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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I actually think that for a Catholic parochial school, the academics are almost as strong as they can be. It has a great academic reputation, with a strong principal/vice principal, counselors, resource teachers, 2 classes per grade (3 classes in Kindergarten to really focus on those reading skills), and it is trying to cap the older classes at 25-26. They publish the MAP scores and start MAP testing in K to get them practicing and to monitor progress over time. They have a reading specialist for K-2 and differentiate math in 3rd. Geometry is a solid option for 8th. 
My biggest issue is SOCIALLY the parents, which then trickles down to the kids. About a third of the parents (at least the new ones) are WWCC, which affects your child's ability to socialize. If the WWCC only hangs out with each other, then they aren't inviting your child to their playdate or birthday party. The WWCC is also NOT great about making new friends. If there were a way to filter them out, the school would be absolutely amazing, because there are genuinely incredible families in this school who just get overshadowed by the WWCC families.  [/quote]

This is so interesting. Should we join Westwood so my child has friends? Is this really what the world has come to? 😂😅 [/quote]

I actually agree that the WWCC element is kind of toxic. They have all but taken over with their lack of values and desperate social climbing attempts and it has changed the heart/vibe of the school from when my older children went there. They care nothing about religion and use the school as a cheaper private school option bc they rather pay less for a private education as opposed to a more secular private so they can put their money into their big fat cars and plastic images so they can pretend they are “better” than everyone else. The disappointing part is that the school does nothing to screen families; this has resulted in a shift in culture. This, along with the lack of pastoral leadership is troubling. I bet that only 20-25% of families actually attend weekend mass with their kids (and that’s being generous) . But not everyone sucks; you find your people! [/quote]

Does this mean that many kids aren’t making their first communion and confirmation? [/quote]

Most do. Yes find your people. There are great families. 
Things that could make it better if admin is reading :emphasizing this is a Catholic school (not a private school with lower tuition for WWCC parents to play at) faith formation for parents (not just kids), service projects
On behavior: push for a clear, consistently enforced student code of conduct, and a parent code of conduct too. Consequences of expulsion and actually enforcing it. Zero tolerance of bullying. 
On inclusive community norms: buddy families for newcomers which I think they with wildcat families ?have all-class invitation parties for Kinder/1st grade. When you start with exclusion it’s hard to the include[/quote]

I think this is a delicate balance for a lot of schools. If they overemphasize the Catholic element too abruptly and  haven’t done enough to ease people into they risk losing families needed to sustain the budget. If they underemphasize it they risk losing families.

We’re at one of the most conservative parochial schools in Arlington, and they were very clear during the tour that they are on the more traditional side. Mass attendance is pretty close to 100% and they emphasized the importance of practicing the faith at home during new parent orientation. But I think this was probably something that developed over many years and I’m not sure there are enough families to support that approach at every parish in a manner that keeps all those schools viable.[/quote]

That makes sense and I wasn’t expecting as traditional as some other schools, but it’s surprising to hear all of this. I hadn’t heard one single negative thing about the school up until now and we have several friends who go there. [/quote]

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