Our child goes to WES and loves it. No complaints here.

PP, our family hasn't found the school parents to be cliquish at all.

We've never invited another family over and been declined. We've never asked for a playdate and been declined. We've never found it difficult to strike up a conversation with people we don't know at school parties. In our children's grades, there is exactly one family that I find annoyingly shallow and entitled. They aren't popular at the school; they are the exception; and, their child is sweet and incredibly smart.

I don't know what kind of chip that one poster is carrying around. It's really weird to read those kind of comments about such a low-key place. It just doesn't ring true.

How are the parents "cliquish"? By neighborhood? Church? Country club? Aren't most families from Bethesda and well to do?

what is said:

"Our Episcopal mission is to provide a loving, caring place for children of all faiths to explore, create, and learn. We try to make our students aware that as they grow and develop individually, they will also have the opportunity to help others through community service."

what is meant"
"We are tolerant of bad behavior and won't do anything to those who pay their tuition"

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm so happy to have happened across this forum. As a WES parent, I feel vindicated. I see my initial thoughts about the school, which I have been keeping bottled up inside all school year, are true. WES claims to be a "nurturing" school, but that cannot be any further from the truth. There is indeed bullying, only it's a little more covert than the cases you hear in the media. The children can be overly pretentious, bossy and mean-spirited to any child that doesn't exactly fit the "WES Way." My daughter is very eccentric, extremely outgoing and unfortunately has parents who don't exactly have a million dollar income -- those children spotted her a mile away. Unfortunately, the teachers and administrators can get caught up in elitist behaviors too. They definitely cater to and stroke the more wealthier families (and their children, no matter how ill-mannered they may be). These are things I observed this year as a first-time WES parent. For months I struggled with talking to other parents to see if I was crazy or my feelings were actually true. The sad thing is WES parents are extremely clique-ish. If you're not part of the club, forget about it. It's very much a good ole boy environment. Just one parent's opinion.

"Pretentious, bossy and mean-spirited". Yes, that is exactly what we experienced at WES. Please note throughout this message board that everyone tacitly admits that all the classes thin out or there is almost 100% turnover but no one asks "why?" That is not the norm at other solid pre/K-8 grade schools. Parents leave because they can. Those that can't place out, stay. The school does not counsel out the disturbed, so that each year's class is formed around separating the particularly difficult children instead of simply counseling them out. WES cannot afford to counsel anyone out. Students leave ASAP and the school cannot fill all the slots so the classes get sparse in the latter years and it is the oddball students or those who could not place out who are left in the remaining tiny 8th grade class. This school is simply not worth the money. If it was, wouldn't the 8th grade class be full? Why is everyone leaving? (obnoxious third and fifth grade teachers and "pretentious, bossy and mean-spirited" students). Or get in and get as quickly as possible as everyone else has. No way is it nurturing. That's their cover ("Be Kind" really?) for its peculiar punitive nature because it wants so hard to be a feeder to ncs/STA but isn't. I wouldn't call it "good ole boy" school but it certainly is clique-ish, both on the parent and child levels, and parents (mothers) are expected to really donate time. The school is also confused over WHAT it is because of its name. Note, not a single poster asked if it is Christian (no), Episcopalian (no - not affiliated with any local parish) or what? What is its mission? It doesn't know. WES is simply not worth the money when there are so many other options in DC and MD.

Here is a quote from Mr. Kirk Duncan's latest communication which I am happy to share concerning the mission of the school: "Our Episcopal mission is to provide a loving, caring place for children of all faiths to explore, create, and learn. We try to make our students aware that as they grow and develop individually, they will also have the opportunity to help others through community service."

Bump.

What's wrong with the 3rd and 5th grade teachers?

