My kids are there. The teachers are great and it is a very well run school. I am
very impressed. There is a lot of Hw and academic pressure. The councellors are amazing. So
is the principal.

The principal at Hoover has a really fabulous reputation in the cluster (Churchill). Keep in mind that the school is in the process of being rebuilt so they are all at a holding school. I don't have kids there but I assume it is a bit stressful. I'm not excusing them and I think you should be able to visit. But perhaps they don't have time for visits as they are getting settled in the new place. Maybe if you tried again in a month or so, you would get a different response.

I am surprised. Both my children did shadow visits at Whitman when they were 8th graders in private school. The school was quite organized about it and looked for a good host match. It did not seem to be an unusual request for them. Both times we met with the principal of the school as well. I am pretty sure Pyle does visits as well as I know people who have done them.

What school does Hoover feed in to? Maybe you can at least visit the high school and see what you think of that?

If you can afford, stay in private. Going back for middle school is tough for the kid.

It appears you're more conditioned for the warm and fuzzy private school. Why not stay there?

Got the same sort of response at my neighborhood public last year when we were debating public vs. private. My take is that public is not a choice. You go where you are zoned to go. There is no going for a visit to see how your child likes the school. It's the free education, take it or leave it. And, they can get away with that attitude b/c it's public school (not that I agree with it, but it's definitely the vibe I got).

I would rather hear from parents thank you. I want to know how the kids do in classes. That is what matters. Is she a good leader for teachers or parents and students. There is a difference.

A take or leave it attitude is what I was referring to. usually means it done my way no matter whether it is good or not. Little room for change.

Who cares is she's not warm and fuzzy? Life is not all about rainbows and butterflies.

I hear from colleagues she runs a tight ship and is a good leader.

That's what matters.

Sorry for some of the misspellings. Should be "taken" and "in" Wrote a little too fast.

Thinking switching from Private to public school. I was a little take aback as when I called the school to set up a visit, the office said that the Principal does not believe it visits and that you either go to the public school in your area or go private. Not the warm and fuzzy I expected. Anyone have any thoughts on this school? How would a private school kid used to small classes fit in?