The Bullis School

I am a parent of a current Bullis student and we hope that our younger child will join the community next year. Bullis seems to be "on a roll." Enrollment numbers are up, the campus looks beautiful, the quality of the teachers has increased, and all of the extracurriculars are excellent. My son is currently plays on two sports teams and is a musician. He loves his coaches and his band instructor is incredible. The teachers really care about each and every student and are very communicative with the parents. The head of school, now in his second year, is enthusiastic, forward thinking, and knows every child by name. The new academic center is lovely and provides support to a range of students. I think that the English and Social Studies departments are particularly strong. The school is very diverse, with students coming from DC, Virginia, Prince Georges, Frederick, and of course Potomac. There is a sizeable international student body as well. I think this school deserves a close look by any families considering private education.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm been at Bullis since the 3rd grade. Currently a rising Senior, I couldn't be happier. I have loved every minute that I have spent at Bullis. I have been prepared very well academically for each new grade level, as well as the transitions from lower to middle school, and middle school to high school. I spend all my time doing theatre and choir, and have really enjoyed the theatre and music departments at Bullis. I have really enjoyed Bullis, and am looking forward to another and final great year.

I m currently a student at Bullis, and I couldn't be happier. I started in sixth grade, and I've stayed not only because of the education I'm getting, but because of the people I'm surrounded by. The faculty cares a lot about each student's personal progress; if a student is struggling, the teachers take time to help the student get back on track. I am particularly impressed by how professional the teachers are, but at the same time, they know how to relate with students. Due to our small class sizes, we can ask questions and get deep into material in order to develop a better understanding. Since we are a relatively small school, we are a tight knit community. Our new headmaster attends athletic and arts events very frequently. We support each other; school pride has never been as important as it is now. The words "caring, challenging community" truly define Bullis.

The faculty at the school work with each strtudent to help them reach their potential. Although the students are clearly expected to be responsible for their study habits, there is immediate intervention by both teachers and coaches shoud a student fall behind and/or haivng issues. The teachers are very receptive to working with parents. There is a good balance between academics, sports and the arts. Teh school makes studneds individually and collectivley responsible for their actions.
—Submitted by a parent

I entered Bullis as a rising senior this year. I played football and ran track. Before Bullis I attended another private school in the area. The difference between my former school and Bullis is the amount of people that actually care. The small class sizes makes learning in a classroom of your peers a lot easier. Teacher are always willing to help you before or after school. Bullis also cherishes community. Bullis just i'snt a school its a community. All in all making the change to Bullis has been absolutely refreshing and life changing. My writing skills has improved greatly. I've made life long friends, and also got accepted into a top Liberal Arts School. Thank You Bullis
—Submitted by a student

I am a former top student / athlete. Despite reaching the highest levels of academic success at Bullis, I entered college (on scholarship) feeling like my science and math education was mediocre at best. I would have been better served going to one Wooton, Churchill, or Whitman with a lower price tag for my parents.

Bullis is a wonderful school with small classes and an excellent faculty. The facilities are very good and the emphasis on academics/art and athletics is balanced.
—Submitted by a parent

As an alum, I had a good time at bullis. I graduated in 2009, and even with the controversy and common disagreements between administration and students, I believe that the education I have received prepared me well for the excellent liberal arts college I am attending. The teachers are hit and miss, but overall a few stood out. College Counseling is easily the best of, I would argue, any of the other schools in the area. Bullis is a school in the midst of finding itself; formerly a 'jock school' Bullis is currently redefining itself, working towards a more centered and all-inclusive education. Bullis also does an excellent job teaching students time management by requring extracurricular activites 2 out of the 3 semesters, which run from 3:30 to 5:30 weekly. Students will get out of Bullis what they put into it.

My son will be returning to Bullis' upper school this year and I am very pleased that he is doing so. I agree with the other reviews that there are a few public options but I doubt public schools can compete with the small class sizes and one-on-one attention, which is particularly important when getting accepted into the college or university of one's choice. The teachers and administrators at Bullis try to prepare students for the future society. I think Bullis offers a competitive, private-school education to its students with a focus on a civic responsiblity and all within a warm and progressive environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Agree with one of past reviews. Bullis is good school for some, but the public schools in the area are just as good if not a lot better. Teachers & administrators live in a bubble regarding what really goes on around school. Also, there always seems to be some type of admin. controversy going on too. Campus is very nice. Library is great and art cener is top-notch. Class rooms though are run down & despite upgrades in athletic facilities, they are nothing special--especially compared to other private schools or newer public schools. The great teachers seem to leave after only a year or two. The rest of the teachers seem to just go through the motions. Despite its sometimes 'jock school' status, the athletic department is a joke, mostly because there is no real commitment. Below average.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Bullis for nearly 2 years. I am very happy with the quality of the education and the caring nature of the teachers and administration. The parental support for the school is strong and the school benefits from this support (new buildings etc...). After school clubs have been added. The clubs really help to add to the students development outside of school.
—Submitted by Kelley Coble, a parent

I'm a middle school student at bullis. I found it hard to beleive that there are no after school clubs, student run or otherwise, in this school. There isn't even a student government. It seems like there are these things in upper school, but i'm dissapointed that this school focuses completely on sports as after school activities.
—Submitted by a student

Bullis is a good choice for some. However, if you are in the Churchill or Whitman area, you may as well attend either, because those two public schools are just as strong, if not stronger, than Bullis academically. I believe Bullis posted a 1210 SAT average and Whitman and Churchill's are a notch over 1200 as well, and they send graduates to the same caliber colleges. This may be because Bullis brings in less-than-stellar student-athletes to play basketball, but that only applies to a select few kids. If you are looking for academics, St. Albans, Landon, Sidwell, Holton Arms, NCS, and maybe Georgetown Prep...those are the schools to go with in the DC/MD area. To be honest, Bullis shares many similar characteristics with Churchill in terms of the student body, athletics, and academics. If you want the Bullis experience for free, send your child to Churchill.
—Submitted by a former student

I have been very happy with the school. My son started in 3rd and in now in 4th. Bullis focuses on the Golden Rule and teaching children to be caring. It is a wonderful environment. With 88 acres, it has a wonderful sports program. By being a lower, middle and upper school you get the benefits of a big school, but the class size of a small school. We go to homecoming, basketball games, and lots of cultural events as well. It is a very well-rounded education. My son has blossomed at Bullis.
—Submitted by Regina Kunkle, a parent

This school is the best! I am particularly enthused by the English curriculum at the school although Bullis is strong in every subject and area of interest that they offer. The students are wonderful as well as the athletic department. The campus gives the feeling of a small liberal arts college as does the curriculum.
—Submitted by a former student