Someone keeps reporting posts in this thread and asking that I respond. However, I can't respond if you don't leave an email address.

Anonymous wrote:To the quoted poster...Your request for a town hall thread seems like an odd request in light of your posts. In the spirit of revelation why don't you explain your need to be so passive aggressive. My feeling is that your interest isn't genuine and you just want another platform to add your "concerns" and "disappointments". They really don't deserve this type of negative scrutiny.

Feynman School Parent, why are you so defensive?

My suggestion of a town all thread was so that the Feynman School Admin can answer direct questions about the school, instead of posting anonymously. I would think that Admin would welcome a chance to tout the school transparently. And since many people on DCUM seem so interested in issues relating to admissions and gifted education, perhaps they could learn something too. My interest in these issues is genuine, so I find your unprovoked insults (calling me "passive aggressive" and "not genuine") fairly frustrating. Do you really want us to go down that path?

In the past, I have posted a number of complimentary comment about Feynman School, based on what I know about its operations and mission. I've even defended it from attacks on these boards. This recent exchange, however, is testing my goodwill. I'll assume you're just having a bad day, and let that explain your unfortunate attitude.

My invitation to the Feynman School Admin still stands, if he is willing to respond.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks then for revealing your affiliation, Feynman Admin at 12:44/13:47/15:18. I do not understand why you did not disclose it in your first post, since I'm sure many people reading the boards would appreciate understanding that relationship when reading your posts. Indeed, knowing who you are, people might have specific questions for you about the school. Are other recent posts yours as well?

As an aside, I'm disappointed that you accuse me of "overreacting," since I just noted without comment that you are a Feynman admin posting about the scores of particular students ("two kindergarten students have tested into Davidson with scores significantly above 150"). I do find it a bit surprising, because it's a comment that doesn't seem particularly pertinent to OP's question, and certainly wasn't designed to "correct false information" posted about your school. But I'm sure you have your reasons.

Are you willing to start a thread that creates an open "town hall" of sorts, so that interested parents can ask you questions about your school? It might open the door to just the sort of intellectual curiosity that your school seeks to encourage.

I am another Feynman parent who has posted recently. I just want to reiterate that this school is a wonderful place and the founders of the school are genuinely kind people who care deeply and passionately about their mission to educate these kids. They take this responsibility very seriously and work so hard to give these children their all.

To the quoted poster...Your request for a town hall thread seems like an odd request in light of your posts. In the spirit of revelation why don't you explain your need to be so passive aggressive. My feeling is that your interest isn't genuine and you just want another platform to add your "concerns" and "disappointments". They really don't deserve this type of negative scrutiny.

I will say that the Feynman founders have a wealth of knowledge and have always been happy to share it. I'm sure they would welcome any questions. They are having an open house this Sunday and are always willing to have parents observe a class. I think getting a first hand look at the school is your best bet.

Anonymous wrote:9:24, I know the qualification requirements, but you sound as if you work for them! Do you?

Davidson Institute has their requirements clearly spelled out on their website.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Feynman School the average WPPSI is approximately 140

Source for this claim?

I review the applications.

You're part of the school administration posting on DCUM about the school and the scores of particular students?

New poster here: what is the big deal ? At Sidwell's open house the AD got up there when we applied 6 years ago and told 100's of parents that students that are 98% ile and higher on the WIPPSI are what they are looking for because that is the kind of kid who does well in their academically challenging program. Perhaps this has changed, but the statements are very similar.

Anonymous wrote:

He is at Amherst school and they differentiate starting in K.

Where is this? Massachusetts? And another PP is posting about a school for gifted kids in Nevada (Davidson)?

This is helpful on a District of Columbia forum ... how?

Google the Davidson Institute . It isn't a set place I don't think. It is on line or meets in different places. They mentor. Check out the profiles of the kids enrolled . The science projects are amazing.

Anonymous wrote:140 doesn't seem so high. I'm surprised that there weren't more kids at that level given how well everyone says their kids do. Davidson requires 150, which is a big difference.

Davidson requires one subset of the WISC IV to be a 19 ( tester finished all questions w/ child getting credit for all correct / ceiling reached) or two or more scores of 18 in multiple sub-tests. A child can meet those requirements and still have an FSIQ of 140 if processing speed is average as it is form many of the gifted.

Davidson Young Scholars is a program that provides services for profoundly gifted kids across the country. Its founders also established the Davidson Academy (in Nevada), but the two are separate.

He is at Amherst school and they differentiate starting in K.

Where is this? Massachusetts? And another PP is posting about a school for gifted kids in Nevada (Davidson)?

This is helpful on a District of Columbia forum ... how?

Thanks then for revealing your affiliation, Feynman Admin at 12:44/13:47/15:18. I do not understand why you did not disclose it in your first post, since I'm sure many people reading the boards would appreciate understanding that relationship when reading your posts. Indeed, knowing who you are, people might have specific questions for you about the school. Are other recent posts yours as well?

As an aside, I'm disappointed that you accuse me of "overreacting," since I just noted without comment that you are a Feynman admin posting about the scores of particular students ("two kindergarten students have tested into Davidson with scores significantly above 150"). I do find it a bit surprising, because it's a comment that doesn't seem particularly pertinent to OP's question, and certainly wasn't designed to "correct false information" posted about your school. But I'm sure you have your reasons.

Are you willing to start a thread that creates an open "town hall" of sorts, so that interested parents can ask you questions about your school? It might open the door to just the sort of intellectual curiosity that your school seeks to encourage.

Anonymous wrote:Well said, PP

Agreed

Well said, PP

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Feynman School the average WPPSI is approximately 140

Source for this claim?

I review the applications.

You're part of the school administration posting on DCUM about the school and the scores of particular students?

I need to post on DCUM occasionally to correct false information posted about our school. Anonymous posters on this forum have misrepresented our tuition and admissions policies. I'm sure other schools' officials post from time to time for similar reasons. FWIW, I'm not singling out DCUM--last year The Gazette published an article about our school in which I was misquoted. The Gazette reporter also did not bother to actually visit the school. Not that I expected a puff piece, but the article contained egregious errors, including stating that we require "a series of tests" for kindergarten admissions, which we never have done. (We do require the WPPSI with K applications, hardly unusual.)

I will also post about the school when relevant to the thread, particularly when the thread discusses seeking a school for a young advanced learner. We just opened our doors in fall 2010 and many local parents may not know about us as an option. Also, some parents who heard about us last year may not have given us serious consideration because the Darnestown location was inconvenient for them. We're trying to get the word out re: our new Bethesda location.

As for the scores, which are only one factor in our admissions decisions, this thread is basically about WPPSI scores and so I found it entirely appropriate to post the approximate average score of our current students and to emphasize that even highly gifted learners testing above 150 are well-served at Feynman. I have seen other threads discussing average SAT scores, even comparing them amongst specific schools. Scores are always a touchy subject, but especially given the topic of the thread, and the fact that no students were named, I think you're overreacting here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Feynman School the average WPPSI is approximately 140

Source for this claim?

I review the applications.

You're part of the school administration posting on DCUM about the school and the scores of particular students?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Feynman School the average WPPSI is approximately 140

Source for this claim?

I review the applications.