Tell me about St. John’s

[Anonymous]

My DS was accepted and I'd love to hear the experiences of non sporty kids at this school. He's coming from MCPS, and while he gets good grades, he isn’t a hugely motivated child.

How is school culture? Where do most kids come from? Is it easy to make friends or do many of them already know each other?

This was the only independent school we applied to after narrowing down our list (large school, ap classes, co-Ed, and within 15 minutes of home) and we’re deciding between it and our very large public option.

[Anonymous]

Bump & +1 but I have a daughter.

[Anonymous]

I have a son at St. John’s (junior) another at Gonzaga and daughter at Visitation. We have found St. John’s to be very welcoming. My son knew others at the school when he started in the 9th grade but I believe almost all of his friends now are ones he met while at St. John’s. Some came from other catholic schools, many form public schools and even some that were home schooled. We have been very happy with the school. My kid is thriving there.

[Anonymous]

My child graduated from SJC a few years ago and had a good experience. In terms of the education, I think a combination of the structure and having a few teachers that they connected with and thought were really good teachers, helped with the motivation. As for where do kids come from, it’s really all over. Geographically speaking, Montgomery County, MD and DC are well represented due to proximity. A combination of sports and being accessible via public transportation IMO also expands the reach beyond kids that live close in. Yes, some kids do know each other from middle school and crossing paths from outside school activities prior to high school etc., but who you already know is not always who you become good friends with in high school.

In general, I would say if they are involved in an activity that is consistent and where there is either an effort for team bonding and/or enough moments to get to know people, that can help. Some of the non-sports ones that come to mind are the Cadet Corp, theatre, and chorus. Also, they will also meet people thru other people. It’s hard to say if it’s easy or hard because so much will depend on the kid and just luck of meeting someone they have things in common with and perhaps having the same lunch time but I wouldn’t say that you need to come to the school already having an established group of friends in order to have friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a son at St. John’s (junior) another at Gonzaga and daughter at Visitation. We have found St. John’s to be very welcoming. My son knew others at the school when he started in the 9th grade but I believe almost all of his friends now are ones he met while at St. John’s. Some came from other catholic schools, many form public schools and even some that were home schooled. We have been very happy with the school. My kid is thriving there.

PP - I'm curious about how your sons ended up at SJC and Gonzaga and the factors that drew your kids to one vs. the other. I've got a son admitted to both and would be curious about how you compare the schools. And how you get 3 kids to 3 corners of the city at 8am every day!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a son at St. John’s (junior) another at Gonzaga and daughter at Visitation. We have found St. John’s to be very welcoming. My son knew others at the school when he started in the 9th grade but I believe almost all of his friends now are ones he met while at St. John’s. Some came from other catholic schools, many form public schools and even some that were home schooled. We have been very happy with the school. My kid is thriving there.

PP - I'm curious about how your sons ended up at SJC and Gonzaga and the factors that drew your kids to one vs. the other. I've got a son admitted to both and would be curious about how you compare the schools. And how you get 3 kids to 3 corners of the city at 8am every day!

+1

[Anonymous]

bumping to see if anyone else can chime in.

[Anonymous]

I only have boys one at SJC and one at GZ. For us it came down to where each kid felt comfortable. Sure I would love them at one school but they each wanted something different. Academically the same. Socially similar (oddly enough) obviously girls being a difference. But the kids are, especially boys are very similar. It was clear to us after each one did their shadow day that they were moving in different directions.

We live in MoCo and most of the time I do morning drop off for both. Each are in sports and can get rides home or at least to a house closer to home. Lots of kids drive to both but also use metro for GZ kid. As they get older carpools are big.

Visi would be out of the way for us be we know plenty of girls around us who go and I would think (hope) we could carpool.

[Anonymous]

Sorry I should have added this that one does a non competitive sport at SJC. He is also into clubs and now running one as a junior. His friends are sporty and non sporty. Both schools have a lot of things for kids to do which aren't sports. The families are lovely and welcoming. I do work so have to admit I don't spend a lot of time with other parents. But when I do go to events the parents are great. I personally love going to the football games which can be crazy but not on the parent level.

[Anonymous]

SJC has plenty of clubs and activities. If he’s not into sports, maybe he can look into the entrepreneurial program or cadet corp. The school pulls from many feeder schools. We are also in MoCo and the only issue at times are early mornings since we are upper county. SJC was a great fit for my daughter.