Bullis, SSFS or SAES.

[Anonymous]

Would like to hear from families who sent their children to Bullis, SSFS or SAES. Upper school admit - having a hard time deciding which is best. Son wants SSFS and dad wants Bullis.

[Anonymous]

We have the same choices! Kid is also leaning toward SSFS (as are we). We are going to the admission events and having the child do shadow visits.

[Anonymous]

I think it says something that the upper school head from SSFS is moving to Bullis…

[Anonymous]

Commute is a big deal in high school in my opinion. I live near Bullis and SAES, never considered SSFS.

I have a senior at SAES, and have been very happy academically. In hindsight, Bullis may have been a better fit socially. SAES seemed to get small quickly. I don’t think my child will look back with tons of fondness for their HS experience and will lose touch quickly with these friends. The college preparedness is really there though, and that’s worth a lot. The later start and short commute are major pluses as well.

Bullis was my child’s third choice and at the time, that seemed correct. I think Bullis has come a long way in a short time in terms of academics and reputation. We know a lot of happy families there. We also know many happy families at SAES.

Having said all that, and going through school choices multiple times, the kids know, that deserves a lot of weight, especially for HS. Take him to at least two of the admitted students events, point out things that he may not fully understand, and then trust his gut. I didn’t let my kids apply anywhere I would say no to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it says something that the upper school head from SSFS is moving to Bullis…

She was previously a teacher there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it says something that the upper school head from SSFS is moving to Bullis…

I would not think this should be a factor. As the head of upper school is going back to her home school where she worked for over 20 years.

[Anonymous]

She worked at Bullis for five years previously.

[Anonymous]

Our child is a recent Bullis graduate. I think very highly of the school - good teachers, good academics, good space for all kinds of kids (athletes, visual and performing artists and everything inbetween). Our family and child had a great experience. Also - excellent college counseling, as they got into their first choice college ED and were not a recruited kid

[Anonymous]

If your son prefers SSFS, go with that assuming commute is reasonable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Commute is a big deal in high school in my opinion. I live near Bullis and SAES, never considered SSFS.

I have a senior at SAES, and have been very happy academically. In hindsight, Bullis may have been a better fit socially. SAES seemed to get small quickly. I don’t think my child will look back with tons of fondness for their HS experience and will lose touch quickly with these friends. The college preparedness is really there though, and that’s worth a lot. The later start and short commute are major pluses as well.

Bullis was my child’s third choice and at the time, that seemed correct. I think Bullis has come a long way in a short time in terms of academics and reputation. We know a lot of happy families there. We also know many happy families at SAES.

Having said all that, and going through school choices multiple times, the kids know, that deserves a lot of weight, especially for HS. Take him to at least two of the admitted students events, point out things that he may not fully understand, and then trust his gut. I didn’t let my kids apply anywhere I would say no to.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our child is a recent Bullis graduate. I think very highly of the school - good teachers, good academics, good space for all kinds of kids (athletes, visual and performing artists and everything inbetween). Our family and child had a great experience. Also - excellent college counseling, as they got into their first choice college ED and were not a recruited kid

I could have written this post. Same experience. And I will add that our child was extremely well prepared for college and had no problems meeting the academic standards there.

[Anonymous]

Thank you to all who replied. We will do the shadow visit. The commute aspect was something we did not think about - so that was helpful. Please keep posting as we are eager for any additional information we can gather.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I echo what everyone has said and personally know happy families with successful children at each of the schools. However, they have very different 'vibes' and different missions/approaches. Provided you and your husband believe your son could thrive at any of them, definitely listen to your son. Where does he feel most comfortable? Which school provides a comfortable learning and social environment for his particular personality? Where can he see himself? They all provide excellent opportunities, but they are quite different. I suspect the answer will be obvious to you after the admitted student events.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your son prefers SSFS, go with that assuming commute is reasonable.

SSFS has several bus routes that make the commute much easier. It has been a blessing to not have to drive out there everyday. DC who joined for 9th grade loves it. I was not sure what to expect and was initially disappointed bc DC was waitlisted at SAES, but it is such a charming school with excellent teachers and good kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Commute is a big deal in high school in my opinion. I live near Bullis and SAES, never considered SSFS.

I have a senior at SAES, and have been very happy academically. In hindsight, Bullis may have been a better fit socially. SAES seemed to get small quickly. I don’t think my child will look back with tons of fondness for their HS experience and will lose touch quickly with these friends. The college preparedness is really there though, and that’s worth a lot. The later start and short commute are major pluses as well.

Bullis was my child’s third choice and at the time, that seemed correct. I think Bullis has come a long way in a short time in terms of academics and reputation. We know a lot of happy families there. We also know many happy families at SAES.

Having said all that, and going through school choices multiple times, the kids know, that deserves a lot of weight, especially for HS. Take him to at least two of the admitted students events, point out things that he may not fully understand, and then trust his gut. I didn’t let my kids apply anywhere I would say no to.

We chose St. Andrew's over Bullis and regretted the decision. Our sons class at St. Andrew's was a disaster.