all i know is this my neighbor complains about the size of the classes and then asks why my kid the same age as hers is doing much more advanced math and science work in the public schools.

Interesting that DeC rose to the top here. This local blog suggested that DeC is an example of a Catholic that might provide some resources for students with learning issues (there was a link!) The blogger talks about DC privates in general and approaches to selecting schools, but it was a helpful resource and interesting that DeC came up. It was a good read:
http://process999.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/learning-differences-admissions-and-the-private-school/

The previous poster needs to actually read the person's entry before responding. She said her kids went thru Ashburton and NB (the local publics instead of DeChantal)as alternatives to DeChantal, and then applied and got accepted to the 6 independant schools mentioned. It's not that she had 6 kids that all went to 6 different schools, but she got acceptances from those 6. (must have had at least 1 boy and 1 girl) Her point is that she got her kids into good high schools without having to go to the nearby Catholic elementary, understand?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dechantal is really not that good at all. I sent all my kids through public elementary school (ashburton & north bethesda middle school) and they all got accepted into NCS, Stone ridge, Sidwell, Landon, Gprep, and maret.

wow, that's a lot of kids...

I was thinking the same thing. You sent 6 kids to 6 different expensive private schools?

Anonymous wrote:Dechantal is really not that good at all. I sent all my kids through public elementary school (ashburton & north bethesda middle school) and they all got accepted into NCS, Stone ridge, Sidwell, Landon, Gprep, and maret.

wow, that's a lot of kids...

Anonymous wrote:The previous poster proves the point about DeChantal. It's more like a social service agency with a celebratory spirit than a school. Walk for the Homeless, Walk for Diabetes, Hoops for Hearts. Give me a break! How about teachers teaching and kids learning in thier uniforms, not pajamas? The high school placement record also is not what previous posters would have the readers believe. Of course well-behaving DeChantal kids will be admitted to the Catholic high schools like G Prep, Gonzaga, Visi, and Stone Ridge. But good luck trying to get into a more challenging school than the local Catholics; it hardly ever happens. Note all the DeChantal grads who have to repeat Algebra I at Gonzaga.

What planet r u on?

The previous poster proves the point about DeChantal. It's more like a social service agency with a celebratory spirit than a school. Walk for the Homeless, Walk for Diabetes, Hoops for Hearts. Give me a break! How about teachers teaching and kids learning in thier uniforms, not pajamas? The high school placement record also is not what previous posters would have the readers believe. Of course well-behaving DeChantal kids will be admitted to the Catholic high schools like G Prep, Gonzaga, Visi, and Stone Ridge. But good luck trying to get into a more challenging school than the local Catholics; it hardly ever happens. Note all the DeChantal grads who have to repeat Algebra I at Gonzaga.

Anonymous wrote:We are very happy there. But it's not for everyone. Follow your gut.

So r we....tom' is Secret Santa and the kiddies get to wear their PJs...aww.

We are very happy there. But it's not for everyone. Follow your gut.

Anonymous wrote:Dechantal is really not that good at all. I sent all my kids through public elementary school (ashburton & north bethesda middle school) and they all got accepted into NCS, Stone ridge, Sidwell, Landon, Gprep, and maret.

So, you actually have zero first hand experience with the school, but are happy to weigh in to share your uninformed opinion.

Disagree but everyone is entitled to their opinion. We have 2 kids there who are thriving. Having taught in the public schools, I am so thankful to have them in a place where the focus is on learning and character rather than testing and scores. All of us in this County are fortunate that our kids will generally do well in most any environment, but I give the highest marks to the committed teachers and administrators at de Chantal.

Dechantal is really not that good at all. I sent all my kids through public elementary school (ashburton & north bethesda middle school) and they all got accepted into NCS, Stone ridge, Sidwell, Landon, Gprep, and maret.

Anonymous wrote:PP..Dec can't be all that bad now. Just take a look at their HS placement record. We're new to the school sort of third year, and have no issues. DC loves it and is doing well. Sure some of the classes can be better, but so it is with most schools. And yes some of the old teachers are set in their ways, and Ms. Head may not be the warm and fuzziest at times, but we find it to be a great fit. I could be wrong, but in talking to some of the other parents in DC class, no one has any complaints. Plus there's a strong sense of community, jump in the water's fine. You won't be disappointed.....

Totally agree! Have children at DeC and family members in adminstration in DC area Top 5 schools. DeC gives a very solid foundation while other schools may focus on pushing the children to learn skills and concepts when they haven't mastered the basics. Great community atmosphere.

PP..Dec can't be all that bad now. Just take a look at their HS placement record. We're new to the school sort of third year, and have no issues. DC loves it and is doing well. Sure some of the classes can be better, but so it is with most schools. And yes some of the old teachers are set in their ways, and Ms. Head may not be the warm and fuzziest at times, but we find it to be a great fit. I could be wrong, but in talking to some of the other parents in DC class, no one has any complaints. Plus there's a strong sense of community, jump in the water's fine. You won't be disappointed.....

To the previous 2 posters: In the K-2 years at DeChantal, several of the teachers have sat in the classroom for over 30 years! They are old and tired of trying to teach in rooms full of over 30 kids, most of whom are academically average yet still feel a sense of private-school entitlement. If you prefer attending endless CYO sports practices instead of preparing for the challenging futures that the kids of this generation will face, then by all means DeChantal is the right "fit" for you!