Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the responses. I realize that I wasn't exactly forthcoming with descriptions of my son. He is a sweet kid who can be very focused on things he's interested in. He's not overly energetic (he can definitely sit still and listen and follow directions) and doesn't seem to be particularly sporty. He can get frustrated when he struggles with tasks. He has a hard time with loud noises (and loud, disruptive children...and can get frustrated with those children). I like the religious aspects of WES and like the small community, but am concerned about the attrition rate and rumors of mean teachers. We really liked Norwood but are unsure if it really has the "family atmosphere" we are looking for. We just want our kid to be loved and respected and in a school that he feels safe, confident and at home. I know he will get a great education at both schools.

What grade?

K...we would like to stay through 8th grade...he has younger siblings as well.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the responses. I realize that I wasn't exactly forthcoming with descriptions of my son. He is a sweet kid who can be very focused on things he's interested in. He's not overly energetic (he can definitely sit still and listen and follow directions) and doesn't seem to be particularly sporty. He can get frustrated when he struggles with tasks. He has a hard time with loud noises (and loud, disruptive children...and can get frustrated with those children). I like the religious aspects of WES and like the small community, but am concerned about the attrition rate and rumors of mean teachers. We really liked Norwood but are unsure if it really has the "family atmosphere" we are looking for. We just want our kid to be loved and respected and in a school that he feels safe, confident and at home. I know he will get a great education at both schools.

What grade?

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the responses. I realize that I wasn't exactly forthcoming with descriptions of my son. He is a sweet kid who can be very focused on things he's interested in. He's not overly energetic (he can definitely sit still and listen and follow directions) and doesn't seem to be particularly sporty. He can get frustrated when he struggles with tasks. He has a hard time with loud noises (and loud, disruptive children...and can get frustrated with those children). I like the religious aspects of WES and like the small community, but am concerned about the attrition rate and rumors of mean teachers. We really liked Norwood but are unsure if it really has the "family atmosphere" we are looking for. We just want our kid to be loved and respected and in a school that he feels safe, confident and at home. I know he will get a great education at both schools.

My son at Norwood is just like this. He loves it there. He still gets frustrated when others are disruptive but is getting better at handling it as he gets older.

There is definitely a family atmosphere at Norwood. It is very much a "community", and a nice one at that. We did not come to private looking for a community as our goal, but now that we have it, I am very thankful for it.

Again - I can's speak for WES - only due to lack of experience with the school and no contacts there

OP

we applied to Norwood specifically because our son is a boy who sounds a little like yours, and because we were told that it was a good fit for him.

And we have just been offered a place there, 3rd grade.

Norwood has an incredible family atmosphere -it's the warmest school we've been a part of.

I would go to the newly accepted parents coffee at both and meet and talk with current parents. This will give you a chance to see if you get the family atmosphere you are looking for.

Thanks for the responses. I realize that I wasn't exactly forthcoming with descriptions of my son. He is a sweet kid who can be very focused on things he's interested in. He's not overly energetic (he can definitely sit still and listen and follow directions) and doesn't seem to be particularly sporty. He can get frustrated when he struggles with tasks. He has a hard time with loud noises (and loud, disruptive children...and can get frustrated with those children). I like the religious aspects of WES and like the small community, but am concerned about the attrition rate and rumors of mean teachers. We really liked Norwood but are unsure if it really has the "family atmosphere" we are looking for. We just want our kid to be loved and respected and in a school that he feels safe, confident and at home. I know he will get a great education at both schools.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our son is at Norwood and there were no boys that left for Landon or St Albans through entire lower school experience - but maybe this was what you were trying to say???

We've had kids at Norwood for several years, and there certainly are boys that have left for Landon, but it's not a huge number.

In any case, I believe the originally quoted poster meant to say that many boys at WES leave for Landon and St Albans. Whether that's true, I can't say.

The fact that some kids leave for Holton/Landon or NCS/STA does not necessarily mean that families were dissatisfied with the school they left. Some families plan to send their kids to single-sex schools from the beginning and choose a co-ed school only for the years before their kids can start at the single-sex school of choice.

