Academy of the Holy Cross vs. Connelly School of the Holy Child

[Anonymous]

Can someone share any notable differences between the social atmosphere at these two schools - friendly/unfriendly; inclusive? parent community (particularly the moms)? Also, does Connelly School mostly feed from its immediate neighborhood? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

HC is about half the size of AHC, for one, and AHC has a little under 400 girls total.

[Anonymous]

I can only speak for Holy Cross, as the parent of an alum. The social atmosphere was very inclusive - not a lot of parents with huge egos trying to run the place. Everyone was friendly and respectful.

I'd say that AHC is more diverse than HC.

[Anonymous]

HC tends to pull from mostly Bethesda/Potomac. AHC has people from all over; lots of people who live in the far suburbs who can’t commute to privates in DC

[Anonymous]

My sense is that geography dictates a lot of the differences between the schools. With AHC on the metro line, as a PP noted, there is more geographic (and other) diversity than at HC. Our DD ultimately decided against single sex, but we really loved AHC, particularly for its engineering and STEM-focused classes.

[Anonymous]

HC girls are less worldly and less exposed - mostly from the neighborhood. AHC like someone else said is more diverse, inclusive and the girls look and seem genuinely happy. It also seemed easier to find your tribe there.

[Anonymous]

Interesting assessment.

[Anonymous]

I can't speak to Holy Child, but our DD is very happy at AHC. She was bullied mercilessly in middle school. She has finally found nice friends there (at AHC). It's been amazing to have her happy to go to school again. I'm am not much of an HSA-type, but when I've gone in to volunteer or to events, I have found the other parents/families welcoming.

[Anonymous]

I went to HC and commuted from Aspen Hill. I am first generation in the US and worked 2-3 jobs while in school, and still maintained grades, sports and extracurriculars. I was in the minority at the school, but the school really strives to create inclusivity - they even have a dedicated DEI person on staff who is amazing. HC is smaller and has more personalized support than most of the other private school options. The teachers and staff are excellent. The school is very rounded but has strong creative arts, English, and college prep. STEM learning is good but different than AHC, which follows the PLTW STEM curriculum. the comment that HC is less worldly is highly debatable. I would disagree. The curriculum and school support allows for much worldly exposure, awareness and challenges thought. There are travel abroad and study abroad opportunities, as HC is part of a very diverse network of schools globally. The student diversity at AHC is greater. I preferred HC for the stronger academics. The way students are pushed hard and “weeded out” at some competitive schools (Visitation and SR) is a difference that drives some students to HC. The personalized education supports different learning experiences very well, which emphasis on the whole self approach and mental health. When I was at HC there was not as much individualized support as today, so it seems even stronger now. The academic rigor is there but it’s different. Talk to Meghan Cross in admissions and bring your daughter to meet her too.. the personalized approach starts with her and continues through graduation. Tuition cost is higher at HC but they have some support available. I had financial aid while there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to HC and commuted from Aspen Hill. I am first generation in the US and worked 2-3 jobs while in school, and still maintained grades, sports and extracurriculars. I was in the minority at the school, but the school really strives to create inclusivity - they even have a dedicated DEI person on staff who is amazing. HC is smaller and has more personalized support than most of the other private school options. The teachers and staff are excellent. The school is very rounded but has strong creative arts, English, and college prep. STEM learning is good but different than AHC, which follows the PLTW STEM curriculum. the comment that HC is less worldly is highly debatable. I would disagree. The curriculum and school support allows for much worldly exposure, awareness and challenges thought. There are travel abroad and study abroad opportunities, as HC is part of a very diverse network of schools globally. The student diversity at AHC is greater. I preferred HC for the stronger academics. The way students are pushed hard and “weeded out” at some competitive schools (Visitation and SR) is a difference that drives some students to HC. The personalized education supports different learning experiences very well, which emphasis on the whole self approach and mental health. When I was at HC there was not as much individualized support as today, so it seems even stronger now. The academic rigor is there but it’s different. Talk to Meghan Cross in admissions and bring your daughter to meet her too.. the personalized approach starts with her and continues through graduation. Tuition cost is higher at HC but they have some support available. I had financial aid while there.

What a valuable perspective. While our child elected to go elsewhere, the things you mention ring true to our application experience and we came away more than impressed by Holy Child. Also impressed by your accomplishments; congratulations on what you have achieved.

[Anonymous]

For a very academic (straight A’s, scores very well on standardized tests) child who has ADD, would one of these schools be better a better fit? She is also an URM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't speak to Holy Child, but our DD is very happy at AHC. She was bullied mercilessly in middle school. She has finally found nice friends there (at AHC). It's been amazing to have her happy to go to school again. I'm am not much of an HSA-type, but when I've gone in to volunteer or to events, I have found the other parents/families welcoming.

Our DD was bullied mercilessly at AHC and the admin did nothing about it. We’ve determined that AHc strives to serve a diverse range of learners because at the end of the day it is about $$$. The more accommodating to a diverse group of learners, the more money you can get.

[Anonymous]

So is the criteria to get into both schools similar or would you say one is more stringent?

[Anonymous]

We also have a daughter at HC (don’t live near it) and PP’s positive experience mirrors ours. Can’t speak to whether AHC would be a better fit for your DD; we visited and also thought it was a nice school. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Which of the two schools is considered more prestigious? Or are they considered equal?