St. Anselm’s vs. St. John’s vs. Good Counsel

[Anonymous]

Hi, I’m currently looking at schools for my child for 9th grade next year, and I find myself at a crossroads. After reviewing multiple threads, doing my own research, and considering various factors, I’m narrowing down my options to these three schools: St. Anselm’s, St. John’s, and Good Counsel.

My child will be coming from an MCPS school, and is an A/B student who is academically motivated. I’m looking for a school that offers a rigorous curriculum, but I don’t want it to be too much of a pressure cooker. I also want a school with a solid selection of clubs, good college outcomes, and a variety of AP courses.

What would you suggest? How are the social dynamics at these schools? How would you describe the overall culture and environment? I’d love to hear any feedback or experiences with these schools!

Additionally, are there any other schools in the area that offer a similar balance of academic rigor and a healthy, supportive environment? Any insights on the extracurricular opportunities or college prep at these schools would be greatly appreciated!

[Anonymous]

SAAS is very different from GC and SJC.

Where in MC do you live, OP? Commute might be a consideration if choosing between SJC and GC. Both a re larger, Co-Ed, athletics-focused institutions that cater to a wide range of academic abilities, which you may already know. GC probably skews a bit more conservative and slightly lower SES. All things being equal, I'd choose the better commute between those two options. SAAS is much smaller, all-boys, less focused on athletics and probably more rigorous overall than GC and SJC. It may be worth a longer commute if it's a good fit for your son.

[Anonymous]

SAAS will offer by far the best education, but it's not for every not. We applied there and didn't get in fwiw.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SAAS will offer by far the best education, but it's not for every not. We applied there and didn't get in fwiw.

SAAS will offer by far the best education, but it's not for every *boy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SAAS is very different from GC and SJC.

Where in MC do you live, OP? Commute might be a consideration if choosing between SJC and GC. Both a re larger, Co-Ed, athletics-focused institutions that cater to a wide range of academic abilities, which you may already know. GC probably skews a bit more conservative and slightly lower SES. All things being equal, I'd choose the better commute between those two options. SAAS is much smaller, all-boys, less focused on athletics and probably more rigorous overall than GC and SJC. It may be worth a longer commute if it's a good fit for your son.

I live in Burtonsville I will look more closely at SAAS thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SAAS will offer by far the best education, but it's not for every not. We applied there and didn't get in fwiw.

SAAS will offer by far the best education, but it's not for every *boy.

If an A/B student means not top 20% of current class academically, I would not recommend SAAS. If kid started in 6th grade at SAAS, maybe it could work. But the later grades are that much more of a tough transition academically…

[Anonymous]

You say you are considering schools and narrowing it down - have you actually applied?

[Anonymous]

SAAS is heavy academics in high school. My SAAS graduate finds college relatively easy and appreciates how well he’s prepared for college. It was not “fun” at times…..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You say you are considering schools and narrowing it down - have you actually applied?

Deadlines for applications have passed so maybe OP meant these are the three schools they applied to? Or maybe she meant she's applying next year for 9th (ie he's in 7th now)???

Either way, SAAS is a very different school than SJC and GC--size, all boys, academics, athletics, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You say you are considering schools and narrowing it down - have you actually applied?

Deadlines for applications have passed so maybe OP meant these are the three schools they applied to? Or maybe she meant she's applying next year for 9th (ie he's in 7th now)???

Either way, SAAS is a very different school than SJC and GC--size, all boys, academics, athletics, etc.

Op here you hit the nail on the head also thanks for the info

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SAAS will offer by far the best education, but it's not for every not. We applied there and didn't get in fwiw.

SAAS will offer by far the best education, but it's not for every *boy.

If an A/B student means not top 20% of current class academically, I would not recommend SAAS. If kid started in 6th grade at SAAS, maybe it could work. But the later grades are that much more of a tough transition academically…

I agree with this. I’d look at the other two. You might want a rigorous curriculum but that doesn’t mean it’s a right fit for the kid.

[Anonymous]

I highly recommend shadowing all 3 and let your son rank the best fits. SJC/GC are similar but SAAS is very different experience. For mine the shadow is what ultimately made up their minds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SAAS is very different from GC and SJC.

Where in MC do you live, OP? Commute might be a consideration if choosing between SJC and GC. Both a re larger, Co-Ed, athletics-focused institutions that cater to a wide range of academic abilities, which you may already know. GC probably skews a bit more conservative and slightly lower SES. All things being equal, I'd choose the better commute between those two options. SAAS is much smaller, all-boys, less focused on athletics and probably more rigorous overall than GC and SJC. It may be worth a longer commute if it's a good fit for your son.

I live in Burtonsville I will look more closely at SAAS thanks!

From a practical perspective, Burtonsville to St. Anselm's or SJC is a hike!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SAAS is very different from GC and SJC.

Where in MC do you live, OP? Commute might be a consideration if choosing between SJC and GC. Both a re larger, Co-Ed, athletics-focused institutions that cater to a wide range of academic abilities, which you may already know. GC probably skews a bit more conservative and slightly lower SES. All things being equal, I'd choose the better commute between those two options. SAAS is much smaller, all-boys, less focused on athletics and probably more rigorous overall than GC and SJC. It may be worth a longer commute if it's a good fit for your son.

I live in Burtonsville I will look more closely at SAAS thanks!

From a practical perspective, Burtonsville to St. Anselm's or SJC is a hike!

It is, but boys have gone to SAAS from as far away as Germantown, Bowie, and even Baltimore (by train).