They tout coding and robotics, but their approach is likely to produce robots that code, not critical thinkers who can innovate. Beneath Ken Nysmith's slick salesmanship and the forced smiles that greet you, lies a far more sinister reality that belies the promise of "joy-filled, personalized learning". If you're seeking a school that truly nurtures your child's heart and mind, look elsewhere! Wellbeing and emotional support are woefully neglected at Nysmith. This place sees no problem in breaking spirits, crushing individuality and forcing students into a rigid mold that stifles their unique potential and confines them to narrow expectations. Question the status quo, and you'll be met with contempt. Conformity is the sole currency valued here! Think The Bible, Torah, or Quran -- immutable and infallible. . . I have met a few great teachers but admin pressure seems to leave them little bandwidth to connect, coach, or inspire students (despite the low student-to-teacher ratios). Humans are wired to thrive in safe, supportive spaces where even mistakes become stepping stones to learning. Nysmith is NOT that space. You've been warned! read more

We searched the United States for a school that might meet our son, and after much deliberation we chose Nysmith School. We moved 600 miles to attend and it is absolutely one of the best decisions we've ever made. Our son didn't fit the mold in other schools, but he's eager to attend Nysmith every day because he is loved and filled with joy. He finally feels the freedom to be himself at school! read more

It's a great school with good community. The curriculums are excellent. I recommend this school to especially STEM oriented kids.

Our daughter has been at Nysmith since Kindergarten and will be starting 6th grade next year. It's been an incredible journey watching her grow in such a nurturing, intellectually challenging, and joyful environment. The teachers are caring and passionate, and the curriculum fosters both academic excellence and a love of learning. Now, we're excited for our son to start Kindergarten at Nysmith this year--we know he's in great hands. We feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful school community! read more

My family toured many of the private schools in the area before landing on Nysmith for our child. The whole family, including our child, couldn't be happier with our choice. I am a Nysmith alum and know firsthand the value of the education they provide. It's been amazing to see how they've preserved and built upon the core experience and vision that founder Carol Nysmith built. To be clear, I have no incentive to post this review other than to help other families in the area consider Nysmith as a choice for their children. Before we chose Nysmith, e considered and toured a number of schools, including Basis Independent, Flint Hill, Ideaventions, Pinecrest, and Edlin. Most of these are among the top ranked schools in Northern Virginia. We felt that Nysmith had the best blend of factors for our child. - Academics: Nysmith has incredible academics, highly personalized to meet each individual child's needs. Nysmith's roots are in nurturing gifted/talented children, and with that approach comes the understanding that not every child is equally advanced in every subject. Some other schools will assign lots of homework to kids, which isn't really our vision for academic success. We like Nysmith's approach, which is to cultivate and nurture a love of learning rather than to put kids on a treadmill of endless homework. We also like that Nysmith integrates subject matter expertise into their curriculum from kindergarten onward: math experts teach math, science teachers teach science, rather than one teacher teaching all or most subjects - Size: Nysmith is bigger and more established than some of the younger "startup" schools. The classes are big enough that your child will have multiple sections of students to be friends with, they won't be siloed with only 5 or 10 classmates. Teacher ratios are still great - Teachers and Staff: Nysmith's teachers are qualified and smart, which you'll get at most private schools. But there's a key difference: they seem happier and more engaged than at any other school in the area. Retention is incredible: some of the Nysmith teachers have been there for over 25 years - since I was a student in the 90s! - Facilities and resources: Nysmith has a great facility that still has the DNA of a school rather than a country club. The facility is big, the playground is great, everything feels new, bright, and spacious - Community - We're still early in our experience with Nysmith but the PTO seems very engaged with many events scheduled. By reputation, Nysmith has one of the strongest communities of any school in the area read more

My daughter attended Nysmith School from PreK to 8th grade, graduating this year. Choosing Nysmith was the best decision we made. The school provides exceptional education and nurtures students with care and attention. It offers more than just peace of mind; it ensures she is academically challenged and mentally guided in a safe and secure environment. I tried my best to avoid doctor's appointments during school hours, not because I want to make the tuition worthwhile, but because it was specifically requested by my daughter. This explains how much fun and comfort she finds from her school over the years. The school management handled the unprecedented situation of the Coronavirus outbreak and school closure with great efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that the school maintained its high standards, challenging environment, and joyful atmosphere. My daughter has successfully graduated from Nysmith, leaving behind cherished memories, a newfound sense of confidence, and aspirations for the future. Sending her own children to Nysmith, if her circumstances permit it, is a sentiment we casually express within our family. Overall, we couldn't be happier with our experience and would highly recommend Nysmith school to those looking for supportive and enriching learning environment. read more

