Does Beauvoir Adequately Prepare Students Academically for St. Albans / NCS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is an adjustment period between Bueavoir's creative, fun approach to learning and STA/NCS' more traditional and academic approaches.

Beauvoir kids go in with the critical thinking skills and substantive knowledge they need, but some kids need some time to adjust to the different style of teaching -- more didactic, less learner-driven. In the long-term, Beauvoir kids are very well-equipped to handle academic challenges.

Many parents choose Beauvoir because of the playful approach to learning. I wish there were some way of preserving it for a longer period of time, but I'm grateful that it does allow kids to be children, not mini-adults.

If the above is true, my question would be whether St. Albans and NCS are adequate for BVR kids?
I have crossed paths with BVR students who did not continue on. They were lovely, but did not especially scream creativity or a strong skills foundation. However, I would not necessarily consider them reflective of the whole as I'm guessing a lot goes into staying or leaving.If the BVR program encourages inquiry, I'd say that's the ideal foundation for young learners. I suppose you can still compare them to other schools with the same approach (most independents in the area) in how well they do that. Children should emerge curious, resilient and literate and able to compute and problem solve on par with area peers. They do have that playground!

Not all children (as aren't adults) creates equally. That's not slight on anyone, but it's true. Beauvoir admits roughly 63 kids in PK and another 20-21 in K, rounding out each class to roughly 84 children. Out of 84 children there will always be some outliers in academic ability and readiness for the 4th grade. Often times learning disabilities or other issues might not present themselves until the 1st or 2nd grade. IMO a majority of the Beauvoir kids are more than adequately prepared for STA, NCS or any other competive independent school.

At the end of the day, Beauvoir is not a good fit for all children and learning styles. Children who benefit from a lot of structure and direction typically won't do well at Beauvoir. The admission teams does an excellent job in admitting classes, but there will be times when a child wasn't the best selection. That happens with any school. When you factor in IQ testing on kids who are barley FOUR, legacy acceptances, sibling acceptances, teacher/staff acceptances, other connection acceptances you will get a mixed bag of kids.

All of this raving about Sidwell is hilarious. My DD was not accepted into their PK class. One of her Beauvoir classmates was and (not to be bragdocious) but hands down my DD is light years ahead of this other child. The other child isn't dumb or anything, but current skills wise there is no way she made a better academic selection. My DD could legibly and accurately write all upper and lowercase letters, was reading three letter words, drawing her shapes, extremely articulate, well spoken, outgoing and articulate. The other child was not doing any of that and still has challenges with writing and has not begun to read yet. I don't think my DD is a genius or anything, she just came from a very strong nursery school program that emphasized writing, phonics an social independence. Perhaps Sidwell decided that child's family was a better fit than ours, which I can totally see and would not disagree with in hindsight as I have gotten to know the other family and I am honest about who we are and what our values are. It probably also did not help out cause tha we needed substantial FA and more tha likely would the entire PK-12 grade years and the other family is full pay (yes the other demographics of our family is fairly identical). However, if we are speaking about which child could handle a more rigorous academic environment, hands down that would be my kid. My point is just because a child is not admitted to Sidwell does NOT mean they aren't academically prepared or capable.

This is your first child, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Think that's not really that true. I've heard the opposite. Selective hearing seems to be a problem

What is not true?

[Anonymous]

Beauvoir pursues a more progressive philosophy (rightly, imho) than StA/NCS. They are connected, nonetheless, through the cathedral charter, which requires that StA/NCS accept 75% of the Beauvoir kids (applicants?).

My specific details may a little off, but thet's the basic set-up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is an adjustment period between Bueavoir's creative, fun approach to learning and STA/NCS' more traditional and academic approaches.

Beauvoir kids go in with the critical thinking skills and substantive knowledge they need, but some kids need some time to adjust to the different style of teaching -- more didactic, less learner-driven. In the long-term, Beauvoir kids are very well-equipped to handle academic challenges.

Many parents choose Beauvoir because of the playful approach to learning. I wish there were some way of preserving it for a longer period of time, but I'm grateful that it does allow kids to be children, not mini-adults.