I agree with the last two posts. Correct info about the 3rd and 5th grade teachers, feeder school into NCS/STA (not), the no child counseled out and all children taken in unspoken policy.
My children left and most of their friends left. Big turnover at WES after 2nd grade. If you don't believe the comments, ask admissions for numbers and see what happens. WES is a good school for some kids, but that is a very small niche.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm so happy to have happened across this forum. As a WES parent, I feel vindicated. I see my initial thoughts about the school, which I have been keeping bottled up inside all school year, are true. WES claims to be a "nurturing" school, but that cannot be any further from the truth. There is indeed bullying, only it's a little more covert than the cases you hear in the media. The children can be overly pretentious, bossy and mean-spirited to any child that doesn't exactly fit the "WES Way." My daughter is very eccentric, extremely outgoing and unfortunately has parents who don't exactly have a million dollar income -- those children spotted her a mile away. Unfortunately, the teachers and administrators can get caught up in elitist behaviors too. They definitely cater to and stroke the more wealthier families (and their children, no matter how ill-mannered they may be). These are things I observed this year as a first-time WES parent. For months I struggled with talking to other parents to see if I was crazy or my feelings were actually true. The sad thing is WES parents are extremely clique-ish. If you're not part of the club, forget about it. It's very much a good ole boy environment. Just one parent's opinion.

"Pretentious, bossy and mean-spirited". Yes, that is exactly what we experienced at WES. Please note throughout this message board that everyone tacitly admits that all the classes thin out or there is almost 100% turnover but no one asks "why?" That is not the norm at other solid pre/K-8 grade schools. Parents leave because they can. Those that can't place out, stay. The school does not counsel out the disturbed, so that each year's class is formed around separating the particularly difficult children instead of simply counseling them out. WES cannot afford to counsel anyone out. Students leave ASAP and the school cannot fill all the slots so the classes get sparse in the latter years and it is the oddball students or those who could not place out who are left in the remaining tiny 8th grade class. This school is simply not worth the money. If it was, wouldn't the 8th grade class be full? Why is everyone leaving? (obnoxious third and fifth grade teachers and "pretentious, bossy and mean-spirited" students). Or get in and get as quickly as possible as everyone else has. No way is it nurturing. That's their cover ("Be Kind" really?) for its peculiar punitive nature because it wants so hard to be a feeder to ncs/STA but isn't. I wouldn't call it "good ole boy" school but it certainly is clique-ish, both on the parent and child levels, and parents (mothers) are expected to really donate time. The school is also confused over WHAT it is because of its name. Note, not a single poster asked if it is Christian (no), Episcopalian (no - not affiliated with any local parish) or what? What is its mission? It doesn't know. WES is simply not worth the money when there are so many other options in DC and MD.

Sad, but true. I pulled my DS out. The school was not worth the money and we weren't impressed by the parent community. Very cliquish all around.

Anonymous wrote:I'm so happy to have happened across this forum. As a WES parent, I feel vindicated. I see my initial thoughts about the school, which I have been keeping bottled up inside all school year, are true. WES claims to be a "nurturing" school, but that cannot be any further from the truth. There is indeed bullying, only it's a little more covert than the cases you hear in the media. The children can be overly pretentious, bossy and mean-spirited to any child that doesn't exactly fit the "WES Way." My daughter is very eccentric, extremely outgoing and unfortunately has parents who don't exactly have a million dollar income -- those children spotted her a mile away. Unfortunately, the teachers and administrators can get caught up in elitist behaviors too. They definitely cater to and stroke the more wealthier families (and their children, no matter how ill-mannered they may be). These are things I observed this year as a first-time WES parent. For months I struggled with talking to other parents to see if I was crazy or my feelings were actually true. The sad thing is WES parents are extremely clique-ish. If you're not part of the club, forget about it. It's very much a good ole boy environment. Just one parent's opinion.

"Pretentious, bossy and mean-spirited". Yes, that is exactly what we experienced at WES. Please note throughout this message board that everyone tacitly admits that all the classes thin out or there is almost 100% turnover but no one asks "why?" That is not the norm at other solid pre/K-8 grade schools. Parents leave because they can. Those that can't place out, stay. The school does not counsel out the disturbed, so that each year's class is formed around separating the particularly difficult children instead of simply counseling them out. WES cannot afford to counsel anyone out. Students leave ASAP and the school cannot fill all the slots so the classes get sparse in the latter years and it is the oddball students or those who could not place out who are left in the remaining tiny 8th grade class. This school is simply not worth the money. If it was, wouldn't the 8th grade class be full? Why is everyone leaving? (obnoxious third and fifth grade teachers and "pretentious, bossy and mean-spirited" students). Or get in and get as quickly as possible as everyone else has. No way is it nurturing. That's their cover ("Be Kind" really?) for its peculiar punitive nature because it wants so hard to be a feeder to ncs/STA but isn't. I wouldn't call it "good ole boy" school but it certainly is clique-ish, both on the parent and child levels, and parents (mothers) are expected to really donate time. The school is also confused over WHAT it is because of its name. Note, not a single poster asked if it is Christian (no), Episcopalian (no - not affiliated with any local parish) or what? What is its mission? It doesn't know. WES is simply not worth the money when there are so many other options in DC and MD.

