Relatively inexpensive, progressive, nurturing private

[Anonymous]

Does it exist? My older DD is a third grader. Academically she is very bright and is in the GT program in FCPS. But she deals with anxiety issues (no diagnosis), has a hard time with change and is a huge worrier. The step up in homework level from second to third grade has been brutal for her and our family. Also, the kindness of the teacher has a huge impact on her. She did well with a very compassionate teacher last year, but her third grade teacher is much more old school and hard line. Also, he is not very organized and that makes it even harder for her to keep up with the additional work load.

I am wondering if there is a school out there that can meet her emotional needs but does not pile on the homework in upper elementary. And that doesn't cost more than my mortgage? FWIW, I don't consider Burgundy to be inexpensive. I've researched all the schools routinely mentioned here as being progressive. I'm hoping that there is some insight.

I am not looking for something Big 3ish. A small, nurturing environment for her is my goal.

[Anonymous]

Waldorf school?

[Anonymous]

I've heard some people with GT kids speak highly of Pinecrest in Annandale, and it's much cheaper than Burgundy. We didn't even consider it or tour it because it's not accredited, but you might find it worth looking into.

http://www.pinecrestschool.org/

[Anonymous]

Washington Waldorf isn't much cheaper than Burgundy. The "relatively inexpensive" is the sticking point, I fear, but good luck! (we are in MCPS and frequently have discussions with other parents that we'd like a more laid back environment (as in, more outside time, less homework), but the $ is always the sticking point..)

[Anonymous]

I don't think Waldorf is a good fit for her. Academically she is very advanced and I think she would be very frustrated with the pace and what she is allowed to learn. JMO, I know it works for some families. But I have a good friend whose children attend a Waldorf school and from what I know, I don't think it would work for her. It's also $20K.

I am now looking at the Friends Community School in College Park.

[Anonymous]

11:42, thanks for the link to Pinecrest. It is pretty close to us. For some reason I thought it only went to third grade.

[Anonymous]

If you're Catholic -- the parish schools are relatively cheap and so are some of the really good Montessori Schools. Other than that -- they're aren't many other options.

[Anonymous]

What about Sandy Spring Friends School? Super nurturing but can also be highly academic.

[Anonymous]

We are not Catholic. I am OK with "religion light", but not a religious based institution which includes religion heavily in the curriculum.

Unfortunately, SSFS is $20K+ a year. If we could get into that price range, there are many options.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP. I just wanted to say that progressive does often equal smaller and nurturing but not necessarily less homework. Third grade is when academics really step up in most schools, and sadly this includes the amount of homework expected of kids. Even at progressives.

I agree that Burgundy is expensive, as are the other progressive schools in the area. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Third grade is when academics really step up in most schools, and sadly this includes the amount of homework expected of kids. Even at progressives.

How much homework would you say is typical at a low key progressive school in third grade?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Third grade is when academics really step up in most schools, and sadly this includes the amount of homework expected of kids. Even at progressives.

How much homework would you say is typical at a low key progressive school in third grade?

If done efficiently, about 30 minutes a night + 20-30 minutes of reading. If accompanied by lots of whining....all bets are off (from personal experience).

[Anonymous]

Has OP inquired about financial aid for some of these schools? Or is that a no-go.

[Anonymous]

Ditto the PP. Some of these expensive schools also have large amounts of money allocated for FA. Now these days that aid may be going to current families more than to new families but it may be worth asking about.

[Anonymous]

I want private for my son, and after a lot of digging, visiting schools, talking to parents, etc., I found several decent options in MoCo for about $15,000, some a little less. Do they have all the bells and whistles of the big schools discussed here? No. But they do offer the small, caring classes I want for my son. FWIW, some of the religious schools, while not necessarily progressive, aren't hard-core homework-oriented either. Christ Episcopal in Rockville, for example, doesn't really believe in much homework through the 3rd grade or so. Instead, it focuses on having a challenging day. After school is more for down time. Will this type of environment fit your child's needs? I don't know. But I did want to let you know there are less-expensive private school options out there.