Beauvoir PreK vs GDS PreK

[Anonymous]

What was it that sealed the deal for you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What was it that sealed the deal for you?

It may be oversimplistic to say this, but the entire experience was great. The administration and current parents where all so welcoming. We really appreciated that the administration knew who we where and who our DC was. The other admitted families where very warm and eager to mingle and get to know everyone. We also toured the school again and got a chance to see what the children will be displaying at their annual museum night. We where amazed at the creativity displayed and the quality of the projects. It was also a very good insight into how the teach subject matters across disciplines. In viewing the art displays we also saw the use of foreign languages, mathematical principles, writing, etc. We left the reception feeling like our DC (and by extension we) have a home away from home in Beauvoir.

[Anonymous]

I also thought it was good, but would not describ the administration and current parents as warm. Maybe it was me and my DH, but we approached a few parents and they seemed quite short. Still considering accepting and wishing for the best.

[Anonymous]

I also thought it was good, but would not describ the administration and current parents as warm. Maybe it was me and my DH, but we approached a few parents and they seemed quite short. Still considering accepting and wishing for the best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also thought it was good, but would not describ the administration and current parents as warm. Maybe it was me and my DH, but we approached a few parents and they seemed quite short. Still considering accepting and wishing for the best.

Was the administration short with you and your DH or just other parents? When I say the other families where warm I didn't mean to imply that it was big kumbaya session. I think in any situation with a group of strangers there will be an ounce of awkwardness, but overall I found that the families I engaged with where warm. As I looked around the room eneyone seemed to be enjoying conversations with the people seated at their table. As for the administration I really felt like they took the initiative to approach parents (well they did with us) and engaged us in conversation about our DC and how excited they where to have DC come. And no we aren't an uber rich family or have any hook-ups, so it all felt very genuine.

What grade did your DC get accepted to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also thought it was good, but would not describ the administration and current parents as warm. Maybe it was me and my DH, but we approached a few parents and they seemed quite short. Still considering accepting and wishing for the best.

Was the administration short with you and your DH or just other parents? When I say the other families where warm I didn't mean to imply that it was big kumbaya session. I think in any situation with a group of strangers there will be an ounce of awkwardness, but overall I found that the families I engaged with where warm. As I looked around the room eneyone seemed to be enjoying conversations with the people seated at their table. As for the administration I really felt like they took the initiative to approach parents (well they did with us) and engaged us in conversation about our DC and how excited they where to have DC come. And no we aren't an uber rich family or have any hook-ups, so it all felt very genuine.

What grade did your DC get accepted to?

The word you're looking for is were. Not where (as in a place) but were. I thought it was auto correct at first but it's purposeful and hard to read.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also thought it was good, but would not describ the administration and current parents as warm. Maybe it was me and my DH, but we approached a few parents and they seemed quite short. Still considering accepting and wishing for the best.

Was the administration short with you and your DH or just other parents? When I say the other families where warm I didn't mean to imply that it was big kumbaya session. I think in any situation with a group of strangers there will be an ounce of awkwardness, but overall I found that the families I engaged with where warm. As I looked around the room eneyone seemed to be enjoying conversations with the people seated at their table. As for the administration I really felt like they took the initiative to approach parents (well they did with us) and engaged us in conversation about our DC and how excited they where to have DC come. And no we aren't an uber rich family or have any hook-ups, so it all felt very genuine.

What grade did your DC get accepted to?

The word you're looking for is were. Not where (as in a place) but were. I thought it was auto correct at first but it's purposeful and hard to read.

Funny. It wasn't purposeful. I didn't edit after I wrote it. I'm very well aware of the differences and when it's appropriate to use each one. But if you makes you feel good to point it out OK.

[Anonymous]

PK.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also thought it was good, but would not describ the administration and current parents as warm. Maybe it was me and my DH, but we approached a few parents and they seemed quite short. Still considering accepting and wishing for the best.

Was the administration short with you and your DH or just other parents? When I say the other families where warm I didn't mean to imply that it was big kumbaya session. I think in any situation with a group of strangers there will be an ounce of awkwardness, but overall I found that the families I engaged with where warm. As I looked around the room eneyone seemed to be enjoying conversations with the people seated at their table. As for the administration I really felt like they took the initiative to approach parents (well they did with us) and engaged us in conversation about our DC and how excited they where to have DC come. And no we aren't an uber rich family or have any hook-ups, so it all felt very genuine.

