I think it speaks volumes about a person's character when they direct deeply personal attacks towards identifiable people on a forum designed to inform and support parents and families in making educated decisions regarding their children, and do so anonymously. At least attach your name to your attacks if you're going to speak with such certainty, recklessness, and anger. The fact that the experiences captured in this thread are varied and not unanimously negative should tell you all you need to know about the comments of those who choose to use this thread as a virtual axe grinder. In my experiences with independent schools, family experiences often vary based on specific circumstances involving a given family, and not the gross incompetence of publicly identifiable people who somehow remain in their positions despite their gross incompetence. The ease with which attacks in this thread have been made and the fact that experiences like these are found nowhere else but in this thread should say all anyone would need to know about the objectivity on display here.

One issue with McLean is that its hybrid nature means it attracts a large range of kids who need something more than they can get at other schools. The parents have high hopes that this is the niche school for their child and often it is. But if the needs of the child are too great the school won't be able to meet those needs and then the parents feel let down and angry because they specifically chose the school for that reason. I've seen it over and over again. A student has needs McLean can't meet (perhaps they take risks in admissions) and the parents feel betrayed and angry. The school is by no means perfect. We left because of the small social dynamic becoming problematic. But as a former McLean parent who is not uncritical, I've seen many angry posts here from parents whose kids probably should not have been there in the first place (not blaming them, they didn't know that especially if the school offers admissions to that child). For the kids in the sweet spot, parents are deeply appreciative. I know in my DS' former class, few students have left in the last few years.