This is our 3rd year at Nysmith. My daughter is currently in 2nd grade, and we are so pleased with her experience at the school thus far. From the moment I first walked into the school for a tour back in 2021, I was drawn in. The culture of joy and genuineness of people within the school was palpable. I immediately felt "at home" and knew that my daughter would thrive in this welcoming and kind environment. I was at a challenging place in life personally when I first started researching schools for our gifted daughter, and the Admissions Team at Nysmith went beyond what I could have asked for with regards to support given to my daughter as well as to our family. I am forever grateful to the Administrators for their thoughtfulness. Beyond the amazing administration, the teachers are also exceptional! They are the most kind, involved, communicative, prepared, and caring teachers. Each teacher makes themselves available for ad hoc chats/meetings with parents and seem eager to address any concerns. The school creates learning plans specific to the level and needs of the student, allowing for depth and advancement in particular areas. My daughter wakes up each morning and is genuinely excited to go to school. We could not have asked for a more supportive and nurturing environment for her elementary education. Whenever we did have an issue (infrequent) the faculty and administration were quick to respond, provided a thorough remedy/corrective action, and followed up afterwards to ensure the issue was resolved. We are incredibly happy here! read more

Our two children have been educated at the Nysmith School for a total of 9 and 11 years respectively, from pre-school and kindergarten to 8th grade. Firstly, the strengths of Nysmith are: 1. The school has responsible and dedicated teachers who can provide education at the level of any child. With a class size of 10-15 students and two teachers caring for them, each child receives personalized care, allowing for exceptional academic progress. 2. Nysmith offers an individualized academic curriculum for each student. When a new school year begins, courses are selected based on each child's level. In the case of subjects like mathematics, where some children excel and others need more focus, this school excels in assigning levels that are fair to both children and parents. 3. Mr. Nysmith, the school principal, loves his students and demonstrates diligence in everything he does. I have personally seen Mr. Nysmith and his family work for almost 13 years. He personally manages the parking in front of the school every day at 7:30 AM without missing a single day. Even when there is heavy snow or rain, he always greets parents and children with a smile, which touches my heart. How can children who see this every day on their way to school not love their school? 4. Nysmith has a close relationship with parents. Starting from the beginning of each semester, through parent nights and teachers conferences, we can have a very detailed understanding of our children's school situations, academic progress, and all the circumstances that parents want for their children. This information is fully reflected by the school. 5. The school offers leadership programs for all students. Our children have had the opportunity to serve as president and secretary of the school student council respectively. All children can participate in their own school leadership programs equally. Through programs such as SCA, National Junior Honor Society, and numerous clubs, they can achieve various awards and achievements in various events or competitions. These achievements have a significant impact and results on high school applications. All children can have at least 5 or even more than 30 award achievements. Nysmith is the best school in the Washington, Virginia area, producing many award winners even in national competitions. 6. Nysmith offers a smooth and flexible financial program. When our family immigrated to the United States for the first time and sent our children to Nysmith, we were in a financially difficult situation. At that time, the school recommended a financial program, and we were able to utilize it well until both children graduated. 7. Lastly, Nysmith provides excellent character education. Through the PTA and other channels, we can immediately address each other's difficulties and help each other, as well as listen to the needs of teachers. As a result, we see improved relationships every year. Education for children is extremely important, and the starting point of that education is gradually moving down to the age of 3-5. As the choice of school determines the future of a child, as a parent who has sent my two children from the age of 3 to 14 and then admitted them to the top private highschool in America, the prestigious boarding school Phillip Exeter Academy. I strongly recommend this school to all parents who are currently considering about school selection. read more

