Why is SJC the "It" school this year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those who are already thinking about college for Incoming freshman. I recommend you speak to the college placement team at SJC. Please understand it's nothing like Sidwell or GDS's hands on college counseling.

When did your child graduate? What ways did you find it lacking? Thanks for insight

[Anonymous]

If there are any parents whose child is in the Benilde program, I'd love to hear your feedback.
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As we await decisions today or tomorrow, a quick question. I understand that parish elementary schools play a big role in deciding which of their students is
admitted to each of the Catholic high schools. Is this always true with respect to SJC? Does SJC rely completely on the preferences of the elementary school
Principals in making its admissions decisions?

Do you mean middle school? Elementary school has no weight.

the Parish schools are K-8, so middle schools included. I don't know the answer to the PP's question though.

My child is at a K-8 parish school and I refer to is as an elementary school. I know some admissions offices call our school and ask about students, particularly those on the cusp. I understand they really look at the teacher recs too because frankly these kids are all similar (except the star athlete or the legacy who get a little boost). The advice I give is don’t be an a$$ to the faculty and staff at your child’s school. It seems obvious and yet....As to “it” schools, the “it” factor ebbs and flows with each class. Some years they all want to go to SJC and some years the kids want to go to single sex. The options in this area are great and families have the resources to help their kids. I hope you received good news!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have the same questions as PP about the Honors Program and scholarships? How many kids/grade in the scholars program and do all of them get scholarships

I have a daughter in the scholars program. Could not be happier with her experience. Teachers are strong and engaged. She has learned to advocate for herself on the occasion she feels she needs a bit more help or another explanation. Her friends are kind, extremely smart and come from very different backgrounds from all over the area. I don't know about the scholarships question, so I cannot comment on whether the entire scholars program is included. It is important to remember that all of the classes are open to all students. The scholars program does not exclude other students from classes. DD is quiet but not shy. She has found her tribe at sjc. She came from a Catholic k through 8.

Have not had coffee yet. Forgive typos.

Sorry but you are incorrect. Scholars is like a school within a school. At area public HS, all a kid needs to show is interest to take an AP. At SJCHS, student has to meet grade criteria as well as prerequisites.

Do you have a kid in the scholars program? I've had a son and daughter in the program. I think calling it a "school with a school" is not quite accurate. PP means that all qualified students can take AP and Honors classes at SJC. There are indeed grade and pre-requisite requirements, but you do not have to be in the scholars program to take honors and ap classes. The only exceptions are the freshman level honors religion class and a senior seminar called Thought and Knowledge—these two classes are only open to kids in the scholars program.

My kids both went to public ES and MS and both enjoyed SJC and being part of the scholars program. They've felt academically challenged at SJC, and had a strong cohort of smart, academically focused kids (both within and outside the scholars program).

I have a non-scholar in all honors classes and with mostly scholars kids. It is not a school within a school but does have honors and AP prerequisites you won’t see in a public. And membership in the scholars program is for all four years based on performance on a single standardized test in the 8th grade — which seems flawed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have the same questions as PP about the Honors Program and scholarships? How many kids/grade in the scholars program and do all of them get scholarships

I have a daughter in the scholars program. Could not be happier with her experience. Teachers are strong and engaged. She has learned to advocate for herself on the occasion she feels she needs a bit more help or another explanation. Her friends are kind, extremely smart and come from very different backgrounds from all over the area. I don't know about the scholarships question, so I cannot comment on whether the entire scholars program is included. It is important to remember that all of the classes are open to all students. The scholars program does not exclude other students from classes. DD is quiet but not shy. She has found her tribe at sjc. She came from a Catholic k through 8.

Have not had coffee yet. Forgive typos.

Sorry but you are incorrect. Scholars is like a school within a school. At area public HS, all a kid needs to show is interest to take an AP. At SJCHS, student has to meet grade criteria as well as prerequisites.

Not just at area public schools, but also other private schools recognize that even the smartest kids get a B sometimes (and are the hardest on themselves for it), and it doesn't mean they should be excluded from AP classes forevermore. Think this through carefully.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:About 80% of my daughters class applied to SJC. Over the last month I have overheard parents mention they were calling in favors for admission. I normally would expect this behavior for Big 3 but SJC, really? Originally it ranked #3 per my DD but all of a sudden it's #1.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a child at SJC, but I have friends whose children attend. I can definitely see the appeal for many students and families. It is in a great location, Chevy Chase DC, close to many parts of DC and Maryland. It's coed and there are not a ton of private coed options in our area. Good athletics and arts programs. Is appropriate for a wide range of students from their Scholars program for their top students to their Benilde program for students with learning differences. Most high school like an all-American high school - a spot for everyone. Its lower tuition is more affordable for all families than the top independents that are about to cross the $50K per year mark (crazy). It has a popular brand name alumni donor, Kevin Plank, who along with several other big alumni donors are contributing millions of dollars to the betterment of the school. The school has definitely jumped up in popularity and many kids want to attend, as seen by their 3,000 person open house (2017 and 2018) and 1,500 applications received last year. It's great to have lots of options for high school in our area, so I say good for them.

Thank you for this post. My DS went to SJC and had a wonderful experience. It boggles my mind when supposed adults come on to trash schools like this. I really just don’t get it.

Exactly, posted this on other board but must say again:

I'm so happy my kids were already in private DC area HS before I stumbled upon these forums...and that I know there are normal parents who send their kids to these schools. If I read these comments when they were younger, I would have fled the area. The insecurity and pettiness of "adults" that post here are astounding. What in the hell are you all trying to prove? And to whom? I honestly feel sorry for you and your children. I want to stop coming back here and reading but am drawn back every once in a while by morbid curiosity. Grow up.

[Anonymous]

DC was accepted and is going. The registration day was well attended. It looked like a nice, diverse group of kids who were excited to be there.

[Anonymous]

You have to pay to play. See the Wash Post article about their sports program (particularly Baseball). Parents are not happy with the culture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have to pay to play. See the Wash Post article about their sports program (particularly Baseball). Parents are not happy with the culture.

That is 1 sort so if my kid doesn’t play that sport why do I care.

Favoritism in sports is everywhere.

There is a visi thread about it too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:More down to earth social atmosphere.

Much more of a middle class culture at STJ than at other area privates.

[Anonymous]

It’s affordable

[Anonymous]

Catholic, cheaper than prep, coed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:More down to earth social atmosphere.

Much more of a middle class culture at STJ than at other area privates.

Thats a good thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:More down to earth social atmosphere.

Much more of a middle class culture at STJ than at other area privates.

Thats a good thing.

Yes, to some people.