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OP - We have had a very positive experience at our independent school - as a Muslim minority family. Never a drama and only enrichment.
Happy to chat offline if you want. (Hence didn't post anon.)
C
Happy to chat offline if you want. (Hence didn't post anon.)
C
I think Kensington is a good option - relatively close in, Montgomery County. BUT, be very mindful of where the lines are drawn for public school. Sad but true, its all about the train tracks. Generally speaking, south of the train tracks gets you into "better" schools. (If this was in the public school forum people would probably start throwing flames at me but a look at the test scores and that the county admits that Einstein is an under performing HS.....tells you I am not maybe so far in my statement.....)
I can't speak to Grace Episcopal (in Kensington, mentioned a lot on the thread) - but heard good of it.
What I can strongly recommend is that you contact Washington Episcopal School (Bethesda) and see if they have K openings. Skipping all the other discussion to get to what is your initial question/concern - the starting point of your quest - it is highly accessible for the NTK/1st grade program (as well as other grades). I know of at least one child that had accessibility issues that has attended.
Besides the obvious (ramps to get in the school, elevators in the school), there is plenty of "space". The Kindergarten classrooms are super well set up for what you are looking for. There are tables (no desks) but also a lot of floor time - spacious. The classrooms also have doors that open directly to the playground which would make going outside for recess just so much easier. There is also a bathroom in the classroom (with a wide door/accessible). Everything those kids do and interact with is completely "at their visual/reach level".
I always "own" my postings. Besides contacting me through DCUM - my email address is cmezoughem @ gmail.com if you have other specific questions.
I can't speak to Grace Episcopal (in Kensington, mentioned a lot on the thread) - but heard good of it.
What I can strongly recommend is that you contact Washington Episcopal School (Bethesda) and see if they have K openings. Skipping all the other discussion to get to what is your initial question/concern - the starting point of your quest - it is highly accessible for the NTK/1st grade program (as well as other grades). I know of at least one child that had accessibility issues that has attended.
Besides the obvious (ramps to get in the school, elevators in the school), there is plenty of "space". The Kindergarten classrooms are super well set up for what you are looking for. There are tables (no desks) but also a lot of floor time - spacious. The classrooms also have doors that open directly to the playground which would make going outside for recess just so much easier. There is also a bathroom in the classroom (with a wide door/accessible). Everything those kids do and interact with is completely "at their visual/reach level".
I always "own" my postings. Besides contacting me through DCUM - my email address is cmezoughem @ gmail.com if you have other specific questions.
I am a current WES Mom (who is nutty enough to always log in to DCUM if I Post because I feel that I should own whatever I say!).
We are a practicing Muslim family who loves WES and think it has been great for our DS. We have been welcome, accepted and embraced despite the fact that we aren't "the norm".
And I would absolutely welcome your - and any - family to WES. I believe that you will find more than "tolerance" - rather a school for your family that really brings you into the community and creates that special place where your child can flourish. (And yes, be a bit protected from the sometimes harsh real world!)
The big tent at WES has seats for ALL types of families. I hope to meet you at Founder's Day!
We are a practicing Muslim family who loves WES and think it has been great for our DS. We have been welcome, accepted and embraced despite the fact that we aren't "the norm".
And I would absolutely welcome your - and any - family to WES. I believe that you will find more than "tolerance" - rather a school for your family that really brings you into the community and creates that special place where your child can flourish. (And yes, be a bit protected from the sometimes harsh real world!)
The big tent at WES has seats for ALL types of families. I hope to meet you at Founder's Day!
I have, and always will, Post to DCUM with my name on it. 
DS loved Kindergarten and had Mrs. Balcom. She was kind and caring, yet firm when she needed to be. I felt that she "knew" my child and supported his development. Balcom not only communicated any concerns, but also would be sure to let us know when he had his "great" moments. It is a strong curriculum and the kids get wonderful experiences in all the disciplines. In particular we liked Art and Science. The kids do several performances - Christmas, "NTK Spring Show" and their own class play that they perform in front of the whole school. When I gave birth to my DD in the fall (and she was a preemie and I was in the ICU), I could not have hoped for a more supportive environment when my son was working through his anxiety (about his baby sister and me).