Our oldest daughter recently graduated from Nysmith and is attending a private high school, and we currently have two other children at the school. In total we've been with the school for eight years and have had a wonderful experience. The curriculum is excellent (our daughter feels that Nysmith prepared her well for high school) and the staff creates a warm inviting atmosphere at the school. Kids here are smart, motived, and hard working but also kind and well behaved. Families are also very nice and down to earth - many of the friends my wife and I have made are Nysmith parents. The one downside to Nysmith is that it does not have on onsite cafeteria. You do have the option of ordering "Hotlunch" (Chik fil A, potbelly, pizza, etc.) but my wife and I usually end up packing lunch for our kids. Overall though this is great school and since we currently have a child in Kindergarten we look forward to being part of the Nysmith community for many more years. read more

TL;DR - If you are a parent who is deeply invested in your children's education and overall well-being, I would highly recommend Nysmith. Choosing this school has been one of the wisest decisions our family has made. With both our third grader and our youngest enrolled at Nysmith, we've witnessed the culmination of four decades of meticulous attention to detail. Every aspect of this institution has been thoughtfully curated, resulting in an environment that operates like clockwork. It's not just about the exceptional staff and teachers, the diverse and challenging curriculum, the stunning and functional campus, or the abundance of after-school enrichment programs; every minor detail, including the often-overlooked aspects like drop-off and pick-up procedures, has been thoroughly considered and perfected at Nysmith. Speaking of drop-off and pick-up, it's remarkable that the Head of School is personally present every single day, rain or shine. His commitment is evident as he greets families and effortlessly recalls nearly every student's name based on their parents' vehicles! Finally, we would like to share an e-mail we wrote to the school shortly after enrolling our youngest child: ------------------------------- Dear Ms. McCloskey, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express our gratitude to both of Charlotte's teachers, Ms. Mazlo and Ms. Ouverson. Given the circumstances surrounding Charlotte's birth during the COVID period, we prioritized her health and kept her home for a significant portion of that time. Transitioning to school and being away from home posed a challenge, but surprisingly, she adapted to the new environment within just a week. Charlotte frequently talks about both her teachers at home without any prompting, underscoring the significance they hold in her life. Every day, Charlotte returns with new words and skills, expressing her love for school and admiration for her teachers. Since Mandarin is predominantly spoken at home, we are thrilled to witness her progress in both English and French, along with other valuable skills. Inevitably, children come with various questions, concerns, and challenges. We've found both Ms. Mazlo and Ms. Ouverson to be exceptionally responsive and supportive. Their consistent communication, adorned with smiles, keeps us informed about Charlotte's well-being, especially on days when she might not be particularly enthusiastic about school during morning dropoffs. Additionally, their prompt responses to any changes in dismissal plans, along with the efficiency of the front office staff, instill a sense of trust that our children are in capable hands. I wanted to share these sentiments with you to acknowledge the exceptional work of Charlotte's teachers and to express gratitude for the creation of such a remarkable team. Thank you ------------------------------- read more

It is the best choice we made for our two kids for elementary school so far! Our kids have been in Nysmith School since they were 3 and 5 years old, respectively. They are very happy about the school and want to go to school everyday. This is the magic about Nysmith. The kids are advanced in academics but they enjoy learning. I think the main contribution is probably from the project-based and individual-paced learning approach they use. Nysmith teachers understand the need of individual kid, and provide the right level of learning curriculum for them. I'm very impressed by the tailored learning officially since kindergarten and unofficially even from 3 years old. read more

Amazing school, outstanding teachers and wonderful environment for children to learn and enjoy their time in school. My daughter started going to Nysmith this year and she is so happier and more energetic compared to previous years. She truly loves this school, her teachers and her new friends. Every day She has a lot to talk about and describes about what she learned and her new experiences when she comes home. Also I like the way the teachers treat the students with respect and kindness while having discipline and encouraging their self esteem. Last but not least is the principal Mr. Nysmith who is a role model for all the students as an enthusiastic and successful person who is always there for his students and willing to help everyone. read more