If the above is true, my question would be whether St. Albans and NCS are adequate for BVR kids?
I have crossed paths with BVR students who did not continue on. They were lovely, but did not especially scream creativity or a strong skills foundation. However, I would not necessarily consider them reflective of the whole as I'm guessing a lot goes into staying or leaving.If the BVR program encourages inquiry, I'd say that's the ideal foundation for young learners. I suppose you can still compare them to other schools with the same approach (most independents in the area) in how well they do that. Children should emerge curious, resilient and literate and able to compute and problem solve on par with area peers. They do have that playground!

Not all children (as aren't adults) creates equally. That's not slight on anyone, but it's true. Beauvoir admits roughly 63 kids in PK and another 20-21 in K, rounding out each class to roughly 84 children. Out of 84 children there will always be some outliers in academic ability and readiness for the 4th grade. Often times learning disabilities or other issues might not present themselves until the 1st or 2nd grade. IMO a majority of the Beauvoir kids are more than adequately prepared for STA, NCS or any other competive independent school.

At the end of the day, Beauvoir is not a good fit for all children and learning styles. Children who benefit from a lot of structure and direction typically won't do well at Beauvoir. The admission teams does an excellent job in admitting classes, but there will be times when a child wasn't the best selection. That happens with any school. When you factor in IQ testing on kids who are barley FOUR, legacy acceptances, sibling acceptances, teacher/staff acceptances, other connection acceptances you will get a mixed bag of kids.

All of this raving about Sidwell is hilarious. My DD was not accepted into their PK class. One of her Beauvoir classmates was and (not to be bragdocious) but hands down my DD is light years ahead of this other child. The other child isn't dumb or anything, but current skills wise there is no way she made a better academic selection. My DD could legibly and accurately write all upper and lowercase letters, was reading three letter words, drawing her shapes, extremely articulate, well spoken, outgoing and articulate. The other child was not doing any of that and still has challenges with writing and has not begun to read yet. I don't think my DD is a genius or anything, she just came from a very strong nursery school program that emphasized writing, phonics an social independence. Perhaps Sidwell decided that child's family was a better fit than ours, which I can totally see and would not disagree with in hindsight as I have gotten to know the other family and I am honest about who we are and what our values are. It probably also did not help out cause tha we needed substantial FA and more tha likely would the entire PK-12 grade years and the other family is full pay (yes the other demographics of our family is fairly identical). However, if we are speaking about which child could handle a more rigorous academic environment, hands down that would be my kid. My point is just because a child is not admitted to Sidwell does NOT mean they aren't academically prepared or capable.

Sidwell is smart enough to know that ultimately school and life success has more to do with social and emotional skills and other aptitudes than something technical like when you learn to write letters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is an adjustment period between Bueavoir's creative, fun approach to learning and STA/NCS' more traditional and academic approaches.

Beauvoir kids go in with the critical thinking skills and substantive knowledge they need, but some kids need some time to adjust to the different style of teaching -- more didactic, less learner-driven. In the long-term, Beauvoir kids are very well-equipped to handle academic challenges.

Many parents choose Beauvoir because of the playful approach to learning. I wish there were some way of preserving it for a longer period of time, but I'm grateful that it does allow kids to be children, not mini-adults.

If the above is true, my question would be whether St. Albans and NCS are adequate for BVR kids?
I have crossed paths with BVR students who did not continue on. They were lovely, but did not especially scream creativity or a strong skills foundation. However, I would not necessarily consider them reflective of the whole as I'm guessing a lot goes into staying or leaving.If the BVR program encourages inquiry, I'd say that's the ideal foundation for young learners. I suppose you can still compare them to other schools with the same approach (most independents in the area) in how well they do that. Children should emerge curious, resilient and literate and able to compute and problem solve on par with area peers. They do have that playground!

Not all children (as aren't adults) creates equally. That's not slight on anyone, but it's true. Beauvoir admits roughly 63 kids in PK and another 20-21 in K, rounding out each class to roughly 84 children. Out of 84 children there will always be some outliers in academic ability and readiness for the 4th grade. Often times learning disabilities or other issues might not present themselves until the 1st or 2nd grade. IMO a majority of the Beauvoir kids are more than adequately prepared for STA, NCS or any other competive independent school.

