Key School

The Key School has its ups and downs. The lower and upper schools are very strong, while the middle school and pre-school grades are quite lacking in comparison. The middle school lacks focus and is not very rigorous compared to a good public school - it certainly isn't worth the money. The upper school is extremely academical invigorating, and prepares students well for college. In general the Key school community is small, tight knit and very liberal. I would not recommend sending your child here if you are a conservative on any issue. At the same time, the focus on personal development and environmental awareness is admirable. The music and arts programs are unusual, but generally effective. The Orf Program is used in the lower and middle schools - it works for the younger kids, but pretending to be trees and playing recorders in middle school tends to look ridiculous. The upper school is very involved in vocal groups and musical theater. Sports are certainly not a strong suit, but poor teams allow for more kids to participate. My overall recommendation is that the upper school is the only division that is worth the money - but just barely.
--Submitted by a parent

Key School is excellent! I transferred my child from a highly rated NW DC school and feel Key is as good if not better (for his learning style). My child currently in K has grown so much in the last couple of months. His reading has skyrocketed and he loves going every day. I do not agree with some of the reviews because they do have a schedule (structure) and he is learning tons. Coming from a house of educators HOMEWORK does not equal LEARNING. (Although Key has assignments that come home almost daily, they just don't need to be turned in...) Most schools that have "homework" which I use loosely for very young children, the parents are doing it. It is a "hippie / green / granola" type of school, which I love. I'm not necessarily like that but it fosters creativity. Children are taught how to think (out the box), to explore and have questions. I pay for my child to go to this school not to socialize as a parent, and not to just learn ABCs, any school can do that. I believe this school promotes and encourages the very best of children, CREATIVITY, INDEPENDENT/CRITICAL THINKING, COMMUNITY & A LOVE FOR LEARNING. That combo is very special and does not come around often!
--Submitted by a parent

The preschool is not worth the money. We paid full tuition. There is no structure to the day or emphasis on the basics such as letters and numbers. On good weather days they stay outside for extended periods of time because it is easier on the teachers. On any given day the nurses office has atleast one angst filled teenager dodging class. It is a day care country club. Save your money.
--Submitted by a parent

My wife and I are immensely pleased with Key School, where our daughter attends upper school. The main reason we are so pleased is because we see Key's positive influence on our daughter. She is intellectually challenged, stimulated and, unlike too many students today, writes numerous and worthwhile papers. Although we had heard people say things like Key is a "hippie" school or lacks rules and values, nothing could be farther from the truth. The academic program is extremely rigorous and students do learn self-discipline, respect for themselves and others, and moral values!
--Submitted by a parent

I completely agree with post dated 12/13/08, 3/27/06 and 1/13/05. If you are looking for strong academics for your child, do not send the to any classes in the Preschool Building at Key. I am half way through the school year and I am disappointed with my daughter progress. It is plain to see that K is treated more like daycare than an academic school which I guess I should have realized when I was told she would not have homework and would be placed in the Preschool building.
--Submitted by a parent

If you are interested in establishing a partnership with the faculty, then Key School is an excellent place for you to send your child. Key is a collaborative environment, where the sky is the limit. Learning possibilities are endless. Students hold personal responsibility for their success.
--Submitted by a parent

Key is awsome. you get to meet so many different people. Everyone has fun as well as getting a fabulous education. Key is a very relaxed school compared to the other private schools that I have gone to and the students have a voice. Key school is great.
--Submitted by a student

My school is the greatest because the class are small and very challenging. There is also an outdoor education program which realy gives a lot of hands-on experience. I love this school and the structure of the whole program.
--Submitted by a parent

Key School is an excellent academic, athletic, and theatre social enviroment. unlike other schools, key school provides a open campus were there are teacher ALWAYS patrolling around. Like public schools, at this school you can wear whatever you would like, just as long as it isnt destracting, flashy. the staff at this fabulous school is very helpfull, my daughter and son find math very difficult, so the teacher provide after school tutoring absolutely free. For athletics, free after school sports start in middle school. I would strongly suggest this school to many children.
--Submitted by a parent

The Key School is a wondeful environment for students eager to learn. The Lower and Upper Schools are fantastic while the Middle School doesn't meet up with the others' standards, although Middle School is tough in any school. In Upper School, students are expected to do a lot of homework, but most kids manage and pull off homework, sports, theatre and other extra curriculars. The most astounding thing to me is how everyone is accepted to try anything at Key. On any given day you will see a typical 'jock' going to classes and sports practice after school, then going to the musical rehersal or chorus rehersal. Key is a fabulous fit if you're willing to learn and realize the wonderful place it is. Remember, no place is perfect!
--Submitted by a parent