For someone living in Chevy Chase, there are many options, not all of which are so traditional in style as Norwood (which actually has a great program balanced for the active child who also can sit and learn in a more standard fashion because it is a school with many transitions and time mapped out for daily recess and PE), and the catholic schools mentioned above. More progressive model schools such as GDS downtown, Lowell, and Green Acres out in Rockville have their active time and are generally very supportive of the "fidgety", active kid who is also an eager learner. But you have to love the feel of those more progressive schools, they are definitely not as traditional in culture as the others named above.

PP and OP, a fidgety pre-kindergarten boy who needs a lot of room to burn some energy may not be an ADHD kid yet, or may not be one at all. It is pretty early to establish that at such a young age and most practitioners will not do so until much later on when school becomes a real part of the equation. So there is no reason to worry about a label either way with a boy so young. At this point, you look for a fit with the child's and the family's personality and most likely the school will raise any concern it may have with attention later on in the child's career there if it should come to that. Most of the private schools in our area are well-acquainted with both the sight and sound of ADHD nowadays and are more than capable of working with the concern should it be raised later on. The biggest issue should be finding a school that doesn't shun the active student or make them feel "bad." OP is on the right track to seek schools that have daily movement and/or active time slots worked into their days for all children, it actually helps all kids to focus better when they do have to sit at their desks and learn.

Anonymous wrote:He's smart, but figidty - no ADD or other issues - just an active boy. Would love to find a school that understands this kind of kid and where he won't be judged/lose self esteem. We've had him tested and he is a smart kid so also looking for a challenging academic program. Norwood? Bullis? I have no idea where to start. Interested in others' opinions who've had bad and good experiences. Thanks! We'd be applying for Kindergarten across the coming year.

What makes you so sure? There are lots of smart, fidgety kids with ADD/ADHD even in the schools named in the various posts.

Mater Dei -- starts in 1st grade though 8. Catholic.

Recess and phys ed every day, outside unless it is pouring or freezing.

Thanks for the replies! For parents w/boys at St. Pats and NPS why do you recommend each? What have you observed/experienced that makes you happy with the program for your boys? Thanks very much.

NPS. When we were looking a schools for our active boy 2 years ago, we were told that Norwood is NOT a good fit for active boys- some of the teachers are not tolerant of fidgetiness. NPS and St. Patrick's were the most recommended by our preschool. We would have been happy either but chose NPS.

BTW, Bullis doesn't start until 3rd grade.

St patricks

Norwood would fit the bill.

Op here: in Chevy chase md so hoping to find schools in NW or Montgomery County. Somerset is my elementary in case anyone thinks that's good for an active boy? Am worried about big class size and no gym/exercise daily as I think that will help him burn energy...thanks all!

I think a huge factor in the success of active boys is their ability to have down time, ideally outside, afterschool, and to participate in sports with their school peers, allowing them to carry over those relationships to school.

Given that, I'd value a short commute highly, especially in K when kids go to bed early. Where do you live?

None of the all boys' schools in DC start in K unfortunately. Having a positive school experience and good foundation led us to visit Gilman in Baltimore. It is an old school of the same pedigree as St. Albans, but it is K-12. We kept hearing how great St. Albans was, but it doesn't begin until fourth grade. We were also interested in The Heights which does not begin until third grade. I am curious to see what schools are suggested.

Where are you?

Anonymous wrote:St. Albans once he hits fourth grade. I know that doesn't help for kindergarten, sorry.

Know some active boys at St. Patrick's, and the families have been happy -- and St. Pat's sends a fair amount to St. Albans.

St. Albans once he hits fourth grade. I know that doesn't help for kindergarten, sorry.

He's smart, but figidty - no ADD or other issues - just an active boy. Would love to find a school that understands this kind of kid and where he won't be judged/lose self esteem. We've had him tested and he is a smart kid so also looking for a challenging academic program. Norwood? Bullis? I have no idea where to start. Interested in others' opinions who've had bad and good experiences. Thanks! We'd be applying for Kindergarten across the coming year.