Anonymous wrote:Also, OP, if you read back other threads from the last few years and pick up that some MS parents were lukewarm or unhappy about the MS head, he is moving on after this year. The current assoc. head of school and lower school head WHO IS AMAZING is becoming MS head (and staying as assoc head of school), and the phenom curriculum director is becoming LS head. It's a stellar admin team all around.

The new MS head and new LS head are both amazing. Leadership is very strong and warm at Norwood. HS placement is also strong.

Also, OP, if you read back other threads from the last few years and pick up that some MS parents were lukewarm or unhappy about the MS head, he is moving on after this year. The current assoc. head of school and lower school head WHO IS AMAZING is becoming MS head (and staying as assoc head of school), and the phenom curriculum director is becoming LS head. It's a stellar admin team all around.

New to Norwood this year. Been very happy for the most part. It's a nice community, my kiddo made friends quickly and there seems to be no mean-girl middle school nonsense.

I was initially worried about it not being a K-8 but there's just as good a chance if you pick a school through 12th that it's not the right fit.

Norwood supports the process a lot from what I've seen, helping you figure out the options and best path forward for 9-12.

There's (so far) not a bad teacher. And the longevity of the teachers there, it's a true testament to how much they love their job. We didn't find that at a lot of other privates.

One thing I wish they would do is stagger the classes so you don't always have the same classes at the same time of day. That's a real miss as far as I'm concerned, but probably one of the only ones. If you're not a morning person, and you struggle with math, then you're always going to struggle-bus extra hard in the mornings.

Happy Norwood graduate now attending Montgomery county public magnet.

Thanks all - you indeed all very good signs!

+ 1000 very happy with Norwood. We're not looking forward to the HS admissions process coming up but they seem very involved and we won't be at it alone.

Anonymous wrote:I am also at a K-8. I like the options of local public school, public-magnet, choosing to apply at various privates.

I agree that there will be some stress in finding a high school later on, but you will be trying to find a match that fits your child best. That might be different for everyone depending on their interests and abilities.

This is exactly how we felt. We saw K-8 as an opportunity to have a good middle school experience and find the best fit high school when the time came. My child did only middle school at Norwood, and my only regret is not starting there sooner.

The HS admissions process was smooth for us.

Awesome school.

k-8 is fine.

Most kids go back to public, big threes or even boarding like Andover etc..

We've had two kids go through Norwood from K to 8. Simply awesome and could not recommend it more. Faculty and parent community are supportive and friendly.

Anonymous wrote:Everything I hear about Norwood is really good. We’re considering it too but the only thing that bothers me is that it only goes to 8th grade. From the sounds of it, finding a high school can be daunting. Part of me just wants to get them into a school that goes until 12th. If that’s my biggest con against Norwood, am I overreacting? We would be entering in 4th grade.

My child started in 4th grade and it was an amazing experience. The high school applications were a pain but the school helps so it's not too overwhelming. I would definitely not let that be the determining factor if you like the school

I am also at a K-8. I like the options of local public school, public-magnet, choosing to apply at various privates.

I agree that there will be some stress in finding a high school later on, but you will be trying to find a match that fits your child best. That might be different for everyone depending on their interests and abilities.

Norwood has been an all around phenomenal experience--academically strong, a caring and nurturing environment, excellent curriculum in math, science, art, music, reading, social studies, spanish, etc., and just awesome, supportive teachers. Our kid has been challenged in a good way and loves going to school each day. The kids are from a very diverse range of backgrounds and the social experience has been very positive. In short, we've loved it.

Everything I hear about Norwood is really good. We’re considering it too but the only thing that bothers me is that it only goes to 8th grade. From the sounds of it, finding a high school can be daunting. Part of me just wants to get them into a school that goes until 12th. If that’s my biggest con against Norwood, am I overreacting? We would be entering in 4th grade.

There are not many Norwood families that want to share their experiences on DCUM.
Good sign.

Any Norwood families want to shed light on their experiences especially for the early years? What sets them apart?