Anonymous wrote:13:09, is WES good for really active boys? Not abnormally active, but high energy?

WES has been good for our active boys. They started their days with recess on the playground during transition and kindergarten, and had (and continue to have) loads of other movement, PE, recess time built in at intervals throughout their day. But as they've grown, they've learned more self-control and about how to be respectful and to sit still at appropriate times. That's a good thing, in my book.

I agree with a PP in her response about the reasons to create a 3rd class for 2nd grade this last year. That class is known for being a great group of kids, and the parents are super friendly.

Anonymous wrote:Yes! My boy came from a play based preschool and made the transition easily. He is also very active. Up until 4th grade they have pe or movement 4 times per week. Recess everyday. Almost all the specials are in other classrooms so they don't have to stay in one classroom all day. In 5th grade they start competitive sports which is 4 days a week. They are able to move throughout the day. Because math and reading is broken up into smaller groups, some as small as 6, active boys are challenged and do not have an opportunity to get lost in the shuffle. They want to participate, no chance to sit in the back, get lost or bored.

Thank you. How recess time to do they have each day?

Yes! My boy came from a play based preschool and made the transition easily. He is also very active. Up until 4th grade they have pe or movement 4 times per week. Recess everyday. Almost all the specials are in other classrooms so they don't have to stay in one classroom all day. In 5th grade they start competitive sports which is 4 days a week. They are able to move throughout the day. Because math and reading is broken up into smaller groups, some as small as 6, active boys are challenged and do not have an opportunity to get lost in the shuffle. They want to participate, no chance to sit in the back, get lost or bored.

13:09, is WES good for really active boys? Not abnormally active, but high energy?

Anonymous wrote:The second grade class was expanded this year,but the goal of that expansion was to fill the seats. It hasn't worked and is a money drain on WES. Something done under the watchful eye of the last Head of School.

This is not true. the second grade was expanded b/c there were more than 18 children in a section in 1st grade. This is a big happy class with very few students leaving. There will be three sections next year as well for them.

My children have been at WES for many years. They are very happy. By August, they are asking when they can go back. (this is not a joke, and you couldn't have paid me enough to go back to school when I was a kid) The school is inclusive and has a lot of diversity. My children are very active and have never been made to feel badly or embarrassed. In our experience, if there is a social problem within the class, it is handled sensitively and quickly. The teachers, school counselor, students and parents work as a team.

This is not a snobby group of people. They are friendly and welcoming. We do not make huge donations to the school and have never been made to feel as if we do not measure up. There are many ways parents can get involved, and are encouraged by the entire staff. I am often on campus and am always struck by how welcoming the teachers and students are. This is not the kind of school where you worry that you may be run over in the carpool line.

The school is traditional. If you want your 10 year old to call her teacher by their first name, this is not the place for you. Homework is assigned to reinforce what they have learned during the day. My kids get most of it done during optional after school study hall, the long term projects are done at home. Math and reading are divided by ability but students change tracks as they grow and learn. Cursive is taught in the 3rd grade as well as reading music and the recorder. In 4th grade, students join the band. Throughout their time at WES, kids have many opportunities to speak in public. They also, have many school trips, including Utah, Italy and Spain/France, all of which are included in the tuition.

The new head has made a smooth transition. He visits all the classrooms and the kids greet him every morning during drop off. He is very accessible and has been a good leader.

These kids stay young, become independent learners, and treat each other and their school with respect. The nice little people you see at home are the same at school. No school is perfect but we are very happy.