Norwood, Holton or WES?

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP 13:12. Completely. There are several
really rigid teachers at WES. The line about 'forcing a dysgraphic child to write in cursive" rings true. Maybe that's why the MS has such small class size. Turnover.
The new Head of School has a big job ahead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with PP 13:12. Completely. There are several
really rigid teachers at WES. The line about 'forcing a dysgraphic child to write in cursive" rings true. Maybe that's why the MS has such small class size. Turnover.
The new Head of School has a big job ahead.

WES has a handful of teachers that are just bad, or problematic, as they have been more tactfully been described.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WES: structured, strict, very small class size, lots of opportunities to shine due to small grade size, uniforms. Problematic art teacher whom they refuse to do anything about. Fantastic MS science program. Lots of writing. Not committed to providing accommodations for kids who need them. Overall, more sophisticated, urban parents. Wonderful MS principal.

Norwood: emphasis on creating a happy learning environment, much more emphasis on ability grouping, lots of switching being classrooms and teachers, great art and music programs. Stronger language program. Sports-obsessed, less intellectual parents. Wonderful LS and MS principals.

Both schools have great MS programs. WES MS is more rigorous, overall. Too much homework at WES MS, but not enough writing at Norwood. Fewer non-sports related activities at Norwood. HS placement similar.

Spot on regarding Norwood.

[Anonymous]

And the reason you say it is spot on for Norwood is because you are ........affiliated with the school...or you are simply speculating?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And the reason you say it is spot on for Norwood is because you are ........affiliated with the school...or you are simply speculating?

I have multziple children at the school?

[Anonymous]

Norwood is awesome! If you do not believe me, too bad. It will continue to be awesome anyway.

[Anonymous]

OP, I think that the biggest difference between Norwood and WES will be the more urban feel of WES vs the suburban feel of Norwood. Norwood has an edge in the area of nicey nicey to the kids. There are some meanies on staff at WES with a strict tone that can feel like 1970s (Catholic) school. But overall, don't expect either of these schools to blow you away academically. At first you might be impressed, but after a while, the honeymoon will be over and you will see them for what they are.

[Anonymous]

OP if your DD can get in then definitely Holton. Academically I think it is the best choice. Also, they nurture the girls and help them discover their talent and passion. I think it is a fabulous school!

[Anonymous]

OP, I think that the biggest difference between Norwood and WES will be the more urban feel of WES vs the suburban feel of Norwood. Norwood has an edge in the area of nicey nicey to the kids. There are some meanies on staff at WES with a strict tone that can feel like 1970s (Catholic) school. But overall, don't expect either of these schools to blow you away academically. At first you might be impressed, but after a while, the honeymoon will be over and you will see them for what they are.

I am curious. When does the honeymoon end? And how do you recognize it when it does?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP if your DD can get in then definitely Holton. Academically I think it is the best choice. Also, they nurture the girls and help them discover their talent and passion. I think it is a fabulous school!

agree

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think that the biggest difference between Norwood and WES will be the more urban feel of WES vs the suburban feel of Norwood. Norwood has an edge in the area of nicey nicey to the kids. There are some meanies on staff at WES with a strict tone that can feel like 1970s (Catholic) school. But overall, don't expect either of these schools to blow you away academically. At first you might be impressed, but after a while, the honeymoon will be over and you will see them for what they are.

Yup. My DC, after now being out of WES for 3 years, still talks about how mean two of the teachers were.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think that the biggest difference between Norwood and WES will be the more urban feel of WES vs the suburban feel of Norwood. Norwood has an edge in the area of nicey nicey to the kids. There are some meanies on staff at WES with a strict tone that can feel like 1970s (Catholic) school. But overall, don't expect either of these schools to blow you away academically. At first you might be impressed, but after a while, the honeymoon will be over and you will see them for what they are.

Also, you will come to realize that part of the reason the staff at Norwood is so nice is that they feel a need to retain families. You know, bees like honey, not vinegar. Part has to do with the idea that it is supposed to be a happy place of learning.

[Anonymous]

There are worse problems for a school to have!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are worse problems for a school to have!

Agree, unless the family or child needs to be told a thing or two. They actually have some kids who are out of control who don't necessarily need to leave the school, but need to be told that they have to straighten up and fly right.
I wonder what happens to these kids when they get out into the real world.

[Anonymous]

Norwood parent here. I love the environment! My kids are excited and happy to go to schOol every day. They are smart kids and will do well in many different environments. I find them challenged at Norwood , but also they are learning a way if being in the world that is about optimism, kindness, character, diversity, etc. I guess
I just have faith that the academics are only one part of the equation in life. I was a star academically and my husband was not. His career has been much more successful. But moreover, we both have learned that balance in life and a sense of humor, combined with hard work and good values is what makes success. I am Growing very weary of the competition we are putting on our kids and I say this as a double ivy grad. There is so much more to life and our kids are unbelievably fortunate.