For new Potomac HS parents -wondering what we will wish we had known or other advice?

[Anonymous]

Yes this was inspired by the STA post - but is there any advice you would give to a new HS family?

[Anonymous]

Welcome! DC started Potomac HS 2 years ago and it was down to Potomac and another highly regarded school in DC mentioned by DCUM often ('big 3....whatever that means). DC picked Potomac because it felt relax and he could 'breath' at Potomac. It was hard for both DH and myself to let the other school go but we couldn't be happier with Potomac.

Academic was challenging but not overwhelming. For some out on this board that often stated Potomac is below the big 3 in DC (myself included!), I would say the school definitely proved us wrong. It was not easy but not impossible so kids always try to do better.
Students are welcoming and supportive.
Parents are nice and friendly.

Sports is not a big thing for my DC but he tried out many different sports because his friends encouraged him to join them.

I would say as a parent to a HS student, you get to know other parents by volunteering at school. Without that, I don't think I would have known as many other parents.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP above, have had a very similar experience.

One thing I wish I had know more about is the US conferences that occur in the fall. They happen very early in the year. I encourage you to sign up for two, even if it seems everything is going great. Coming from a public school background, I had the misunderstanding that conferences were only really meant/encouraged for those who may be struggling.

Another suggestion- there are many, many opportunities for parents to become involved through volunteering, meetings and social events. Pick and choose what works for you. No one expects you to attend everything. However, try to do a few things initially to get to know other parents, especially in your child's grade. Since some of the kids have been together since K, it may seem parents are unfriendly, but really they just seem to be catching up. They are usually happy to welcome someone new as well, so walk over and introduce yourself. You'll meet some great people.

[Anonymous]

Agree with both PPs. I think some families come to Potomac as their second choice because their DC was WL or rejected from another well known school in DC, only to be surprised how challenging the classes can be.

The school does a great job mixing up the day schedule and allowing kids to bond and just do what teenagers do. But that only works if your DC is not shy to go up and join! At first my DC was tentative and felt that all the kids know one another already. After mentioning that to his advisor, few students reached out and that was it! The kids just weren't in tone that's how DC felt; these are 15 year old kids!

[Anonymous]

We have GDS and Potomac as High School choices (had others but narrowed down to those two). We are in VA and leaning towards Potomac because of Geography.

[Anonymous]

Go with Potomac! Best decision we ever made...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go with Potomac! Best decision we ever made...

I know but GDS seems to be higher ranked/more prestigious ever so slightly. Kid is leaning towards Potomac.

[Anonymous]

That has not been our experience (in DC). Not a knock on GDS but prestige is often in the eye of the beholder. Chose Potomac over a Big 3 and have never regretted it.

[Anonymous]

Welcome! Potomac has been great for DC entering as 9th grader and we couldn't be happier with the school.

The school will host a lot of different events for the new parents. Pick and choose the one that works with your schedule! You don't need to go to all of them. But if you can only attend some, I would strongly recommend concentrating on the ones specifically for HS and/or 9th grade parents.