Mrs. Schuessler was the other teacher and is now teaching 1st grade. We have her now and she has been fabulous.
Thus the other Kindergarten teacher now is Ms. Haggerty. While I don't know her in detail (she previously taught Transition and we didn't have her) - she certainly seems to be a wonderful teacher from what I have seen and heard.
As for all this discussion about 3rd grade (which we haven't obviously been in yet), the postings are unfortunate. In particular one of the two teachers is new - I hardly believe anyone on here could have had an experience with her.
OP - if you have any particular questions - please feel free to send me a message!
DS loved Kindergarten and had Mrs. Balcom. She was kind and caring, yet firm when she needed to be. I felt that she "knew" my child and supported his development. Balcom not only communicated any concerns, but also would be sure to let us know when he had his "great" moments. It is a strong curriculum and the kids get wonderful experiences in all the disciplines. In particular we liked Art and Science. The kids do several performances - Christmas, "NTK Spring Show" and their own class play that they perform in front of the whole school. When I gave birth to my DD in the fall (and she was a preemie and I was in the ICU), I could not have hoped for a more supportive environment when my son was working through his anxiety (about his baby sister and me).
Mrs. Schuessler was the other teacher and is now teaching 1st grade. We have her now and she has been fabulous.
Thus the other Kindergarten teacher now is Ms. Haggerty. While I don't know her in detail (she previously taught Transition and we didn't have her) - she certainly seems to be a wonderful teacher from what I have seen and heard.
As for all this discussion about 3rd grade (which we haven't obviously been in yet), the postings are unfortunate. In particular one of the two teachers is new - I hardly believe anyone on here could have had an experience with her.
OP - if you have any particular questions - please feel free to send me a message!
While I was raised Episcopal, my family currently is not. But we are extremely happy at WES! I have no personal experience with SAES to draw any comparison which was the true question. Thus, I don't think I can give any particular insight.....but rather a suggestion....
Given the importance of the decision about where to attend school and that you are asking particularly about the faith aspect (which also means it is important to you!) - why not call up the admissions folks at both schools and ask to arrange a one-on-one with each schools' chaplain? Yes, time consuming! But it may be well worth your time! I would like to think that both schools would understand (if not appreciate!) that you value the Episcopal principles of the school and would be happy to help you in your process.
While talking to the chaplains (theoretical) may be slightly different than what you would experience in practice, it could help answer some of your questions. Ask about curriculum and chapels and so forth. Hear it from the source itself. (Since it seems everyone loves to speculate on DCUM!)
At a minimum maybe you could get a sense of how well you think you (and your child) might "connect" with the respective chaplains. Besides home and your church, which chaplain do you think better matches what you are looking for?
Just an idea.
Given the importance of the decision about where to attend school and that you are asking particularly about the faith aspect (which also means it is important to you!) - why not call up the admissions folks at both schools and ask to arrange a one-on-one with each schools' chaplain? Yes, time consuming! But it may be well worth your time! I would like to think that both schools would understand (if not appreciate!) that you value the Episcopal principles of the school and would be happy to help you in your process.
While talking to the chaplains (theoretical) may be slightly different than what you would experience in practice, it could help answer some of your questions. Ask about curriculum and chapels and so forth. Hear it from the source itself. (Since it seems everyone loves to speculate on DCUM!)
At a minimum maybe you could get a sense of how well you think you (and your child) might "connect" with the respective chaplains. Besides home and your church, which chaplain do you think better matches what you are looking for?
Just an idea.
Oh my has this just turned into another chapter of the "Mommy Fight Club"! And it is unfortunate.
So let's start off that the head of school doesn't pick the board members. The head of school is actually the board's only employee.
If your child came home from school one day next week with a problem - academic or social or whatever - would you look at them and simply say, "Hey that sounds like a perfect post for your Facebook!" or "Go tweet about it?" Heck no! You would (ideally) work through with your child how to maybe go about FIXING the issue or at least helping them NAVIGATE the situation.
This is no different. Ranting into cyberspace isn't productive in terms of resolving ill will or getting heard about the myriad of things that are on this thread. Board members are not trolls that live in mountain caves. School administrators are not behind doors with secret keys. These are people that are accessible and DO care about the school. EVERY child and family at the school.
