Anonymous wrote:I have heard very mixed result as to whether graduates from McLean are actually prepared for college.

Like your DD's experience, I have heard about many happy children that finally find their place in school and gain confidence but I have then heard from those same parents that the children dropped out of college or really struggled without the extra support.

It's a hard place to be in and I do think that McLean is a good option for those where public is too overwhelming, but parents need to be aware that the reason their children are successful and learning will not actually be carried over to college which could make it a very hard transition.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former Mclean parent here. Loved it for lower, hated it for middle, got out before high school so can't speak to that. Generally speaking, parents who love the school for their kids for whatever reason cannot fathom anyone coming on here and saying anything negative about the place. They also can't tolerate the idea that there are actually many folks who are or were dissatisfied there so they immediately try to discredit any bad press by saying it's the mythical "Lone McLean Basher." The student who posted earlier and reported uninspiring teaching was pretty accurate. That doesn't mean there aren't some good ones still there. But many of the good ones left or were pushed out when the enrollment plummeted. Hopefully the new appointees will turn the tide for the school.

I love McLean and have said so but I've also said its not for everyone. What I have trouble with is the Mclean basher who comes here repeatedly and tells people to run from the school and posts half truths. Share your experience, fine. But to post over and over "do not send your child to this school" isn't helpful and doesn't present a clear picture of the school. Some parents are unhappy. Many of us are very happy. Parents need to check it out for themselves.

One thing to keep in mind is that there really isn't any other school in this area that fills the niche that Mclean does. Field doesn't have the structure, Burke doesn't have the same supports. McLean fills the niche for kids who don't need a special ed school but need more than a mainstream school. if you have one of those kids, its such a relief. And whether or not you like it or its right for your child, we are very lucky to have a school for that niche in our area.[/quote]

You hit the nail on the head. McLean is unique in that it offers more support than other traditional privates and publics but not as much as would be needed at a Lab or Kingsbury. I need a McLean type school because I know my DS would fall through the cracks at our local MS or become discouraged and zone out of school all together. I need the small class size and individualized instruction when necessary and the strategies to help him focus and develop good executive functioning skills. I hate to pay all the money but if I don't I may be looking at a child unprepared for the rigors of high school and college which would be disastrous. I am grateful for a McLean but recognize its not a silver bullet or may not work for every kid.