There are two classes for each grade level and this year's pre-k has a class size of 15 students (30 total). It has been as high as 17 students but I know the school tried this year to leave a few spaces to allow the addition of new kindergarden students in the next year class. The K, 1st and 2nd have 17 in each class.

How many Pre-K spots at Primary Day?

what is red shirting

My sense is that Primary Day admissions are all about fit. They don't require testing, but they do two student visits - one a teacher interview and one a more traditional playdate.

Is it difficult to get into Primary Day (for Pre-K)?

Anonymous wrote:When we looked at Primary Day a few years ago we liked what we saw, but there was no after school care for working parents- just curious if this is still the case?

Primary Day has had before and after-care for a few years now. The before school program begins at 7:45. Many families enroll by the semester or the year, others use it on a drop-in basis. The after-school program is terrific with 4:30 and 5:30 options.

I have a second grader in Norwood School. I opted no for Primary Day My daughter started nursery in Montessori, then pre-K in Harbor School, and K started Norwood, this is our third year in Norwood. Montessori a complete waste of money in my opinion, Harbor was good rpre-K, and Norwood, despite all of the comments and changes taking place at the school, is a wonderful school. They are strong in reading, and have revamped the math program this year which need to be done. Now my daughter is sailing through and understanding her math. As you know, NO school is perfect. Norwood has incredible facilities which are actually used, enrichment programs taught by teachers, and outside companies/providers which are true enrichment programs, sports teams for the young, and a parent following second to none. The ski program in the winter is wonderful, the skating is fun, quite frankly I do not know where else my daughter would have been this happy and would have learned this much coupled with the exceptional bonus programs attached.
If you can afford the 27k for Norwood, it is well worth the price.

When we looked at Primary Day a few years ago we liked what we saw, but there was no after school care for working parents- just curious if this is still the case?

I am a current PDS parent and we love the school as it is a great fit for our child (the key point here). My shy child has developed confidence and has a ton of friends while learning in a warm caring environment. I strongly recomment this school if you are looking for strong academics (the kids truly learn to love reading), warm and nuturing enviroment with the pluses of a private (small class size). As for afterschool activites here are the current activities offered: mad science one day, lego building (engineering concepts), Spanish one day, cooking. In addition to these school sponsored activites, pre-K and K parents arrange soccer classes on Fridays as well as tennis and tae kwon do options. Hope this helps.

What kind of after school enrichment programs do they have?

Primary Day

PDS was the most racially diverse place I have spent time besides Tysons Corner Mall. The academics were just right and I have heard again and again how well prepared the children who come out of there are. Most students have several choices after 2nd grade. Good ones.

come on, everyone. You know that both private schools and public schools will have their good points and weaknesses. It's not either or, it's what your child needs at one particular time in his/her life. Public school does not crush souls or creativity, private school does not produce artsy fartsy kids who can't spell. It's not black and white.

We did public for elementary, private for middle. We will probably go back to public for high school. Our child is at one of these schools mentioned in this thread and I am amazed at how well it's going and how much the program is a good fit. Elementary was a good fit and wonderful program too.

When looking for a middle school we considered public middles strongly as well as privates, progressive and otherwise. They all have their positives and negatives. Go to the schools, imagine your kid there, and figure it out. Not that hard.

Or write to an anonymous board for advice from people who don't know you or your child or the three schools intimately, I'm sure that's what I'd do.

We had a great experience at PDS! DD was great in Math, needed support in reading and received it - in and out of the classroom which nurtured her ability and confidence. She received a great foundation, developed a love of the arts, and the school's emphasis on treating others the way you want to be treated was deeply ingrained in her. I encourage you to go through the process, discuss any concerns you have with the AD -- then choose the school you feel is the best fit for your child and your family.

Creativity/rigurous academics do not have to be mutually exclusive.