I am not Ghandi or Martin Luther King and I have not been nominated for the Nobel Peace prize. But the frustration that I see on this thread leaves me sad and disappointed because it is not the WES I know and love. I am not anonymous on here. You can send a message to me directly. And if you want to try to work through how to voice and air your concerns in a positive way - I will walk that walk with you. I may not agree with you - but all this posting back and forth doesn't resolve anything. To me this is no different then when a parent at school has said to me that they have a concern or issue. Cyberspace or the lobby - its all our community.
The WES motto is "Be Kind". I am holding out an olive branch. Its yours to take. This is the spirit of the WES community.
So let's start off that the head of school doesn't pick the board members. The head of school is actually the board's only employee.
If your child came home from school one day next week with a problem - academic or social or whatever - would you look at them and simply say, "Hey that sounds like a perfect post for your Facebook!" or "Go tweet about it?" Heck no! You would (ideally) work through with your child how to maybe go about FIXING the issue or at least helping them NAVIGATE the situation.
This is no different. Ranting into cyberspace isn't productive in terms of resolving ill will or getting heard about the myriad of things that are on this thread. Board members are not trolls that live in mountain caves. School administrators are not behind doors with secret keys. These are people that are accessible and DO care about the school. EVERY child and family at the school.
I am not Ghandi or Martin Luther King and I have not been nominated for the Nobel Peace prize. But the frustration that I see on this thread leaves me sad and disappointed because it is not the WES I know and love. I am not anonymous on here. You can send a message to me directly. And if you want to try to work through how to voice and air your concerns in a positive way - I will walk that walk with you. I may not agree with you - but all this posting back and forth doesn't resolve anything. To me this is no different then when a parent at school has said to me that they have a concern or issue. Cyberspace or the lobby - its all our community.
The WES motto is "Be Kind". I am holding out an olive branch. Its yours to take. This is the spirit of the WES community.
I am a current WES parent and purposefully logged in to DCUM because I am not a shy one nor want to hide behind "anonymous". (God forbid someone call me a "sockpuppet"! I might cry for a week!)
My son is attending his third year at WES and continues to have a wonderful experience. It has been a great match for him and our family. His personality has flourished, he has learned so much and "found his groove".
WES is a superb Episcopal school that excels in its ability to not only welcome, but also embrace, its mission of diversity. This idea of "merging" or such with another school would likely water down or demolish that lovely spirit which has been critical to our family. WES is WES - it isn't another place or a Lego piece to be mashed into some other construction.
Our DS is in an environment in which he sees himself as different but also part of a wider society. In a world in which adults or children can, unfortunately, be sometimes unkind to non-Christians - he has NEVER had this experience at school. I can't imagine that happening at WES! If anything, it has been an ideal environment for him to be different. At any time when we asked for some religious accomodation - we got it without questioning our choices or any negativity. Frankly put, the mission of diversity and inclusion is well implemented from my point of view.
When a child is young - learning is important. (Oh how many high frequency words can we learn!) But having a safe haven from the world to grow and be happy is what will someday be an important building block in him becoming an caring, compassionate, sensible, (and a million other characteristics) adult!
My son is attending his third year at WES and continues to have a wonderful experience. It has been a great match for him and our family. His personality has flourished, he has learned so much and "found his groove".
WES is a superb Episcopal school that excels in its ability to not only welcome, but also embrace, its mission of diversity. This idea of "merging" or such with another school would likely water down or demolish that lovely spirit which has been critical to our family. WES is WES - it isn't another place or a Lego piece to be mashed into some other construction.
Our DS is in an environment in which he sees himself as different but also part of a wider society. In a world in which adults or children can, unfortunately, be sometimes unkind to non-Christians - he has NEVER had this experience at school. I can't imagine that happening at WES! If anything, it has been an ideal environment for him to be different. At any time when we asked for some religious accomodation - we got it without questioning our choices or any negativity. Frankly put, the mission of diversity and inclusion is well implemented from my point of view.
When a child is young - learning is important. (Oh how many high frequency words can we learn!) But having a safe haven from the world to grow and be happy is what will someday be an important building block in him becoming an caring, compassionate, sensible, (and a million other characteristics) adult!
