Anonymous wrote:To the OP, I wouldn't brag to the admissions folks that your child is "very outgoing" -- that could be interpreted as a disruptive or ADHD kid. Great to find a good fit for your child but I'd be cautious in describing my kid that way to admissions staff.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the OP, I wouldn't brag to the admissions folks that your child is "very outgoing" -- that could be interpreted as a disruptive or ADHD kid. Great to find a good fit for your child but I'd be cautious in describing my kid that way to admissions staff.

Yea we didn't - my dc isn't remotely disruptive or ADHD - we just noticed that some schools were extremely quiet and the kids were very quiet. Extroverted is probably more the right term for our dc.

Anonymous wrote:Beauvoir has four K classrooms. The temperament of each class varies to accommodate the learning style and energy level of all kids. Consequently, you may tour on a day when you only get to observe a quiet class (the others may be out on the playground) or vice versa.

When I toured Sidwell last year I found it to be extremely calm and low-key. This is not a criticism. The students seemed very engaged in learning but not hyper (for a lack of a better word). In contrast, GDS was really upbeat...some have described it as "controlled chaos." I personally felt both where on opposite extremes which is why we ultimately went with Beauvoir because it felt like a good hybrid of Sidwell and GDS' vibe.

I did not tour some of the others mentioned above, but I have heard that NPS is similar to Beauvoir in temperament.

pbraverman wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the OP, I wouldn't brag to the admissions folks that your child is "very outgoing" -- that could be interpreted as a disruptive or ADHD kid. Great to find a good fit for your child but I'd be cautious in describing my kid that way to admissions staff.

Yea we didn't - my dc isn't remotely disruptive or ADHD - we just noticed that some schools were extremely quiet and the kids were very quiet. Extroverted is probably more the right term for our dc.

OP: It sounds like you know your child well. To some extent it does depend on the specific teachers and classrooms, but the ethic of the school is also important: A more traditional setting may ask students to pay attention to a teacher more and to interact with other students less. I'd encourage you to trust your instincts on this; it seems like you're very realistic and reasonable.

As to the PP, I agree that "bragging" to the admission office about your child's being outgoing could be problematic — but it's the bragging, not the outgoing, that's the problem. Merely saying that your child is "outgoing" wouldn't be a mark against anybody. Knowing your child well is always an advantage from an admission perspective — if he or she is outgoing there's nothing wrong with saying that.

Peter
_____________________

Disclaimer: The anonymity here makes me uncomfortable; it's easy to be uninformed, personal, or simply mean-spirited if people don't identify themselves. For that reason, I have an account so you know whose words you're reading. I have more than 20 years' experience as a teacher and administrator in independent schools, and I have counseled hundreds of students in finding their next schools. I hope I can be helpful to some folks. If you don't like something I've said, you're in good company — there's a long line of past students and parents ahead of you. If you want to chat further, please feel free to contact me offline: peter <at> arcpd <dot> com

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beauvoir has four K classrooms. The temperament of each class varies to accommodate the learning style and energy level of all kids. Consequently, you may tour on a day when you only get to observe a quiet class (the others may be out on the playground) or vice versa.

When I toured Sidwell last year I found it to be extremely calm and low-key. This is not a criticism. The students seemed very engaged in learning but not hyper (for a lack of a better word). In contrast, GDS was really upbeat...some have described it as "controlled chaos." I personally felt both where on opposite extremes which is why we ultimately went with Beauvoir because it felt like a good hybrid of Sidwell and GDS' vibe.

I did not tour some of the others mentioned above, but I have heard that NPS is similar to Beauvoir in temperament.

OP here - thank you so much for this. It's very helpful. You had different impressions that I did which is also very helpful- you never know if the moment in time you are observing is an accurate representation or if perhaps the children just ate three pieces of cake and had juice for lunch (or perhaps are so quiet b/c they just finished an enormous project and are exhausted). Super helpful assessment - thank you!