What grade did your DC get accepted to?

The word you're looking for is were. Not where (as in a place) but were. I thought it was auto correct at first but it's purposeful and hard to read.

Funny. It wasn't purposeful. I didn't edit after I wrote it. I'm very well aware of the differences and when it's appropriate to use each one. But if you makes you feel good to point it out OK.

NP: whatever (to the poster who signaled so constructively the mistake)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PK.

Us as well. Best of luck to you in deciding! I'm sure your DC will do great wherever you choose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also thought it was good, but would not describ the administration and current parents as warm. Maybe it was me and my DH, but we approached a few parents and they seemed quite short. Still considering accepting and wishing for the best.

Was the administration short with you and your DH or just other parents? When I say the other families where warm I didn't mean to imply that it was big kumbaya session. I think in any situation with a group of strangers there will be an ounce of awkwardness, but overall I found that the families I engaged with where warm. As I looked around the room eneyone seemed to be enjoying conversations with the people seated at their table. As for the administration I really felt like they took the initiative to approach parents (well they did with us) and engaged us in conversation about our DC and how excited they where to have DC come. And no we aren't an uber rich family or have any hook-ups, so it all felt very genuine.

What grade did your DC get accepted to?

The word you're looking for is were. Not where (as in a place) but were. I thought it was auto correct at first but it's purposeful and hard to read.

Funny. It wasn't purposeful. I didn't edit after I wrote it. I'm very well aware of the differences and when it's appropriate to use each one. But if you makes you feel good to point it out OK.

NP: whatever (to the poster who signaled so constructively the mistake)

+1. It's DCUM, not an article for the Washington Post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP: we applied to GDS, Sidwell and Beauvoir. Didn't get great results. Denied at Sidwell and wait listed at both Beauvoir and GDS. We liked all three schools. Found them all to be very different but in a good way. I can't think of anything negative about any of the three, though we did find it puzzling that for the same tuition GDS does not provide lunch. Apparently that will change when they move to their new facilities though. OP congrats to you. Your DC is lucky to have options. Fingers crossed we will be offered the spot at either school you decline. Do you mind sharing your child's gender?

Male (Biracial - AA/Asian)

My son is AA prek and I chose Beauvoir for some of the reasons highlighted (structured environment, not a real need to focus education on social justice for primary years, ability for child to play and learn). In my opinion, GDS is better for upper grades. I had many parents who children attended GDS that Beauvoir is a better choice of you are looking for a school that is geared towards early education.

GDS has a great early education program. Besides personal preferences, as a PP has said, research has shown how important is to introduce social justice concepts at an early age.

At GDS PK-K play, explore, analyze.... Teachers are truly nurturing and professional, and use an age appropriate induction method.

Beauvoir playgroup is amazing, yes, but it is huge as well. Not necessarily the best alternative for every 4-5 year old (there are a lot of not so "easy" spots, hard surfaces, etc... that might be challenging for the most little ones).

One of GDS's classrooms has a nice porch. It is full of light and the favorite spots for kids in that classroom. It has a direct access to the Big Toy -a very nice playground of a reduce and more manageable size. Certainly not as astonishing as Beauvoir's (at all), but in my opinion good enough.

Finally, I like to cook for my kid every day, and plan my DC lunch box is nice. As I am the one preparing the meals I am certain that what he/she is eating is healthy and good, I can customize his/her meals to our cultural preferences, and I can be sure it is a fresh balanced meal. I thought that the fact that GDS was not providing lunch was going to be a big logistic nightmare for us. So far it has not been like that.

This is hilarious. Whose "research?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP: we applied to GDS, Sidwell and Beauvoir. Didn't get great results. Denied at Sidwell and wait listed at both Beauvoir and GDS. We liked all three schools. Found them all to be very different but in a good way. I can't think of anything negative about any of the three, though we did find it puzzling that for the same tuition GDS does not provide lunch. Apparently that will change when they move to their new facilities though. OP congrats to you. Your DC is lucky to have options. Fingers crossed we will be offered the spot at either school you decline. Do you mind sharing your child's gender?

Male (Biracial - AA/Asian)

My son is AA prek and I chose Beauvoir for some of the reasons highlighted (structured environment, not a real need to focus education on social justice for primary years, ability for child to play and learn). In my opinion, GDS is better for upper grades. I had many parents who children attended GDS that Beauvoir is a better choice of you are looking for a school that is geared towards early education.