I am hoping to find someone I could talk to about the preschool at Barrie. Or if someone was willing to Post their impressions here.
Thanks!
Thanks!
We have been very happy at Rock Creek Montessori School.
(We were unhappy at another one....not bold enough to name it here....)
(We were unhappy at another one....not bold enough to name it here....)
I am trying to get some feedback on Rock Creek Montessori - particularly for the 18 mo - 3 year group. Anyone? (Heeeeeeeeelllllp!)
I LOVE my in-home day care provider in Silver Spring. My son has been there for a year and a half - since about 6 months of age.
One of the best things? I pay day care rates and totally get nanny service - yup, one on one care. Kinda strange huh? But I was a new momma and leaving my child with someone freaked me out until we found her. I didn't have to worry about older kids being mean (aka hitting) or time being taken away from my child if there were multiple children in the room.
Nafissa is absolutely a lovely and kind lady - warm home environment. I think she is very responsible for helping us have just an awesome tot! I kid you not - 90% of the time when I drop him off he runs to her and then (practically) slams the door in my face! LOL! I know that he really loves being with her and that makes me feel good too! I am sure it helps that she has a garage full of toys that she rotates around and has been keeping him quite busy! They spend oodles of time outside and go for a walk every day (unless it is raining/snowing).
It was great when he was a baby because he got all that special one on one care that really was important to me (the Mom) and I think to his development. Nafissa was the one that really made "tummy time" happen! She taught him to kick a ball and get the hang of a pull toy (something that regardless how much I tried he wouldn't do for me!) She and her family came to our holiday party. When I had surgery she made food for us. She has treated us like family. But Nafissa always respected us as the parents and worked with us when we were transitioning (such as solid food, no more bottles) etc.
We are off to preschool soon! I really do believe Nafissa loves my son and we are very sad to leave her. We want to see her continue to take care of other children!
If you are looking for a perfect daycare place for your child - please email me and I would love to tell you more and give you her contact info. (It kinda creeps me a little to just post her phone number on here...) Location is in the Layhill subdivision. (About a 15 min drive north of Wheaton.) Yes, I "commute" to her 20 min each way every day. No workin' momma would do that unless she really felt it was the right place for her baby!
Claire
cmezoughem @ gmail.com
One of the best things? I pay day care rates and totally get nanny service - yup, one on one care. Kinda strange huh? But I was a new momma and leaving my child with someone freaked me out until we found her. I didn't have to worry about older kids being mean (aka hitting) or time being taken away from my child if there were multiple children in the room.
Nafissa is absolutely a lovely and kind lady - warm home environment. I think she is very responsible for helping us have just an awesome tot! I kid you not - 90% of the time when I drop him off he runs to her and then (practically) slams the door in my face! LOL! I know that he really loves being with her and that makes me feel good too! I am sure it helps that she has a garage full of toys that she rotates around and has been keeping him quite busy! They spend oodles of time outside and go for a walk every day (unless it is raining/snowing).
It was great when he was a baby because he got all that special one on one care that really was important to me (the Mom) and I think to his development. Nafissa was the one that really made "tummy time" happen! She taught him to kick a ball and get the hang of a pull toy (something that regardless how much I tried he wouldn't do for me!) She and her family came to our holiday party. When I had surgery she made food for us. She has treated us like family. But Nafissa always respected us as the parents and worked with us when we were transitioning (such as solid food, no more bottles) etc.
We are off to preschool soon! I really do believe Nafissa loves my son and we are very sad to leave her. We want to see her continue to take care of other children!
If you are looking for a perfect daycare place for your child - please email me and I would love to tell you more and give you her contact info. (It kinda creeps me a little to just post her phone number on here...) Location is in the Layhill subdivision. (About a 15 min drive north of Wheaton.) Yes, I "commute" to her 20 min each way every day. No workin' momma would do that unless she really felt it was the right place for her baby!
Claire
cmezoughem @ gmail.com
Where in silver Spring? (You can always email me off list - cmezoughem @ gmail.com)
Possible solution - email me at cmezoughem @ gmail.com
I LOVE my in-home day care provider in Silver Spring. My son has been there since about 6 months for over a year now.