At the end of the day, Beauvoir is not a good fit for all children and learning styles. Children who benefit from a lot of structure and direction typically won't do well at Beauvoir. The admission teams does an excellent job in admitting classes, but there will be times when a child wasn't the best selection. That happens with any school. When you factor in IQ testing on kids who are barley FOUR, legacy acceptances, sibling acceptances, teacher/staff acceptances, other connection acceptances you will get a mixed bag of kids.

All of this raving about Sidwell is hilarious. My DD was not accepted into their PK class. One of her Beauvoir classmates was and (not to be bragdocious) but hands down my DD is light years ahead of this other child. The other child isn't dumb or anything, but current skills wise there is no way she made a better academic selection. My DD could legibly and accurately write all upper and lowercase letters, was reading three letter words, drawing her shapes, extremely articulate, well spoken, outgoing and articulate. The other child was not doing any of that and still has challenges with writing and has not begun to read yet. I don't think my DD is a genius or anything, she just came from a very strong nursery school program that emphasized writing, phonics an social independence. Perhaps Sidwell decided that child's family was a better fit than ours, which I can totally see and would not disagree with in hindsight as I have gotten to know the other family and I am honest about who we are and what our values are. It probably also did not help out cause tha we needed substantial FA and more tha likely would the entire PK-12 grade years and the other family is full pay (yes the other demographics of our family is fairly identical). However, if we are speaking about which child could handle a more rigorous academic environment, hands down that would be my kid. My point is just because a child is not admitted to Sidwell does NOT mean they aren't academically prepared or capable.

This is your first child, right?

It is a troll. Hi troll!

[Anonymous]

Beauvoir parent here yes agree with pp +1000

[Anonymous]

Let me sum up every Beauvoir thread....

1. Beauvoir does not adequately prepare students for the fourth grade at ncs and sta

2. No! Beauvoir is magical and teaches critical thinking, we don't need to focus on academics at such an early age!

3. Forces third graders to take a bunch of admissions tests that focus on....you guessed it, academics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let me sum up every Beauvoir thread....

1. Beauvoir does not adequately prepare students for the fourth grade at ncs and sta

2. No! Beauvoir is magical and teaches critical thinking, we don't need to focus on academics at such an early age!

3. Forces third graders to take a bunch of admissions tests that focus on....you guessed it, academics.

4. Nothing else matters because it's magical. Poof!

[Anonymous]

Haha! I'm a bvr parent and don't agree with the two Pp's but they made me laugh. All the Private school absurdity baffles me sometimes and I'm a private school lifer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is an adjustment period between Bueavoir's creative, fun approach to learning and STA/NCS' more traditional and academic approaches.

Beauvoir kids go in with the critical thinking skills and substantive knowledge they need, but some kids need some time to adjust to the different style of teaching -- more didactic, less learner-driven. In the long-term, Beauvoir kids are very well-equipped to handle academic challenges.

Many parents choose Beauvoir because of the playful approach to learning. I wish there were some way of preserving it for a longer period of time, but I'm grateful that it does allow kids to be children, not mini-adults.

If the above is true, my question would be whether St. Albans and NCS are adequate for BVR kids?
I have crossed paths with BVR students who did not continue on. They were lovely, but did not especially scream creativity or a strong skills foundation. However, I would not necessarily consider them reflective of the whole as I'm guessing a lot goes into staying or leaving.If the BVR program encourages inquiry, I'd say that's the ideal foundation for young learners. I suppose you can still compare them to other schools with the same approach (most independents in the area) in how well they do that. Children should emerge curious, resilient and literate and able to compute and problem solve on par with area peers. They do have that playground!

Not all children (as aren't adults) creates equally. That's not slight on anyone, but it's true. Beauvoir admits roughly 63 kids in PK and another 20-21 in K, rounding out each class to roughly 84 children. Out of 84 children there will always be some outliers in academic ability and readiness for the 4th grade. Often times learning disabilities or other issues might not present themselves until the 1st or 2nd grade. IMO a majority of the Beauvoir kids are more than adequately prepared for STA, NCS or any other competive independent school.

At the end of the day, Beauvoir is not a good fit for all children and learning styles. Children who benefit from a lot of structure and direction typically won't do well at Beauvoir. The admission teams does an excellent job in admitting classes, but there will be times when a child wasn't the best selection. That happens with any school. When you factor in IQ testing on kids who are barley FOUR, legacy acceptances, sibling acceptances, teacher/staff acceptances, other connection acceptances you will get a mixed bag of kids.

