Sidwell or St. Albans

[Anonymous]

I love them both. I really do. My son, entering 9th grade, is somewhat of a "gentle-person jock." His real passion is athletics (basketball and soccer), but also he is extremely driven and academically motivated. One thing is that he is coming from a co-ed school, where he flourished...but many of his good friends seem to be heading to St. Albans or Georgetown Prep, while the girls seem to be headed to NCS or Holton. That being said, a lot of the kids I ran into when we visited Sidwell seemed to resemble what he aspires to be; well-rounded and not overly-invested in just one area. I also know that the Sidwell soccer program is nationally acclaimed. On the other hand, I fell in love with the feeling of tradition and pride at St. Albans. They both seem incredible. Any advice? I figure I may as well get some opinions for the heck of it.

[Anonymous]

Interesting, just doing research myself for a 6th grade entry to STA or Sidwell for DS (and DD is going to Holton in the fall). First - no school has a website as good as Holton's ... sad that none of the boys' schools show as much real life at the school as Holton's website does. That aside, it struck me that when you go look at the "Life in the Middle School" link on Sidwell, here is the opening text:


"Several different kinds of support are offered to Middle School students. There is a nurse on duty on campus at all times. The Middle School Counselor is also available to provide emotional support to students and families. There is a learning specialist in the Middle School who is available to assist students who are having academic difficulty. Educational testing is available on-site during the school day if needed, and the school works with tutors who can provide on-going services to families as necessary. Parents are encouraged to express concerns in any of these areas to the advisor or homeroom teacher or to the Student Concerns Committee, which consists of the counselor, learning specialist, and assistant principal."

OK - so I am exploring the school and the FIRST thing they want to tell me is that in case my child blows up physically or emotionally or mentally at the school, they have professionals around to deal with it? And I am encouraged to complain about things. Wow, that's not what I was hoping to concentrate on in picking a school. Are blow ups and complaints that common that they should be the first thing addressed? Not an appealing introduction...

[Anonymous]

They are both incredible. Very different schools for obvious reasons (e.g., SF is coed, STA isn't), but you can't go wrong with either. Didn't you have to make your decision weeks ago?

[Anonymous]

Does your son like them equally? I would think he'd have an opinion.

[Anonymous]

Usually for 9 th grade entry, as PP suggests, the student often has a strong feeling (generally on the co-Ed/ single-sex point). Both are great schools for the scholar-athlete although obviously quite different in feel. Sidwell is strong in soccer and actually pretty good at basketball too, so although STA is stronger in athletics overall in your son's sports Sidwell might have the overall edge. Great and talented teachers in both places--again, you can't go wrong.

[Anonymous]

Don't kid yourself. Sidwell isn't pretty good in basketball. Soccer absolutely. But the basketball level they play at is a joke.

[Anonymous]

STA and Sidwell are in different interscholastic athletic league, so you are comparing apples and oranges. STA competes in a stronger league.

[Anonymous]

Either school is a great option. I'm sure your on has preferences, especially if lots of his friends go to one or the other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:STA and Sidwell are in different interscholastic athletic league, so you are comparing apples and oranges. STA competes in a stronger league.

I'd choose STA because there are more boys therefore a better chance of making decent friends.

[Anonymous]

Since it is now after June 1st are you really still holding 2 spots and on the hook for 2 tuitions at these schools?

My son looked at both and hated one and liked the other. Surely your son has an opinion about which one he'd be more comfortable in given how different they are?

[Anonymous]

If the parent has no clear preference between the two schools, she should consider the opinion of her DS. Surely he has an opinion? The two schools are very diffferent.

[Anonymous]

You know, I keep hearing about Sidwell's boys' soccer team, but not one of their players made the Post's All-Met roster yesterday.

[Anonymous]

FYI MD public and VA, MD and Dc private all play soccer in the fall. Only VA public plays soccer in the spring.

[Anonymous]

13:09 MD public MS plays in the spring. Not sure about HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:13:09 MD public MS plays in the spring. Not sure about HS.

MCPS HS plays in the fall.