Kenwood School

I like to refer to Kenwood School as "Annandale's Best Kept Secret." Most of our advertising comes from families that are happy with their experience at our school and tell their friends. Our school operates on the same schedule as the Federal Government and is perfect for parents that need to make the daily commute into D.C. Students may be dropped off as early as 7 a.m. and picked up as last as 6 p.m. If small class size is what you are looking for, this a wonderful place for an individualized education for your child. With classes usually no larger than 10 students, teachers have no problem giving students the extra attention they may need. We do not follow the Standards of Learning, but I have never had a problem with a student testing into a public school. Because we accept children with late birthdays that may not make the public Kindergarten cut-off date, we are a great option for parents that believe their kids are ready to begin their education. The Kenwood staff works together to provide the best education possible for each and every one of their students and I am proud to be part of such a professional and caring team.
—Submitted by a teacher

My son went here for kindergarten. He learned. He would've learned anywhere because he's smart and inquisitive. Unfortunately, the teachers there are not smart. They want a quiet class so they can do work? They turn on cartoons to keep the kids quiet. You complain to the director of the school? Her response is she'll have the teacher put on educational cartoons next time. You're paying for the school, but they are unable to provide a healthy snack. Cheese doodles & graham crackers every day. Let's hear it for sugar! The school's director treats the school like her own personal business she's running, and not a school. It's unaccredited, and the reason is that it's mostly a daycare. 90% of the children are in daycare or preschool. Some are in Kindergarten, fewer in the upper grades. The kids spent up to two hours every day on the playground. It's a really nice playground. There's no PTA, no parental involvement at all, that I could tell. The director never listened to my complaints, just nodded like she hoped I'd go away. I spent about $8000 on it & feel like I threw my money away. The up side - our son loved it...but he would've loved school anywhere. He loves his new school, too.
—Submitted by a parent

My Son started in the preschool program and then kindergarten. Loved the size of the class and it was a great transition from Pre to K. I do miss the parent involvement, I thought with a smaller school I would be needed more but it's not the case.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids go to Grasshopper and Kenwood. I find that small classes are very positive and the quality of the teachers is very good. Spanish, music and computer classes are excellent. Director is always available, as well as teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Grasshopper Green and Kenwood for more than 5 years and are still attending. I found it to be the best in the area. The teachers in Kenwood are great and the curriculum in outstanding. The teachers in Grasshopper Green could be more attentive. I've had a few minor incidents, but this would have occured anywhere. Good experience, great teachers. Open communication and very approachable. Kids love it. Very small classes.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended Grasshopper Green, and our experience was largely positive. Some of their teachers are warmer than others, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. I especially appreciated the computer and language training. Parents should monitor not just your daycare teachers and administrators, but also your child's reaction to the facility. My kids liked being there, and any issues we had were minor.
—Submitted by a parent

I have sent three children to the Grasshopper Green and Kenwood Elementary school program. The Principal is wonderful and the teachers are superb. Kindergarten at Kenwood is not to be missed. They learn to read and love it very quickly. It is important to be in contact with your teachers both in public and in private schools. You have to get the story from both your kids and the teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had my daughter there in daycare for three years (Grasshopper Green) after visiting countless other local daycares, they were the most organized, friendly, and safe in my opinion. They follow a High Reach curriculum and teachers provide my daughter a structured learning environment, daily reports as well as parent take-home information, which I have always found helpful. I felt one of her teachers wasn't quite as attentive as I would have liked and after a brief discussion with the wonderful director, she was placed in with a teacher that has been a much better fit for her. It is nice to be at a small school where everyone knows your child. She can already read and write. She tested at a first grade reading level at age 4, so this attests to their educational excellence. I am enrolling her at Kenwood for Kindegarten.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had my daughter there for nearly a year now and at first was a little skeptical of the behavior she seemed to pick up when she was new there. It was much more aggressive than the school where she came from. Since that first week though, she seems very happy at the end of the day and has made friends with nearly everyone in her class. My daughter seems to be doing very well there and really enjoys her teachers and classes. I would be interested to hear from other parents about any examples they could share of their experiences. I plan to enroll my daughter into kindergarten at Kenwood next year and move my 3 yr old to Grasshopper in the fall. Hope this helps.
—Submitted by Tania Olsen, a parent

I'm not sure what these other two reviewers are talking about -- my two daughters (ages 2 and 5) have gone to Grasshopper/Kenwood for almost a year now. We have had nothing but excellent experiences. The teachers are loving and highly responsible. We even use one as a weekend sitter. Both the academics and the extracurricular activities are unmatched. My daughters are truly flourishing there. I think the other two accounts may have been isolated and explainable incidents, or perhaps they were posted by first-time daycare parents who were just feeling nervous about leaving their children for the first time. Please take a look at these schools. This is a truly wonderful learning environment!
—Submitted by Elizabeth Rennie, a parent

I agree with the first comment. Horrible school. I had an equally terrible experience with my child and moved her after 4 days! I only regret that I waited that long.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school! after the third day of my daughter's enrollment i made a suprise visit. I walk into her classroom to find one teacher for 20 kids! the lights were off, children's music blasting, most kids screaming and crying, and others hitting each other! it was the most horrifying experience of my life to know my precious 2 year old had to endure god knows what for 3 days....Warning: dont enroll your kids there. The teachers severely neglect students!!!!
—Submitted by a parent