that changed too?

[Anonymous]

The best thing about the school are the parents. No matter how successful - all were normal and wanted their kids to thrive. My sweetest meories are of Beauvoir. That said - the academics were very weak. We were all dealt a harsh reality that starting 4th grade very few Beauvoir kids were academically prepared. The music and art are shining stars though, and the science was great. Spanish was the worst I've ever seen, and math/english swept under a rug.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know if that criticism is apt. For example, that play ground didn't just happen. It was designed after a consultation into the neuroscience of kinestethic play. A school uninterested in how kids learn would not put millions into studying it and building it. Secondly that play ground could not have been built without a well funded capital campaign.

That focus on how children learn, what resources they might best benefit from AND lets not forget the money to build it, is what you get with Beauvoir.

If there is another DC private that chose to spend millions on a play ground for its young children , please name that school. These are 4 year olds and 5 year olds, they need to play . Beauvoir gets it imho.

If you have children you will know that they actually have more fun creating games themselves, they do not need fancy props. It would be better to keep tuition cost manageable, use the money to improve the academic curriculum and teaching instruction, and not the playground.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know if that criticism is apt. For example, that play ground didn't just happen. It was designed after a consultation into the neuroscience of kinestethic play. A school uninterested in how kids learn would not put millions into studying it and building it. Secondly that play ground could not have been built without a well funded capital campaign.

That focus on how children learn, what resources they might best benefit from AND lets not forget the money to build it, is what you get with Beauvoir.

If there is another DC private that chose to spend millions on a play ground for its young children , please name that school. These are 4 year olds and 5 year olds, they need to play . Beauvoir gets it imho.

If you have children you will know that they actually have more fun creating games themselves, they do not need fancy props. It would be better to keep tuition cost manageable, use the money to improve the academic curriculum and teaching instruction, and not the playground.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The best thing about the school are the parents. No matter how successful - all were normal and wanted their kids to thrive. My sweetest meories are of Beauvoir. That said - the academics were very weak. We were all dealt a harsh reality that starting 4th grade very few Beauvoir kids were academically prepared. The music and art are shining stars though, and the science was great. Spanish was the worst I've ever seen, and math/english swept under a rug.

How can the academics be weak when the outplacement is pretty good and NCS and St Albans (we're a majority of their kids go on to) are highly sought out? Is it possible that Beauvoir spends more time focusing on child development and less time shaping them into 5 and 6 year old Einstein's? Seems to me even if the academics are weaker, which I seriously question, that it all balances out in the long run when it really matters.

Also, is it possible that this is no longer true? Current parents don't seem to perceive the education as weaker.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I don't know if that criticism is apt. For example, that play ground didn't just happen. It was designed after a consultation into the neuroscience of kinestethic play. A school uninterested in how kids learn would not put millions into studying it and building it. Secondly that play ground could not have been built without a well funded capital campaign.

That focus on how children learn, what resources they might best benefit from AND lets not forget the money to build it, is what you get with Beauvoir.

If there is another DC private that chose to spend millions on a play ground for its young children , please name that school. These are 4 year olds and 5 year olds, they need to play . Beauvoir gets it imho.[/quote]

If you have children you will know that they actually have more fun creating games themselves, they do not need fancy props. It would be better to keep tuition cost manageable, use the money to improve the academic curriculum and teaching instruction, and not the playground. [/quote]

+1[/quote]

I disagree. We are talking about kids who are 4-8 years old. While creative play is definitely a plus, so is play that challenges children physically. If it were not important the emphasis on building playground in neighborhoods and inner cities would not exist. It's extremely important that there be a balance for small children. This over zealous focus on academics can do more harm to a child's total development than good. In addition, Beauvoir uses the playground for more than just "play." A lot of instruction goes on there. In the end, everything isn't for everyone. If you are a parent that is obsessed with academic rigor with minimal balance of your child being well developed socially and physically than Beauvoir isn't for you. However, if you want to capitalize on the precious young years then it is. Like many PP have said their outplacement is excellent, and all Beauvoir kids go on to great schools that many don't get into.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just to follow up on a PP who said that she felt her Beauvoir grad children were behind in Math as of 4th grade, Beauvoir has completely revamped its math curriculum in the past couple of years. Our children are young (and I am no math whiz), so I have no context to determine if it's better (or if children will emerge from the new math curriculum better prepared), but that was definitely the stated goal of the re-vamp and the math specialists and head of school are pretty excited about how they've tightened up and improved the math education @ Beauvoir. The math specialists were available to talk to us at Open Houses and at a panel to meet educators after acceptance, or you could ask to speak to them if you have questions, I'm sure.

My DC went to Beauvoir Pre-K through grade 3 and got none wrong on the math portion of the ERB. He was not prepped , tutored, and did not do CTY so that leaves one place, Beauvoir.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I don't know if that criticism is apt. For example, that play ground didn't just happen. It was designed after a consultation into the neuroscience of kinestethic play. A school uninterested in how kids learn would not put millions into studying it and building it. Secondly that play ground could not have been built without a well funded capital campaign.

