Private school novice--what good schools can a regular bright but not necessary gifted kid get into?

[Anonymous]

My daughter is in K in DC and we have been unhappy with our public school. We are now considering private although we know nothing except that a friend's kid goes to Maret and it's apparently incredible. I know that particular school is extraordinarily hard to get into, but are there good, rigorous academic schools that a bright but not necessarily gifted kid has a shot at? We really care about academics as the number one factor. Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

All of them. Seriously. Some are obviously harder to get into than others, just because of the numbers involved, but "regular bright" kids are not shut out at any of them.

[Anonymous]

I would look into the well respected private elementary schools that end in 6th or 8th that are mentioned on DCUM. A couple will have a first grade spot even though it's not a typical entry year, esp if it's a girl (boys for whom public K "hasn't worked" can raise a red flag). I'd call around and see if anyone would consider your daughter for next year.

[Anonymous]

We live in NW DC and send our kids to Primary Day. Academics are very strong and it's a lovely, warm environment. Fabulous teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All of them. Seriously. Some are obviously harder to get into than others, just because of the numbers involved, but "regular bright" kids are not shut out at any of them.

This. They are looking for regular, bright kids. Go on some tours / open houses, read their websites to see if their progressive / traditional / highly non-traditional approaches appeal to you and apply. Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of them. Seriously. Some are obviously harder to get into than others, just because of the numbers involved, but "regular bright" kids are not shut out at any of them.

This. They are looking for regular, bright kids. Go on some tours / open houses, read their websites to see if their progressive / traditional / highly non-traditional approaches appeal to you and apply. Best of luck.

+1. Go on tours and get a sense of what the schools are really like and where your kid will find the best fit.

[Anonymous]

I was going to say "all of them" and see someone (or two) beat me to it. Even the most rigorous and competitive of schools loves a well-grounded, "normal" and bright kid. I'd say those are the most desirable kids of all.

[Anonymous]

You don't have to be gifted to get into any of these schools. Bright - yes and other factors as well but there are many wonderful children at these schools that are not gifted. We love the Cathedral schools and have been happy there. We have friends pretty much at all of the schools in the area and they are happy at those schools as well. It's mostly about what school is a good fit for your child and your family. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

The "super bright, really talented" thing doesn't kick in until 6th grade entry year for the most competitive 5 or 6 schools.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all. That's encouraging. If there are any more specific recommendations of elementary schools convenient to upper NW, would appreciate it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all. That's encouraging. If there are any more specific recommendations of elementary schools convenient to upper NW, would appreciate it!

NPS
Sheridan
St Patricks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all. That's encouraging. If there are any more specific recommendations of elementary schools convenient to upper NW, would appreciate it!

NPS
Sheridan
St Patricks

Beauvoir
Lowell
Maret
Sidwell- in Bethesda now, moving eventually
GDS
WIS

[Anonymous]

Hire a consultant to make some calls to see who might have a spot late in the year for first grade. Best $ you will spend in a situation like yours.

Schools like GDS, Beauvoir, WIS etc will be a waste of your time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is in K in DC and we have been unhappy with our public school. We are now considering private although we know nothing except that a friend's kid goes to Maret and it's apparently incredible. I know that particular school is extraordinarily hard to get into, but are there good, rigorous academic schools that a bright but not necessarily gifted kid has a shot at? We really care about academics as the number one factor. Thanks in advance!

Lowell seems like a good fit for you but every school is hard to get into. I also think you should try applying to Maret the worse that could happen is they say no.

http://www.washingtonian.com/2011/11/07/how-to-get-in-to-washington-area-private-schools/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all. That's encouraging. If there are any more specific recommendations of elementary schools convenient to upper NW, would appreciate it!

NPS
Sheridan
St Patricks

Beauvoir
Lowell
Maret
Sidwell- in Bethesda now, moving eventually
GDS
WIS

WES is right over the DC border on River Road not far from Friendship Heights.