Anonymous
05/30/2025 20:30
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Anonymous wrote:None of the descriptions here about progressive ed are accurate. Child-centered isn't children leading the class and determining what skills you build and what you're studying. There is a lot of structure in that there are concepts and skills, benchmarks, assessments, etc. Once you've built skills, open-ended work and choices are made to demonstrate your understanding. It's about nurturing curiosity, being engaged, thinking critically while you're building skills in math, reading, etc. It's more active, learning in the real world.
Both of our kids graduated from K-8's, and never needed a tutor. Our younger kid recently graduated, scored 99th percentile on both admissions tests and both kids are now at different big 3's. In fact, each year our 8th graders go onto big 3's, or any of the other good private schools in the area. Not every model works for every kid. That's fine. But it's not necessary to disparage all of progressive education or paint all progressive schools as the same.
When you say "our 8th graders", what do you mean? You just gave yourself away as a shill for one school or another.. probably in the admissions office or on the board. Sounds like you are trying to shut down an interesting discussion because you don't like the critique of progressive k-8 schools that is emerging... because the model is dying and the schools are flailing financially. This is typical entitled, self-aggrandizing behavior that infects NWDC rich folks. They are incapable of having a discussion without blaming someone or other when they don't like what they hear.
Anonymous
05/30/2025 17:27
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
None of the descriptions here about progressive ed are accurate. Child-centered isn't children leading the class and determining what skills you build and what you're studying. There is a lot of structure in that there are concepts and skills, benchmarks, assessments, etc. Once you've built skills, open-ended work and choices are made to demonstrate your understanding. It's about nurturing curiosity, being engaged, thinking critically while you're building skills in math, reading, etc. It's more active, learning in the real world.
Both of our kids graduated from K-8's, and never needed a tutor. Our younger kid recently graduated, scored 99th percentile on both admissions tests and both kids are now at different big 3's. In fact, each year our 8th graders go onto big 3's, or any of the other good private schools in the area. Not every model works for every kid. That's fine. But it's not necessary to disparage all of progressive education or paint all progressive schools as the same.
Both of our kids graduated from K-8's, and never needed a tutor. Our younger kid recently graduated, scored 99th percentile on both admissions tests and both kids are now at different big 3's. In fact, each year our 8th graders go onto big 3's, or any of the other good private schools in the area. Not every model works for every kid. That's fine. But it's not necessary to disparage all of progressive education or paint all progressive schools as the same.
Anonymous
05/27/2025 21:26
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can you describe what you mean by “good classroom structure”? The majority of private schools are fairly traditional, so just saying “more traditional and structured” doesn’t narrow it down much. What don’t you like about your current school? What specifically are you looking for in a new school?
We would like something more teacher driven and where there are clearer lines and expectations. Probably also more repetition on key subject matter content for skill development.
Look at St. Andrew's. Their LS math curriculum is a spiraling curriculum. Reading is taught with approaches rooted in SOR.
Anonymous
05/27/2025 19:30
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Holton starts in 3rd and definitely has a structured classroom/schedule.
Anonymous
05/27/2025 18:40
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Anonymous wrote:It depends where you are in DC. Suggest you might try WES or Norwood. I think the academic rigor is pretty good as, being K-8s, they need to ensure the kids can demonstrate a certain level of academic attainment in order to apply to competitive high schools.
Norwood is wonderful, OP!
Anonymous
05/27/2025 13:11
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Anonymous wrote:It sounds like you are talking about schools that follow a Sudbury model.
I’m not aware of any local progressives that do that.
Kids are learning math facts. Kids are learning the scientific method. They learn how to read and write and analyze. They go onto to thrive at competitive high schools and colleges.
If your child is in 2nd grade and you feel they aren’t learning how to learn, I’d ask if you’ve done any testing for learning disabilities.
I was just about to say this. What people are describing in this thread is a Sudbury school. There are no DC progressive schools that do this.
A progressive school will incorporate more student choice than a so-called "traditional" school, but it's not "choice" in the sense that you can opt of out math. That's just ridiculous.
Anonymous
05/27/2025 13:08
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Anonymous wrote:Here's another way of looking at it. More traditional schools can employ more of a "drill and kill" model. That's where kids memorize stuff and take tests that regurgitate what they memorize. AP courses can fall under this category. The downside is that it doesn't necessarily teach critical thinking and retention is short lived. Progressive schools employ more project-based learning with the idea that mastery important. Thus, they may go deeper into a topic and may deploy more presentations and group projects vs tests, especially during the lower school years. Some people are very uncomfortable with this approach and soemtimes feel that their kids aren't learning. Others strongly believe that this type of teaching fosters important critical thinking skills.
