The Potomac School - Spill the Beans Please

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So many families from CDS apply to Potomac, it may make it tougher to get in since Potomac wants kids from many different schools. My kids went to preschool in DC.

I think that they mail the acceptance letters right before our spring break. My guess is that you'll hear on March 13th or 14th.

Actually, what they say is that they seek "geographic" diversity - not preschool diversity. Lots of joking among the many McLean families that they should move to DC or Bethesda.

CDS sends lots of kids to Potomac. My kids have been at CDS for 6 years now, and I can't even tell you how many of the families are also Potomac families.

[Anonymous]

I second your comment about not disclosing the target as well as number of slots the school may have. It is such a guessing game as far as I am concerned. If the requirements and criteria were known, then we 1) will know what to expect 2) will also have a good feel for what our options are.
My frustration is not only with Potomac but almost all of the so called tier 1 schools around washington. Basically the trend seems to be towards maximizing prestige than anything else. Unfortunately, we have nowhere to go and still have to turn, toss and almost beg to get our kids admitted. (Is that not Sad ?)

Well God Help US all.

[Anonymous]

How's Great Falls for geographic diversity

[Anonymous]

I understand that the concept of geographic diversity must seem a little strange at first glance, but Potomac has attempted to remain true to its DC roots when the school was first built in Dupont Circle over a century ago by three young mothers unable to find a progressive edcuation for their children. We work hard to take kids from Maryland and DC, and our 40 bus fleet that crisscrosses the bridges allows us to do this. Brendan Sheerin, The Potomac School.

[Anonymous]

When are the Potomac decision letters scheduled to be mailed?

[Anonymous]

I think that you should get them either today (Friday) or Saturday.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone received a decision letter from Potomac?

[Anonymous]

Nothing today. Maybe tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

What does a flat out rejection from Potomac mean? That they think you are just awful? I thought everyone was waitlisted.

My DS was rejected from the Kindergarten admissions today. Their loss!

[paulmallon]

Anonymous wrote:
As the father of an African -American daughter who is now a junior at the school, and as someone who has been heavily involved in our diversity efforts since 1985, I can tell you that the suggestions of the last few threads are simply very inaccurate. I am very proud of the the commitment we make to every child to ensure their graduation from the school, and our record speaks for itself. Brendan Sheerin

Brendan Sheerin is as fine an educator as you will find. An inspiration.

[Anonymous]

We went for a tour because we were interested in their kindergarten program and was very put off by the admissions director (as many others have indicated in this post). We decided not to apply. She was barely able to answer how they based the admissions decision, giving me the impression that it's pretty much a who's who type of process. We were not impressed with their facility. Nor were we impressed when we looked at the list of colleges their graduates move onto (worse than local public schools in the area). And this, after they have weeded out the students that they don't feel are bright?

[Anonymous]

We, too, were put off by the lower school admissions director. Not warm and welcoming in the least. We got the impression that if you didn't have connections she was not interested.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We went for a tour because we were interested in their kindergarten program and was very put off by the admissions director (as many others have indicated in this post). We decided not to apply. She was barely able to answer how they based the admissions decision, giving me the impression that it's pretty much a who's who type of process. We were not impressed with their facility. Nor were we impressed when we looked at the list of colleges their graduates move onto (worse than local public schools in the area). And this, after they have weeded out the students that they don't feel are bright?

Nothing to add on the admissions director - but you are way off on the emissions. Tons of Potomac kids go to UVA (which speaks to the type of students Potomac tends to produce.. smart, but socially savvy and "cool"... much like UVA grads). After UVA, the list of the top 10-15 includes all the normal Ivy names you'd expect. I've posted the exmissions straight off Potomac's website below.

On the facility... to each is own but we thought Potomac's campus was as beautiful a private school campus as I've seen. Brand spanking new upper school, and brand spanking new lower school opening in the fall - what more do you want?

We hope our kid can get in next year... it's a wonderful school with a top national reputation.


Potomac Exmissions:

University of Virginia (19), University of Pennsylvania (12), College of William and Mary (10), Georgetown University (10), Wesleyan University (10), Brown University (9), Duke University (9), Northwestern University (7), Southern Methodist University (7), Tufts University (7), Amherst College (6), Boston University (6), Princeton University (6), Tulane University (6), Bowdoin College (5), Carleton College (5), College of Charleston (5), Gettysburg College (5), Harvard University (5) , Middlebury College (5), Rollins College (5), University of Michigan (5), University of Southern California(5), Vanderbilt University (5)

[Anonymous]

Just happened to take a look at the forum again after a couple of months off - same ole thing...bash the school that did not accept you or make negative judements based on very little information about the school.

[Anonymous]

As the mother of a 12th grader at Potomac, I can't say enough wonderful things about the teachers at Potomac. Whether your child is a Have-Go-Getter-Type A or a HaveNot-LaidBack-Type B, each teacher inspires a love of learning, encouragement and support for each child.

For the parents who are focusing on Harvard for their 3 year old, please keep in mind that the Seniors decide where to apply and Potomac doesn't force a child to apply to an Ivy just to keep their college placement list impressive. My son had no interest in an uber-competitive, mind melting Liberal Arts program but has chosen a wonderful smaller college where he was accepted into the advanced Physics program. BTW, he was accepted to all eight colleges to which he applied. Go Panthers!