Reply to Speyer Legacy vs "Top Tier" Schools

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[quote=Anonymous]I have a child who recently graduated from Speyer. I would encourage you to tour. Do you like what you see for your child? If you have time, ask to speak with current parents of Speyer kids in your child's anticipated grade. (If you have more time, ask to talk to 2+).

Speyer is a heady educational environment for a kid who wants intellectual engagement. The physical space vibes like a children's museum and it feels, walking around, like there is a lot going on in every nook and cranny. Math is differentiated so you will see small group instruction. There is a dance/music studio, art studio, and the big maker space (right by reception) looks properly mad scientist-y and is a kid fav. There are always kids playing chess, kinda the school's "national sport." My kid did not play chess beyond what was required in chess class and that was A-OK. In fact, my kid is not a typical Speyer kid - no math competitions nor, as mentioned, chess, no debate, no Odyssey of the Mind. No "leadership" roles (Speyer has an amazing financial literacy class in 8th grade and as part of the class, a select group of kids actively manage a well-funded portfolio splitting any profits with the school! Not kidding! Checks are cut! Big ones! Anyway, my kid wasn't picked for the portfolio management team, alas, though he was happy to collect his profit share.)

Despite all that.. my kid really excelled academically, blossomed socially and emotionally, and is currently studying at their top choice for high school.

Now, all that said, the school is changing. Like all private schools in NYC there has been a relative dip in application volume. I believe Speyer has a smaller lower school (K-4) enrollment than in years past. What does that mean for the future? No idea.

As an "alum parent" I feel extremely fond of the school and had a great parent experience doing various volunteer things. I think my favorite was chaperoning on the day the school takes the kids out of the building all day having nonstop fun when high school admissions decisions are released (oh gosh, bowling, laser tag, arcade games, pizza party, bubble tea.. a blast and a blur and so thoughtful). A close second was chaperoning the Sims Recycling Center field trip because I had one of the deepest conversations about the mothering with a fellow mom on the ol' yellow school bus full of ebullient 3rd graders literally talking trash. Ah, magic days.

So, give Speyer a tour and talk to current parents *in your child's anticipated grade. Every grade is different and has its own personality. F

Finally, NYC has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to excellent schools.  Do a lot of touring and talking at other schools too. And GL! (Apologies for any typos). [/quote]

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