SSSAS, Browne, ACDS, or Flint Hill: Please share your experience with April-May DL for elementary

[Anonymous]

SSSAS, Browne, ACDS, and Flint Hill families with 1st-6th graders:

We had narrowed down our private school search to these four schools pre-COVID. Could you please share your thoughts on your school's DL execution during the April-May (or early June) time frame? I am trying to gauge a "worst case scenario" for what 100% DL *might* look like at these four schools in the future. Please include details like platform(s) used, numbers of hours in groups vs 1:1, graded vs. ungraded assignments/tests, ability of teachers to keep young kids engaged, etc.

DL is just one variable we are adding to our already exhaustive research for a long-term commitment to private. I know application periods have past, some schools might be full, in person learning could return, 100% DL might be inevitable, and any school promises are just wishes at this point. All those variables considered, the best I can do is try to gather information from parents on their experience with DL so far.

TIA!

[Anonymous]

I have two kids at SSSAS and we were very happy with the DL all things considered.

[Anonymous]

SSSAS parent here with a LS and MS student. We were very happy with the DL, especially for MS (which seemed to follow the exact same schedule had they been in actual school). I think they used google classroom and zoom.

LS required much more parent involvement. They used an app called SeeSaw, google classroom and zoom.

[Anonymous]

Browne parent here. Distance learning has been good and very organized. However, it was more of a challenge for my Kindergarten daughter just because of her age.

A lot of parents aren’t returning just because they don’t want to pay for possible distance learning. They definitely have openings.

[Anonymous]

Browne was in trouble financially prior to the Pandemic - will be interesting to see if they hold on.

[Anonymous]

We had an excellent experience with SSSAS with distance learning for my first grader. I feel relieved that if it comes to DL again, DS is at SSSAS for next year. But really really really hoping it doesn't come to that. Nothing compares to in person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SSSAS parent here with a LS and MS student. We were very happy with the DL, especially for MS (which seemed to follow the exact same schedule had they been in actual school). I think they used google classroom and zoom.

LS required much more parent involvement. They used an app called SeeSaw, google classroom and zoom.

OP here. Thanks so much for the feedback. Does "exact schedule" mean the school provided ~5 hours of synchronous learning M-F? If so, that is quite an amazing feat considering the FCPS's 1 hour of instruction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had an excellent experience with SSSAS with distance learning for my first grader. I feel relieved that if it comes to DL again, DS is at SSSAS for next year. But really really really hoping it doesn't come to that. Nothing compares to in person.

Has SSSAS released any info on their intentions for the Fall?

[Anonymous]

We have experience with DL at both Browne and SSSAS, go with SSSAS. Much more organized and robust, plus once school opens back up you won’t have to worry about applying out fo high school. As one poster already noted, Browne is in serious financial trouble pre-pandemic and will likely close in the next year or 2.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have experience with DL at both Browne and SSSAS, go with SSSAS. Much more organized and robust, plus once school opens back up you won’t have to worry about applying out fo high school. As one poster already noted, Browne is in serious financial trouble pre-pandemic and will likely close in the next year or 2.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SSSAS parent here with a LS and MS student. We were very happy with the DL, especially for MS (which seemed to follow the exact same schedule had they been in actual school). I think they used google classroom and zoom.

LS required much more parent involvement. They used an app called SeeSaw, google classroom and zoom.

OP here. Thanks so much for the feedback. Does "exact schedule" mean the school provided ~5 hours of synchronous learning M-F? If so, that is quite an amazing feat considering the FCPS's 1 hour of instruction.

NP here

Yes, the SSSAS middle schoolers had live zoom classes from 8-1:30 or 2, depending on the day. There were one or two shorter days over the three month period, but most days the went until 1:30 or 2.
The lower school had shorter days and it varied greatly by teacher.

[Anonymous]

Parent of an ACDS LS student here. I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of DL engagement and content over March, April and May. The teachers really did turn around on a dime and rolled out DL in three days. There were several synchronous learning blocks a day, including some optional "join us for something fun if you aren't burned out on screens" activities in the afternoons as well. They used Zoom for meetings, SeeSaw and Google classrooms. I was particularly pleased with the individual meetings my student got - including several where they were able to have deep social-emotional conversations with their teachers.

Overall, it's still second-best to in-person - DL will always be, especially for younger learners - but ACDS did a great job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SSSAS parent here with a LS and MS student. We were very happy with the DL, especially for MS (which seemed to follow the exact same schedule had they been in actual school). I think they used google classroom and zoom.

LS required much more parent involvement. They used an app called SeeSaw, google classroom and zoom.

OP here. Thanks so much for the feedback. Does "exact schedule" mean the school provided ~5 hours of synchronous learning M-F? If so, that is quite an amazing feat considering the FCPS's 1 hour of instruction.

Yes. Basically they kept the same schedule they would have had if they had been on the building. So at least 5 hours..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We had an excellent experience with SSSAS with distance learning for my first grader. I feel relieved that if it comes to DL again, DS is at SSSAS for next year. But really really really hoping it doesn't come to that. Nothing compares to in person.

Has SSSAS released any info on their intentions for the Fall?

No, they're preparing for several options (full time in school, full time DL, several different hybrids) so that when they make the decision they have a plan. They will be very prepared for whatever path they take.

[Anonymous]

Browne parent here - my own 2 cents.

The school is tremendous. It's an incredible, diverse community, and the school has a forward-thinking, academic focus.

The teachers and administration at Browne have done a fantastic job throughout quarantine. My son didn't miss a beat through DL - the teachers were supportive, organized, and engaged. They've been nimble in figuring out what works best for each "classroom."

They also made a big deal of making sure the little things didn't get lost in the shuffle.

The Administration has worked to ensure parents are in the loop about options and plans for the fall, developing numerous scenarios, based on health requirements and governmental regulations. I'm hopeful (as I know they are) that students will be back on campus, and they're working through a variety of measures to make that happen. I feel they're doing a great job in setting parents' expectations and being very open about what measures they will take, while soliciting the input of parents along the way.

Each student is different, and schools have different strengths. Browne Academy is great for my son. I feel like he's getting a strong education, learning critical thinking skills, and learning in a diverse, nurturing environment that focuses on his well-being.