Maret and former Whittle students?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What amazes me about anyone on here that’s angry about the new head is how quickly people are to judge without even having met him. He did have a career before Whittle, and a career since Whittle. He resigned from Whittle and gave up a million dollar package to not be part of what he saw happening. Certainly, he had accomplishments across his career that the search committee at Maret was impressed by and eclipsed his association with Whittle. The Board at Maret approved him. Give the dude a year or two, folks. See what he’s like before piling on all the hatred. You’re welcome.

Anyone who was dumb enough to take a one million dollar package from a KNOWN swindler is an idiot and does not deserve to run Maret. We are current parents and very dissatisfied with the board's decision.

As for the ridiculous conspiracy theories about former Whittle students getting in, the current HoS didn't want Dennis to take over- what makes you think she would want any Whittle students admitted? One of the dumbest rumors spread on this board ever.

Are you staying at Maret? We are an admitted family who, even with taking the anonymous fighting here with a HUGE grain of salt, has some qualms about entering a community with a new HOS and not knowing what may change. Wondering if families are voting with their feet or hoping it just isn't as bad as they fear. two days left to decide.....I was sort of hoping the incoming HOS would make the trip for last week's admitted families event.

I was hoping Denis would make a speech/appearance last week as well. We are a new family too. We accepted the spot. I don't love the uncertainty and the Whittle stuff, but, I am still feeling pretty confident that the school will still be a good place to send our kids even with a new HoS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In another thread someone mentioned that, given the new HOS’s relationship with Whittle, Maret was taking in former whittle students? Does anyone know if this is true? If so, what grades did that impact?

Whittle kids get too sweepy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What amazes me about anyone on here that’s angry about the new head is how quickly people are to judge without even having met him. He did have a career before Whittle, and a career since Whittle. He resigned from Whittle and gave up a million dollar package to not be part of what he saw happening. Certainly, he had accomplishments across his career that the search committee at Maret was impressed by and eclipsed his association with Whittle. The Board at Maret approved him. Give the dude a year or two, folks. See what he’s like before piling on all the hatred. You’re welcome.

Anyone who was dumb enough to take a one million dollar package from a KNOWN swindler is an idiot and does not deserve to run Maret. We are current parents and very dissatisfied with the board's decision.

As for the ridiculous conspiracy theories about former Whittle students getting in, the current HoS didn't want Dennis to take over- what makes you think she would want any Whittle students admitted? One of the dumbest rumors spread on this board ever.

Are you staying at Maret? We are an admitted family who, even with taking the anonymous fighting here with a HUGE grain of salt, has some qualms about entering a community with a new HOS and not knowing what may change. Wondering if families are voting with their feet or hoping it just isn't as bad as they fear. two days left to decide.....I was sort of hoping the incoming HOS would make the trip for last week's admitted families event.

I was hoping Denis would make a speech/appearance last week as well. We are a new family too. We accepted the spot. I don't love the uncertainty and the Whittle stuff, but, I am still feeling pretty confident that the school will still be a good place to send our kids even with a new HoS.

Lol like this is even a Maret parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In another thread someone mentioned that, given the new HOS’s relationship with Whittle, Maret was taking in former whittle students? Does anyone know if this is true? If so, what grades did that impact?

Whittle kids get too sweepy.

This is not true.

[Anonymous]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/07/08/whittle-school-dc-closure/

The Whittle School launched with a September 2019 opening in the Chinese coastal city of Shenzhen, followed days later by the debut of a Northwest Washington campus in a neighborhood full of embassies and private schools. The school on Connecticut Avenue hoped to one day serve 2,000 day and boarding students, ranging in age from prekindergarten through high school, with a tuition of more than $40,000 a year.
It ended this school year with fewer than 130 students and 14 graduating seniors.
Whittle said the endeavor was upended by the coronavirus pandemic, as travel, in-person learning and cultural exchanges were suspended and financing faltered.

Seems like a pandemic casualty. Reaching 6.5% of your enrollment goal at a for profit school maybe had an impact on the financial viability?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/07/08/whittle-school-dc-closure/

The Whittle School launched with a September 2019 opening in the Chinese coastal city of Shenzhen, followed days later by the debut of a Northwest Washington campus in a neighborhood full of embassies and private schools. The school on Connecticut Avenue hoped to one day serve 2,000 day and boarding students, ranging in age from prekindergarten through high school, with a tuition of more than $40,000 a year.
It ended this school year with fewer than 130 students and 14 graduating seniors.
Whittle said the endeavor was upended by the coronavirus pandemic, as travel, in-person learning and cultural exchanges were suspended and financing faltered.

