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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP - do you have ADHD or an exec functioniong problem?  Our daughter was in the same situation in FCPS, gifted but with ADHD.  She checked out a number of schools and picked commonwealth academy in alexandria.  She was accelerated a year and had six very happy years there and is doing well in college now?[/quote]

No AD(H)D or anything like that- I've checked out Commonwealth and actually have a friend there (FCPS wasn't dealing very well with his Aspergers so he transferred). He loves it, but I'm worried the instructional focus is more on caring for kids with learning/emotional/developmental impairments than on academic challenge and provocation of thought. Does this sound right to you, or am I missing out on an important perspective on the school?

Thanks! -OP[/quote]

OP again- would be nice, though, to accelerate. Thanks[/quote]

OP, this is the time of year to set up shadow visits. I suggest you target six schools to visit. Go to their websites and read up on them. There is also a good private school fair at Norwood in the fall. Plan to go - you will learn a lot by talking with the reps and it will help your application. Agree with Potomac - call NOW to start the process, get your tour, shadow, etc in. Not too early to look at apps - many require essays and it is quite a bit of work. Kind of like applying to college. You're in FCPS - would transport to DC be an issue?

Be careful not to let your grades slide. You'll be extremely busy with the application process, and may miss class time for tours.  You'll need very strong recommendations from CURRENT teachers for most schools.

Another good NoVa choice is Episcopal in Alexandria. Look at St Anselm's definitely. You might start studying Latin now if it appeals to you! St. Anselm's is the most classical education available. It is an incredible school but you'll either love it or it will not be for you. Also try St Andrew's in Potomac, GDS and Sidwell in DC. I don't think Burke or Field would be rigorous enough for you. Possibly SJC if they would consider you for the Scholars program, though they typically don't admit past 9th grade for Scholars. Can't think of a sixth school for you that's not overly sporty. Academically, Georgetown Prep or St Alban's would be good but they are jock schools. (Same reason I'm suggesting SJC Scholars program only, if they'll consider you at all for 10th). You've probably got six or or seven options: Potomac, Episcopal, St Andrew's, St. Anselm's, GDS, Sidwell - maybe add Maret to the list too, but it's a long shot as it's a very small school. Definitely worth trying. Apply to six schools minimum and be aware you need to know the school well and sell yourself in the interview. Most schools take zero or maybe 1-2 in 10th, all based on attrition. Another one you may consider carefully is Bullis. It is a bit jockier than you want, but they have a great new science building and focus on performing arts, great campus. You'd be in the top 10% of the class, most likely, but strong scores on the SSAT will make you an attractive candidate - the other schools by and large will be much tougher to get into.

Register now for the testing you'll need. You may want to take some of the tests twice. Do not coast on prepping for SSAT or HSPT or other test for St. Anselm's. These tests are MUCH tougher than public school standardized testing - as an example, I know a boy who was "tops" in MCPS honors/advanced in middle school and a 99% scorer on standardized tests - got only a 39% on HSPT English section and 80th% in SSAT.

Good luck!! You're off to a great start doing the research on your own - keep at it when calling schools, etc. They'll be impressed to hear from you directly rather than your mom!

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