Contents
FEATURES SCHOOL PROFILES 3 School Travel Programs Provide 6 Washington Christian Academy Extraordinary Learning Experiences 8 Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School 5 Different Schools for Those Who 1 0 The Brookewood School Learn Differently 1 1 Echelon Academy 7 Nature as Teacher THE LIST 1 2 Service Learning Opens Students’ Eyes to Others’ Needs 18 The Ultimate Directory of Private Schools in Montgomery County On the Cover Students at The Siena School in Silver Spring. Cover photo courtesy of The Siena School
Private Schools is published by The Gazette, adivisionof Post-Newsweek Media, Inc., 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 |301-948-3120.It is produced by its Special Sections, Advertising and Creative Services departments.
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Dyslexia •LanguageDisabilities •ADHD Anxiety •AcademicSkills Disorders Rolling Admissions “Every student is granted the same chance to excel” 1821895 301-570-0999 www.echelonacademy.com 900 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 1821898
2 | Private Schools | Special supplement to The Gazette August 2011 BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON
veryone learns in their ownway.Some rely more heavily on visual images to absorb information; others Art students need to hear verbal explanations; and then there are those who prefer physical exploration. Some students from The Siena School sketch are analytic,while othersare intuitive. Some like concrete examples; othersare drawn to the abstract.While sculptor Philip most are able to succeed in atraditional classroom setting,some benefit greatly from programs thatuse a Haas' Winter multisensoryapproach. Several schools in MontgomeryCounty cater to nontraditional thinkers, some— (After Arcimboldo) E during afield trip butcertainly not all—of whom have learning disabilities or attention issues. to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The Nora School (est. 1964) Mullen said. “Most importantly,kids here are The Siena School (est. 2006) “There is no typical kid here,”said Dave known and have avoice.” With 75 students in grades 4through 12, Mullen, head of school at The Nora School At Nora, students are encouraged to step The Siena School in Silver Spring incorporates in Silver Spring,“butwhatthey all have in outside their comfort zones.Atsome point in multisensorylearning into its curriculum. common is thatthey are bright and college- their high school career, students playona “Using all fivesenses makes things more vivid school athletic team.They also performcom- bound.”With 60 enrolled in grades 9through for akid, more real,”said ClayKaufman, co- munity service once amonth. “Students get to head of school. “For example, if we’restudying 12, Nora provides an enriched educational knoweach other and their teachersindifferent theVietnamWar, we’ll bring in guest speakers environment “for students with learning dis- ways when they’re not in the classroom,”said to talk about their experiences, watch amovie abilities, those with special needs who don’t Mullen. or video,create art, and take afield trip to the need ahigh level of service, or kids from big Afive-minute walk from the Silver Spring VietnamVeterans Memorial to see the wall and PHOTOBYELI TURNER public schools who were getting lost in the STUDIOS, COURTESY OF Metro station, Nora sends students on field talk to people.We wouldn’tjust read aspeech TLC-THE TREATMENT AND shuffle.”The school’ssize precludes cliques trips to historical and cultural sites such as the in abook, we’d watch it.” LEARNING CENTERS or self-segregation, Mullen said. Corcoran GalleryofArt,Newseum and Arena In addition to monthly field trips, Siena— Katherine Thomas Small class sizes of six to 10 students allow Stage.Wednesdayassemblies feature guest which caterstostudents with mild to moderate School offers teachersto“get to knowstudents as individu- speakersorinteresting activities thatbuild on language-based learning differences, such as occupational and als—their strengths, weaknesses and passions,” whatstudents are learning. < DIFFERENT LEARNERS, continued on 40> physical therapy.
