Bishop Ireton vs. SSSAS

[Anonymous]

Aside from the religious nuances and price tag disparities, can anyone give a sense for the culture and school environment differences between these two?

In particular, I’m wondering about:

1. Academic intensity and pressure. Child is smart but anxious so don’t want an overly stressful situation. Math is a struggle.

2. Social and sports culture. Child is not into sports and more of an arts/theater/music type.

3. Family profile. We are Catholic but with liberal and progressive values. Also have strayed a bit from the faith in recent years.

Trying to get a sense for “fit” between these two schools. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Athletics are big at both schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Athletics are big at both schools

I realize that but surely non-sporty kids can find their place at one or both.

[Anonymous]

I would go with SSSAS. I think it is stronger academically but they have a range of students and I think they would be more flexible with an anxious kid that BI

[Anonymous]

We have friends who went to SSSA starting in 9th. They said it was very hard to get into a friend group. Many of these kids have been together through yes and MS. Other than that I have heard great things about both schools.

[Anonymous]

I wish there were more choices for private high school in Alexandria. Episcopal should start accepting day students!

[Anonymous]

How are the performing arts at both schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have friends who went to SSSA starting in 9th. They said it was very hard to get into a friend group. Many of these kids have been together through yes and MS. Other than that I have heard great things about both schools.

Definitely something to consider, but they add a decent number in 9th so 2/3 of the incoming class are new to the school. Are a lot of incoming BI students peers from local Catholic k-8 schools like St. Mary’s?

[Anonymous]

BI has a wonderfule theater and music arts program. Its small, and because it starts in high school it might be easier to make friends since everyone is starting anew.

[Anonymous]

Could look at commonwealth too

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could look at commonwealth too

Commonwealth is strictly for ADHD and dyslexic students. OP never mentioned this was an issue for their kid.

[Anonymous]

SSSAS is second tier private at best. Ireton is better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SSSAS is second tier private at best. Ireton is better.

NP. Looking at both because we don’t want to drive into DC for school. Why is BI better? Honestly, I thought they are both considered second tier?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SSSAS is second tier private at best. Ireton is better.

NP. Looking at both because we don’t want to drive into DC for school. Why is BI better? Honestly, I thought they are both considered second tier?

Also wondering! They seem similar in terms of academics but would love some clarification and details on what might set each apart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SSSAS is second tier private at best. Ireton is better.

NP. Looking at both because we don’t want to drive into DC for school. Why is BI better? Honestly, I thought they are both considered second tier?

What is considered second tier? Is the big 3 top tier and schools that aren’t as good below?