Yes! I agree with the above poster. It is upsetting to see beloved teachers leave but that happens at every single school. Holton is a fantastic environment. The arts are top. The stem is amazing. The fact that these girls really are made to learn to write is a blessing. It is a privilege to attend the school.

+1

Parent of an 11th grader. The quality of education is truly impressive. Tons of emphasis on writing that turned our DD into a competent and creative writer. Teacher support before and after school that has enabled her to build relationships with her teachers in a meaningful way. Opportunities to innovate and initiate with school support at all levels. The school offers a perfect balance between emphasis on the arts and STEM. We have found the parents to be welcoming and open. No clue about woke v. non-woke - these are bright girls getting an excellent education; my sense is that political leanings isn't the stuff of conversation/interaction. To keep it real, though, we are frustrated by the loss of the high level French teacher, hoping they find a replacement (for the replacement) soon. We have zero regrets about Holton and recognize clearly the superior education our daughter is getting.

Anonymous wrote:
HA went way too woke several years ago, and itpissed off some heavy donors who refused to send their daughters there.

Penny has pushed out several left-wing freak shows that basically were clocking in and clocking out.

We are now strongly considering it for our DD.

The phrase “left-wing freak shows” tells you all you need to know about the Holton parent community.

Anonymous wrote:My US student is generally happy there, but that's despite the current leadership. With respect to academics, I am grateful to the school for educating my child well. I am trying to roll with the myriad changes and staff/faculty turnover. If my child were younger, I would seriously consider transferring schools.

Another current Holton parent with roughly the same answer as the above, though the quality of the education is dropping quickly as teachers and others leave and the administration seems more focused on fundraising than educating. If I had a younger child I would definitely not make the same choice.

I agree, but it's far easier to get to the truth of it without getting the sales pitch.

I think the best thing you can do is visit the school and see for yourself. It's really difficult to count on feedback made through an anonymous forum from people who are afraid of change.

Anonymous wrote:No. Than I — than I do! Not me do!

+1. Than I.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:sorry for being inarticulate ! LOL!
my daughter has learned to write much better than I ..
the English department is top notch (compared to what my other child received at another DC private) and her love for science is a result of the teaching and resources at Holton. Please post any specific questions here. We adore Holton-Arms

Than ME.

Yep.

LOL

“…my daughter has learned to write much better than I (am able to write)”

It’s a common error and no big deal except when you incorrectly call someone else out for avoiding it

No. Than I — than I do! Not me do!

Anonymous wrote:sorry for being inarticulate ! LOL!
my daughter has learned to write much better than I ..
the English department is top notch (compared to what my other child received at another DC private) and her love for science is a result of the teaching and resources at Holton. Please post any specific questions here. We adore Holton-Arms

Than ME.

Yep.

Anonymous wrote:How do you know? Are you a current parent? If you’re so unhappy, why are you still there? Many many girls would die to have the spot. We love holton and all of our daughters friends are incredibly happy and are getting a top notch education.

Yes, current parent. Two daughters. Younger one is close to finishing HS. Can compare over time. Several fantastic language teachers (Spanish, French, Latin) left last year.

How do you know? Are you a current parent? If you’re so unhappy, why are you still there? Many many girls would die to have the spot. We love holton and all of our daughters friends are incredibly happy and are getting a top notch education.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:we have been very happy with the Spanish department. I can't speak to the other languages. They offer regular language classes as well as opportunities for spoken language.
Languages are taught well. I would say the science and English departments are exceptional

You lost credibility with me after this comment. The current level of Spanish instruction is nothing like it used to be even a few years ago.

+1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:we have been very happy with the Spanish department. I can't speak to the other languages. They offer regular language classes as well as opportunities for spoken language.
Languages are taught well. I would say the science and English departments are exceptional

You lost credibility with me after this comment. The current level of Spanish instruction is nothing like it used to be even a few years ago.

Are the homework in lower school on laptops or sheets? When I toured the school, I was very pleased to see the policy on cell phones.