Seems like a pandemic casualty. Reaching 6.5% of your enrollment goal at a for profit school maybe had an impact on the financial viability?

Chris Whittle would like you to believe that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What amazes me about anyone on here that’s angry about the new head is how quickly people are to judge without even having met him. He did have a career before Whittle, and a career since Whittle. He resigned from Whittle and gave up a million dollar package to not be part of what he saw happening. Certainly, he had accomplishments across his career that the search committee at Maret was impressed by and eclipsed his association with Whittle. The Board at Maret approved him. Give the dude a year or two, folks. See what he’s like before piling on all the hatred. You’re welcome.

Anyone who was dumb enough to take a one million dollar package from a KNOWN swindler is an idiot and does not deserve to run Maret. We are current parents and very dissatisfied with the board's decision.

As for the ridiculous conspiracy theories about former Whittle students getting in, the current HoS didn't want Dennis to take over- what makes you think she would want any Whittle students admitted? One of the dumbest rumors spread on this board ever.

Are you staying at Maret? We are an admitted family who, even with taking the anonymous fighting here with a HUGE grain of salt, has some qualms about entering a community with a new HOS and not knowing what may change. Wondering if families are voting with their feet or hoping it just isn't as bad as they fear. two days left to decide.....I was sort of hoping the incoming HOS would make the trip for last week's admitted families event.

This is silly. We are a Maret family with kids in several grades and haven’t heard anyone even consider leaving. Some people are understandably nervous about the new HoS, but many others are excited about him, and most people feel confident that the school won’t change much regardless (which most consider a good thing). The new HoS made it clear in his parent presentations that he doesn’t intend to make any major changes to the fundamentals of the school, because he knows that most parents feel the school is doing great (and given the demand for the school, he knows he’s inheriting a thriving school, so why make any major changes?). The Board manages the school’s finances very well and will continue to do so, so whatever happened at Whittle is not remotely possible at a school like Maret.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He didn’t give up the package, the wife stayed and collected $$$ throughout from what I heard

That's absurd. You think he left voluntarily and continued to collect paychecks? Who, while collecting that paycheck, would have the desire or need to take an interim job in Baltimore and be away from his family? Bring the receipts. Otherwise it's another baseless rumor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What amazes me about anyone on here that’s angry about the new head is how quickly people are to judge without even having met him. He did have a career before Whittle, and a career since Whittle. He resigned from Whittle and gave up a million dollar package to not be part of what he saw happening. Certainly, he had accomplishments across his career that the search committee at Maret was impressed by and eclipsed his association with Whittle. The Board at Maret approved him. Give the dude a year or two, folks. See what he’s like before piling on all the hatred. You’re welcome.

Anyone who was dumb enough to take a one million dollar package from a KNOWN swindler is an idiot and does not deserve to run Maret. We are current parents and very dissatisfied with the board's decision.

As for the ridiculous conspiracy theories about former Whittle students getting in, the current HoS didn't want Dennis to take over- what makes you think she would want any Whittle students admitted? One of the dumbest rumors spread on this board ever.

Are you staying at Maret? We are an admitted family who, even with taking the anonymous fighting here with a HUGE grain of salt, has some qualms about entering a community with a new HOS and not knowing what may change. Wondering if families are voting with their feet or hoping it just isn't as bad as they fear. two days left to decide.....I was sort of hoping the incoming HOS would make the trip for last week's admitted families event.

This is silly. We are a Maret family with kids in several grades and haven’t heard anyone even consider leaving. Some people are understandably nervous about the new HoS, but many others are excited about him, and most people feel confident that the school won’t change much regardless (which most consider a good thing). The new HoS made it clear in his parent presentations that he doesn’t intend to make any major changes to the fundamentals of the school, because he knows that most parents feel the school is doing great (and given the demand for the school, he knows he’s inheriting a thriving school, so why make any major changes?). The Board manages the school’s finances very well and will continue to do so, so whatever happened at Whittle is not remotely possible at a school like Maret.

