OP: To 18:22, I completely agree. I recently visited one of the big 3 schools and came away with the feeling that they use the lower school to subsidize the upper school. The schools that focused on the primary years were so much better, in my opinion.

To the ones suggesting Norwood, thank you. I did not consider it because of the location, despite being highly recommended by several people I know and trust. I didn't realize they offered transportation. I will definitely visit! Unfortunately, the other ones outside the Beltway are too far (and I just checked the websites to see if they offered transportation, but they do not).

Anonymous wrote:I would scratch Blessed Sacrament from your list.

+1. I'm not sure that BS offers much recess/chance to move around as the other schools, especially after K.

Anonymous wrote:I would urge you to then consider one of the European subsidized schools---the lycee, or deutsche school for example. Otherwise, I do not see Primary Day, NPS, etc really giving you the bang for your $25K. A great public school, and throw in some great activities after school and ont he weekend, and you will get at least as good as those.

I couldn't disagree with you more. I think these schools (and Norwood) are an incredible value. You get top-notch academics in a nurturing, age-appropriate environment with much smaller class size and creativity/flexibly in the curriculum than public schools. Just look at where the graduates of these schools go- the same PK-12 schools that cost $5K+ more/year. The difference is that you're not subsidizing the older grades via higher tuition in the lower grades.

The River School!

Norwood was perfect for my two children. It's pretty close in and a very happy place with fabulous art and music combined with a rigorous curriculum involving lots of hands-on learning. Definitely visit!

Norwood. I think it is right at $25K for the first couple of years. Goes up from there, sadly, but you have time to get used to it! There is a morning bus service but it isn't yet two way.

Grace Episcopal.

I would scratch Blessed Sacrament from your list.

OP: thank you for your suggestions. About the activities, I know we can supplement, but it's more an issue of being in a classroom for several hours without many breaks for moving around/recess/etc. that make me want to consider private. Please keep the suggestions coming!

I would urge you to then consider one of the European subsidized schools---the lycee, or deutsche school for example. Otherwise, I do not see Primary Day, NPS, etc really giving you the bang for your $25K. A great public school, and throw in some great activities after school and ont he weekend, and you will get at least as good as those.

Christ Episcopal School. It's 16K. They have PE 5 days a week, so there's lots of movement. Chapel 5 days a week, which is more of a gathering to talk about morals, character education and social skills mixed in with hymns and scripture.

The new LIFT curriculum delivery model was created in a partnership with Johns Hopkins and was strongly endorsed by Pat Bassett, the President of the National Association of Independent Schools, of which just about every school mentioned in this thread is a member of. He actually spoke at CES.

Our son's teacher was voted top teacher in all of the Rockville/Kensington Area.

Class size is about 12 students.

Harbor School in Bethesda. We love it. Tailored to young children. Dynamic program and staff. Was under 20K this year.

All of those mentioned by the PP are well over $25k.

Beauvoir, GDS, Sidwell are also good schools to consider in NW, Bethesda or very close to any.

I'm looking for a school for K for dc that offers a curriculum that is tailored to the needs of young children: lots of art, play, movement, music, PE, and a strong emphasis on social skills. The catch is that we can't afford more than $25k per year, and we're looking at NW DC or close-in Bethesda. I've looked/will look at Primary Day School, Concord Hill, Blessed Sacrament, Holy Trinity, Annunciation, and NPS (I know NPS is slightly more, but we could make it work). Am I missing anything?