By the 21:42 it sounds as though "high-energy" kids may be screened out during the selection process...

I am glad parents started responding to this post. Just curious what is Beauvoir's philosphy on diversity and is it embraced by the community?

We have two children at Beauvoir and we couldn't be happier with the school. The program is great academically. The "Beauvoir Life Rules" are not just a motto, but something the children truly learn to embrace.

I'm guessing that the previous poster may have meant "stepford children" to mean that the children, overall, are very well behaved at this school. I noticed this right away when our first child started there. I'm not sure if the admissions team tries to fill the spaces with kids that are more compliant by nature, or if the teachers are just good at setting the rules in the classroom. The children know what is expected of them, in terms of behavior, and they don't seem to have trouble following those rules.

How does Beauvoir deal with High Energy children?

Also please expand upon cute nickname for students "StepFord Children"

The previous posts have been helpful.

DC is at Beauvoir and we absolutely love the school. It suits our DC to a 'T". I do have to say though that DH and I secretly call the children the "stepford children", my DC included.

This post isn't specific to Beauvoir but to all schools. I always found that a good way to gauge whether or not a school will fit your child and vice-versa is defenitely to visit while school is in session. Some schools will allow you to sit in on classes. Pick a child or children in the class that reminds you of your child. My son is only 3 but that is how I chose his preschool (in addition to other considerations like location, class size, price, etc). My son is high energy and when I observed his preschool, the teachers obviously had a lot of experience w/ high energy kids. They go outside everyday pretty much regardless of the cold, etc. I observed a little boy who reminded me of my son and appreciated how the teachers didn't stiffle his energy and enthusiam.

Anonymous wrote:Thank - you for the reply. It is difficult to think that people believe the school is too structured. Each time we have visited the students appear very happy

Every parent looks for differenct things is school. Beauvoir is at the top of my list for schools mainly because of its "conservative" reputation. I went to school in the caribbean, where structure and rules (school uniforms, no jewelry, calling teachers Mr/Miss/Mrs Lastname] were a big part of the experience and I think that helped me develop into who I am today, as a result I want the same for my child. That said I totally understand how other parents can have a different view.

As others have said, the best way to approach these schools it to go visit, talk to teachers, talk to parents. Once you know what you are looking for in a school the decision should be very easy.

Thank - you for the reply. It is difficult to think that people believe the school is too structured. Each time we have visited the students appear very happy

Yes, for example, children at GDS do not "line up" in the way you and I remember to go from class to class, it is more free form. You see this in the teaching style and even the way the children and the teachers dress. That may or may not matter to you. GDS is less formal, teachers called by first name, etc. Beauvoir is more traditional. Sidwell is liberal/somewhat free form, but not as much as GDS. On the other hand, some think Beauvoir is too structured or inhibiting to the child. I don't agree, but that is the rap by some. You really have to spend time at these schools and talk to a lot of people to get a sense of what is best for your family. Best of luck.

Does it mean the school has more structure for the students?

In particular, Beavoir is often described as more "conservative" than Sidwell & GDS. Could you comment on what you think that means and what your experience in this area has been? Thanks.

I hope someone responds, I am interested in the responses, as well. For the PP bump is the original poster putting this up higher on the list by responding to his/her own post. Just to make sure it doesn't get over looked as new posts come in.

New to site what is bump!!!!

bump

We all know Beauvoir is one of the competitive DC Independent Schools!! Would current parents please share your thoughts positive and negative about the school - administration, curriculum, staff professional development, school culture and community, teaching, diversity, and how new K students are transitioned in. Thank - you in advance.