Potomac School (McLean, Virginia)

The Potomac School is coeducational, college-preparatory independent day school located on a wooded 90-acre campus in McLean, Virginia, United States, three miles (5 km) from Washington, D.C. Average class size is 15-17 students. For the 2021-22 school year, Potomac enrolled 1,066 students in grades K-12. The school has four divisions – Lower School (K- 3), Middle School (4-6), Intermediate School (7-8), and Upper School (9-12) – each providing a balanced educational experience.

History

At the turn of the 20th century, DC residents Edith Draper Blair, Hetty Fairfax Harrison, and Ellen Warder Thoron traveled to New York City to research John Dewey’s teaching model and educational philosophy. The women’s interest in early childhood education as a joyful and enriching endeavor led them to found The Potomac School in 1904. The school’s original location was in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. In 1906, Potomac relocated to 18th and M Streets NW; a decade later, the school – now enrolling students through grade 8 – moved to a larger facility at 2144 California Street in Northwest DC .  

Looking toward greater future expansion, Potomac’s Board of Trustees purchased 55 acres of farmland in McLean, Virginia, in 1948. The ensuing years brought significant growth, with additions of land and facilities, an increase in the student population, and the addition of new programs. In 1987, Potomac added an Upper School to serve students in grades 9-12. The first senior class graduated from The Potomac School in 1990, and in 2004 the school celebrated its Centennial. Enrollment reached 1,000 for the first time in 2009.

Curriculum and Academics

''Lower School''

The grades K-3 program focuses on reading, writing, and numeracy skills, along with enrichment classes in science, art, music, and physical education.

''Middle School''

Foreign language study and instrumental music are introduced in Middle School.

''Intermediate School''

Interscholastic athletics begin at this level.

''Upper School''

The Upper School offers three highly selective, intensive academic tracks – the Science and Engineering Research Center, the Global Perspectives and Citizenship Program, and the Visual and Performing Arts Concentration – that offer opportunities for deeper, more rigorous study in specific areas of interest.

''Service Learning''

Service learning is integrated into Potomac’s K-12 curriculum.

''Co-curricular Activities''

The school has a nationally ranked speech and debate program (grades 8-12) and a competitive robotics program (6-12).

Campus

The campus spans 90 acres of woods, ponds, streams, and gardens. The campus includes

* science and computer labs
* three libraries
* art and photography studios
* a performing arts center, with practice and rehearsal rooms and a 470-seat auditorium
* three gymnasiums, fitness facilities, a dance/yoga studio
* grass playing fields, a turf field with a running track, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and several playgrounds

''Spangler Center for Athletics and Community''

Opened in fall 2019, Potomac’s newest building – the Spangler Center for Athletics and Community – is a 76,500-square-foot facility that serves as a hub for interscholastic sports, health and wellness activities, and community events.

Athletics

Potomac fields 72 teams playing at various levels in 25 interscholastic sports and is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAC) and the Independent School League (ISL). The school mascot is the Potomac Panther.

Arts

The school has extensive programs in vocal and instrumental music, fine arts, and theater.

Accreditation and Affiliations

The Potomac School is accredited by the Virginia Association for Independent Schools (VAIS). Additionally, Potomac maintains affiliations and partnerships with a number of organizations, including the National Association of Independent Schools, the Virginia Council for Private Education, the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington, Independent School Management, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the Head’s Network, the National Business Officers Association, the Parents Council of Washington, the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education, the Educational Records Bureau, INDEX, Common Sense Media, and Global Online Academy.

Scandal

In 2011, a former Potomac student accused a former Intermediate School teacher and administrator of abusing her in the late 1960s. The accused individual was arrested by Fairfax County police in November 2012. He was convicted in October 2013 of molesting five girls and sentenced to 43 years in prison. In addition to the police probe, The Potomac School initiated an independent investigation, which was completed in June 2014. The school announced that it would turn its findings over to Fairfax County police and would institute comprehensive training in abuse prevention, background checks of all employees and volunteers, and standardized practices for handling abuse complaints. The school fulfilled these commitments and continues to maintain a strong focus on student safety.

Notable alumni

* Michael Arndt, screenwriter of Little Miss Sunshine
*Chris Ayer, solo guitar artist
* Rostam Batmanglij, member of Vampire Weekend
*Zal Batmanglij, director of The East
*Alice Louise Davison, linguist
*Sasha DiGiulian, rock climber
* Julie Finley, former ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
*Davis Guggenheim, writer and director
*Sarah Meeker Jensen, architect
* Dwaune Jones, professional football coach, Atlanta Falcons
*Thomas Kean, politician and businessman
* Roger Kent, politician
*Nick Lowery, former professional football player, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, and New York Jets
* Robert McDowell, 2-time Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner
* Ellen McLaughlin, playwright
*Jon Metzger, vibraphonist
*Willie and Truman Morrison, country band Morrison Brothers
* Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay and philanthropist with Omidyar Network
*Antonio de Oyarzabal, Spanish diplomat
* Adam Platt, ''New York'' magazine restaurant critic
* Keshia Knight Pulliam, actress best known for playing Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show
*Lee Radziwill, socialite
* Alex Ross, music critic for The New Yorker
*Janet Auchincloss Rutherfurd, socialite
*Frances Sternhagen, actor in television, theater, and film
*Whit Stillman, film director
* Nina Auchincloss Straight, author and socialite
*Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, retired Saudi Arabian diplomat
* Derek Thompson, journalist, ''The Atlantic''
* Russell E. Train, second administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Potomac School
Preparatory schools in Virginia
Independent School League
Educational institutions established in 1904
Private K-12 schools in Virginia
McLean, Virginia
1904 establishments in Washington, D.C.