Black Pine Circle - fallen in love, anything I'm missing?
I have fallen completely in love with Black Pine Circle. Everyone I have spoke with loves it and every comment I have read is glowing. It can't all be unicorns and rainbows, can it? No place is perfect?
Does anyone have any constructive criticisms, negative feedback or complaints?
I am ready to dive in head first, but want to make sure I don't have completely rose colored glasses on (which happens sometimes)!
Thanks!
Mar 18, 2019
Parent Replies
No place is perfect, but BPC is close. My kids are in HS and college now and have very fond memories of their years at BPC (K-8). More importantly they were well-prepared for HS and beyond. It is a wonderful community. Go for it!
We didn’t have a positive experience but my kids were in the lower school. Friends who stayed were very positive about the upper school ( middle school). You may want to ask about retention - like how many stay in a class or leave to go elsewhere. We found that many of he K-5 teachers were good at reaching the middle of he road students but not outliers. If your kid is average or bright side of average they could do well. Super bright probably not a good match. Also, can be hard for sensitive kids as classrooms small and noisy. As a reminder this only applies to elementary school.
You don't say if you are talking about the lower school or the upper school. Our son is finishing his first year at BPC, 6th grade. It IS wonderful and he is very happy and academically challenged and supported. But here are some cons, since you ask: The upper school campus is small. Our kid doesn't get to run around at recess so has lots of excess energy at the end of the day. The 6th grade boys all seem to play and watch each other play fusball at recess, which is kind of a bonding experience and prevents the issue of new kids not knowing who to each lunch with, but it is kind of limiting. My son says that the 8th graders take all the basketballs and hoops, so younger kids cannot play. The only other complaint we have heard is about the "wheel" classes. The kids love ethics with Mr. C but the teachers/curricula for Habits of Mind and Wellness could use improvement -- it seems like such a lost opportunity. Maybe others can speak to the lower school experience.
All in all, I highly recommend BPC!