AFrican American Son in Private/Independent School

[Anonymous]

This post was made several years back and bringing it back as it is still relevant to ask today:

Would love to hear from families who have an African American son in a Lower School (K an up) in DC or surrounding areas and are very happy with your choice of school. I recognize that as I begin to consider the various schools in this area, he will most likely be a minority in his classes. I am looking to see which schools have made the family feel welcome while helping to instill a strong self esteem and good academic foundation in their son. Would love to hear from some happy families with your happy school experience. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

"DC and surrounding areas" is pretty broad. I would probably first narrow down questions like geography, single sex/coed, religious/secular and then it will be easier to evaluate. You also need to consider if your kid is sporty v. nerdy and whether he is quiet v. excitable.

[Anonymous]

Both of my AA sons are at SFS lower school and love it. We have been there 4 years and so far no problems. This year the school has stepped up in terms of addressing race and inequality. To be honest, I have no nonsense children who have a strong sense of who they are. If you have a confident child, I am sure they will thrive at any school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both of my AA sons are at SFS lower school and love it. We have been there 4 years and so far no problems. This year the school has stepped up in terms of addressing race and inequality. To be honest, I have no nonsense children who have a strong sense of who they are. If you have a confident child, I am sure they will thrive at any school.

I was a confident child who had to deal with racism and micro aggression. No matter the confidence, that takes a toll. Trying to avoid that for a child makes sense.

OP I’m also interested to hear from parents about this topic.

[Anonymous]

We are going private next year for 4th grade. DD is adopted and is AA. This is part of the reason we picked a local less expensive school rather than a big 3 school. I want DD to have diversity not be the token AA child.

[Anonymous]

My AA son is at Lowell. We are really pleased and he’s really come out of his shell. He’s a quiet kid who takes awhile to warm up and feel included and I was shocked at how quickly he felt comfortable The teachers are really amazing at being warm and welcoming.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both of my AA sons are at SFS lower school and love it. We have been there 4 years and so far no problems. This year the school has stepped up in terms of addressing race and inequality. To be honest, I have no nonsense children who have a strong sense of who they are. If you have a confident child, I am sure they will thrive at any school.

Are you Black?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Both of my AA sons are at SFS lower school and love it. We have been there 4 years and so far no problems. This year the school has stepped up in terms of addressing race and inequality. To be honest, I have no nonsense children who have a strong sense of who they are. If you have a confident child, I am sure they will thrive at any school.

Are you Black?

All skinfolk aren’t kinfolk.

[Anonymous]

As a black mother of biracial girls, I understand the question. We like to pretend that all non-whites get the same treatment but very light-skinned blacks like Meghan Markle generally meet with greater social acceptance in the broader society.

[Anonymous]

White girls at Congressional School apparently just made videos in southern belle style civil war dressed— would love to know more before I comment further.

[Anonymous]

I have black son at NPS. I was worried when he started at PreK. He’s in 4th grade and it has been an amazing experience for him. No issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have black son at NPS. I was worried when he started at PreK. He’s in 4th grade and it has been an amazing experience for him. No issues.

Or at least none he’s shared with you. Kids often try to protect their parents.

[Anonymous]

A bit further out, but Sandy Spring Friends School can be a good choice for African American children. The new Head of School is looking to improve on what is already there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Both of my AA sons are at SFS lower school and love it. We have been there 4 years and so far no problems. This year the school has stepped up in terms of addressing race and inequality. To be honest, I have no nonsense children who have a strong sense of who they are. If you have a confident child, I am sure they will thrive at any school.

Are you Black?

All skinfolk aren’t kinfolk.

True. To me, it sounded like it was coming from a non-black parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A bit further out, but Sandy Spring Friends School can be a good choice for African American children. The new Head of School is looking to improve on what is already there.

And he has deep experience in and commitment to DEI work: https://www.rodneyglasgow.com/about.html