Thanks for your input! As someone who isn't there yet, this info/context wasn't shared when I asked other families. While I would never make a decision based solely on DCUM vitriol, without more access it has been difficult to understand how upset (or not) people really are so that's why I asked if the PPs who were so upset are actually doing anything about it as that would be a more significant indicator.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What amazes me about anyone on here that’s angry about the new head is how quickly people are to judge without even having met him. He did have a career before Whittle, and a career since Whittle. He resigned from Whittle and gave up a million dollar package to not be part of what he saw happening. Certainly, he had accomplishments across his career that the search committee at Maret was impressed by and eclipsed his association with Whittle. The Board at Maret approved him. Give the dude a year or two, folks. See what he’s like before piling on all the hatred. You’re welcome.

Anyone who was dumb enough to take a one million dollar package from a KNOWN swindler is an idiot and does not deserve to run Maret. We are current parents and very dissatisfied with the board's decision.

As for the ridiculous conspiracy theories about former Whittle students getting in, the current HoS didn't want Dennis to take over- what makes you think she would want any Whittle students admitted? One of the dumbest rumors spread on this board ever.

Are you staying at Maret? We are an admitted family who, even with taking the anonymous fighting here with a HUGE grain of salt, has some qualms about entering a community with a new HOS and not knowing what may change. Wondering if families are voting with their feet or hoping it just isn't as bad as they fear. two days left to decide.....I was sort of hoping the incoming HOS would make the trip for last week's admitted families event.

This is silly. We are a Maret family with kids in several grades and haven’t heard anyone even consider leaving. Some people are understandably nervous about the new HoS, but many others are excited about him, and most people feel confident that the school won’t change much regardless (which most consider a good thing). The new HoS made it clear in his parent presentations that he doesn’t intend to make any major changes to the fundamentals of the school, because he knows that most parents feel the school is doing great (and given the demand for the school, he knows he’s inheriting a thriving school, so why make any major changes?). The Board manages the school’s finances very well and will continue to do so, so whatever happened at Whittle is not remotely possible at a school like Maret.

Thanks for your input! As someone who isn't there yet, this info/context wasn't shared when I asked other families. While I would never make a decision based solely on DCUM vitriol, without more access it has been difficult to understand how upset (or not) people really are so that's why I asked if the PPs who were so upset are actually doing anything about it as that would be a more significant indicator.

Happy to help! And didn’t mean to sound rude saying it was silly, only meant to emphasize that parents at Maret are definitely not leaving, and most don’t expect much to change. It’s a great school in so many ways and it’s been emphasized to us that the new HoS understands that the parent body isn’t clamoring for change. It’s amazing how different the reality within the school community can be versus the nonsense that gets stirred up on this site by one or two people who often don’t even have any firsthand experience with the school they’re discussing. Good luck with your decision! it’s a lovely school in many ways and we’ve been happy there. Our kids are too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What amazes me about anyone on here that’s angry about the new head is how quickly people are to judge without even having met him. He did have a career before Whittle, and a career since Whittle. He resigned from Whittle and gave up a million dollar package to not be part of what he saw happening. Certainly, he had accomplishments across his career that the search committee at Maret was impressed by and eclipsed his association with Whittle. The Board at Maret approved him. Give the dude a year or two, folks. See what he’s like before piling on all the hatred. You’re welcome.

Anyone who was dumb enough to take a one million dollar package from a KNOWN swindler is an idiot and does not deserve to run Maret. We are current parents and very dissatisfied with the board's decision.

As for the ridiculous conspiracy theories about former Whittle students getting in, the current HoS didn't want Dennis to take over- what makes you think she would want any Whittle students admitted? One of the dumbest rumors spread on this board ever.

Are you staying at Maret? We are an admitted family who, even with taking the anonymous fighting here with a HUGE grain of salt, has some qualms about entering a community with a new HOS and not knowing what may change. Wondering if families are voting with their feet or hoping it just isn't as bad as they fear. two days left to decide.....I was sort of hoping the incoming HOS would make the trip for last week's admitted families event.

