Family culture at the Heights?

[Anonymous]

We are seriously considering the Heights for our boys. We know a few families there, but not that many. We currently send our boys to a diocese school where there are some (not a ton) of well-to-do families that go to country clubs and fancy vacations. We definitely aren’t like that, we are a single income family and live a pretty modest lifestyle. Would we fit in there? Is it a school with tons of Uber wealthy families?

We are devout Catholics and very familiar with Opus Dei, please don’t feel the need to inform me of that.

[Anonymous]

We were at the Heights for three years. I really liked the environment for young boys (we were in theValley for 3d grade, etc.,),, however it is not the right school for non-catholics (our DS was bullied) and it is not the right school if your kid has learning issues, like ADHD

[Anonymous]

I'm no fan of the Heights but know several families there and if you're devout Catholics and like the school, you won't be out of place just because you live modestly. You won't be alone. There's wealth but there are plenty of families who either choose to live modestly despite their wealth, choose 1 income or are just not wealthy. I would consider it a non-issue.

[Anonymous]

This is pretty typical living for trad Catholics.

[Anonymous]

DS's friend went there. He said a lot of the kids were racist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm no fan of the Heights but know several families there and if you're devout Catholics and like the school, you won't be out of place just because you live modestly. You won't be alone. There's wealth but there are plenty of families who either choose to live modestly despite their wealth, choose 1 income or are just not wealthy. I would consider it a non-issue.

Thank you! That’s what I’ve kinda gathered, but after reading some threads on here regarding other (and more expensive) independent private schools I was worried.

[Anonymous]

Recent alumnus here. Would love to settle the air on some things posted above.

The Heights is filled with families who have modest lifestyles. Over 50% of students get need based aid. Several kids who graduated in my year had to chose far lesser of academic colleges because of money. Further, the teachers at The Heights live very modest lifestyles and make far less than those at any other private or MCPS public.

Like any other DMV Private, there are also SOME ultra wealthy, including a Billionaire's sons.

As far as "racist" goes thats ludicorous. The school is of Hispanic descent and has a large portion of black students. The class above mine was 25% black. Sure an incident pops up every few years, but its nothing like what we see at Gonzaga, Landon...etc.

Please feel free to fire away with any other questions!

[Anonymous]

We're a Heights family.

We are a solidly "middle class" family for the DC Metro area (although I recognize that, at least in dollar terms, we are "upper" middle class compared to the country as a whole); we are single-income, but very comparable to e.g., a professional couple where both husband and wife work for the federal government.

While it's clear that many Heights families have more wealth/income than we do (just from attending parent gathers and kid birthday parties), we've never felt judged or out-of-place at all. Everyone has always been kind and respectful of one another, both the kids and the parents.

We feel blessed with what we have, and most of all blessed that we have opportunities for our children like sending our boys to the Heights.

I wouldn't let it trouble you. Heights families are more about our shared values and faith rather than keeping up with the Jones'.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS's friend went there. He said a lot of the kids were racist.

By DC Metro standards, you can translate that into "He said a lot of the kids were Republicans. Catholic, even!"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Recent alumnus here. Would love to settle the air on some things posted above.

The Heights is filled with families who have modest lifestyles. Over 50% of students get need based aid. Several kids who graduated in my year had to chose far lesser of academic colleges because of money. Further, the teachers at The Heights live very modest lifestyles and make far less than those at any other private or MCPS public.

Like any other DMV Private, there are also SOME ultra wealthy, including a Billionaire's sons.

As far as "racist" goes thats ludicorous. The school is of Hispanic descent and has a large portion of black students. The class above mine was 25% black. Sure an incident pops up every few years, but its nothing like what we see at Gonzaga, Landon...etc.

Please feel free to fire away with any other questions!

OP here- thank you for taking the time to respond. Glad to know that’s how most of the families are, the few families I know from our church/school who send their boys to the Heights are usually fairly humble, even when they are wealthier.

[Anonymous]

What if only 1 parent is catholic, but not practicing, and DD identifies as catholic. Could that work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm no fan of the Heights but know several families there and if you're devout Catholics and like the school, you won't be out of place just because you live modestly. You won't be alone. There's wealth but there are plenty of families who either choose to live modestly despite their wealth, choose 1 income or are just not wealthy. I would consider it a non-issue.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're a Heights family.

We are a solidly "middle class" family for the DC Metro area (although I recognize that, at least in dollar terms, we are "upper" middle class compared to the country as a whole); we are single-income, but very comparable to e.g., a professional couple where both husband and wife work for the federal government.

While it's clear that many Heights families have more wealth/income than we do (just from attending parent gathers and kid birthday parties), we've never felt judged or out-of-place at all. Everyone has always been kind and respectful of one another, both the kids and the parents.

We feel blessed with what we have, and most of all blessed that we have opportunities for our children like sending our boys to the Heights.

I wouldn't let it trouble you. Heights families are more about our shared values and faith rather than keeping up with the Jones'.

Thank you! I appreciate it, I’m glad to hear the families are fairly down to earth!

[Anonymous]

It teaches that men are superior to women. 1950s vibe. If that is your seen...go for it realizing what it might do to your son.

[Anonymous]

^scene