August 2011 Private Schools | Special supplement to The Gazette 5 -Open House: Saturday,Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-noon -Uniforms required. ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL -Known for (according to website) -Accredited by Middle States Association of Nurturing learning community,with Friends Colleges and Schools; Sacred Heart Network testimonies and meeting for worship being -Open Houses: Sunday,Oct. 16, 1-4 p.m. (upper central to student life and vitality school); Friday,Nov.11, 9a.m. (all school); Challenging academic curriculum, enriched arts Wednesday,Dec. 7, 9a.m. (all school); program, inclusive athletics and service Thursday,Jan. 12, 9a.m. (all school) opportunities that promote intellectual excellence and strength of character -Known for: Spencerville Adventist Academy Faculty that provides aholistic learning environment that challenges girls at each Co-ed grade and developmental level 2502 Spencerville Road, Spencerville 20868 Fostering acommunity environment where all 301-421-9101; www.spencervilleacademy.org students are encouraged to become leaders and where they feel astrong sense of family -Seventh Day Adventist Emphasizing an active faith life and -Uniforms required commitment to social justice -$14,000, grades 9-12; $11,050, grades K-8; sibling discount Washington Christian Academy -Known for (according to website): Co-ed Challenging students, staff and community to 16227 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney 20832 achieve excellence 240-390-0429; www.washingtonchristian.org Curricula that motivates students to reach their -Christian full potential in the pursuit of excellence and to -Need-based financial aid Sandy Spring Friends School think for themselves rather than to reflect -$16,898, grades 9-12; $15,498, grades 6-8; $13,998, grades K-5; $6,999, half-day K -Accredited by Middle States Association of Co-ed others’ thoughts Colleges and SecondarySchools; Association of 16923 Norwood Road, -Need-based financialaid Independent Maryland Schools Stone Ridge School of the SandySpring 20860 Sacred Heart -Uniforms required -Open Houses: Friday,Nov.11(upper school); 301-774-7455; www.ssfs.org -Open Houses: Monday,Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m.; Friday,Nov.18(lower school); Saturday,Dec. 3 Girls Friday,Nov.11, 9:30 a.m. (upper school); Saturday,Dec. 10 (lower school) -Quaker 9101 Rockville Pike, Bethesda 20814 -Known for (according to website): -Known for (according to website): -$50,700, grades 9-12 boarding 7-days; 301-657-4322; www.stoneridge.org $40,500, grades 9-12, boarding 5-days; -Catholic Encouraging faith and critical thinking Comprehensive coeducational college preparatory $27,500 grades 9-12, day only; $24,800, program offered in an inclusive environment Academically serious schooling in the historic grades 6-8; $22,400, grades 1-5; $19,900, -$25,200, grades 9-12; $22,750, grades 7-8; Reformed tradition that embodies the faith of the Episcopal Church kindergarten;$450-$625 books/fees; $100- $21,400, grades 5-6; $20,250, grades K-4 Programs that serve students of varied interests $2,800,upper school Intersession program fee County-designated rural location that provides and abilities who are capable of achievement in -Need-based financial aid. Merit scholarships unique learning opportunities -Need-based financial aid available. achallenging academic environment < see next page>
An Episcopal Preschool where your child can experience the joyoflearning in anurturing enviroment that reflects God’s love. OPEN HOUSEDATES October 12, 2011 November 16, 2011 December 7, 2012 January 11,2012 January 18, 2012 All dates are scheduled for10a.m. •Ages1-4 •Christian Values •Professional Staff•Half-Day Programs •Creative Curriculum •2,3,5Days aWeek •Afternoon Enrichment for Pre K (301) 654-2488, x233 www.preschool.allsaintschurch.net 316 3Chevy Chase Circle •Chevy Chase, MD 20815 1820
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August 2011 Private Schools | Special supplement to The Gazette 21 -Accredited by Middle States Association of 9727 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring 20910 Encouraging cooperative work with other Colleges and Schools; Association of students of various ages, and enabling each THE BULLIS SCHOOL 301-592-0567; www.thesienaschool.org Independent Maryland Schools child to learn at the child’s own pace, free from competition, under-stimulation and anxiety -Open House: Sunday, Nov. 6, 2:30-5 p.m. -Language-based learning differences school -Known for (according to website): -$31,148, grades 9-12; $29,806, grades 4-8 T h e C h i l d r e n ’ s L e a r n i n g C e n t e r Grades K-5 Education not only of the mind, but of the soul -Need-based financial