NCRC, School for Friends, or Aidan - thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Our family is relocating to DC this summer. We have applied to the above schools.

Our daughter is highly verbal, very bright, a self-motivated learner, creative, good social skills, etc.

We anticipate ultimately applying to Sidwell Friends, Georgetown Day, and Beauvior for ongoing.

Thoughts or experiences regarding the above schools would be much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

there was a very long post about Aidan on this board not long ago. Some very negative feedback but others quite positive.

[Anonymous]

One question you may want to direct to the admissions team at Aidan is how they feel about children applying out. Some preschools end at Pre-K or K, so it is a natural progression out of the school at that point. Since the preschool would be a part of your ongoing school application process, you want to be sure that it will be a helpful and positive relationship. Also, be sure to apply to the ongoing schools you mentioned at their earliest entry points. Some preschools recommend families wait to apply out later, when it's really in the family's best interest to apply at the earlier entry point.

[Anonymous]

They're all incredibly difficult to get into (siblings), so I'd look into other options in the area, maybe a church-based preschool?

I'd rank the schools:

School for Friends - very community-based, nice involved parents that are more down to earth than other schools
NCRC - a little more "uppity". The parents are wealthier, but the program is really great. Includes all types of kids (as does School for Friends)
Aidan- more structured. Also goes through 6th grade, so it's more organized, I think. But, there are a ton of negatives, as outlined on another thread.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Thanks to all who have posted so far. These are very helpful comments. I will continue to check the post for more input.

[Anonymous]

Definitely not enough options for most people. Apply to some more schools unless you have something very special going for you. (And I'm sure your child is very special, but hey, they all are!)

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Okay, per the advice above, I am adding Montessori School of Chevy Chase and Franklin Montessori to our list.

What do you think?

[Anonymous]

Sorry if this isn't the kind of advice that you're looking for, but my advice would be that you need a backup!

[Anonymous]

OP here.

So can you help me by giving me specific names of "back-up" schools? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Franklin is good. We also have friends who were happy with August Montessori, a smaller school on Connecticut at Ellicott. Just across the MD line, Abingdon & Manor Montessori are well regarded.

For non-Montessori, maybe CCBC near Chevy Chase Circle or WCC at Westmoreland Circle. Where are you living?

[Anonymous]

Woops, should be August Montessori.

St Columba's is fabulous (in Tenleytown) but very hard to get into so probably not a great back-up.

[Anonymous]

Is there some invisible hand spellchecking going on? I keep on typing AUGUSTE (at least I think I am), and it comes out as AUGUST!

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Not sure yet. Will somewhat depend on the school situation since that will be resolved before we find a place to live. But needs to be commutable to Dupont Circle area.

Do you happen to know the website for Auguste Montessori? I have had difficultly finding it online.

Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

I don't think they had one when we applied a couple years ago. Phone is: [phone]

It's a one-class school, located in a church (St Paul's) but on an upper floor, so lots of light. They use the Murch playground, across the street. A bit more relaxed than some Montessori schools. They had a separate room with non-Montessori toys (toy kitchen, e.g.) that I think (but don't quote me) they used in the afternoon or maybe on long rainy days.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Thanks so much.