She is absolutely a lovely and kind lady - warm home environment. I think she is very responsible for helping us have just an awesome tot! I kid you not - 90% of the time when I drop him off he runs to her and then (practically) slams the door in my face! LOL! I know that he really loves being with her and that makes me feel good too! I am sure it helps that she has a garage full of toys that she rotates around and has been keeping him quite busy! They spend oodles of time outside and go for a walk every day (unless it is raining/snowing).
And it has been great for him but....he is the only child there! (Another baby is starting to come....) It was great when he was a baby because he got all that special one on one care that really was important to me (the Mom) and I think to his development. She was the one that really made "tummy time" happen! She taught him to kick a ball and get the hang of a pull toy (something that regardless how much I tried he wouldn't do for me!) She and her family came to our holiday party. When I had surgery she made food for us. She has treated us like family.
But now that he is approaching 2 - I need him to get socialization. We have been looking at sending him to preschool part-time and keeping him there part-time. I am just not quite ready to send him into that big world of "school". It breaks my heart to think that I am basically bailing on her. (Literally - I don't know if I can tell her this without crying so I have been putting it off! I am a total wuss!!!! I really do believe she loves my son and I think she is going to be sad too!)
I have every now and then answered postings for people looking for day care. But if you are looking for a perfect daycare place for your child (and yes, she has infant slots because there is one baby there starting but my child will age out of his "infant" slot in August) - please email me and I would love to tell you more and give you her contact info. (It kinda creeps me a little to just post her phone number on here...) Location is in the Layhill subdivision.
Claire
cmezoughem @ gmail.com
She is absolutely a lovely and kind lady - warm home environment. I think she is very responsible for helping us have just an awesome tot!
I kid you not - 90% of the time when I drop him off he runs to her and then (practically) slams the door in my face! LOL! I know that he really loves being with her and that makes me feel good too! I am sure it helps that she has a garage full of toys that she rotates around and has been keeping him quite busy! They spend oodles of time outside and go for a walk every day (unless it is raining/snowing).
And it has been great for him but....he is the only child there! (Another baby is starting to come....) It was great when he was a baby because he got all that special one on one care that really was important to me (the Mom) and I think to his development. She was the one that really made "tummy time" happen! She taught him to kick a ball and get the hang of a pull toy (something that regardless how much I tried he wouldn't do for me!) She and her family came to our holiday party. When I had surgery she made food for us. She has treated us like family.
But now that he is approaching 2 - I need him to get socialization. We have been looking at sending him to preschool part-time and keeping him there part-time. I am just not quite ready to send him into that big world of "school". It breaks my heart to think that I am basically bailing on her. (Literally - I don't know if I can tell her this without crying so I have been putting it off! I am a total wuss!!!! I really do believe she loves my son and I think she is going to be sad too!)
I have every now and then answered postings for people looking for day care. But if you are looking for a perfect daycare place for your child (and yes, she has infant slots because there is one baby there starting but my child will age out of his "infant" slot in August) - please email me and I would love to tell you more and give you her contact info. (It kinda creeps me a little to just post her phone number on here...) Location is in the Layhill subdivision.
Claire
cmezoughem @ gmail.com
The tragic death of the 2-year old boy last week in Kensington killed by a falling branch just made me so very sad and I hope that his family can find peace. 
Not wanting to lose that feeling and wanting to make sure I heed the lesson learned - I have a tree in my backyard that NEEDS to go. It is a huge tree and it is sick. (And yes, DH thinks he can whack it himself - HA!)
I am looking for a tree service (hopefully one that can also do stump removal). Am collecting quotes. (Today's was $3100 to whack tree with NO stump removal! Ouch!) I totally need to bid this job around.
Any ideas, suggestions, "stay away from" would be most welcome!
I didn't find anything in archives....
Thanks
Claire
Not wanting to lose that feeling and wanting to make sure I heed the lesson learned - I have a tree in my backyard that NEEDS to go. It is a huge tree and it is sick. (And yes, DH thinks he can whack it himself - HA!)
I am looking for a tree service (hopefully one that can also do stump removal). Am collecting quotes. (Today's was $3100 to whack tree with NO stump removal! Ouch!) I totally need to bid this job around.
Any ideas, suggestions, "stay away from" would be most welcome!
I didn't find anything in archives....
Thanks
Claire