GDS has a great early education program. Besides personal preferences, as a PP has said, research has shown how important is to introduce social justice concepts at an early age.

At GDS PK-K play, explore, analyze.... Teachers are truly nurturing and professional, and use an age appropriate induction method.

Beauvoir playgroup is amazing, yes, but it is huge as well. Not necessarily the best alternative for every 4-5 year old (there are a lot of not so "easy" spots, hard surfaces, etc... that might be challenging for the most little ones).

One of GDS's classrooms has a nice porch. It is full of light and the favorite spots for kids in that classroom. It has a direct access to the Big Toy -a very nice playground of a reduce and more manageable size. Certainly not as astonishing as Beauvoir's (at all), but in my opinion good enough.

Finally, I like to cook for my kid every day, and plan my DC lunch box is nice. As I am the one preparing the meals I am certain that what he/she is eating is healthy and good, I can customize his/her meals to our cultural preferences, and I can be sure it is a fresh balanced meal. I thought that the fact that GDS was not providing lunch was going to be a big logistic nightmare for us. So far it has not been like that.

This is hilarious. Whose "research?"

Only "hilarious" if you are unconcerned about racism and other forms of discrimination. FYI:
http://www.newsweek.com/even-babies-discriminate-nurtureshock-excerpt-79233
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/Racism&YoungChildren-byTheresaLee.pdf
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2012/06/09/harvard-researcher-says-children-learn-racism-quickly/gWuN1ZG3M40WihER2kAfdK/story.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/we-need-to-deal-with-our-discomfort-and-talk-to-our-kids-about-racism/2015/06/30/ec6db7e8-1a9a-11e5-ab92-c75ae6ab94b5_story.html
http://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED415027
https://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/Publications/Voices_GossFINAL.pdf

Many of these pieces have direct links to peer-reviewed articles. Please educate yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP: we applied to GDS, Sidwell and Beauvoir. Didn't get great results. Denied at Sidwell and wait listed at both Beauvoir and GDS. We liked all three schools. Found them all to be very different but in a good way. I can't think of anything negative about any of the three, though we did find it puzzling that for the same tuition GDS does not provide lunch. Apparently that will change when they move to their new facilities though. OP congrats to you. Your DC is lucky to have options. Fingers crossed we will be offered the spot at either school you decline. Do you mind sharing your child's gender?

Male (Biracial - AA/Asian)

My son is AA prek and I chose Beauvoir for some of the reasons highlighted (structured environment, not a real need to focus education on social justice for primary years, ability for child to play and learn). In my opinion, GDS is better for upper grades. I had many parents who children attended GDS that Beauvoir is a better choice of you are looking for a school that is geared towards early education.

GDS has a great early education program. Besides personal preferences, as a PP has said, research has shown how important is to introduce social justice concepts at an early age.

At GDS PK-K play, explore, analyze.... Teachers are truly nurturing and professional, and use an age appropriate induction method.

Beauvoir playgroup is amazing, yes, but it is huge as well. Not necessarily the best alternative for every 4-5 year old (there are a lot of not so "easy" spots, hard surfaces, etc... that might be challenging for the most little ones).

One of GDS's classrooms has a nice porch. It is full of light and the favorite spots for kids in that classroom. It has a direct access to the Big Toy -a very nice playground of a reduce and more manageable size. Certainly not as astonishing as Beauvoir's (at all), but in my opinion good enough.

Finally, I like to cook for my kid every day, and plan my DC lunch box is nice. As I am the one preparing the meals I am certain that what he/she is eating is healthy and good, I can customize his/her meals to our cultural preferences, and I can be sure it is a fresh balanced meal. I thought that the fact that GDS was not providing lunch was going to be a big logistic nightmare for us. So far it has not been like that.

This is hilarious. Whose "research?"

Only "hilarious" if you are unconcerned about racism and other forms of discrimination. FYI:
http://www.newsweek.com/even-babies-discriminate-nurtureshock-excerpt-79233
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/Racism&YoungChildren-byTheresaLee.pdf
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2012/06/09/harvard-researcher-says-children-learn-racism-quickly/gWuN1ZG3M40WihER2kAfdK/story.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/we-need-to-deal-with-our-discomfort-and-talk-to-our-kids-about-racism/2015/06/30/ec6db7e8-1a9a-11e5-ab92-c75ae6ab94b5_story.html
http://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED415027
https://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/Publications/Voices_GossFINAL.pdf

Many of these pieces have direct links to peer-reviewed articles. Please educate yourself.

