The Potomac School

Administrators are terrible and uncompassioate Teachers great No tolerance for learning differences Kids are elitist snobs No compassion in a supposedly caring community for children who do not fit the mold
—Submitted by a parent

It is trying to boost the science program at the moment, but it's leaving other subjects behind. An incredible amount of money has been poured into a program that ultimately leads to a narrow definition of intelligence. As a student, I have heard from many kids that this program is really a mistake. It has extremely high goals, which no one has reached, and promotes the feeling that being smart means being good at math. The school needs to focus on the rest of the curriculum as well. In stead of pumping in math/science kids, add some people who love history or who read poetry in their spare time. We need some academic diversity -- a group who will inspire the kids to teach each other. Don't kid yourself, Potomac, we can't compete with TJ's science program. I would hope that parents could bring this up because it is increasingly frustrating for high school students, and that's coming from a math/science kid. That being said, I have had a fantastic time at the school. I have had great teachers and opportunities to grow at every corner. I would *highly* recommend Potomac.

I graduated from the Potomac School and even though I do not regret my decision to attend if I did it over again I wish I hadn't attended this school. There is a false sense of community and a very elitist attitude. The school epitomizes the competitive nature of the East Coast. I genuinely believe that the school is gradually getting worse and worse as it tries to keep up old images. Some of the staff is genuinely interested in students and their success while others want to mold little robots that will donate more and more as alums.

Wonderful Middle School. We have two children at Potomac. They started in Kindergarten and are now in 4th and 6th grades (middle school is 4-6 grade). The lower school provided learning in a play-oriented and caring community. The MS is just amazing with a dynamic head of MS, assignments that are challenging and fun (moon project, class plays in a real theater, outdoor education and environmental stewardship, vermiculture, writers workshop ...). The teachers are enthusiastic and accessible. The parents care about the school and are able to volunteer if they chose (no pressure). I'm looking forward the the Intermediate School (grades 7 & 8): I think it's wonderful how the school works with these grades separately.
—Submitted by a parent

potomac is a great school they have a new lower school and it is the best school ever.It has a great community and they always have a smile on there face.
—Submitted by a student

I have two children at The Potomac School and my children, my wife and I could not be happier. My wife and I both went to prestigious private high schools in different cities and Potomac has surpassed our high expectations. The school is demanding academically, but in a positive encouraging way. The teachers push the kids to achieve their maximum potential that potential that few children have the confidence to recognize without encouragement and mentoring. In Potomac s demanding, but positive environment my children have grown in multiple dimensions. I cannot recommend Potomac strongly enough.
—Submitted by a parent

Potomac is an excellent school with top notch academics and a fantastic facility. Despite the recent growth, Potomac still has the feeling of a small caring school. I LOVE the academic rigor of the high school, but sometimes a few teachers forget they're teaching children who are 14/15...not college students.
—Submitted by a parent

Have had 4 kids in 5 priv DC schools, incl all 4 divisions of this school from K through HS senior. This is an academically excellent and v family-oriented sch that puts hi priority on developing the whole child, & esp on promoting basic values of honesty, integrity, and responsibility of the individual to society. Rules are clear & consequences are fair. High points: Committed, innovative teachers and solid K-12 curriculum; an unusually involved and supportive parent community volunteers liberally; an extensive bus system & scholarship structure tries(+/-) to combat the inherent lack of socio-economic diversity in private schools; music & arts programs are supported enthusiastically throughout all levels. The only 3 areas where I would like to see improvement are 1) offer foreign language before the 7th grade, 2) emphasize sensitivity to & tolerance of learning differences, and 3) challenge HS instrumentalists with higher expectations.
—Submitted by a parent

Best private high school in Virginia. Small classes, great teachers, very smart and competitive kids that go on prestigious colleges.

My son has been a Potomac student for four years since he was in first grade. Many Potomac families are fond of saying 'that there is just something about Potomac' that is so NICE. It might be the end of day hand shake and mutual respect shared between teachers and students, it might be the musically filled Friday assemblies or it might just be the outstanding academics. No matter what the reason, Potomac children are happily engaged students who are eager to learn, curious about the world we live in, and delighted to help others.
—Submitted by a parent

Very good school but unusually strict disciplinary methods. Suspensions and expulsions far too common for very minor offences.
—Submitted by a parent

my child loves it here she says it is truly amazing!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

It is an amazing school. The teachers really care about their students. Nothing is wrong with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Potomac is excellent school w/ administration, teachers and parents who truly care about the education and well being of children. Potomac has four different schools to nuture the children on all levels. The academic program is extensive and rigorous but the kids learn and have fun at it! Music, art, physical education and science are available. Extra curricular activities really doesn't exist until 7th grade. My son is entering his 5th year at the Potomac School and I recommend Potomac to any and everyone!
—Submitted by a parent