Our family would like to share a very positive review of Nysmith school. After spending 15 years overseas, we were a bit nervous returning to the US and transitioning from an international school system with two children joining grade 8 and kindergarten respectively. We feel incredibly blessed and grateful to have found Nysmith. We are now three months into the transition and it has been really great. First and foremost, the teachers and staff are kind, caring and they really care about living the promise of a world-class joy-filled education. Class sizes are small, 11 and 14 respectively, and despite us being new to the community, it already feels like a family. It has been wonderful to see how our children have been welcome and how quickly they have integrated. We have been impressed to see what our children can accomplish academically in this conducive environment; both of them are stretching beyond their respective grade levels. Equally importantly, they are enjoying sports and extra curricular activities including drama, robotics and high school preparations. For our eighth grader, we feel confident that she will have received a solid foundation for her upcoming transition to high school. And for our kindergartener, we are amazed at how much he is looking forward to coming back to school each Monday morning after the weekend. In summary, we feel that we have found a gem in Nysmith. read more

Nysmith was hands down the best choice we made for our son. It's been an absolutely transformative experience for him from an academic perspective, but it's the kindness and genuine care that everyone from the teachers to administration show on a daily basis that make it feel like a true community. I couldn't imagine having our son spend his formative grade school years and cannot wait to see how he continues to thrive. The focus on collaboration and working hard during the day (to minimize homework at night) creates space for the children to explore other passions outside of school, and the after-school club offerings are innovative, fun and great opportunities to build friendships outside of core classes. read more

Both our kids have attended Nysmith from second grade till eight grade. We have had a wonderful experience over the past years and our kids have thrived in their environment. There are many opportunities ranging from debate, independent science projects, advanced math, and foreign languages. The teachers and administration are very supportive. The collaboration among the students leads to a great academic environment. Our kids made great friends, excelled academically, and had an amazing overall experience! read more

My nephew went to NYsmith and loved it. Two of my children are now attending NYsmith and we are very pleased with their overall education and well-being. Most of the negative reviews here are a few years old and I believe things are different now. Our children are happy, mentally healthier, and very social since they started attending school. The teaching staff is highly professional and to us, it feels like a close-knit community. My oldest has been going there for a couple of years now and I have seen him excelling and making progress on many levels. My youngest is too young right now but he also talks about how much he loves being there. Overall great experience so far. read more

Both of my daughters go to Nysmith for about 5 years now and they absolutely love the school, teachers and friends. Very hands on - project based STEM school. read more

When we came for our first tour of Nysmith we are surprised (and pleased) that they did not have any fancy bells and whistles marketing -- the reputation of the school spoke for itself, and they were simply very confident in their ability to provide a world-class education. From the start that was a good sign. That said, we tempered our expectations, as it almost seemed to good to be true. Now that our child has been enrolled in the program for a few months, I can honestly say that it truly is that good -- our expectations have been exceeded. Every promise made has been kept (e.g. we were concerned with our child entering mid-way through the year; we were assured that the teachers would work with her to get her up to speed, and they absolutely have). The head of school, teachers, and the entire staff are just wonderful, and there is a very palpable sense of joy among the students. Nysmith has genuinely created an environment in which there is a joy in learning. My only one complaint is that I wish they went through high school. :-) read more

We've had kids here at three different grade levels for several years, so we've had a pretty holistic experience of the school. I have never once regretted the decision to send our kids here. Here's what I like most: - The teachers AND kids are polite, well-spoken, and happy. Ken Nysmith is a model of a positive attitude: you can see that everyday at morning drop off. He is never without a kind word and a smile, and the rest of the school follows his lead. At first I admit, I had the "Is this for real?" feeling. But after six years, I'm confident the positivity you experience when you walk into the school is authentic. - The teachers have tremendous latitude to design learning experiences in ways that are engaging and make education fun. - The kids are pushed beyond any public school, and they excel! They do projects and experiments I didn't see until high school. My 13 year old has a bigger vocabulary than me! (She used "unctuous" in conversation the other day... I had to look it up.) - The program is accommodating. Our other daughter has dyslexia, and a high IQ. In public school, her cognitive results would have been averaged together, and she would have had the same constraints as other students. At Nysmith, she is given more time, bigger print, and adaptive technology to help her manage her dyslexia. She is flourishing. - The school is a community. This probably isn't unique to Nysmith, but our kids have made friends, and my wife and I have become friends with THEIR parents. We look forward to chaperoning field trips and school events: another excuse to see people we honestly LIKE to - This is the big one: our kids genuinely love learning and WANT to go to school. They come home and, on their own, continue to read and research more on the lessons of the day. What other school offers that? I read the other Yelp reviews, and it seems like there are only 5 star reviews and 1 star reviews. I think that's true of the parents I know there: they either love it or hate it. There aren't many of the latter. I think what the haters have in common is that they expect Nysmith to teach AND parent their kids. The Nysmith school doesn't teach good manners or respectful behavior. That's a parents' responsibility. read more

