Am I crazy to be considering 6th at Hardy over Deal?

[Anonymous]

We are in a situation where my child could go to either/or next year
DC is very bright, curious, socially adept and a great, conscientious student.He has goods friends going to both schools next year. To those more experienced who may have some insight into this, what are your thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Frankly I'd take Hardy. Our son went there, and we are planning to send dd there next year. It's a no brainer when you consider the size.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Not on the same level

[Anonymous]

Considering both seems smart to me.

[Anonymous]

Does your child do sports or want to try other activities that are only offered at Deal (due to size).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I'd take Hardy. Our son went there, and we are planning to send dd there next year. It's a no brainer when you consider the size.

Why do so many people think that a small school is always better? I can see tangible advantages to a large school (wider offerings in classes and extracurriculars), but beyond the coziness of it and everybody knowing each other, I don't see why a small school is better per se. Honest question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Not on the same level

How? Do youy say that because of course offerings? Academic challenge? School culture? I really know it depends on the child. He'll be fine art either school. I just want to provide him wroth the best academic environment available to me. Are the advanced classes all around better at deal?

[Anonymous]

I'm writing on my tiny phone screen with big fat swipe fingers. Excuse the typos?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Not on the same level

How? Do youy say that because of course offerings? Academic challenge? School culture? I really know it depends on the child. He'll be fine art either school. I just want to provide him wroth the best academic environment available to me. Are the advanced classes all around better at deal?

The only 'advanced' classes at Deal are math and foreign language.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I'd take Hardy. Our son went there, and we are planning to send dd there next year. It's a no brainer when you consider the size.

Why do so many people think that a small school is always better? I can see tangible advantages to a large school (wider offerings in classes and extracurriculars), but beyond the coziness of it and everybody knowing each other, I don't see why a small school is better per se. Honest question.

You're dismissing that "coziness." Relationships are huge. It's a lot harder to fall through the cracks in a small school. During the middle school years, that is a huge plus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I'd take Hardy. Our son went there, and we are planning to send dd there next year. It's a no brainer when you consider the size.

Why do so many people think that a small school is always better? I can see tangible advantages to a large school (wider offerings in classes and extracurriculars), but beyond the coziness of it and everybody knowing each other, I don't see why a small school is better per se. Honest question.

You're dismissing that "coziness." Relationships are huge. It's a lot harder to fall through the cracks in a small school. During the middle school years, that is a huge plus.

Totally agree. Middle school kids become different creatures as hormones take over and they start to exert independence from their parents. We have the ability to go to either as well and are opting for Hardy. I really prefer knowing that my child will be known to all the staff, and not just by the teachers who are assigned to his team. When I think that Deal has 1500 students across only 3 grades it sort of blows my mind. I toured Deal and it is undoubtedly a beautiful school, beautiful campus. But it feels like a high school. As I walked around Deal when I toured it couldn't help but notice all the spots where I felt kids could be cornered and bullied...yeah, I know, dramatic much? Again, Deal has an undisputed track record as a great school, I just feel a smaller environment is better for my child. Just make the decision that feels best for your child.

[Anonymous]

Not OP. A smaller school would likely be better for a student with sensory issues like mine. I am concerned that the overall environment at Deal may be overwhelming for her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Not on the same level

Agree with PP. Why make your kid take Hamburger Helper when she or he can have steak?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Not on the same level

How? Do youy say that because of course offerings? Academic challenge? School culture? I really know it depends on the child. He'll be fine art either school. I just want to provide him wroth the best academic environment available to me. Are the advanced classes all around better at deal?

The only 'advanced' classes at Deal are math and foreign language.

Although all classes at Deal are part of the IB MYP program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Not on the same level

Agree with PP. Why make your kid take Hamburger Helper when she or he can have steak?!

Good one! It must've taken you all morning to think that one up. You go rest your pretty little head now and have a blessed day.