aid. Distributes about 15 and spirit percent of its tuition income each year in grants Co-ed covering up to 75 percent of tuition/fees. Rigorous traditional academics, the fine and 4511 Bestor Drive, Rockville 20853 performing arts, athletics -Tours available every Wednesday at 9a.m. 301-871-6600; www.clcmd.org W e l c o m i n g young women of diverse back- -Known for (according to website): -$1,570 per month for elementary school grounds in asettingwhere they can take risks, Program for bright, college-bound students who -Known for (according to website): learn from mistakes, pursue opportunities for are challenged by language-based learning leadership and build lifelong friendships Flexibility, its size and resources, and its differences, such as dyslexia dedication to individualized education L a n d o n S c h o o l Focus on student’s individual learning strengths Developmentally appropriate curriculum that helps educate children through fun and play Boys Highly individualized instructional attention and 6101 Wilson Lane, Bethesda 20817 use of research-based and multisensory C o n c o r d H i l l S c h o o l 301-320-1067; www.landon.net instructional techniques Grades K-3 -$31,027, grades 6-12; $29,935, grades 3-5 Co-ed -Need-based financial aid. Elementary Schools 6050 Wisconsin Av e. , C h e v y Chase 20815 -Dress code A c a d e m y o f t h e C h i l d M o n t e s s o r i 301-654-2626; www.concordhill.org -$22,038 -Open House: Sunday, Nov. 6, 2-5 p.m. S c h o o l Grades K-6 -Accredited by Association of Independent -Known for (according to website): Maryland Schools Co-ed -Known for (according to website): Committed faculty with an average experience 19711 Wa t e r s Road, Germantown 20874 Holton-Arms S c h o o l level of 18 years Educating the whole child—academically, 301-601-0991; www.academyofthechild.com Girls Challenging academics, daily arts and athletics, socially, physically and emotionally -Montessori school Small student-to-teacher ratios to best respond 7303 River Road, Bethesda 20817 and promotion of strong values refined to adapt to the 21st century -$9,860; 5percentdiscount for second student to each student’s learning style 301-365-5300; www.holton-arms.edu -Dress code C o v e n a n t C h r i s t i a n S c h o o l -$32,388, grades 7-12; $30,957, grades 3-6 The S i e n a S c h o o l -Known for (according to website): Grades K -Need-based financial aid Currently grades 4-12 Guiding children individually, according to their Co-ed -Uniforms required own developmental abilities and needs Co-ed
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August 2011 Private Schools | Special supplement to The Gazette 23 < DIFFERENT LEARNERS, CONTINUED FROM 5 >
dyslexia—employs simulations and role-playing. Forexample, students studying World WarIImight imagine themselves as adviserstoPresidentTruman and argue in favorof or against the dropping of the atomic bomb.“This is our approach all the time—every dayinevery single subject,”Kaufman said. Siena helps students understand their learning styles and givesthem strategies to succeed. “Parents often come in with alist of accommodations and ask, ‘Whatare you able to provide?’”Kaufman said. “All of it.That’show we function. Our students need and deserve those accommodations.There’snever abattle or process to go through.” Siena embraces anyexisting individualized education plan and immediately pro- vides the necessaryaccommodations and then looks to see whatelse might be needed. Understanding thatstudents and parents are looking for awell-rounded school expe- rience, Siena hosts aprom and has several sports teams.The school could more than double the size of its student body over the next several years, as it is in the process of purchasing alarger building.
The Diener School (est. 2007) Featuring a“collaborative, integrated, therapeutic program,”The Diener School in Potomac owes its success to experiential learning,said Lois McCabe, head of admis- sions.Diener servesstudents in kindergarten through grade 6with “language-based learning disabilities or sensory-processing,attentional and executive-functioning prob- lems or social-pragmatic language issues.” ManyofDiener’sprograms take place outside the classroom. Bi-monthly field trips are integrated into thematic social and academic lessons.Students also learnthrough movement. Activities such as jumping or clapping maybeused to help students re- member certain concepts or principles, as rhythm and cadence promote fact retention. Themes enhance the curriculum. “It’swonderful having an entire month to delve into atopic and made it rich,”McCabe said.Yo unger students studying landmarks 1821896
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40 | Private Schools | Special supplement to The Gazette August 2011