All of this raving about Sidwell is hilarious. My DD was not accepted into their PK class. One of her Beauvoir classmates was and (not to be bragdocious) but hands down my DD is light years ahead of this other child. The other child isn't dumb or anything, but current skills wise there is no way she made a better academic selection. My DD could legibly and accurately write all upper and lowercase letters, was reading three letter words, drawing her shapes, extremely articulate, well spoken, outgoing and articulate. The other child was not doing any of that and still has challenges with writing and has not begun to read yet. I don't think my DD is a genius or anything, she just came from a very strong nursery school program that emphasized writing, phonics an social independence. Perhaps Sidwell decided that child's family was a better fit than ours, which I can totally see and would not disagree with in hindsight as I have gotten to know the other family and I am honest about who we are and what our values are. It probably also did not help out cause tha we needed substantial FA and more tha likely would the entire PK-12 grade years and the other family is full pay (yes the other demographics of our family is fairly identical). However, if we are speaking about which child could handle a more rigorous academic environment, hands down that would be my kid. My point is just because a child is not admitted to Sidwell does NOT mean they aren't academically prepared or capable.

This is your first child, right?

Nope. My 2nd. My first child is in a top 20 college (and went to public school). So no I'm not new to this thing called parenting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is an adjustment period between Bueavoir's creative, fun approach to learning and STA/NCS' more traditional and academic approaches.

Beauvoir kids go in with the critical thinking skills and substantive knowledge they need, but some kids need some time to adjust to the different style of teaching -- more didactic, less learner-driven. In the long-term, Beauvoir kids are very well-equipped to handle academic challenges.

Many parents choose Beauvoir because of the playful approach to learning. I wish there were some way of preserving it for a longer period of time, but I'm grateful that it does allow kids to be children, not mini-adults.

If the above is true, my question would be whether St. Albans and NCS are adequate for BVR kids?
I have crossed paths with BVR students who did not continue on. They were lovely, but did not especially scream creativity or a strong skills foundation. However, I would not necessarily consider them reflective of the whole as I'm guessing a lot goes into staying or leaving.If the BVR program encourages inquiry, I'd say that's the ideal foundation for young learners. I suppose you can still compare them to other schools with the same approach (most independents in the area) in how well they do that. Children should emerge curious, resilient and literate and able to compute and problem solve on par with area peers. They do have that playground!

Troll, troll, troll

Not all children (as aren't adults) creates equally. That's not slight on anyone, but it's true. Beauvoir admits roughly 63 kids in PK and another 20-21 in K, rounding out each class to roughly 84 children. Out of 84 children there will always be some outliers in academic ability and readiness for the 4th grade. Often times learning disabilities or other issues might not present themselves until the 1st or 2nd grade. IMO a majority of the Beauvoir kids are more than adequately prepared for STA, NCS or any other competive independent school.

At the end of the day, Beauvoir is not a good fit for all children and learning styles. Children who benefit from a lot of structure and direction typically won't do well at Beauvoir. The admission teams does an excellent job in admitting classes, but there will be times when a child wasn't the best selection. That happens with any school. When you factor in IQ testing on kids who are barley FOUR, legacy acceptances, sibling acceptances, teacher/staff acceptances, other connection acceptances you will get a mixed bag of kids.

All of this raving about Sidwell is hilarious. My DD was not accepted into their PK class. One of her Beauvoir classmates was and (not to be bragdocious) but hands down my DD is light years ahead of this other child. The other child isn't dumb or anything, but current skills wise there is no way she made a better academic selection. My DD could legibly and accurately write all upper and lowercase letters, was reading three letter words, drawing her shapes, extremely articulate, well spoken, outgoing and articulate. The other child was not doing any of that and still has challenges with writing and has not begun to read yet. I don't think my DD is a genius or anything, she just came from a very strong nursery school program that emphasized writing, phonics an social independence. Perhaps Sidwell decided that child's family was a better fit than ours, which I can totally see and would not disagree with in hindsight as I have gotten to know the other family and I am honest about who we are and what our values are. It probably also did not help out cause tha we needed substantial FA and more tha likely would the entire PK-12 grade years and the other family is full pay (yes the other demographics of our family is fairly identical). However, if we are speaking about which child could handle a more rigorous academic environment, hands down that would be my kid. My point is just because a child is not admitted to Sidwell does NOT mean they aren't academically prepared or capable.