This is silly. We are a Maret family with kids in several grades and haven’t heard anyone even consider leaving. Some people are understandably nervous about the new HoS, but many others are excited about him, and most people feel confident that the school won’t change much regardless (which most consider a good thing). The new HoS made it clear in his parent presentations that he doesn’t intend to make any major changes to the fundamentals of the school, because he knows that most parents feel the school is doing great (and given the demand for the school, he knows he’s inheriting a thriving school, so why make any major changes?). The Board manages the school’s finances very well and will continue to do so, so whatever happened at Whittle is not remotely possible at a school like Maret.

Thanks for your input! As someone who isn't there yet, this info/context wasn't shared when I asked other families. While I would never make a decision based solely on DCUM vitriol, without more access it has been difficult to understand how upset (or not) people really are so that's why I asked if the PPs who were so upset are actually doing anything about it as that would be a more significant indicator.

Happy to help! And didn’t mean to sound rude saying it was silly, only meant to emphasize that parents at Maret are definitely not leaving, and most don’t expect much to change. It’s a great school in so many ways and it’s been emphasized to us that the new HoS understands that the parent body isn’t clamoring for change. It’s amazing how different the reality within the school community can be versus the nonsense that gets stirred up on this site by one or two people who often don’t even have any firsthand experience with the school they’re discussing. Good luck with your decision! it’s a lovely school in many ways and we’ve been happy there. Our kids are too.

+1. Great school, great families and we feel fortunate to be part of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How long until the Maret admissions department gets this thread taken down?

Why would they care? Its very informative….though not about Maret.

It’s well known they have one person who reads this place constantly and has threads taken down that have the mildest of legit criticism.

And this person seems to have time enough to comment on Popville during school hours, so clearly the action on DCUM isn’t hot enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How long until the Maret admissions department gets this thread taken down?

Why would they care? Its very informative….though not about Maret.

It’s well known they have one person who reads this place constantly and has threads taken down that have the mildest of legit criticism.

And this person seems to have time enough to comment on Popville during school hours, so clearly the action on DCUM isn’t hot enough.

Sick burn, bro

[Anonymous]

Seems a little unfair to judge the former Whittle HOS so much. He was Head of school at my high school in Connecticut for 12 years and although it was after I was there, I haven’t heard anything bad about his time there. In fact I thought he was rather well-regarded. Maybe wait and see.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What amazes me about anyone on here that’s angry about the new head is how quickly people are to judge without even having met him. He did have a career before Whittle, and a career since Whittle. He resigned from Whittle and gave up a million dollar package to not be part of what he saw happening. Certainly, he had accomplishments across his career that the search committee at Maret was impressed by and eclipsed his association with Whittle. The Board at Maret approved him. Give the dude a year or two, folks. See what he’s like before piling on all the hatred. You’re welcome.

Anyone who was dumb enough to take a one million dollar package from a KNOWN swindler is an idiot and does not deserve to run Maret. We are current parents and very dissatisfied with the board's decision.

As for the ridiculous conspiracy theories about former Whittle students getting in, the current HoS didn't want Dennis to take over- what makes you think she would want any Whittle students admitted? One of the dumbest rumors spread on this board ever.

Are you staying at Maret? We are an admitted family who, even with taking the anonymous fighting here with a HUGE grain of salt, has some qualms about entering a community with a new HOS and not knowing what may change. Wondering if families are voting with their feet or hoping it just isn't as bad as they fear. two days left to decide.....I was sort of hoping the incoming HOS would make the trip for last week's admitted families event.

This is silly. We are a Maret family with kids in several grades and haven’t heard anyone even consider leaving. Some people are understandably nervous about the new HoS, but many others are excited about him, and most people feel confident that the school won’t change much regardless (which most consider a good thing). The new HoS made it clear in his parent presentations that he doesn’t intend to make any major changes to the fundamentals of the school, because he knows that most parents feel the school is doing great (and given the demand for the school, he knows he’s inheriting a thriving school, so why make any major changes?). The Board manages the school’s finances very well and will continue to do so, so whatever happened at Whittle is not remotely possible at a school like Maret.

We clearly have different friends at Maret. We know MANY parents who considered leaving solely b/c of the HoS choice (or perhaps because that was the final straw), and we know of a handful of families who applied out, and of those, about 1/2 (that we know of) are leaving the school. That being said, I'm not going to badmouth the school. It's all about fit. In hindsight, Maret is a terrible fit for our family, but our kid likes it. So he is there for another year. Then we will evaluate.