Primary Day, Norwood, Green Acres

[Anonymous]

GAS has some angry self righteous hippies running the place.

[Anonymous]

No, "wanna be" hippies =)

[Anonymous]

hippies?? nah, in the 80's and 90's probably but certainly not now.

[Anonymous]

I dislike broadly speaking about any school, public or private. At the end of the day, each school has unique characteristics, and it becomes a very individual decision. What is right for one family, may not be right for the next. And that is perfectly fine.

For our family, Green Acres has been the best choice. What's wrong with a school that combines a rigorous curriculum with hands on learning and engaging classrooms where kids have fun and learn their best? Where teachers really know the kids and how they learn? Nothing. And, the preparation for high school is excellent.

One needs to spend time on campuses, in classrooms, speak personally with families and teachers, and look at out placement to high schools and colleges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had a great experience at PDS! DD was great in Math, needed support in reading and received it - in and out of the classroom which nurtured her ability and confidence. She received a great foundation, developed a love of the arts, and the school's emphasis on treating others the way you want to be treated was deeply ingrained in her. I encourage you to go through the process, discuss any concerns you have with the AD -- then choose the school you feel is the best fit for your child and your family.

+1

[Anonymous]

Some people speak as if they are the only ones who know the TRUTH. No school is right for every family. Many families love Green Acres. Some don't. But I know people who hate Sidwell and St. Albans and GDS and Norwood too. There are naysayers in every crowd, and it seems like this forum attracts people with axes to grind.

My two kids have been very happy and highly challenged at Green Acres. One is now at a very competitive HS and has straight As. I suggest you visit Green Acres or any school and see what you think. If you like it when you visit, you'll probably like it if you enroll. If you don't, as a PP said, I hope you have good luck finding something that fits your family really well.

I don't have any problem with people disliking any school but I don't see why the tone of these posts has to be so angry. It seems like that says more about the posters than the school itself. We've been at Green Acres for over 10 years and we have sometimes disagreed with them, but we have never regretted our decision. I hope you all find schools you like as much.

[Anonymous]

I am a current Green Acres parent with two kids who are academically strong. They are both plenty challenged by the teachers and the work. They are interested and engaged in what they are doing, and have benefitted from the close relationships they have with teachers. I also believe Neal to be a leader who works incredibly hard to make Green Acres a good place, and find him to be effective and honest.

[Anonymous]

Neal, seriously? wow! I find him out of touch and wussy.
(Just my opinion, of course. Glad you are happy. Seriously =)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Neal, seriously? wow! I find him out of touch and wussy.
(Just my opinion, of course. Glad you are happy. Seriously =)

+5

[Anonymous]

PP… you only get 1 "plus." That's just the way this thing works, unless you're paying more than the rest of us. =)

Also, why be angry and insult him? Be NICE. I think Neal is low-key but decisive. Obviously not everybody thinks the same. I'd like to hear about a school administrator that everybody likes. Not saying there aren't any, just that it's a pretty unrealistic expectation. As the sensible people seem to say, the only way to know is to visit for yourself.

[Anonymous]

I'm not the biggest Neal fan but I do think this school was a perfect fit for one of my kids. She went on to a great drooled-over high school and is going to college next year. For a hard working self motivated creative kid like mine Green Acres was great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some people speak as if they are the only ones who know the TRUTH. No school is right for every family. Many families love Green Acres. Some don't. But I know people who hate Sidwell and St. Albans and GDS and Norwood too. There are naysayers in every crowd, and it seems like this forum attracts people with axes to grind.

My two kids have been very happy and highly challenged at Green Acres. One is now at a very competitive HS and has straight As. I suggest you visit Green Acres or any school and see what you think. If you like it when you visit, you'll probably like it if you enroll. If you don't, as a PP said, I hope you have good luck finding something that fits your family really well.

I don't have any problem with people disliking any school but I don't see why the tone of these posts has to be so angry. It seems like that says more about the posters than the school itself. We've been at Green Acres for over 10 years and we have sometimes disagreed with them, but we have never regretted our decision. I hope you all find schools you like as much.

Well said. We are blessed to have a wide range of schools, but there are some big differences.

Those unhappy or insecure with their choice seem to project their concerns onto other schools.

[Anonymous]

Can anyone speak to the recent climate at Primary Day? I have heard rumors about a teacher leaving unexpectedly mid-year...

[Anonymous]

Yes, current climate at pds is horrible. Staff turnover has been huge, due to a new head. New parents may not notice, but as an alumni parent is is very disappointing to see the direction of the school. Well loved teachers fired or quitting due to her management. It's all about numbers and money now, no longer about a traditional, community based education with strong academics. Standards for admission have been lowered, the admissions director quit last summer. Head is bringing in her "yes" people, such a shame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, current climate at pds is horrible. Staff turnover has been huge, due to a new head. New parents may not notice, but as an alumni parent is is very disappointing to see the direction of the school. Well loved teachers fired or quitting due to her management. It's all about numbers and money now, no longer about a traditional, community based education with strong academics. Standards for admission have been lowered, the admissions director quit last summer. Head is bringing in her "yes" people, such a shame.

how do you know this?