This is your first child, right?

Nope. My 2nd. My first child is in a top 20 college (and went to public school). So no I'm not new to this thing called parenting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is an adjustment period between Bueavoir's creative, fun approach to learning and STA/NCS' more traditional and academic approaches.

Beauvoir kids go in with the critical thinking skills and substantive knowledge they need, but some kids need some time to adjust to the different style of teaching -- more didactic, less learner-driven. In the long-term, Beauvoir kids are very well-equipped to handle academic challenges.

Many parents choose Beauvoir because of the playful approach to learning. I wish there were some way of preserving it for a longer period of time, but I'm grateful that it does allow kids to be children, not mini-adults.

If the above is true, my question would be whether St. Albans and NCS are adequate for BVR kids?
I have crossed paths with BVR students who did not continue on. They were lovely, but did not especially scream creativity or a strong skills foundation. However, I would not necessarily consider them reflective of the whole as I'm guessing a lot goes into staying or leaving.If the BVR program encourages inquiry, I'd say that's the ideal foundation for young learners. I suppose you can still compare them to other schools with the same approach (most independents in the area) in how well they do that. Children should emerge curious, resilient and literate and able to compute and problem solve on par with area peers. They do have that playground!

Not all children (as aren't adults) creates equally. That's not slight on anyone, but it's true. Beauvoir admits roughly 63 kids in PK and another 20-21 in K, rounding out each class to roughly 84 children. Out of 84 children there will always be some outliers in academic ability and readiness for the 4th grade. Often times learning disabilities or other issues might not present themselves until the 1st or 2nd grade. IMO a majority of the Beauvoir kids are more than adequately prepared for STA, NCS or any other competive independent school.

At the end of the day, Beauvoir is not a good fit for all children and learning styles. Children who benefit from a lot of structure and direction typically won't do well at Beauvoir. The admission teams does an excellent job in admitting classes, but there will be times when a child wasn't the best selection. That happens with any school. When you factor in IQ testing on kids who are barley FOUR, legacy acceptances, sibling acceptances, teacher/staff acceptances, other connection acceptances you will get a mixed bag of kids.

All of this raving about Sidwell is hilarious. My DD was not accepted into their PK class. One of her Beauvoir classmates was and (not to be bragdocious) but hands down my DD is light years ahead of this other child. The other child isn't dumb or anything, but current skills wise there is no way she made a better academic selection. My DD could legibly and accurately write all upper and lowercase letters, was reading three letter words, drawing her shapes, extremely articulate, well spoken, outgoing and articulate. The other child was not doing any of that and still has challenges with writing and has not begun to read yet. I don't think my DD is a genius or anything, she just came from a very strong nursery school program that emphasized writing, phonics an social independence. Perhaps Sidwell decided that child's family was a better fit than ours, which I can totally see and would not disagree with in hindsight as I have gotten to know the other family and I am honest about who we are and what our values are. It probably also did not help out cause tha we needed substantial FA and more tha likely would the entire PK-12 grade years and the other family is full pay (yes the other demographics of our family is fairly identical). However, if we are speaking about which child could handle a more rigorous academic environment, hands down that would be my kid. My point is just because a child is not admitted to Sidwell does NOT mean they aren't academically prepared or capable.

This is your first child, right?

Nope. My 2nd. My first child is in a top 20 college (and went to public school). So no I'm not new to this thing called parenting.

Very practiced D bag as well (or normal troll).

[Anonymous]

Former teacher at one of the cathedral schools (upper school). Shockingly many of my strongest, weakest and middle of the road kids came from Beauvoir.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Former teacher at one of the cathedral schools (upper school). Shockingly many of my strongest, weakest and middle of the road kids came from Beauvoir.

Love this

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let me sum up every Beauvoir thread....

1. Beauvoir does not adequately prepare students for the fourth grade at ncs and sta

2. No! Beauvoir is magical and teaches critical thinking, we don't need to focus on academics at such an early age!

3. Forces third graders to take a bunch of admissions tests that focus on....you guessed it, academics.

4. Third grade academically is so demanding!!! Let's see....reading and writing at a 3rd grade level, multiplication and division? Wow!