Coming from private, you'll likely find larger class sizes and scruffier facilities. You will also find DCPS central frustrating.

But Hardy itself is great. The admin team is smart and organized. The teachers are capable and work hard. It's a great mix of students. I'm really happy with it for my kid.

PP- I forgot to mention that they also added a physics elective this year. They are really trying to open up opportunities for growth across a range of subjects.

PP. History has been strong in our experience. English has been a mixed bag, perhaps because they do not offer honors (a DCPS middle school issue, as I understand it). The administration added a few new electives this year to support students who are ready for more challenging materials and instruction - e.g., advanced literature, a Model UN-type class, Mikva challenge, etc. Writing instruction is spotty. The kids do get some instruction and feedback but I’d love to see more. My sense is that the school is doing a lot with limited resources.

How is the writing instruction? History and English?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Having 2 kids at Hardy spurred us to go private for high school, so you may want to deeply consider exactly what it is you aren't "loving" at your very expensive private.
I guarantee you won't be loving anything about Hardy aside from the price.

Can you say more?

I wonder if this poster pulled their kids out a couple of years ago. We been at the school for four years now, and I must say it’s a different place than it was 2-3 years ago.

To the OP- I’ve heard that the math program is stronger than a number of private middle schools in the area, assuming you take Algebra and Geometry. There is support for students but not coddling. I think that this helps to foster independence and autonomy, but some kids (and parents) have a harder time with this than others. You have to know your child.

Anonymous wrote:Having 2 kids at Hardy spurred us to go private for high school, so you may want to deeply consider exactly what it is you aren't "loving" at your very expensive private.
I guarantee you won't be loving anything about Hardy aside from the price.

Can you say more?

Having 2 kids at Hardy spurred us to go private for high school, so you may want to deeply consider exactly what it is you aren't "loving" at your very expensive private.
I guarantee you won't be loving anything about Hardy aside from the price.

See the other recent thread on Hardy.

Any thoughts on the academics and culture?

Anonymous wrote:You get what you pay for.

You also pay for public school via taxes. Public teachers are better paid.

You get what you pay for.

If you’ve switched to Hardy from a private school (or have a kid at Hardy and another in private), can you explain how it’s different? We’re not loving our very very expensive private school and are considering DCPS.