Anonymous wrote:I did not like the reception last night. It was like an information session that you attend prior to applying to the school. It was no different that the student panel that came to Beauvoir last fall.

If you didn't like it do not accept admissions. I am sure they have a wait list a mile long of families eager to take your spot without a reception. Pretty sure NCS doesn't do the glam because they want girls who want to attend school for what it has to offer and not because they had the most impressive reception. Honestly, I think the receptions prior to decision are a a waste of time and not common where we moved from where you have one week no pomps and circumstance after the acceptance notice. Also, signed contracts required a 2.2K deposit. You should by now know which school you want to send your daughter to or she, if older should know which school is a good fit for her. Save the freebies and receptions for after contracts are signed.

Anonymous wrote:I think my daughter received a cute NCS eagle or something on her tour or test day, no?

Yep, and promptly attached it to her backpack at her current school before we had given notice to her current school that we were applying out. Oops.

Anonymous wrote:GDS and Potomac were all for purchase as well.

Potomac gave my DD a really cute water bottle. They gave them to all the kids at the reception.

Anonymous wrote:I think my daughter received a cute NCS eagle or something on her tour or test day, no?

mine did too

I think my daughter received a cute NCS eagle or something on her tour or test day, no?

Anonymous wrote:OP, here's a hint: The schools that go all-out with bands, glitter and pomp and circumstance at these things, generally have to. If your DD doesn't accept at NCS, they have plenty of people waiting in line behind her. They don't have to put on a show for you. You take them, or you don't.

No, they don't have to. They are showing school spirit and pride and setting the tone for the attitude and atmosphere of the school (as you are with your post ).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It was nice and is a lovely school but if I am being honest, I left feeling very concerned that my young daughter will have too much homework and become stressed at a young age. I don't believe in homework on the weekdays in lower school and even other Big 3 schools do not have homework on the weekends.

+1 and as such really reconsidering

You might have missed the part where the 6th Grader talking about homework said she gets much of it done in Study Hall.

Anonymous wrote:It was nice and is a lovely school but if I am being honest, I left feeling very concerned that my young daughter will have too much homework and become stressed at a young age. I don't believe in homework on the weekdays in lower school and even other Big 3 schools do not have homework on the weekends.

+1 and as such really reconsidering

Anonymous wrote:Schools that spend money on swag are choosing not to spend that money on something else. Frankly, I'd rather that money go to FA or teacher development than glitter.

Come on - those magnets cost like 50c in bulk. Even a sweatshirt probably costs less than half the retail price. It's just not a heavy expense.

That said, it's a waste if the kid isn't going to go there - is someone who picks GDS going to wear an NCS sweatshirt?

Anonymous wrote:GDS and Potomac were all for purchase as well.

? Potomac sent a cute magnet with my child's photo and gave us a little panther at the LS reception. Clearly not needed but was a nice perk for my 5 year old & an easy way to start talking about his new school, he'll be a panther, etc. I didn't see anything for sale.

Schools that spend money on swag are choosing not to spend that money on something else. Frankly, I'd rather that money go to FA or teacher development than glitter.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It was nice and is a lovely school but if I am being honest, I left feeling very concerned that my young daughter will have too much homework and become stressed at a young age. I don't believe in homework on the weekdays in lower school and even other Big 3 schools do not have homework on the weekends.

OP here. Thanks for all the comments. I don't "care" about he freebies at all. In fact, we are accepting NCS and spent some money on gear last night! It was noticeable, I'd already gotten magnets from other schools and wanted an NCS one.

There was definitely a lot of talk about homework, but somehow I just can't believe it's that bad. All of the students seem really happy.

My daughter is at NCS for high school. She and her friends are very happy. But there is a lot of homework. I have no idea if it is more than at other schools.

Welcome!

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any thoughts/observations? It seemed less "festive" than others, I thought. And I find it strange that they never sent anything (no letter with glitter, no backpack or magnets). Even at the reception, all of the "swag" was for purchase. Anyone else notice any of this, or am I the only one looking for freebies? Just kidding, of course, but I did feel a different vibe...

I didn't notice not receiving anything and I thought the admissions letter was really nice.

Anonymous wrote:It was nice and is a lovely school but if I am being honest, I left feeling very concerned that my young daughter will have too much homework and become stressed at a young age. I don't believe in homework on the weekdays in lower school and even other Big 3 schools do not have homework on the weekends.

OP here. Thanks for all the comments. I don't "care" about he freebies at all. In fact, we are accepting NCS and spent some money on gear last night! It was noticeable, I'd already gotten magnets from other schools and wanted an NCS one.

There was definitely a lot of talk about homework, but somehow I just can't believe it's that bad. All of the students seem really happy.

Anonymous wrote:Schools send letters with glitter? Things must have changed in the last 10 years....

Holton-Arms clearly has a marketing department. The acceptance envelope contained foil stars that just got all over the floor. Holton-Arms water bottle at welcome reception/event, but anything else was for purchase.