What have I overlooked among the DC area private schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The GDS open house in Monday November 11 at 7:00 PM. I would not look at the open house as the opportunity for your DC to shine. You'll will have the usual number of people trying to stand out with obnoxious questions. Just observe them and understand that they are the competition. Arrange for an interview after the open house - that we be your opportunity to create that "first impression" that will make your DC stand out - if he is truly as outstanding as you describe.

Do children even attend an open house that starts that late? I assume it will last until (PM, perhaps later.

[Anonymous]

Do children even attend an open house that starts that late? I assume it will last until (PM, perhaps later.

7pm is late at night for an 8th-grader? Getting home at 9pm or so is too late?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Do children even attend an open house that starts that late? I assume it will last until (PM, perhaps later.

7pm is late at night for an 8th-grader? Getting home at 9pm or so is too late?

Evidently not for ORDINARY children. Some exceptionally bright children (and adults) are early risers. Not sure ANY extraordinary person does their BEST work at 7 PM or later. I can't help but notice that Sidwell offers morning information sessions.

[Anonymous]

GDS does seem to be an extraordinary school. I must say that Sidwell pales by comparison when it comes to literature and writing (based on the respective open house presentations).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I see that the GDS open house is not until mid-November and the Maret open house is not until mid-December. What thoughts do experienced GDS and Maret parents have regarding the wisdom of doing a tour BEFORE the open house?

Suggestions on what DS should wear for a tour of GDS?

We were told that they should wear whatever they are comfortable in. Tshirt and jeans are fine. Dressier fine, too, if that's what DS likes.

I'd stay away from coat and tie, which might suggest that you don't understand GDS.

Not true. Some kids dress up at GDS, and so do some teachers. Be yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Do children even attend an open house that starts that late? I assume it will last until (PM, perhaps later.


7pm is late at night for an 8th-grader? Getting home at 9pm or so is too late?

Evidently not for ORDINARY children. Some exceptionally bright children (and adults) are early risers. Not sure ANY extraordinary person does their BEST work at 7 PM or later. I can't help but notice that Sidwell offers morning information sessions.

There you have it, folks. Definitive proof that Sidwell's better than GDS. All the EXCEPTIONALLY bright people go to schools that have open houses in the mornings. Schools with evening open houses are for ORDINARY people.

[Anonymous]

New School of Northern Virginia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Do children even attend an open house that starts that late? I assume it will last until (PM, perhaps later.


7pm is late at night for an 8th-grader? Getting home at 9pm or so is too late?

Evidently not for ORDINARY children. Some exceptionally bright children (and adults) are early risers. Not sure ANY extraordinary person does their BEST work at 7 PM or later. I can't help but notice that Sidwell offers morning information sessions.

There you have it, folks. Definitive proof that Sidwell's better than GDS. All the EXCEPTIONALLY bright people go to schools that have open houses in the mornings. Schools with evening open houses are for ORDINARY people.

Despite the poor decision on timing of the open house, DS prefers GDS.

[Anonymous]

Come check out the Washington Waldorf School. I think you'll find a school where your child can thrive as he'll have space to think and learn in a way that suits him as well as more typical students.

I had skipped WWS on my first round of inquiries. I only went in to check it out toward the end because I didn't want to worry later that I'd missed something during my search. I was certain it would be too far "out there" for my comfort level. But after a parent evening I was surprised at how much I liked what I heard. So then I toured the classrooms. I was intrigued with what I saw in the classrooms. I spoke with current parents and pressed them on their experiences and where else they had looked and how their kids were doing at WWS. At that time I looked at least 5 of the area schools but WWS was in a league of its own. That was 4 years ago and we couldn't be happier.

Here's a great description of a typical Waldorf experience through the lower school and I can attest that's what my kids have done at WWSl: http://www.capeannwaldorf.org/grades-1-8/detailed-curriculum-descriptions

My eldest is in middle school now, the high school coursework is very strong and we get a lot of grads who move onto science degrees in college (good schools too) and they're very prepared. I wasn't sure that would be the case when we first started and I thought we'd leave the school for high school. Having seen what the H.S. brings to the students now I know we'll stay.

[Anonymous]

I'm a bit put off by the "waiting list" process, but glad to say that DS will indeed be attending GDS. In the end, it is the best fit for both DS and GDS. I hope everyone else here found the right fit.

[Anonymous]

Homeschooling is the only solution.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Do children even attend an open house that starts that late? I assume it will last until (PM, perhaps later.


7pm is late at night for an 8th-grader? Getting home at 9pm or so is too late?

Evidently not for ORDINARY children. Some exceptionally bright children (and adults) are early risers. Not sure ANY extraordinary person does their BEST work at 7 PM or later. I can't help but notice that Sidwell offers morning information sessions.

Don't forget the clothing issue as well. Appears they DO dress up at GDS. Apparently this kid doesn't want to ......wonder what he/she will do in "real life"?

There you have it, folks. Definitive proof that Sidwell's better than GDS. All the EXCEPTIONALLY bright people go to schools that have open houses in the mornings. Schools with evening open houses are for ORDINARY people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wis might work,

shhh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wis might work,

shhh.

It's the best kept secret in DC...