That focus on how children learn, what resources they might best benefit from AND lets not forget the money to build it, is what you get with Beauvoir.

If there is another DC private that chose to spend millions on a play ground for its young children , please name that school. These are 4 year olds and 5 year olds, they need to play . Beauvoir gets it imho.[/quote]

[b]If you have children you will know that they actually have more fun creating games themselves, they do not need fancy props. It would be better to keep tuition cost manageable, use the money to improve the academic curriculum and teaching instruction, and not the playground. [/quote]
[/b]
+1[/quote]

I disagree. We are talking about kids who are 4-8 years old. While creative play is definitely a plus, so is play that challenges children physically. If it were not important the emphasis on building playground in neighborhoods and inner cities would not exist. It's extremely important that there be a balance for small children. This over zealous focus on academics can do more harm to a child's total development than good. In addition, Beauvoir uses the playground for more than just "play." A lot of instruction goes on there. In the end, everything isn't for everyone. If you are a parent that is obsessed with academic rigor with minimal balance of your child being well developed socially and physically than Beauvoir isn't for you. However, if you want to capitalize on the precious young years then it is. Like many PP have said their outplacement is excellent, and all Beauvoir kids go on to great schools that many don't get into.[/quote]

This is just batshit. True, kids have fun making mud paddies and digging tunnels in the dirt and climbing trees. Ooops, I mean they USED to , like 30 years ago. But there is nothing wrong wtith a few awesome zip lines and a giant slide. Kids need to move.

And anyway, what happened with the play ground is that Beauvoir had to give up some of its land in order for the new STA regulation track to be built, so they parlayed that into taking the old, and not often used, NCS tennis courts and converting it to a play ground. Then the designers came in. It was a turn lemons into lemon aide scenario. Not exactly the way you describe. And, no, I don't think they need to spend 2 mill on the curriculum . 2 million , are you serious ?? It costs like $500 a pop to send a teacher to a PD conference. It does not take 2 mill to up a math curriculum .

[Anonymous]

just my personal impression is that the transfer process is difficult because every year 10-15 kids want to go to Sidwell, and since Sidwell cannot accept that many, the kids who do apply are often competing with close friends for a spot. a know a child several years ago whose three closest friends got into Sidwell and he didn't, which was hard socially for awhile. but eventually he did fine at STA

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]just my personal impression is that the transfer process is difficult because every year 10-15 kids want to go to Sidwell, and since Sidwell cannot accept that many, the kids who do apply are often competing with close friends for a spot. a know a child several years ago whose three closest friends got into Sidwell and he didn't, which was hard socially for awhile. but eventually he did fine at STA[/quote]

Parents need to learn to manage their kids expectations. One thing that has been an this underlying concern for me with IS is whether or not these kids are truly being taught how to handle disappointment. Take Sidwell out of the equation and look ahead towards college. If 20
Kids from one school all apply to the same college and all really want to go there is a a very good chance all will not be admitted. That's called LIFE! Is it disappointing? Yes! Does it suck? Yes! Does it hurt? Yes! Does it mean your life is over? Heck no! Most importantly, it won't be the last time you won't get something you really want either! Life is about growing pain and resilience! It's about accepting the path you chartered isn't going to be the exact one you talk...it never is.

Please somebody tell me IS DO teach these kids that?!!

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]just my personal impression is that the transfer process is difficult because every year 10-15 kids want to go to Sidwell, and since Sidwell cannot accept that many, the kids who do apply are often competing with close friends for a spot. a know a child several years ago whose three closest friends got into Sidwell and he didn't, which was hard socially for awhile. but eventually he did fine at STA[/quote]

Parents need to learn to manage their kids expectations. One thing that has been an this underlying concern for me with IS is whether or not these kids are truly being taught how to handle disappointment. Take Sidwell out of the equation and look ahead towards college. If 20
Kids from one school all apply to the same college and all really want to go there is a a very good chance all will not be admitted. That's called LIFE! Is it disappointing? Yes! Does it suck? Yes! Does it hurt? Yes! Does it mean your life is over? Heck no! Most importantly, it won't be the last time you won't get something you really want either! Life is about growing pain and resilience! It's about accepting the path you chartered isn't going to be the exact one you talk...it never is.

Please somebody tell me IS DO teach these kids that?!![/quote]

Why all the exasperation? The previous poster was simply identifying what difficulty is in process. Identifying the difficulty does not mean that the parents or children are ill-equipped to deal with it. Rather, it's just letting people know bumps in the road that may be in front of them. You seem to be looking for some way in which the schools students or parents are lacking as compared to those at public schools. We all have room for improvement, but no reason to assume the worst because parents actually share information about issues in the outplacement process.