Key School

I don't normally write reviews, although often read them and generally take on board whatever comments were posted. In this case I'm moved to write because I know how valuable parent feedback is when trying to find the right school, especially if you are making sacrifices to cover the costs of a private education. We have one child in the pre-school at Key, and based on our experience with the staff and wider parent community (and, contrary to the standard perception of private school Key families come from all cultures and walks of life) I cannot recommend it more fully. It's tough to summarize, but in a nutshell the teaching is rigorous, dynamic, creative, inspiring and caring. Courtesy, respect, tolerance and friendliness are considered key values and go hand in hand with with literacy, science and math skills. Ultimately it's such a personal choice for every family as to what they feel their priorities amount to, but for what it's worth our own experience has surpassed all expectation. If I had to point to a criticism, I honestly can't. I'm sure we'll have some as the years go by, but right now our pre-schooler loves going to school and we could not be more excited for her.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a pre-K4 student at Key. My rating is based on our experience as a first year family at Key. Our experience has been wonderful here. Our child already had a strong background and has been given even more of a foundation. She cannot wait to attend school and is so excited to learn. The information she is coming up with astounds me at times. The administration has been great. We have no complaints. Yes, the school is pricey, but we really feel like it is the best place for our child.
—Submitted by a parent

We left the Key School and are so glad we did. Our only regret is that we didn't leave sooner. What a waste of money. To be fair, the music program is excellent, but the rest of the academics are just average. But the biggest reason we left is that the kids have no structure and are undisciplined. The kids have all the control and they know it. In the lower grades, the kids are called "friends" buy their teachers- just to give you an idea of who is in charge! Some kids are really wild and out of control. In the upper grades, this gives the kids have a ridiculous sense of entitlement and an unrealistic sense of self worth. No wonder local businesses are hesitant to hire these kids. They have been so mislead- the kids really don;t think its "fair" to have to work on a friday or saturday night. And don't even get me started on some of the tramp outfits the girls are allowed to wear to school (I was told kids are encouraged to express themselves. So no dress code- even when ridiculous amounts of skin are showing). Its too bad, the school really could be great, but as it stands, it is really overpriced (unless of course you want a spoiled, entitled kid with no real world exp)
—Submitted by a parent

This school does an excellent job marketing itself in all areas. In reality, it is way too expensive for what it does offer. The best thing about it is that the the buildings and grounds are attractive. However, it does not have strong academics in either lower, middle or high school, with the middle school being the weakest.
—Submitted by a parent

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

More than 25% of Key students are on some form of scholarship...perhaps you could give your children this wonderful opportunity.
—Submitted by a parent

Key School is an excellent opportunity for status-conscious parents with high incomes to network socially. As for education, it's not worth the cash compared to a good public school and a parent who cares.

Key School is a magical place where students blossom into excited, motivated, and confident learners. Our family feels so priveledged to be part of the Key School community.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been attending Key School for 11 years and I love it so much. The program is challenging, and engaging for students who are eager to learn. The opportunities are endless as far as the sports, fine and performing arts, and the extracurricular activities are concerned. I suggest to take a take a tour of the campius too ebcuase it is beautiful.
—Submitted by a student

For parents seeking an independent school with a rigorous academic environment, Key is an excellent choice. The School's primary academic focus is to encourage an analytical approach to learning, rather than simply forcing students to memorize and regurgitate facts. Key kids learn to become critical thinkers, very capable writers, and articulate communicators by the time they graduate. Our oldest son graduated in 2005 and my wife and I have two other sons who are thriving at Key in the Middle and Upper Schools. All of the boys enjoy the intimate learning environment at the School and have very strong interpersonal relationships with their teachers. The School also has a very strong fine and performing arts program in which almost every student participates. The parent community is active in the School and very welcoming to new parents. My family and I love the Key School.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a 1st Grade Key Student and I couldn't be happier about the quality of education she is receiving. The teachers care and are actively engaged in all aspects of the child's development and academic progress. Class sizes are kept small (a top priority for me and my wife) and the campus environment is something special. Obviously, I wish the tuition payments were lower, but, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
—Submitted by Key Parent, a parent