I was the poster you are referring. I was not implying that anyone was dissatisfied. Just that if you have a school where many of the families are going to leave in 3rd or 4th it changes the dynamic of the class as opposed to a school where more of the families stay till 8th.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child is 3rd grade or older, go with Norwood. Many boys leave in 3rd and 4th for Landon and St. Albans.
Norwood seems to keep more of their kids in school till 8th.


Their outplacement is very good. Excellent music program.

Our son is at Norwood and there were no boys that left for Landon or St Albans through entire lower school experience - but maybe this was what you were trying to say???

I am not familiar with the program at WES, but Norwood has recess every day and PE 4x a week for lower school. Someone mentioned it being "sporty" but I'd say there are plenty of boys that are less atheletic (mine being one) - but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy "activity". PE class (like everything else) is co-ed and has a lot of games that are not a specific sport - but are lots of fun and teach coordination and teamwork.

Kids at Norwood also change classes many times a day. Since 1st grade our child has switched from homeroom for every class: reading, math, science, art, spanish, music, library, and PE (note - not all classes are taught every day) . It gives them a chance to move a little and they thrive on the independence to move throughout the building. Many have noted they feel this is great for boys. (Note - we weren't there for K so I don't know how much they move. Also, I think that math is now taught in homeroom for 1st grade)

The other wonderful part of Norwood is the character education and the amount of time spent to teach the value of the month. This is a great message for boys and girls.

I was referring to WES.

Norwood is great!

Anonymous wrote:Our son is at Norwood and there were no boys that left for Landon or St Albans through entire lower school experience - but maybe this was what you were trying to say???

We've had kids at Norwood for several years, and there certainly are boys that have left for Landon, but it's not a huge number.

In any case, I believe the originally quoted poster meant to say that many boys at WES leave for Landon and St Albans. Whether that's true, I can't say.

The fact that some kids leave for Holton/Landon or NCS/STA does not necessarily mean that families were dissatisfied with the school they left. Some families plan to send their kids to single-sex schools from the beginning and choose a co-ed school only for the years before their kids can start at the single-sex school of choice.

Anonymous wrote:If your child is 3rd grade or older, go with Norwood. Many boys leave in 3rd and 4th for Landon and St. Albans.
Norwood seems to keep more of their kids in school till 8th.


Their outplacement is very good. Excellent music program.

Our son is at Norwood and there were no boys that left for Landon or St Albans through entire lower school experience - but maybe this was what you were trying to say???

I am not familiar with the program at WES, but Norwood has recess every day and PE 4x a week for lower school. Someone mentioned it being "sporty" but I'd say there are plenty of boys that are less atheletic (mine being one) - but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy "activity". PE class (like everything else) is co-ed and has a lot of games that are not a specific sport - but are lots of fun and teach coordination and teamwork.

Kids at Norwood also change classes many times a day. Since 1st grade our child has switched from homeroom for every class: reading, math, science, art, spanish, music, library, and PE (note - not all classes are taught every day) . It gives them a chance to move a little and they thrive on the independence to move throughout the building. Many have noted they feel this is great for boys. (Note - we weren't there for K so I don't know how much they move. Also, I think that math is now taught in homeroom for 1st grade)

The other wonderful part of Norwood is the character education and the amount of time spent to teach the value of the month. This is a great message for boys and girls.

Anonymous wrote:I think I have a feeling what the dcum community will say and I know I should not take dcum word as the full truth... But we are struggling with the decision for many different reasons. Throwing this out there to see if I am missing something.

Why are you struggling with the decision? If you can give more specifics, you will get better input. FWIW, we are at one of these schools and have seen families leave and go to the other - it goes both ways. What does your child need? And what does your gut tell you? Does he have a preference or is he too young to weigh in?

Norwood is a very good school for both sexes with an excellent reputation. WES might be a good option in the future if the new HOS can turn it around.

DS has had a great experience at WES for the past three years and we would consider other schools for his 2yr brother as a fall back position when he is four. Highly recommend WES. I heard good things about Norwood as well but we did not apply there due to proximity.