Anonymous wrote:We have a few families with 2+ kids at Potomac in my neighborhood. The families are successful but not super wealthy, they drive normal cars, suv, minivan, etc. Some of these responses seem over the top so I’d take them with a grain of salt.

+1. An awful lot of Hondas, Toyotas, and Fords being driven by parents. Some much fancier cars also. Its a mix.

We have a few families with 2+ kids at Potomac in my neighborhood. The families are successful but not super wealthy, they drive normal cars, suv, minivan, etc. Some of these responses seem over the top so I’d take them with a grain of salt.

Anonymous wrote:Hard as hell to get into

This.

Anonymous wrote:Hi everyone! We’re planning to apply for Grade 1 this fall and are relocating internationally. Would any parents in this group be open to a quick chat?

Being an international relocation can help with admissions at many local privates - including Potomac and more. In that situation, I would mention the international aspect whenever you contact admissions.

Anonymous wrote:What is considered an athletic recruiter? In a top local club team? Is there showcase for these private school coach? Or find a way to connect with the coaches?

Potomac is in a conference that doesn't allow them to initiate first contact. If you're interested in a sport, ask admissions to connect you to the coach of your sport, and you then reach out to them.

What is considered an athletic recruiter? In a top local club team? Is there showcase for these private school coach? Or find a way to connect with the coaches?

I've lived in McLean for 20+ years and have a kid in private.

All I can say is I'm not sure WHO gets in at Potomac. Seems like the kid you think would, doesn't.

I also think the social scene/wealth is intimidating - if you can keep up, you would not even think about it, but if you're even thinking about cost (of anything), I'd move on. But just my take.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our child applied and is hoping to get in for 9th. Coming from a K-8. Is it impossible if you are not a sibling, athletic recruit, or academic prodigy? Our child is a strong student and well-rounded but not sure if a normal good student would stand out. For those with experience, what has the outplacement been like from your K-8 schools. Were only the tippy top students admitted or were there some surprises?

“Impossible” is a very strong word.

Potomac is a difficult admit every year for any grade.

There are many more 8th graders graduating from the set of K-8 schools than openings at the set of privates which offer 9th grade. So a 9th grade admit always will be tough.

Close to impossible for sure. Unless you’re very influential or have someone in your corner with influence, you’re pretty much sol.

Just because it's a very competitive, doesn't mean the PP shouldn't apply. Some kids do get in and it's possible that PP has that kid. PP- your best bet is going to be to wait until school starts (after labor day) and contact the admissions office. They can answer your questions and since you are currently overseas and not able to attend an Open House event, put you in touch with a current family. If you aren't already, you should also look at other schools and apply broadly unless public is your back up.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi everyone! We’re planning to apply for Grade 1 this fall and are relocating internationally. Would any parents in this group be open to a quick chat?

It would be a very tough admit. Unless you are already accepted, don’t put too much thought into it.

I think pp means they are planning to apply during the regular admissions cycle this fall, not looking to have the child start there this fall.

Of course. The advice was for regular admissions. Lots of siblings and legacies get rejected at Potomac who are great kids. It is a very tough admit.

It is, agreed. I was confused by the “already accepted” phrasing, since no one is already accepted at this point.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi everyone! We’re planning to apply for Grade 1 this fall and are relocating internationally. Would any parents in this group be open to a quick chat?

It would be a very tough admit. Unless you are already accepted, don’t put too much thought into it.

I think pp means they are planning to apply during the regular admissions cycle this fall, not looking to have the child start there this fall.

Of course. The advice was for regular admissions. Lots of siblings and legacies get rejected at Potomac who are great kids. It is a very tough admit.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi everyone! We’re planning to apply for Grade 1 this fall and are relocating internationally. Would any parents in this group be open to a quick chat?

It would be a very tough admit. Unless you are already accepted, don’t put too much thought into it.

I think pp means they are planning to apply during the regular admissions cycle this fall, not looking to have the child start there this fall.

Anonymous wrote:Hi everyone! We’re planning to apply for Grade 1 this fall and are relocating internationally. Would any parents in this group be open to a quick chat?

It would be a very tough admit. Unless you are already accepted, don’t put too much thought into it.

Hi everyone! We’re planning to apply for Grade 1 this fall and are relocating internationally. Would any parents in this group be open to a quick chat?

Agree with many Potomac parents here about the community and rigor; have two children (MS/LS - both started in K) and we love the community (as noted, you will find 'your people'). Academics really start to pick up in MS and love that our children have wonderful friend groups (of all backgrounds, income levels, etc.). The wealth can be intimidating and no, we are never buying the F1 Scholarship Auction item, but all the families have been warm and welcoming.

We have had a mixed bag when it comes to teachers but there is so much support and attention from the staff it hasn't been too much of an issue. I do no know how families adapt when coming in for 9th or another expansion year; would be very intimidating IMO (we decided early on if we were doing private, we would start in K). Admissions are very tough - know several siblings who haven't been admitted (even in lower grades) and the yield is very high year over year.

So, we have loved our experience to date, but there is a school out there that is right for everyone; this area is bursting with wonderful independent and public school choices.