How good is Maret?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We didn’t apply and my child didn’t want such a small school. That was THE factor for us. But, as a relatively disinterested person my take is this. It is a good school with good outcomes and hard admissions due to size and being good. Desirable for some due to its smaller size. But… and this is probably why it is a touchy topic… it does not have the cache of Sidwell, NCS/St Albans, or GDS. Full stop. As a local, it was a school for artsy kids back in the day and that did not necessarily mean academically excellent artsy kids. Back then Sidwell, GDS and St Albans/NCS were already super hard to get into and regularly churning out great college admits. And FWIW, Potomac didn’t even have a high school. So the landscape has changed and Maret has changed and it seems academically much more respectable. But… it is not in the same league as NCS/St Albans and Sidwell. And the Maret people sound a little ridiculous constantly insisting it is. But I don’t have any hate. Just a dose of reality. Some kids and families may prefer it over those “better” schools. We didn’t apply to a single DC school after factoring in transportation and some of the after school requirements. We considered some and would not have put in application at Maret because it is smaller than our child wanted. Everyone has different goals and expectations for high school. But here is the thing. Maret is very good. It’s like Williams or Amherst. But it isn’t Harvard or MIT and those others are.

Sounds about right. Why presidents choose to send their kids to Sidwell over maret?

[Anonymous]

Honestly, not sure why there is such desperation to compare and throw out brands. Does the school (any school) prepare my kid for the next level? Do I agree with the general pedagogy of the school? Does our family seem to fit with the general vibe? Is the workload consistent with what I think is appropriate? Does the school have the extracurriculars and activities that my kid wants? Are the outcomes good? How is the staff and administration? Is it the size that I want? Does it have the kind of students in which that my kid will likely find "their people?"

These are the questions that matter. Not whether it's more like Amherst than Princeton.

The need to people on this board to support or denigrate their kids' schools as a reflection of their own self-worth is really somewhere between sad and pathetic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, not sure why there is such desperation to compare and throw out brands. Does the school (any school) prepare my kid for the next level? Do I agree with the general pedagogy of the school? Does our family seem to fit with the general vibe? Is the workload consistent with what I think is appropriate? Does the school have the extracurriculars and activities that my kid wants? Are the outcomes good? How is the staff and administration? Is it the size that I want? Does it have the kind of students in which that my kid will likely find "their people?"

These are the questions that matter. Not whether it's more like Amherst than Princeton.

The need to people on this board to support or denigrate their kids' schools as a reflection of their own self-worth is really somewhere between sad and pathetic.

I agree with you. In my child’s case, Maret doesn’t pass the questions you raised.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We didn’t apply and my child didn’t want such a small school. That was THE factor for us. But, as a relatively disinterested person my take is this. It is a good school with good outcomes and hard admissions due to size and being good. Desirable for some due to its smaller size. But… and this is probably why it is a touchy topic… it does not have the cache of Sidwell, NCS/St Albans, or GDS. Full stop. As a local, it was a school for artsy kids back in the day and that did not necessarily mean academically excellent artsy kids. Back then Sidwell, GDS and St Albans/NCS were already super hard to get into and regularly churning out great college admits. And FWIW, Potomac didn’t even have a high school. So the landscape has changed and Maret has changed and it seems academically much more respectable. But… it is not in the same league as NCS/St Albans and Sidwell. And the Maret people sound a little ridiculous constantly insisting it is. But I don’t have any hate. Just a dose of reality. Some kids and families may prefer it over those “better” schools. We didn’t apply to a single DC school after factoring in transportation and some of the after school requirements. We considered some and would not have put in application at Maret because it is smaller than our child wanted. Everyone has different goals and expectations for high school. But here is the thing. Maret is very good. It’s like Williams or Amherst. But it isn’t Harvard or MIT and those others are.

Sounds about right. Why presidents choose to send their kids to Sidwell over maret?

I thought Barron Trump went to St. Andrew's Episcopal, not Sidwell?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many families chose Maret because they wanted a good academic program without the overwhelming workload of GDS or Sidwell. In our K–8 community, another big factor that parents and kids said yes aside from the less homework was the smaller class sizes. Not every child thrives in large cohorts or intense social environments.

Maret feels similar to Field and Burke in that sense — and we hope it never grows to 150 students per grade. The homework load is manageable, and the current 9th-grade class is truly fantastic.

It’s true that some kids have left for various reasons, and the school has made some errors and even dealt with staffers but many simply wanted a bigger, more varied social scene. Maret isn’t trying to be one of the “Big 3,” and honestly, if it were farther from the city, it might not have the same draw. In our Northwest neighborhood, almost everyone has it on their list — largely because the commute is so convenient.

Thanks for laying out the pros and cons transparently. Not sure why some parents want to claim that Maret is better than other private schools in all dimensions.

