Reply to Is HB Woodlawn right for my son?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote]On the other hand, he's not a terrific student. If he likes an assignment, he'll do an outstanding job. But if he doesn't like it--like math worksheets-he'll generally do an OK, but not great, job. We've been lucky to be able to place him with teachers who get him and will nudge him to work up to his potential. He's also pretty disorganized--forgetting homework, his clarinet, gym uniform, etc. So much about HBW is about being a self-motivated, disciplined student. Are those skills that HBW helps students build in the early years, or is it assumed that they come in having them already? [/quote]

H-B helps students build self-reliance skills. The freedoms that kids have start smaller at first and increase in higher grades (off-campus permission and the ability to choose more of their classes come later), and TAs work more closely with 6th-graders on things like balancing workload, keeping track of assignments, etc.  
We had far more interaction with our son's TA in 6th grade (mostly through emails she sent us) than in later years.  More reminders to the parents, more organized TA activities, and such.  There are 2 TA periods a week, and I think in 6th grade our TA often used one of those for TA bonding activities and one of them for discussions of organization, ways to keep on top of things, and other self-reliance-building things.

Are you able to go visit on the day they have for students who've been admitted? It would be extremely helpful in making your decision.[/quote]

Sorry, I was reading the rest of the thread and forgot to go back and read your post, which said that you're overseas now and if you don't choose H-B, may stay there longer. So you can't visit.
You could email with the principal, if you like, and she'd be responsive to discussing it with you.  Go to the staff directory at http://www.apsva.us/domain/1616 and search for Casey under first name.

Some classes would allow your son to do more creative types of assignments (I've seen some artistic ones in English). But they'll also have plenty of assignments that are about teaching students to write or do the math assignments, so not everything can be creative. The teachers tend to be pleasant and work on having relationships with the kids as well as teaching, meaning it's possible they'll give him a little nudge when he needs it (at least at first).

If your son will thrive in a friendlier, less discipline-driven environment, HB would be a good fit for him. (Doesn't describe every teacher, but the bulk of them)  If he needs to have more rigid discipline imposed in order to get his work done, it may not be the best fit.  The watchword at HB is "Verbum Sap Sat," meaning 'a word to the wise is sufficient'.  It's explained as "This means that your life is your responsibility. We believe that you have the sense to manage your education and work through your problems with the help of the people around you. It also means that we believe you have the consideration and respect to let other people go about their business and learning -- we're all human enough to really appreciate and care for each other.  Most of all, Verbum Sap Sat means that people don't have to be told to be sensible. Enough said."  
This may be a good philosophy for your son if you think he'd respond well to it by starting to work on his organization skills.  Lots of kids don't come in terribly organized at first, and a TA can work with them.  And there are many very creative kids and plenty of outlets for it (a terrific art teacher, great theater and music programs, etc.).
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