Norwood is going through some changes now and it may some day become a great school, but for now, I would save your money and do public school then take a peek at it in 4 years. The head of school is scheduled to leave in 2014! Then after that, they will bring in some new folks, who could flop, but even if they succeed, it will take a few years to fix things, hence the four years. Agree with those who say that the LS is weak, which makes the higher grades look better, but they really aren't that great. The school appears to be well organized, but it is not. Decisions are made by weak teams. Unfortunately, parents grumble quietly, then get frustrated, then leave. They will give vague feed back like, it was not a good fit for us, or we have financial problems, which is a polite way of saying goodbye.
Unfortunately, choices are slim. I have heard MANY negatives about WES, Landon, Holton (LS), St. Andrews, Bullis. The schools are all playing a game, and until parents walk or complain, they will continue.
Let's face it, when people lay out that much cash for private school, it is hard to admit that there are any shortcomings.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Being in a white suburb, Norwood will have trouble getting the level of diversity that SP has.
It is not bad though when it comes to race, but culturally, they aren't used to different "types". No gay parents. and so on.

A high-level staff member is a gay parent. I'm glad to see this part of the school's culture/mix changing.

Yes, this is true. Community is open minded, even if there are not a lot of gay parents. They certainly would be welcome there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But let's be honest, while maybe improving, SP is not that diverse.

St Pats has a fairly diverse student body except religiously. In that case it is mostly Christian.

This is true. Norwood has a diverse student body in terms of religion and cultural background.

And AD at Primary Day was former assistant AD at Norwood. See how interconnected the private school world is (there are many more examples)?

St. Pats Head of Upper School married to AD at Primary Day

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Potomac School is a lot like Norwood. I've had kids at Norwood and WES, and they are not alike. St. Andrew's has a similar atmosphere, but my impression is that their students vary more in ability.

I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts as to the differences between Norwood and WES too. Thanks!

Bump

Anonymous wrote:Being in a white suburb, Norwood will have trouble getting the level of diversity that SP has.
It is not bad though when it comes to race, but culturally, they aren't used to different "types". No gay parents. and so on.

A high-level staff member is a gay parent. I'm glad to see this part of the school's culture/mix changing.

Anonymous wrote:The Potomac School is a lot like Norwood. I've had kids at Norwood and WES, and they are not alike. St. Andrew's has a similar atmosphere, but my impression is that their students vary more in ability.

I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts as to the differences between Norwood and WES too. Thanks!

St pats is an Episcopal school..they teach Christian religion so it makes sense that non Christians would not want to apply.

Anonymous wrote:St Pats does NOT have a diverse student body ethnically or religiously. If diversity is really important to you, look elsewhere.

That's exactly right.

St Pats does NOT have a diverse student body ethnically or religiously. If diversity is really important to you, look elsewhere.

PP who had children at both Norwood and WES, would you compare the two schools' strengths and weaknesses, please. We are applying to both and I can see one being a better fit for one of my children and the other school for the other child. Wonder if your experience confirms or refutes my impressions. TIA.

The Potomac School is a lot like Norwood. I've had kids at Norwood and WES, and they are not alike. St. Andrew's has a similar atmosphere, but my impression is that their students vary more in ability.

What are its diversity statistics?

Anonymous wrote:But let's be honest, while maybe improving, SP is not that diverse.

St Pats has a fairly diverse student body except religiously. In that case it is mostly Christian.