I see most Maret families saying they are happy that it doesn’t have the workload of Sidwell/NCS/STA vs saying they are better than them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, not sure why there is such desperation to compare and throw out brands. Does the school (any school) prepare my kid for the next level? Do I agree with the general pedagogy of the school? Does our family seem to fit with the general vibe? Is the workload consistent with what I think is appropriate? Does the school have the extracurriculars and activities that my kid wants? Are the outcomes good? How is the staff and administration? Is it the size that I want? Does it have the kind of students in which that my kid will likely find "their people?"

These are the questions that matter. Not whether it's more like Amherst than Princeton.

The need to people on this board to support or denigrate their kids' schools as a reflection of their own self-worth is really somewhere between sad and pathetic.

I agree with you. In my child’s case, Maret doesn’t pass the questions you raised.

Then it sounds like you need to apply out instead of spending your time here. It’s really quite simple

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, not sure why there is such desperation to compare and throw out brands. Does the school (any school) prepare my kid for the next level? Do I agree with the general pedagogy of the school? Does our family seem to fit with the general vibe? Is the workload consistent with what I think is appropriate? Does the school have the extracurriculars and activities that my kid wants? Are the outcomes good? How is the staff and administration? Is it the size that I want? Does it have the kind of students in which that my kid will likely find "their people?"

These are the questions that matter. Not whether it's more like Amherst than Princeton.

The need to people on this board to support or denigrate their kids' schools as a reflection of their own self-worth is really somewhere between sad and pathetic.

I agree with you. In my child’s case, Maret doesn’t pass the questions you raised.

Perfectly reasonable assessment. For us, it checked every box and it has been a great experience. The beauty is that all of these schools have their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses. What may be a strength to one family is unappealing to others. All of it is normal, but doesn't make one better than another, or one "good" and the others "bad."

Do whatever works for your family without needing to pretend that your choice is superior than someone else's, just because they disagree or are seeking other attributes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At our k-8, Maret was the second or third choice of every single person who went. All preferred either Potomac or Sidwell or NCS/St Alban’s. The only ones who went to Maret didn’t get into their first choice. Those that got into their first choice went there and not Maret.

And you know this how? I can’t think of any way you could know this that wouldn’t require that you have a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, not sure why there is such desperation to compare and throw out brands. Does the school (any school) prepare my kid for the next level? Do I agree with the general pedagogy of the school? Does our family seem to fit with the general vibe? Is the workload consistent with what I think is appropriate? Does the school have the extracurriculars and activities that my kid wants? Are the outcomes good? How is the staff and administration? Is it the size that I want? Does it have the kind of students in which that my kid will likely find "their people?"

These are the questions that matter. Not whether it's more like Amherst than Princeton.

The need to people on this board to support or denigrate their kids' schools as a reflection of their own self-worth is really somewhere between sad and pathetic.

I agree with you. In my child’s case, Maret doesn’t pass the questions you raised.

Perfectly reasonable assessment. For us, it checked every box and it has been a great experience. The beauty is that all of these schools have their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses. What may be a strength to one family is unappealing to others. All of it is normal, but doesn't make one better than another, or one "good" and the others "bad."

Do whatever works for your family without needing to pretend that your choice is superior than someone else's, just because they disagree or are seeking other attributes.

Not pretending, just stating how I made the decision.

[Anonymous]

Maret has been a great fit for both our child and our family. Freshman year came with some adjustment, as expected, but the teachers have been attentive, and the overall community has been warm and welcoming.

We chose Maret as our first choice for several reasons—particularly the sense that it offered a more balanced environment, without the intense pressure we have heard about at some other schools. The facilities are solid—perhaps a bit more lived-in compared to some of the flashier campuses at other privates—but still excellent and more aligned with our family style anyway.

Our child is a strong student, not particularly athletic, but well-rounded and deeply curious. So far, Maret has nurtured that love of learning, and we feel fortunate to be there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many families chose Maret because they wanted a good academic program without the overwhelming workload of GDS or Sidwell. In our K–8 community, another big factor that parents and kids said yes aside from the less homework was the smaller class sizes. Not every child thrives in large cohorts or intense social environments.

Maret feels similar to Field and Burke in that sense — and we hope it never grows to 150 students per grade. The homework load is manageable, and the current 9th-grade class is truly fantastic.

It’s true that some kids have left for various reasons, and the school has made some errors and even dealt with staffers but many simply wanted a bigger, more varied social scene. Maret isn’t trying to be one of the “Big 3,” and honestly, if it were farther from the city, it might not have the same draw. In our Northwest neighborhood, almost everyone has it on their list — largely because the commute is so convenient.

Thanks for laying out the pros and cons transparently. Not sure why some parents want to claim that Maret is better than other private schools in all dimensions.

I see most Maret families saying they are happy that it doesn’t have the workload of Sidwell/NCS/STA vs saying they are better than them.

Giving busy work does not mean the school is better. It just means there is more homework with no correlation to mastering the subject. Like a gerbil on a wheel in a cage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many families chose Maret because they wanted a good academic program without the overwhelming workload of GDS or Sidwell. In our K–8 community, another big factor that parents and kids said yes aside from the less homework was the smaller class sizes. Not every child thrives in large cohorts or intense social environments.

