I have a current middle schooler at FCS. The 5-6 math teacher is lovely, but does not challenge the more advanced kids as much as she might. The new 7-8 math teacher, referenced above, is outstanding. As this is his first year at FCS, it's too soon to know how kids coming out of the school at the end of 8th grade will fare in high school, but I am confident that my strong math student is being challenged and will do well in high school math.

FYI, this same question is being explored with additional recent parent feedback on this other DCUM thread: http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/614800.page.

Well, it's just one anecdote, but my son's best friend went there and is well-versed in math and at Roosevelt now.

I don't have direct experience, since my daughter is in a younger grade, but I've been impressed by Sam, the new 7th/8th math teacher, when I've heard him talk about his approach to teaching. http://www.friendscommunityschool.org/page/news-detail?pk=860215
My sense is that there aren't a lot of FCS parents on DC Urban Moms, but you may want to ask your question in the Private/Independent Schools forum.

The atmosphere is chill. The academics are just meh.

Does anyone have any insight about the strength of their math curriculum specifically? How do their students do in high school? I am trying to get a feel for whether people like the school because they like the people and the learning environment or if parents also think the curriculum prepares students for high school and beyond. TIA.