As I suspected these articles confirm that starting the conversation early is good for White children and not so much for minority children. Specifically, one article found: "A group of black children tested in the study revealed equal favorability and negativity biases, regardless of whether they perceived the test faces to be black or white. In other words, the black children showed no pro-black or pro-white bias."

So as I said I don't think my Black child needs to be taught racism at the age of 4 or 5. My Black child will have an entire lifetime to contend with issues surrounding their race. My 4 year old has no concept race and I would to preserve that innocence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP: we applied to GDS, Sidwell and Beauvoir. Didn't get great results. Denied at Sidwell and wait listed at both Beauvoir and GDS. We liked all three schools. Found them all to be very different but in a good way. I can't think of anything negative about any of the three, though we did find it puzzling that for the same tuition GDS does not provide lunch. Apparently that will change when they move to their new facilities though. OP congrats to you. Your DC is lucky to have options. Fingers crossed we will be offered the spot at either school you decline. Do you mind sharing your child's gender?

Male (Biracial - AA/Asian)

My son is AA prek and I chose Beauvoir for some of the reasons highlighted (structured environment, not a real need to focus education on social justice for primary years, ability for child to play and learn). In my opinion, GDS is better for upper grades. I had many parents who children attended GDS that Beauvoir is a better choice of you are looking for a school that is geared towards early education.

GDS has a great early education program. Besides personal preferences, as a PP has said, research has shown how important is to introduce social justice concepts at an early age.

At GDS PK-K play, explore, analyze.... Teachers are truly nurturing and professional, and use an age appropriate induction method.

Beauvoir playgroup is amazing, yes, but it is huge as well. Not necessarily the best alternative for every 4-5 year old (there are a lot of not so "easy" spots, hard surfaces, etc... that might be challenging for the most little ones).

One of GDS's classrooms has a nice porch. It is full of light and the favorite spots for kids in that classroom. It has a direct access to the Big Toy -a very nice playground of a reduce and more manageable size. Certainly not as astonishing as Beauvoir's (at all), but in my opinion good enough.

Finally, I like to cook for my kid every day, and plan my DC lunch box is nice. As I am the one preparing the meals I am certain that what he/she is eating is healthy and good, I can customize his/her meals to our cultural preferences, and I can be sure it is a fresh balanced meal. I thought that the fact that GDS was not providing lunch was going to be a big logistic nightmare for us. So far it has not been like that.

This is hilarious. Whose "research?"

Only "hilarious" if you are unconcerned about racism and other forms of discrimination. FYI:
http://www.newsweek.com/even-babies-discriminate-nurtureshock-excerpt-79233
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/Racism&YoungChildren-byTheresaLee.pdf
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2012/06/09/harvard-researcher-says-children-learn-racism-quickly/gWuN1ZG3M40WihER2kAfdK/story.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/we-need-to-deal-with-our-discomfort-and-talk-to-our-kids-about-racism/2015/06/30/ec6db7e8-1a9a-11e5-ab92-c75ae6ab94b5_story.html
http://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED415027
https://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/Publications/Voices_GossFINAL.pdf

Many of these pieces have direct links to peer-reviewed articles. Please educate yourself.

As I suspected these articles confirm that starting the conversation early is good for White children and not so much for minority children. Specifically, one article found: "A group of black children tested in the study revealed equal favorability and negativity biases, regardless of whether they perceived the test faces to be black or white. In other words, the black children showed no pro-black or pro-white bias."

So as I said I don't think my Black child needs to be taught racism at the age of 4 or 5. My Black child will have an entire lifetime to contend with issues surrounding their race. My 4 year old has no concept race and I would to preserve that innocence.

You are sorely mistaken if you believe that your 4 year old has no concept of race. If anything, it is even more important if you have a child of color (as I do--two mixed-race children) to be surrounded by a culture that intentionally and purposefully surrounds your child with positive messages, images, and people of color. Your child is indirectly absorbing ideas about race and authority, race and expectations, race and discrimination, and race and privilege. You might find this piece interesting: http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2015/05/can-fieldston-un-teach-racism.html