We had this same decision for pre-K and were also very much on the fence. We have multiple children across both genders so the thought of going from BVR to two affiliated single sex schools was compelling. However, after digging in on both schools we had more confidence in the academics at NPS, and decided to optimize for the 'now' versus the future. We really value a strong educational experience that gives our kids a solid platform for whatever comes next, and had a particular concern around math. I spoke to some families who sent their older child or children to BVR but subsequent kids to NPS, citing academic preparedness. That made us nervous...we went with NPS and have been SO happy. That said, BVR is a beautiful, inviting school with a really strong reputation and really nice families. I really don't think you can go wrong. Our approach was to really sit with what we value and focus on the here and now versus something that is coming in 5 years. It's felt like the right choice for us so far. Mostly, congratulations on having the choice! That is great and you cannot go wrong. Best of luck!

OP, we have the same choice and also attended both receptions. NPS feels warm and welcome. We like their counseling program, and their teachers' background seems quite strong (I didn't find much information on Beauvoir's website). At Beauvoir's reception, I think I've already seen a few clubby moms, and one of their teachers somehow gives us an impression that she does not like her job that much when we toured the school (negative attitude but I could be wrong). However, we probably will still choose Beauvoir because of the higher probability of getting into STA/NCS...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Current BVR parent - if your child needs any extra support it is on the parent to drive that support. Many parents do not even realize their child needs extra support until they leave either. The administration is always at an arms length and generally cold. It is for sure a more conservative parent community than the others as well. In third grade the parent is still driving the outplacement - something to be said about letting them be a kid for as long as possible, iron out weaknesses and having them get into the school they want/need.

Are you saying BVR is more conservative than NPS? Thanks!

Yes. For sure seems that way. There are also 4 classes per grade at bvr vs 2 at NPS. So you’re just dealing with it more.

Not true. 3 of every grade until 4th.

OP here- I’m not sure if the Sidwell questions are jokes but just in case- we didn’t apply. We didn’t get a good vibe on the tour.

Anonymous wrote:We have narrowed our options to 2. We are so lucky to be in this position and are truly torn. The school admission events this week reminded us what we thought was special and unique about each school. NPS feels so warm and sincere (I teared up at the admissions event this week when the Malcolm spoke). Beauvoir was less warm but the presentation was more informative. NPS parents were more chatty and backgrounds were broadly more diverse. Beauvoir felt more clubby with kids from feeder preschools (which we are not) although people were still nice. Beauvoir appeared more racially diverse.

Our concerns are primarily outplacement- we are interested in the Cathedral schools but aren’t sure about single sex. We have two more kids so a strong sibling policy is a must. Secondarily, concerned about the community vibe- are there enough non clubby parents are Beauvoir that we could fit in? No so much for us but for our son’s benefit (are people open to new friends for their kids?).

Thoughts?

Why not Sidwell?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP, the above post is correct. If you are interested in Cathedral school, it’s really hard to get into them even from NPS. NCS is easier but STA is really really hard even if the child is spectacular kid. Many legacies are in NPS, too. I didn’t understand this before we started, but we observe that majority of STA admits from NPS are legacies/siblings, or really well connected families.

If you want other schools, then go with NPS. It has decent placement, but harder for boys.

Good luck!

As many pointed out, socially speaking the two schools are more similar than different.

The last few years several girls from NPS has been accepted to NCS from NPS and turned it down. So not quite sure "it's hard" to get into NCS from NPS and several boys have been accepted and gone to STA.

You're missing the point.

It will never be as easy for OP's family to get into the Cathedral schools as it is now, with an acceptance from Beauvoir. Yes, some kids from NPS do go to STA/NCS each year - but you have to acknowledge that almost all of them are siblings, legacies or have some other connection or inroad that you may not be aware of. I have seen that year after year at NPS - particularly for STA - and stand by that comment.

+1 Getting into STA from other schools is a crapshoot. It could happen, but more likely it might not.

With our first, there were only 8 non-Beauvoir spots in C Form (4th grade). The class size is 45, but the number of openings depends on how many Beauvoir boys get accepted and decide to attend STA.
B Form admits kids only through attrition.
A Form about 10
Form I about 10
Form II attrition
Form III about 25

About 80-85% of the Beauvoir boys who apply are accepted to STA and similar stars for NCS. Outplacement to other schools is also excellent. My DD wanted co-ed and went from Beauvoir to Sidwell, but was also accepted at GDS and NCS.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for all these thoughtful responses! We have decided to go with Beauvoir!

Congratulations, OP, to you and your DC!

Thank you for all these thoughtful responses! We have decided to go with Beauvoir!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP, the above post is correct. If you are interested in Cathedral school, it’s really hard to get into them even from NPS. NCS is easier but STA is really really hard even if the child is spectacular kid. Many legacies are in NPS, too. I didn’t understand this before we started, but we observe that majority of STA admits from NPS are legacies/siblings, or really well connected families.

If you want other schools, then go with NPS. It has decent placement, but harder for boys.

Good luck!

As many pointed out, socially speaking the two schools are more similar than different.

The last few years several girls from NPS has been accepted to NCS from NPS and turned it down. So not quite sure "it's hard" to get into NCS from NPS and several boys have been accepted and gone to STA.

You're missing the point.

It will never be as easy for OP's family to get into the Cathedral schools as it is now, with an acceptance from Beauvoir. Yes, some kids from NPS do go to STA/NCS each year - but you have to acknowledge that almost all of them are siblings, legacies or have some other connection or inroad that you may not be aware of. I have seen that year after year at NPS - particularly for STA - and stand by that comment.

