Anonymous wrote:Is it moving for 3rd?

There is nothing wrong with asking the admission office whether they expect movement on a wait list in a particular grade —recognizing that it's unlikely any answer will be precise, since circumstances change. That said, it's reasonable to ask, "If there is movement in the third grade wait list, is there a chance it will break in my child's favor?" It's unfortunate if the answer is no, but as a parent I'd rather be turned down definitively than left hanging if there's no real chance. Most admission officers recognize this.

In response to a previous post: After 25 years' work in independent schools I have yet to encounter a school that accepts all its applicants.

Peter
_____________________

Disclaimer: The anonymity here makes me uncomfortable; it's easy to be uninformed, personal, or simply mean-spirited if people don't identify themselves. For that reason, I have an account so you know whose words you're reading. I have more than 20 years' experience as a teacher and administrator in independent schools, and I have counseled hundreds of students in finding their next schools. I hope I can be helpful to some folks. If you don't like something I've said, you're in good company — there's a long line of past students and parents ahead of you. If you want to chat further, please feel free to contact me offline: peter <at> arcpd <dot> com

I believe their wait list situation is a trickle down effect.

All the better schools are even more over-subscribed than ever, so more people are applying to Norwood as their safety school and it skews the numbers.

There is no other reason.

Best of luck on the w/l

OK. That makes more sense.

^
The new 8th grader was the child of a teacher. It is rare for them to take an 8th grader.

Oh wow. I've heard of a 7th grader but not 8th.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, wait list for all grades except 8th. I don't think they accept 8th graders.

Occasionally a student enters in 8th grade. One did this year.

OP, the school should have a better gauge of likelihood now. Call after spring break and check in.

Yes, wait list for all grades except 8th. I don't think they accept 8th graders.

In the last few years Norwood has become quite competitive. They never took all as fit is important but now they're running waiting lists in all grades I believe

Norwood doesn't take everyone. My friend's son was there for 3 years and had to leave because of financial and transportation issues. He reapplied after going to another private (that offered more aid and had a bus) one year and going to a top DC Charter another year (so he was gone for 2 years). They denied him admission saying the "re-entry" (like a prisoner coming back into society) into the community would be too much of an adjustment. She was in tears. My heart broke for her because she has one of the kindest, funniest and most brilliant little boys I've ever known. I say that as an educator for more than a decade. So if they would not accept a former, committed member of their community. Chances are your kid might not make it off of the waitlist.

Norwood new PreK 4 had more applicants than slots.