Feedback on NCS?

[Anonymous]

On the plus side, I've heard that NCS pushes girls to excel. One graduate told me, "when you leave, you believe you can do anything." On the other hand, I've heard it's extremely competitive and not always in a good sense. Another parent said you need "sharp elbows" at NCS. (She didn't elaborate on the comment.) I'd be vey interested in hearing the perspectives of current/former NCS parents or NCS graduates on these issues. What do you like most and least about the school? How does the school deal with the issue of competition? Does it encourage it? Try to moderate it? Do you feel that all the students are ranked/graded on a single scale, or is there room for people with different talents? Is the competition primarily academic or social? In what ways does it manifest itself? Does the "sharp elbows" comment ring a bell with you?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Anonymous]

I have a friend who went there and know 2 girls who are there now and they all loved it. Like all schools, I'm sure there is some competitiveness, but that exists at most schools. They all say the school fosters a real independent spirit and a love of learning.

[Anonymous]

Any NCS parents out there whose children didn't attend Beauvoir and started at 4th grade? As I understand it, about two-thirds of the NCS 4th grade comes from Beauvoir. Was it difficult for your child to fit in and form friends among kids who had known each other from their Beauvoir days? Also, what school did your daughter attend for 3rd grade? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

I know a young woman who's in 10th grade at NCS who loves it. She's poised and confident, but in a very nice and non-arrogant way. She started in 4th grade, adn I believe she attended DC public school before, although I don't remembe which one. She didn't have any trouble making friends or fitting in. NCS has classes with St. Albans in the upper grades, so it's not like they don't have ANY exposure to boys.