Terrible. My daughter went to this school for almost her entire life. She left for 4&5th grade and came back for 6th. The teachers are terrible, they don't help, they're nosy, they're RUDE. Her math teacher scared her out of asking for a retake because "none of you should be asking for a retake because the test was easy." The curriculum has many many flaws. If you do something right but a different way than taught you'd fail. My daughter is in 7th grade now and when she was there they didn't even have a counselor! Don't even get me started on how they deal with bullying. A bunch of people from other classes spread rumors about her and trashed her reputation and the administration did nothing. They don't care about the children's mental health and put a lot of pressure on the kids. Teachers have no communication with the children and don't know what's happening in their class. The school doesn't do anything about the problems because all they care about is their reputation. Examples of bad teachers (her and her friends experiences): Math teacher scared her out of asking for a retake Language arts teacher told her that parents divorce didn't matter and she should've done the essay History teacher kept bugging her and trying to get in her business PE teacher making a kid with a broken ankle run Music teacher yelling at her friend for forgetting a line for the school play Examples of bad curriculum&misc.: No talking whatsoever Frequent yelling from teachers Work should be done exactly how taught despite if it's right or wrong Expected to know work from older years even if you're new And more My daughter now goes to Willard Middle School and is mush happier there. read more

NYSMITH has exceeded our expectations! It is by far the most outstanding educational institution. It is my son's first year here and his English vocabulary and his academic achievements have improved more than we expected! From the main office staff to faculty, everyone is polite, knowledgeable and most importantly caring. Yes, the way they represent a model for our children is, on some extent, more important than academic achievement! They do not prepare our children only for academics, they teach them About being valuable individuals for our society! Thank you, Nysmith! read more

My daughter had an excellent first grade experience at Nysmith but then was HORRIBLY BULLIED, led by one classmate, in second grade. I did not know at first she was being bullied, but when I did find out, I brought it up with the Nysmith Administration, which basically said "we have no problems" at Nysmith. The way academics are "pumped into" kids at Nysmith makes it so teachers do not (1) have direct personal relationships with students and (2) more importantly vice versa (3) teachers don't know what's really going on in their classrooms, The fact (4) Nysmith administration does not either acknowledge or work on problems at the school is also HUGELY SIGNIFICANT - I had NEVER encountered this before. read more

I have two very opposite children. Both went to Nysmith from the time they were 3 until graduating in the 8th grade. The amazing thing is, that though my two kids could not be more different, one studious and shy and the other very artistic and outgoing, they both received an excellent education tailored to their needs and they both made great friends and enjoyed their years at the school. Nysmith went above and beyond for my children. When my son excelled in math, Nysmith formed a math class for him one year that had only two other kids in it and one with only five other kids in it another year. They taught him at as high a level as he needed. The teachers are very caring and the school welcomes parent involvement. The volunteer groups are very active and welcoming. I highly recommend the school. read more

The rules are never explained to the children, they are allowed to do as they choose and then suspended in ways that seem very random and parents not informed. Parents not informed is par for the course. Behavior that earns one child a suspension may not earn suspension for another child, the application of the rules seems random. The quality of the actual education is very good, but you really need to consider the importance you place on safety and communication before sending your child to this school. Many of the teachers are excellent, unfortunately my son was not placed with those teachers but with a first year newcomer to the school. We had no control over that. This teacher there managed to give my three year old negative feelings about school, and insulted him personally. There was no action taken against her. read more

We have two boys attending and have been attending since PK/K and are now in 2nd and 5th grade. They have had great experiences, teacher and administrators that have supported each of boys with different needs and they have both excelled in all subjects. They will be well prepared for the future wherever that may take them. Just wish all children had such a place in his/her community. read more