There are many schools that are more structured but do not adopt a ‘drill and kill’ approach.
Anonymous
05/27/2025 12:45
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Here's another way of looking at it. More traditional schools can employ more of a "drill and kill" model. That's where kids memorize stuff and take tests that regurgitate what they memorize. AP courses can fall under this category. The downside is that it doesn't necessarily teach critical thinking and retention is short lived. Progressive schools employ more project-based learning with the idea that mastery important. Thus, they may go deeper into a topic and may deploy more presentations and group projects vs tests, especially during the lower school years. Some people are very uncomfortable with this approach and soemtimes feel that their kids aren't learning. Others strongly believe that this type of teaching fosters important critical thinking skills.
Anonymous
05/27/2025 12:12
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
It depends where you are in DC. Suggest you might try WES or Norwood. I think the academic rigor is pretty good as, being K-8s, they need to ensure the kids can demonstrate a certain level of academic attainment in order to apply to competitive high schools.
Anonymous
05/27/2025 12:05
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I have a child at one. He is flourishing, but is young - I don’t know if it is a good fit post say 2nd or so. I find engagement in life is so much better because they can “deep dive” into anything at school. And, honestly, it’s better to see math applies to counting things in a microscope or bees versus…worksheets. Again, oversimplification and not sure we will continue, but for young young kids it really has its value.
Right. Get back to us when he’s in 8th grade and can’t keep up with algebra because he never was “forced” to learn math facts.
I would take worksheets any day over this.
This is absurd. I have a child at a progressive K-8, and this isn't what happens at our school.
It's not like they walk into class and the teacher asks, "so, what do you want to learn about today, kids?" There is structure. There is curricula. There are cross-subject projects. Within that structure, yes of course, the children can demonstrate interest, and if it's within the overall learning goals and will benefit the class, it can be followed.
Please learn about progressive pedagogy so you can speak intelligently about what it is and what it is not.
Anonymous
05/26/2025 22:29
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Where do you live? And how old is your kid?
+1
We live in DC. Second grade.
I would look at K-12s. Good luck!
Anonymous
05/26/2025 21:19
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What type of gaps are you talking about?
Classes at the progressive schools are sometimes (or mostly) child-led. While children can get deep into topics they are interested about, this method can leave gaps in the curriculum where some areas are untouched. Time and coverage of each topic is not as structured as in traditional schools, where the teacher leads the class and time-spent / depth of learning is determined by the curriculum/teacher.
Serious question; I'm not being snarky.
Why would anyone choose this for a child? I cannot imagine anyone thinking this is a good idea, for any type of learner.
Please enlighten me.
It develops a love of learning and allows for independent thinking
Great. Just what the world needs more of. Six year olds who are encouraged to be “independent thinkers.” Is that code for “does anything they want, anytime they want?”
Wow you’re deep in it. Learn one single thing about education theory (maybe start with Deschooling Society), then get back to us.
Anonymous
05/26/2025 21:14
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What type of gaps are you talking about?
Classes at the progressive schools are sometimes (or mostly) child-led. While children can get deep into topics they are interested about, this method can leave gaps in the curriculum where some areas are untouched. Time and coverage of each topic is not as structured as in traditional schools, where the teacher leads the class and time-spent / depth of learning is determined by the curriculum/teacher.
Serious question; I'm not being snarky.
Why would anyone choose this for a child? I cannot imagine anyone thinking this is a good idea, for any type of learner.
Please enlighten me.
It develops a love of learning and allows for independent thinking
Great. Just what the world needs more of. Six year olds who are encouraged to be “independent thinkers.” Is that code for “does anything they want, anytime they want?”
Anonymous
05/26/2025 20:35
Subject: Private Schools with Good Classroom Structure
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What type of gaps are you talking about?
Classes at the progressive schools are sometimes (or mostly) child-led. While children can get deep into topics they are interested about, this method can leave gaps in the curriculum where some areas are untouched. Time and coverage of each topic is not as structured as in traditional schools, where the teacher leads the class and time-spent / depth of learning is determined by the curriculum/teacher.
Serious question; I'm not being snarky.
Why would anyone choose this for a child? I cannot imagine anyone thinking this is a good idea, for any type of learner.
Please enlighten me.
It develops a love of learning and allows for independent thinking
That can be done even when you also learn math facts.
It seems you need(ed) a progressive education and/or therapy.
OP, I am actually here in hopes someone gives you some actual advice on schools. Alas…minus 2-3 of the PP, it appears no.
What are you trying to say?