Norwood vs. Green Acres? Pros & Cons?

[Anonymous]

Norwood Vs. Green Acres? Pros & Con's are highly appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Norwood for sure. It's a gem of a school. Warm and child-centered. Character education and community service focused with strong academics in a whole child focused spot. The Head of School is incredibly engaged and taking the school in a solid direction. You will love the community and your child will thrive.

[Anonymous]

They are very different schools. Both have some great qualities. We were accepted for both many years ago and accepted Green Acred based on the factors that made the most sense for our kid. That said- Norwood is an amazing place and provides a great education.

[Anonymous]

I assume you visited both, op? Both are great schools, but have such different feels. When we visited we immediately knew which was more our style (we were looking for K, so at the time I couldn't say which would be more the style of my kid as I couldn't tell when he was that young, but I was confident either was a good place to learn and grow). No regrets! If you are really on the fence, you could try one of two ideas: you and spouse each write your first choice on a slip of paper and open simultaneously - or, pretend your kid was not admitted to specifically one and think about how you'd feel - relieved, upset, etc.

[Anonymous]

We looked at both, and others. We chose Green Acres. Our feeling was that while both were great, the long-term benefits of a Green Acres education (progressive) provide the best skills kids will need as adults.

[Anonymous]

We also looked at both and chose Norwood. One thing that tipped the scales (for us as a family) was the difference in experiences at both schools' open houses. At Norwood the teachers were super-engaged, and at GA they were much less engaged and inclined to let us explore on our own. We felt we had to draw information and insights out of the GA teachers. Once we got them talking, we found them to be warm and insightful, but at Norwood we felt the faculty's enthusiasm about being part of the team was infectious. As others have said, both are great schools but it's a question of fit as the vibes and approaches are very different. I think your child would get a great education at either school.

[Anonymous]

I don't know if it matters to the OP, but Norwood has a stronger academic reputation. This is not take anything away from Green Acres. Depends on your kid's needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know if it matters to the OP, but Norwood has a stronger academic reputation. This is not take anything away from Green Acres. Depends on your kid's needs.

I'm curious as to the formula that predicates "stronger academics"?

I keep seeing it pop up in other threads.

If it's endless homework and constant testing, no thanks.

[Anonymous]

Also, enrollment is down at GA---so that is something to consider.

[Anonymous]

I would not choose Norwood. We have met several families who left due to the poor management of the school, the academics and primarily, the teachers.

We also left this year, it was not a place of strong academics, the teachers were highly disorganized, chaotic, covering their asses when called up on it, the LS head was all over the place.

Save yourself the money.

The thing about Norwood is, it has a reputation of old and so many things have changed about it, they are trying to hang onto the reputation without providing the reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not choose Norwood. We have met several families who left due to the poor management of the school, the academics and primarily, the teachers.

We also left this year, it was not a place of strong academics, the teachers were highly disorganized, chaotic, covering their asses when called up on it, the LS head was all over the place.

Save yourself the money.

The thing about Norwood is, it has a reputation of old and so many things have changed about it, they are trying to hang onto the reputation without providing the reality.

I would not choose Green Acres. We have met several families who left due to the poor management of the school, the academics and primarily, the teachers.

We also left this year, it was not a place of strong academics, the teachers were highly disorganized, chaotic, covering their asses when called up on it, the LS and MS heads were all over the place.

Save yourself the money.

The thing about Green Acres is, it has a reputation of old and so many things have changed about it, they are trying to hang onto the reputation without providing the reality.

[Anonymous]

It's settled then, both school are rubbish!

[Anonymous]

OP, there are always people with axes to grind. Both schools have pluses and minuses, and both schools send kids on to great schools for High School. I don't think you will make a mistake either way.

[Anonymous]

Starting at which grade? Don't know much of Norwood. GAS has pros and cons, a lot will depend upon the fit of the school for your child and for you all. GAS has a beautiful campus and relaxed atmosphere. My child really got to be a kid--being outside, playing, learning. That was terrific for the early years. But it turned out that my child needed more rigor and especially in the lower grades, the teachers were unable/unwilling to offer more academic challenge. There is a tremendous range of student abilities/challenges at GAS, and my child felt that the energy of the teachers was directed towards the kids who were struggling. It's a lot of $$ to pay for your child to be bored. I also know families that left because the specialized needs of their child could not be met at Green Acres. There is little to no homework/testing/grades until 7th and 8th grade. For some that's great, and that's what's best for the child and the family. But if that doesn't work for you as a parent or for your kid, then consider whether it's the right environment.

[Anonymous]

Green Acres is a really happy and engaging place. DS is eager to go to school every day. He comes home and talks excitedly about what he is doing in school, particularly in science, language arts and social studies. We appreciate that the curriculum is developmentally appropriate and makes connections to the real world. We especially love the amount of time spent outdoors. DS is challenged without being stressed which is just what we wanted. He has a cousin at Norwood in the same grade. The main difference is that Norwood teaches in a traditional format and Green Acres is progressive. Lots of leaning by doing, collaboration and applying concepts to real world problems. This authentic approach really engages DS.

Green Acres is small which has worked well for us. The teachers really understand my son's strengths and weaknesses. They have worked with him to better organize himself and find his voice in the classroom. When he had a health issue in the fall, everyone at the school was wonderfully supportive so he didn't fall behind.

Green Acres is a very special place!