I never thought Yelp actually carried School reviews - I searched and found this. So here is the review. This is definitely one of the best private schools in the DC metro area. Their curriculum is more geared towards academics with very little btw of sports. The school gets its stars because of the awesome teachers that they have. They really have the best attitude towards teaching and kids. The reason why i am giving 3 star is mainly because they are pretty darn expensive - I would probably put their value of education to be in the 13K range - while the actual fees run close to 23K+ ( Some parents call this as a school for the "Gifted Parents":) ) Some parents think that sending to Nysmith is an indication of their "status". The school sometimes does take in kids whose parents are well-gifted. Net-Net - if you are extremely serious about kids education and you are willing to spend TOP $$$$$ for the kid - this is definitely the best school in NOVA area. read more

My son started in kindergarten and has loved his time at Nysmith. He is excited to go to school each day and enjoys telling us about what he learns each day. If your kid is naturally curious this is a great school for them. read more

Will be sending my kids next year. All private schools are comparable in Northern Va so some of these reviews seem unfair. I was shocked by the low amount of stars but most of it seems to be by parents who do not like their kids in a stricter environment or the price is too high. It's a tough world out there and if your kids can't handle being told to be in a straight line, then they will have issues in the future. In term of pricing, aren't all NOVA private schools around this much? I guess I will have a better picture next year read more

We couldn't be happier with the education my children receive from Nysmith. We had searched high and low for the perfect fit for our twins when they were in 3rd grade. The students at Nysmith *enjoy* learning from the talented and caring teachers. Our children have excelled by leaps and bounds academically and socially. The small class sizes allows for my children to pay attention, focus on the task at hand, while also gaining confidence amongst their peers. read more

Our third-grade son has attended Nysmith since preschool. Both he and we have enjoyed every moment. The curriculum is challenging; we are constantly impressed at the quantity and quality of work done by the students. The teachers and staff are dedicated, attentive, loving, caring, accessible, and supportive, whether in the classroom or on the playground. They know all the children and their parents to an amazing degree and handle each of them as individuals. Focused, respectful children in the classrooms; happy, energized children in the hallways; well-rounded, high-achieving children engaging in myriad extracurricular activities. When we moved homes last year, our primary criterion was that the new house be within a reasonable distance from Nysmith. We expect that this unique and valuable institution will be at the center of our son's life through eighth grade, and we're looking forward to sharing this journey with him, his friends, and their families. read more

The school for the Gifted does not really meet the criteria. The STEAM program is pretty weak. When I was touring the place, the advertisement campaign was very impressive and I built my expectations accordingly. Unfortunately, the school does not give children the opportunity to progress at their own speed, unless your own speed is very slow. For gifted children, the program is not challenging and generally uninteresting. Some of the STEAM teachers are inexperienced young kids, who are definitely neither science nor math gurus and have a long way to go and educate themselves before they can start educating others. I found out that The Top 10 in The World is Such a Powerful advertisement slogan, however, all it means is that in the year 2015 many Nysmith parents placed their kids into John Hopkins CTY (Center for Talented Youth) program and these kids successfully graduated from it. If anything, it means that parents found Nysmith program unsatisfactory and decided to supplement their kids' education with enrolling them into CTY and to spend their own money on top of the high tuition at Nysmith. If anything, this should also be a counter-advertisement, but Nysmith regularly free rides on parents' and children's abilities by claiming the top 10 School spot in the World, since, according to John Hopkins, the number of students (27) participating in the program was a record number of students in the CTY program from a single school. The morale at school is very low. Ken Nysmith is not up to the task to solve any problems at school - he is very busy advertising and marketing. Therefore, his policy is "if you have a problem - you are the problem"; any other approach would impede his advertisement efforts. I regret being so naive and sending my kids to Nysmith school based on the very empty promises of a great education. I found it to be a totally unworthy place for my kids from the educational and moral standpoint. read more

This school definitely takes care of the kids whose parents are well gifted. There is no concern for the actual talent and abilities of the children nor is there any nurturing of their own unique abilities. Nysmith is strictly do it our way or it is wrong and you are not good enough. And no athletic activities, no sports, only 30 minutes 2 days a week of gym time. Children need much much more activity than that. And at the preschool level they need much more positive social interaction. Nysmith instead will tell them although it is normal child behavior it is just not good enough for their school. WRONG. Nysmith school is absolutely the worst school I have seen by far. read more

If the child is truly gifted then NySmith is the right place. No public or private school will match NySmith. Carol NySmith created something special that will meet the need of the truly intelligent academically. The school is not for the masses not for the socially smart nor for the athletically gifted. The school is for the academically gifted. read more

