What's the difference between St Johns and GDS?

[Anonymous]

We are relatively new to DC and we are applying to both schools for 9th grade. My DC is now in a public school. He is very athletic, loves sports, bright but not very hard working, although gets goods grades consistently. What school would fit him better?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are relatively new to DC and we are applying to both schools for 9th grade. My DC is now in a public school. He is very athletic, loves sports, bright but not very hard working, although gets goods grades consistently. What school would fit him better?

St. John’s

[Anonymous]

Literally everything. Nothing similar except that they are both in DC and co Ed. Visit both. He will like one or the other.

[Anonymous]

St Johns.

[Anonymous]

St. John’s is not as hard as gds but offers more structure. GDS is harder and not a good place for a kid who is not self motivated. And gds is not a big sports school. Sounds like St. John’s might be better for your kid.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think these schools have much in common other than being co-ed.

[Anonymous]

Wow. You really are new to this area. The schools couldn’t be more different. How do you come up these two? Thanks

[Anonymous]

St John's, with the caveat that if your DC is not a FABULOUS standout in one particular sport he is likely to be cut before making varsity. Many of their teams are nationally ranked.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I want a co-ed school, so only boys were out (St Albans or Gonzaga), sports is important, and also want strong academics. Why are they so different?

[Anonymous]

As mentioned by another poster, they couldn't be more different.

St John's is a Catholic school. It used to be an all-boys "military" school, where the students had to wear uniforms that resembled a military uniform. Now it's co-ed. They are very sports-oriented, I believe to the point where they "recruit" strong athletes. I don't believe it's ever been thought of as an academic powerhouse, but I'd imagine your child can get a good education if they put in the effort. Of course, students are also required to take religion classes.

GDS is a co-ed, secular K-12 school. Its high school is considered very rigorous, competitive and progressive. They are known to have a strong theater/performance program. Their new lower/middle school building is gorgeous. Ask anyone what they know about GDS and they will say "it's extremely liberal." On the one hand, they speak early, often and loudly about social justice and inequality. On the other, they still have a lot of very wealthy families attending the school. Who else can afford the $40K+ tuition/year? You can check out the curriculum online. It's very strong, but you will note that several classes are taught through the prism of "social justice." Some people believe the school teaches you how to think; others what to think. It's considered what many on these boards call "the Big 3" and it's very tough to get into.

[Anonymous]

How good is he at his chosen sport? My son and many of his friends are travel athletes but didn't choose SJC because they were worried they would not make varsity during high school. In sports like baseball and basketball at SJC you often have to be a future D1 athlete level to make the team. My son wanted playing time so he chose another high school.

[Anonymous]

Very helpful replies. Thank you! Yes, we are new to the area and still learning about the schools. We read the statements of both schools (and have done virtual tours), they both seem to have similar values. GDS talks about social justice, St John profess similar values based on a more Christian/Catholic tradition. Isn’t that correct?

What about college placement? Is it similar?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Very helpful replies. Thank you! Yes, we are new to the area and still learning about the schools. We read the statements of both schools (and have done virtual tours), they both seem to have similar values. GDS talks about social justice, St John profess similar values based on a more Christian/Catholic tradition. Isn’t that correct?

What about college placement? Is it similar?

No. GDS is a much more competitive school and their college placement shows this. They really aren’t similar at all. Do school searches on this board.

[Anonymous]

GDS is sooooo woke. It is so liberal that it is almost aggressively so. If you don’t identify your pronoun you are the outkast.

The founder of Under Armour is a St John’s alum and has been pouring $$$ into the sports program. GDS is not known for sports. If your kid is a great athlete with a love in a sport, it will be a joke.

St John’s is much larger.

St John’s is a Catholic school. GDS is secular.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest an Ed consultant if you’re pressed for time. Applications are due in January. I feel that as someone outside of DC you could use help. The schools admissions people speak a weird code that’s confusing to those outside the DMV. Good luck on your search.

GDS had a 9% or so admittance rate last year. You may want to add other schools and not count on it as an option. SJC sports are so competitive your child may not make the team.