| For shy DD? Applying for first grade. |
| We have had two children go through PDS. One shy one who started in pre-k. Their monthly "Beako" performances really help with confidence and speaking. Our children flourished and gained so much confidence. My once shy pre-k'er is now an outspoken upper elementary school child with tons of friends. Teachers are loving, kids are friendly...really a wonderful school environment! |
| I agree that the monthly Beako performances are great for public speaking and confidence building. The small class sizes also really help. It is also nice to not have lots of older grades present at the school so everything your kid is exposed to is age appropriate. It is a very warm and nurturing environment. There were a number of new families in Kindergarten this year and within a week or two of school, it made no difference who had been there for PreK and who was new. They all became friends and were welcomed quickly. |
| Agree with PP’s that a small school focused on the early years is great for shy kids. Concord Hill might also be worth a look for the same reasons. It is similar in a lot of ways, including with frequent opportunities for the kids to speak/perform at assemblies. Has been great for my shy child, who has really gained confidence and social skills while there. |
| Agree you should look at Concord Hill, they do a great job building kids' confidence. Their head of school greets kids at their car each morning shakes their hands -- it makes for impressive kids. Small schools are a great place to look. My kids didn't take at all to Primary Day, it was too overwhelming. Also check out Norwood, Beauvoir, and Feynman. |
| There's a bit of a mean girl culture with the moms - beware if you care about that sort of thing. |
+100 |
PDS parent here - have not noticed this at all. Most of the parents are friendly and welcoming. The school has been wonderful and nurturing for my shy child who is well-spoken and poised. |
This sounds daunting as that kind of behavior usually trickles down to the kids. Are most of the people from a certain area and have known each other for a while? We’re considering it for K for our daughter but I definitely don’t want her in a mean girl environment orchestrated by moms. |
Please don't listen to anonymous strangers on the internet spreading false rumors about any school. Tour the school, talk to parents, and get a feel for it yourself. |
It’s not false |
In what way(s)? |
Examples please? |
Can't give examples without outing particular people. Look at moms of K girls, 2nd boys |
| I'm a current parent who knows most of the K/2nd families at PDS. Not really friends with any of the moms but also don't find any of them remotely mean. All seem perfectly nice to me. PP is trolling. |