Anonymous wrote:On our tour this year, I noticed that Potomac had something misspelled on a LS class poster -- one that was made by a teacher and on permanent display to show the rules of the class. (Something like it is a "privelege" to be in the class.) So I am not sure that whether every word is properly spelled is the complete measure of the school.

And one of their busses used to have a label that misspelled Capitol Hill (Capital). I think they changed it recently with the fancy new bus signage.

I have visited Bullis and like it -- from the perspective of a bright child with diverse interests (incl. academics/science, sports and arts).

From my observation, I consider Bullis a first-rate school, with great teachers, strong curriculum, fantastic facilities and a great atmosphere all around.

Some PPs seem to suggest that Bullis should be considered "second tier" because the majority of the brightest students in DC prefer the specific 2-3 private schools in DC and hence the kids in Bullis are more "average" and not all "super bright".

I beg to differ. As long as the school gives the kids the best possible opportunity and support to develop their full potential across fields, it is a first-rate school regardless of how many "bright" and "average" kids there are.

Note: My kid is not in Bullis, but I just hate the way Bullis is treated on DCUM just because of some kind of DC-snobbery.

On our tour this year, I noticed that Potomac had something misspelled on a LS class poster -- one that was made by a teacher and on permanent display to show the rules of the class. (Something like it is a "privelege" to be in the class.) So I am not sure that whether every word is properly spelled is the complete measure of the school.

Oops...I meant to say the BULLIS teacher. (Perhaps mistakes on this particular thread are infectious.)

Anonymous wrote:Considering that you misspelled the words "misspelled", "blackboard" and "accepted"--not to mention failed to capitalize the names "Landon" and "Bullis"--I'm surprised that you weren't more forgiving of the Landon school teacher.

Anonymous wrote:Have to agree that Bullis does not belong in this list. when we looked at bullis 5 years ago we were not impressed with the faculty at all. Teacher turnover was 20% per year, teachers were called by their first names and one teacher even had something mispelled on their blackboars. The rigor of the work and the teacher quality did not compare to landon where our dc ended up. BTW, the teacher turnover was mentioned atthe accpeted parents day by the head of the school.

Considering that you misspelled the words "misspelled", "blackboard" and "accepted"--not to mention failed to capitalize the names "Landon" and "Bullis"--I'm surprised that you weren't more forgiving of the Landon school teacher.

Anonymous wrote:Have to agree that Bullis does not belong in this list. when we looked at bullis 5 years ago we were not impressed with the faculty at all. Teacher turnover was 20% per year, teachers were called by their first names and one teacher even had something mispelled on their blackboars. The rigor of the work and the teacher quality did not compare to landon where our dc ended up. BTW, the teacher turnover was mentioned atthe accpeted parents day by the head of the school.

Bullis parent here -- students do not call teachers by their first names, however some parents and teachers develop rapports that graviate to first names, but usually after their children have completed the academic year.
15:07 -- all of us make mistakes in spelling. (If you reread your post you might find one.) Teacher turnover is tied to an evaluation system that asks weaker performing teachers to move on, but most often teachers move on to persue full time graduate degrees in education. Bullis actively recruits vibrant young teachers knowing that they may only be there 4-5 years.

Even I can't spell. I meant accepted!

Have to agree that Bullis does not belong in this list. when we looked at bullis 5 years ago we were not impressed with the faculty at all. Teacher turnover was 20% per year, teachers were called by their first names and one teacher even had something mispelled on their blackboars. The rigor of the work and the teacher quality did not compare to landon where our dc ended up. BTW, the teacher turnover was mentioned atthe accpeted parents day by the head of the school.

Perhaps, but it is a really great school for your above average to very strong child. AP and honors classes are rigorous. The majority of students are enrolled in these courses.

Bullis is a really nice school for your average suburban kid. It's a lovely school, but it simply does not attract the same student body as the more elite schools do.

Anonymous wrote:St. Albans should be on your list and Gtown Prep. I would not include Bullis.

I think Bullis is a better choice for a 9 year old than Gtown Prep (which starts at 9th grade).

OP, I loved Bullis when I looked for my son. I suspect that if your child is a strong contender for Sidwell etc . . . , he won't have difficulty getting into Bullis.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Don't discount Bullis just because people on these threads don't hold it in high esteem. One of the joys of Bullis is that those types of families aren't there.

Doubtful. You just don't get laid back don't care, just want my children to have a good education anywhere in Potomac.

Translation please.

Anonymous wrote:Agree PP. The only school listed that is second tier here is Bullis. One person seems to be a big Bullis booster...it may even be OP who is trying to put Bullis in the same breath as the others when it is for kids who are more average. The grades and test scores needed to get into Bullis are lower. I know because my kid applied to most of these schools. We kept getting cards from Bullis students trying to get her to go there.

Diversity is a core value at Bullis - including academic diversity. Therefore, Bullis accomodates students at different academic skill levels, just as they accomodate students with varying talents in the arts and athletics. I think it's a great life skill to learn how to work with people with varying skill sets. My child has been at Bullis since 3rd grade too. Just took the SATs and got a 700 or better on all three tests. Not bad for a "second tier" school. While most of you haven't been looking, Bullis has developed into an outstanding school.

RE: why I value Bullis:
The teachers at each grade level give an appropriate level of support to each child as he/she needs it, while at the same time guiding the child to success in and out of the classroom. Bullis students are great writers and critical thinkers who strive to achieve their personal best, which for me are the hallmarks of a great education -- and Bullis achieves this with every student, just not the ones who scored99.9% in the early years. The teachers are great role models in the arts center, on the playing fields, and leading myriad community service activitie . Students at Bullis are well balanced and kind to each other. You really must visit and talk with the faculty and principals at each division level to get a true sense of the community.

Anonymous wrote: Don't discount Bullis just because people on these threads don't hold it in high esteem. One of the joys of Bullis is that those types of families aren't there.

Doubtful. You just don't get laid back don't care, just want my children to have a good education anywhere in Potomac.