Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is considered a wrong writing program? Are students learning to write 5-paragraph essays in middle school?

*strong writing program

OP here. I am looking for actual instruction in grammar, writing style, and form. And then review by a skilled teacher, followed by revision by the kid, at least for some assignments. I'd like an overall emphasis on the importance of learning to express oneself clearly, efficiently, and correctly. I worry a lot of what my kid is learning right now is more about "feel" and less explicit instruction. She can tell me that a certain sentence or phrase looks wrong and can often make it better but she has no idea why, including that she doesn't know the names of many parts or speech or style conventions.

Anonymous wrote:What is considered a wrong writing program? Are students learning to write 5-paragraph essays in middle school?

*strong writing program

What is considered a wrong writing program? Are students learning to write 5-paragraph essays in middle school?

Anonymous wrote:Saint Anselm's Abbey (SAAS) has outstanding grammar, writing, study skills, etc. Also very few screens.

Sorry. No. Have DS at SAAS. Not strong for writing. It may emphasize solid fundamentals but the depth isn’t there.

Saint Anselm's Abbey (SAAS) has outstanding grammar, writing, study skills, etc. Also very few screens.

Anonymous wrote:Burke would be a great option for you DD. And it is easy to access by metro.

I second the Burke rec

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Style and grammar? Don't we have AI for that now? I am more worried about critical thinking skills.

I see the term “critical thinking skills” thrown about but what are some examples of these and how are they taught?

For example, analytical writing develops critical thinking skills through the analysis of sources (books, poetry, etc.), argumentative reasoning, evaluation opposing points of view, and style. AI-generated texts are not known for "style."

Anonymous wrote:Style and grammar? Don't we have AI for that now? I am more worried about critical thinking skills.

I see the term “critical thinking skills” thrown about but what are some examples of these and how are they taught?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any Catholic parochial. Save yourself thousands of dollars.

+1

Agree with this. For a start they actually teach grammar which was not our experience in public. Lots of progress made since having more emphasis on grammar and good writing.

My kids have had lots of excellent writing instruction in GDS MS and HS

NCS. It’s writing instruction is what it’s known for.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:English instruction at Sheridan is terrific. Wonderful teachers and a lot of emphasis on writing. DC was well-prepared for rigorous HS English classes.

Agree. They are strict in 7th and 8th grade, but in the best possible way.

Ditto. A number of kids have gone on to become Editor-in-Chiefs at their high school and college programs.

Anonymous wrote:Any Catholic parochial. Save yourself thousands of dollars.

+1. Not parochial and not in DC proper but the Heights and Oakcrest are excellent at this

Burke parent here… one of my favorite assignments that my sixth grader had at Burke was a “passerby writing assignment.” The students sat on the corner (benefits of an urban school) to write a full story about a passerby. The story had to include a full plot line. My daughter loves creative writing so this was right up her alley.

Burke overall is a truly creative school. As students progress the assignments reflect progressive rigor but never lose a creative bent.

Anonymous wrote:Gds writing is excellent in the high schools. For middle school not so much

My child became an excellent writer thanks to GDS middle school courses and the 8th grade debate program