Nysmith School for the Gifted

PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH PRIOR TO BELIEVING THEIR TOUR SPEECH OF WHAT YOU WILL GET IN THIS SCHOOL! We believed them. The stress was unbearable. Don't believe that this is a no stress school, or it is fun (their philosophy). Our happy,sweet child was broken down and miserable.The 7 to 1 teacher ratio? The second teacher is usually a parent or someone with no teaching degree, background, or experience. Please ask for credentials of these teachers as well as the principal, his education and experience. He inherited a family business. It is run like a business. First thing asked at two of our conferences was if we are renewing our contract and deposit for next year. There is no nurturing, loving environment. See Flint Hill with their RESPECT flags, rules in classrooms. You don't see them in Nysmith. They only correct, they don't teach it. No anti-bulling measures. Their response is we can't tell the kids who to play with. At least teach them not to hurt others, or try to include others. Other parents we met are pressured to see psychologists and put their kids on medication, so the kids can sit through this rigid environment. WE DON'T WANT OTHERS TO BE PUT THROUGH THIS. BE AWARE!
--Submitted by a parent

I am first year parent with a second grader. My child has a very high iq, with almost perfect recall. It has been a struggle prior to Nysmith to keep her on the right track. We have been very challenged to try and find the right placement for her. We went down the montessori trail, only to find inconsistency in the brand. We tried Howard county public school where we were told she is an average student and did not need an excellerated program. And then finally from a google search for gifted schools, we found a place she can call home away from home. They offer syllabus for every class. A different class and teacher for each subject. And an enthusiastic approach to teaching the material. Thank you forever more for have a place for my special child. Having a gifted child is a big responsibility. Its just as challenging as having any other type of special need. The children will lead us. Our gifted children will be our innovators. We are looking forward to the future at her new second home.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Nysmith for 8 years and we have been very happy. Both of my children love it. The teachers are great. I spend a lot of time at the school and go on a lot of field trips with my children. I recommend Nysmith to all my neighbors.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great "if" your only goal is to get your child into TJ. The school's only measure of success is how many kids they get into TJ every year. So if your child is not a math genius who is two years ahead in math skills, this is not the place for your child. They offer no support or advice on entrance onto other private high schools. The "recommendation " letters they write are poorly written and prepared and they are only concerned about your child's math level. Stay away if you do not have a math genius.
--Submitted by a parent

We have had our kid at this school since PreK and have seen some significant changes in that time. Nysmith has provided an excellent education in our opinion; our child is at the top of the class, and has benefitted from the safe and structured environment there. We still have not seen a better school. It is expensive. Other parents have commented that they see a change occurring in the culture - hopefully this will not continue to degrade, but some very fine teachers have left in recent years, and it looks like there will be some issues long-term due to this. The quality of education is far superior to what we had growing up and we've been very happy with the results. Anyone who is looking to apply should absolutely interview and compare with other schools - one always has to find the right fit for your child based on a number of criteria - for us this was a no-brainer and the best choice for location, skills, and prep for high school we could find.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent, we have watched our son grow to love school in ways we did not think was possible. While he is not at the top of the class as there really are some truly gifted students in his class we love the fact that he just loves school and is doing very well. His progress has been constant and his love for learning has improved greatly from his last two years in public school. We can t speak to some if the negative reviews shown here, but for us this school is truly one of a kind!! We love it!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent that had paid for a total of 21 years of tuition at Nysmith with three children attending one from pre K through grade 8. The school has definitely lost its way. My eldest child struggled with Math and was placed in the lowest class with some troublesome kids but graduated with A's and a couple of B's across the board. While he tested well for high school he in no way achieved the level of accomplishment that we expected. However he is now in a High School that has been able to lead him out i every area where he is in AP Math and is achieving legitimate A's and is enjoying School. I wish I had pulled all of my kids out of Nysmith many years ago.
--Submitted by a parent

Did parents really post these reviews over the summer or has the marketing machine been at hard work? Regardless, we had a very mixed experience at Nysmith, thus the average rating. It usually depended on the teacher. Some were great and really engaged the children; others should not be in a teaching environment. When children are 4, they fidget. Teachers should not yell at them because they plays with their jacket while standing in line. I saw this and lot of huffing and eye rolling first hand as a parent volunteer at field trips and room parties. Children pick up on the non verbals. I've since moved my children to a much more consistent, loving and challenging learning environment. They are thriving and will see their former peers at TJ, which seems to be the only success indicator at Nysmith.
--Submitted by a parent

The best school available for gifted children that I know of. If I had a choice of Yale, Harvard or Nysmith for my children, Nysmith would win hands down. They learn to love to learn. Once they do that the rest is a byproduct of that love. hm
--Submitted by a parent

Nysmith has suburb teachers and an environment that make kids successful. The children are challenged to achieve to the best of their abilities but not stressed. They love learning and it shows in their happy faces. A truly great school
--Submitted by a parent