This is a great school with a lot to offer. I have two children who attend this school - prek through now 1st and 4th. We have had great experiences with the curriculum and the staff. My children love their school/teachers and realize how important their education is to our family. I believe a great education starts with a strong foundation. I know for a fact that both of my children are at least one grade level ahead of their peers. This school is not one for children who require extra attention just to stay at grade level - it is expected the children are bright and eager to learn. I feel my children are in a safe, caring and dedicated school. Nysmith would not be in business if they did not live up to many families expectations. It is obvious that the school is doing their job. If you have any interest in the school for your child I would suggest a tour first and talking to families currently enrolled. I am sure as with any business their are a few who are unsatisfied - I however have yet to meet one - but as you can tell I am not one of them. The only reason I do not give the school five stars is because it is very expensive - I wish I could get a look at their books to see where the costs are - but as a business person myself I know people run businesses to make at least a little profit. Unlike some other private schools in the area it is not about who you know to get in - it is about the kids and how much they love to learn. read more

My children have attended Nysmith for over 7 years. I have looked at many other schools including Flint Hill, Potomac, and others. Nysmith is comparable in price to them, but the differences are distinct. I am not a pushy parent, but I want my children to enjoy school and be challenged. Nysmith does that. I read one of the prior reviews and would agree that Nysmith does not have a very strong sports program. What set's their program apart is teh strong science and computers. I also like the many levels of reading and math that Nysmith offers. One of my children is strong in math, the other is strong in reading. Nysmith is able to accommodate both of my children's needs. But what I love most is that my children love coming to school. I have been active with class parties and visit the school often. Another thing I like about Nysmith is that my children will will tell me that some children in my children's classes do occassionally misbehave, I have not heard of a school yet where the children are perfect all the time. But teachers get involved, talk to the children, and sometimes the school administration get's involved. Either the child's behavior gets better, or I have noticed that the children do not return the next year. I have heard rumors of children who have been kicked out mid year because of the children's outrageous behavior. As a parent, that is what I want. I want my children to look forward to going to school. read more

As a former student, enrolling in the school in kindergarden and staying all the way through as long as it goes, I have much to say about the school. As for the teachers I had, many of them I liked and created a strong bond with. All of the teachers that I've had, or at least in my last few years that I can remember, were all passionate about what they taught. I received a great education, which prepared me very well for high school. The homework load could get quite stressful and overwhelming, but that, again, did prepare me for high school. My biggest issue with this school was the lack of taking action for conflicts between students. A friend of mine was bullied the last year of school, being called names and such, but it did affect them. We went to the administrators about it, yet they merely talked to the students and didn't take much action. I personally had quite a few problems, socially, but I chose not to tell the administrators because I doubted they would do much to help. Basically, what I'm trying to get at is that academically, it's a great school. Socially, I was ruined. It was not the best experience, but that could've just been my grade. read more

I regret sending my child to this school! They are extremely expensive and they give the kids a really hard time. They were constantly reprimanding my preschooler and asking us to come in to discuss his behavior (he was simply acting like a 4-year-old kid) because they want to teach them all the time. He was constantly grinding his teeth at night because of the stress they were subjecting him to. Save yourself some money and a headache: go with a more down-to-earth school! read more

My daughter attended Nysmith school from age 3 through eighth grade. Our appreciation and admiration for the school grew every year. Kids are taught by subject matter experts starting in kindergarten. The teachers are truly superb. We couldn't be happier with Nysmith. If they offered a high school, she would stay. read more

Nysmith is a terrific school option for children that are gifted and perform at high levels when challenged. Nysmith is also a terrific school if your child has learning differences due to ADHD or other learning disabilities. They recognize children who are intelligent and need a different method of learning and work with families to ensure the child is challenged and can perform at his/her best. Teachers care and know how to bring out the best in their students. There is a quality of teaching that surpasses most other institutions. read more

I attended this school basically my entire life. I truly believe this school is a large part in making me the person I am today. There were no limits to learning: when myself and 2 other classmates were assessed to be ahead in math, rather than telling us tough luck they made a small class for us three to learn. The clubs after school also helped us pursue our interests, which for me were chess and math. Nysmith gave me an amazing foundation for the rest of my education. read more