Not every NPS child wants to go to a Cathedral School by the time they are in 6th grade. Plenty cast their eyes elsewhere, but those who do have a very good shot and are fully supported in the process.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP, the above post is correct. If you are interested in Cathedral school, it’s really hard to get into them even from NPS. NCS is easier but STA is really really hard even if the child is spectacular kid. Many legacies are in NPS, too. I didn’t understand this before we started, but we observe that majority of STA admits from NPS are legacies/siblings, or really well connected families.

If you want other schools, then go with NPS. It has decent placement, but harder for boys.

Good luck!

As many pointed out, socially speaking the two schools are more similar than different.

The last few years several girls from NPS has been accepted to NCS from NPS and turned it down. So not quite sure "it's hard" to get into NCS from NPS and several boys have been accepted and gone to STA.

You're missing the point.

It will never be as easy for OP's family to get into the Cathedral schools as it is now, with an acceptance from Beauvoir. Yes, some kids from NPS do go to STA/NCS each year - but you have to acknowledge that almost all of them are siblings, legacies or have some other connection or inroad that you may not be aware of. I have seen that year after year at NPS - particularly for STA - and stand by that comment.

The way DCPS is going; lock that in

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP, the above post is correct. If you are interested in Cathedral school, it’s really hard to get into them even from NPS. NCS is easier but STA is really really hard even if the child is spectacular kid. Many legacies are in NPS, too. I didn’t understand this before we started, but we observe that majority of STA admits from NPS are legacies/siblings, or really well connected families.

If you want other schools, then go with NPS. It has decent placement, but harder for boys.

Good luck!

As many pointed out, socially speaking the two schools are more similar than different.

The last few years several girls from NPS has been accepted to NCS from NPS and turned it down. So not quite sure "it's hard" to get into NCS from NPS and several boys have been accepted and gone to STA.

You're missing the point.

It will never be as easy for OP's family to get into the Cathedral schools as it is now, with an acceptance from Beauvoir. Yes, some kids from NPS do go to STA/NCS each year - but you have to acknowledge that almost all of them are siblings, legacies or have some other connection or inroad that you may not be aware of. I have seen that year after year at NPS - particularly for STA - and stand by that comment.

Our two kids graduated from NPS recently. I felt the academic program was stellar. We really saw how each year spiraled up from the last. Our kids are very different in personality and learning style, and NPS was able to foster a love of learning in both of them. By the time the kids are in 6th grade, they are comfortable speaking in front of audiences and with adults. NPS coached them with multiple mock interviews, so that they weren't nervous when they actually interviewed with the admissions team at the new schools. The 6th grade outplacement is incredible- something I didn't pay attention to when we were looking at schools (it seemed like such a far-off time for my little kiddos). They really supported the parents in finding the right school for each child, and they advocate for each child at every school he/she applys to- and the results speak for themselves. Both years when we had 6th graders, multiple children were accepted to NCS/STA and H-A/Landon, as well as Maret, Sidwell, Field, St Andrews, and Bullis to name a few. All of the kids appeared to have multiple acceptances and were able to choose the school that fit them best. I really love their focus on the "decade of childhood." We felt like NPS really emphasized sleep, playing with friends, and time off with family over homework. And when they did have homework, it made sense and did not seem like busywork. Both of my kids are attending "Big 3"schools are flourishing. And they have NPS friends at many other schools who are flourishing as well. So I am completely happy with our experience at NPS. I cant speak to Beauvoir, but I'm sure they are excellent as well. It just seemed that 3rd grade was too young to be making a decision about high school for us.

Anonymous wrote:NP, the above post is correct. If you are interested in Cathedral school, it’s really hard to get into them even from NPS. NCS is easier but STA is really really hard even if the child is spectacular kid. Many legacies are in NPS, too. I didn’t understand this before we started, but we observe that majority of STA admits from NPS are legacies/siblings, or really well connected families.

If you want other schools, then go with NPS. It has decent placement, but harder for boys.

Good luck!

As many pointed out, socially speaking the two schools are more similar than different.

The last few years several girls from NPS has been accepted to NCS from NPS and turned it down. So not quite sure "it's hard" to get into NCS from NPS and several boys have been accepted and gone to STA.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Current BVR parent - if your child needs any extra support it is on the parent to drive that support. Many parents do not even realize their child needs extra support until they leave either. The administration is always at an arms length and generally cold. It is for sure a more conservative parent community than the others as well. In third grade the parent is still driving the outplacement - something to be said about letting them be a kid for as long as possible, iron out weaknesses and having them get into the school they want/need.

Parents have multiple teacher conferences with reports. You'd know if your child needs support.

+1

The reports are incredibly detailed. If you don’t know, you’re not listening.

Driving the needed support for your child and being told they need the support are different things.

Private schools generally aren’t driving support. That’s not how they’re set up, for better or worse.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Current BVR parent - if your child needs any extra support it is on the parent to drive that support. Many parents do not even realize their child needs extra support until they leave either. The administration is always at an arms length and generally cold. It is for sure a more conservative parent community than the others as well. In third grade the parent is still driving the outplacement - something to be said about letting them be a kid for as long as possible, iron out weaknesses and having them get into the school they want/need.

Parents have multiple teacher conferences with reports. You'd know if your child needs support.

+1

The reports are incredibly detailed. If you don’t know, you’re not listening.

Driving the needed support for your child and being told they need the support are different things.