Maret feels similar to Field and Burke in that sense — and we hope it never grows to 150 students per grade. The homework load is manageable, and the current 9th-grade class is truly fantastic.

It’s true that some kids have left for various reasons, and the school has made some errors and even dealt with staffers but many simply wanted a bigger, more varied social scene. Maret isn’t trying to be one of the “Big 3,” and honestly, if it were farther from the city, it might not have the same draw. In our Northwest neighborhood, almost everyone has it on their list — largely because the commute is so convenient.

Thanks for laying out the pros and cons transparently. Not sure why some parents want to claim that Maret is better than other private schools in all dimensions.

I see most Maret families saying they are happy that it doesn’t have the workload of Sidwell/NCS/STA vs saying they are better than them.

Giving busy work does not mean the school is better. It just means there is more homework with no correlation to mastering the subject. Like a gerbil on a wheel in a cage.

By the same token, saying that the workload is lighter doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better or more balanced; it could simply reflect that the teachers are mediocre.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many families chose Maret because they wanted a good academic program without the overwhelming workload of GDS or Sidwell. In our K–8 community, another big factor that parents and kids said yes aside from the less homework was the smaller class sizes. Not every child thrives in large cohorts or intense social environments.

Maret feels similar to Field and Burke in that sense — and we hope it never grows to 150 students per grade. The homework load is manageable, and the current 9th-grade class is truly fantastic.

It’s true that some kids have left for various reasons, and the school has made some errors and even dealt with staffers but many simply wanted a bigger, more varied social scene. Maret isn’t trying to be one of the “Big 3,” and honestly, if it were farther from the city, it might not have the same draw. In our Northwest neighborhood, almost everyone has it on their list — largely because the commute is so convenient.

Thanks for laying out the pros and cons transparently. Not sure why some parents want to claim that Maret is better than other private schools in all dimensions.

I see most Maret families saying they are happy that it doesn’t have the workload of Sidwell/NCS/STA vs saying they are better than them.

Giving busy work does not mean the school is better. It just means there is more homework with no correlation to mastering the subject. Like a gerbil on a wheel in a cage.

By the same token, saying that the workload is lighter doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better or more balanced; it could simply reflect that the teachers are mediocre.

Both are true but not every school has to be Sidwell to be a good school. I have one at Maret and one at a Big 3. Both kids got into both schools (as well as other Big 3s). We chose the one that was the best fit for each kid. I just don't get the need to tear Maret down in so many of these posts for not being Sidwell/NCS/STA. It's intentionally NOT like Sidwell/NCS/STA and that's ok! Different families are looking for different things and different kids need different environments. It's very possible to have an excellent education without the workload of Sidwell/NCS/STA and it's possible that some parents are looking for more of a balanced environment for their kid. Everyone should do what's best for their kid and their family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many families chose Maret because they wanted a good academic program without the overwhelming workload of GDS or Sidwell. In our K–8 community, another big factor that parents and kids said yes aside from the less homework was the smaller class sizes. Not every child thrives in large cohorts or intense social environments.

Maret feels similar to Field and Burke in that sense — and we hope it never grows to 150 students per grade. The homework load is manageable, and the current 9th-grade class is truly fantastic.

It’s true that some kids have left for various reasons, and the school has made some errors and even dealt with staffers but many simply wanted a bigger, more varied social scene. Maret isn’t trying to be one of the “Big 3,” and honestly, if it were farther from the city, it might not have the same draw. In our Northwest neighborhood, almost everyone has it on their list — largely because the commute is so convenient.

Thanks for laying out the pros and cons transparently. Not sure why some parents want to claim that Maret is better than other private schools in all dimensions.

I see most Maret families saying they are happy that it doesn’t have the workload of Sidwell/NCS/STA vs saying they are better than them.

Giving busy work does not mean the school is better. It just means there is more homework with no correlation to mastering the subject. Like a gerbil on a wheel in a cage.

By the same token, saying that the workload is lighter doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better or more balanced; it could simply reflect that the teachers are mediocre.

Both are true but not every school has to be Sidwell to be a good school. I have one at Maret and one at a Big 3. Both kids got into both schools (as well as other Big 3s). We chose the one that was the best fit for each kid. I just don't get the need to tear Maret down in so many of these posts for not being Sidwell/NCS/STA. It's intentionally NOT like Sidwell/NCS/STA and that's ok! Different families are looking for different things and different kids need different environments. It's very possible to have an excellent education without the workload of Sidwell/NCS/STA and it's possible that some parents are looking for more of a balanced environment for their kid. Everyone should do what's best for their kid and their family.

Totally agree with that.

[Anonymous]

The main downside of maret is that it has a long history of hiding incidents, starting with the sexual assault cases of the 2000s, and other type of incidents continue in 2025 and are hidden from parents.