Was Stone Ridge everything you hoped it would be for your high school daughter?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

What’s the DEI insanity?

They went all-in on CRT last year but seem to have backed off somewhat from the cliff edge.

I'm sure the Virginia election result will make them back off even more.

[Anonymous]

Our daughter started their (9th grade) in the fall. She really likes it so far, is in a sport but not lax/field hockey and loves it. Definitely some cliques (the blondes, as my daugher says), but there are enough others to find her group. Some legacy issues, and some issues with the girls who have been at the school for 3+ years, but they double the class size from 8th to 9th, so the "outsiders" aren't alone.

Defintely easier for outgoing girls who are willing to make friends and be bold. Spend some time on campus and with the parents...as with any place, if you get a bad vibe there, don't send your daughter there. I definitely feel like more of an "outsider" but it is what you make of it.

Academics have been great thus far; our daughter is not a rocket scientist and is challenged, but she is growing academically, and that's what we were looking for and don't worry too much about where she ranks.

Religion is lighter touch, wokeness is at an acceptable level. Lots of money there, but it's private school.

Great choice so far.

[Anonymous]

Extremely happy. One graduate. One still HS. Both started 9th grade. Excellent academics- challenges the girls as much as they choose to be challenged. I guess it is a bit cliquey like most all-girls are- but my girls found wonderful, supportive friends. It has been a great fit for our family who aren’t involved in an “in” sport.

[Anonymous]

Yes! Goal was to get DD into Ivy League, and that’s exactly where she landed. First choice. Definitely were some struggles with the HOS, but DD pushed through. Would definitely recommend the school.

[Anonymous]

Every IS in the DMV is recalibrating approach to DEI. Incredibly tricky, as the VA governor's race has borne out. In the end, SR, like lots of schools, is working to figure out what steps it can take to make ALL its students feel seen and valued. I applaud this work, as it is challenging and quite the minefield. SR is working hatd to find a path in line with its mission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every IS in the DMV is recalibrating approach to DEI. Incredibly tricky, as the VA governor's race has borne out. In the end, SR, like lots of schools, is working to figure out what steps it can take to make ALL its students feel seen and valued. I applaud this work, as it is challenging and quite the minefield. SR is working hatd to find a path in line with its mission.

DEI is one thing, CRT is quite another.

You don't solve one issue by creating another.

Besides, the idea of lack of privilege in an expensive private school is fairly ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Our daughter had an ok experience, but would not call it great. The marketing, the campus facilities, the image they create is amazing, but the reality isn't as bright. Yes, the academics were strong though not as challenging as the school our son went to. College Counseling and placement is very strong, one of Stone Ridge's top points.

The challenges are that some strong cliques / dynamics / personalities shape the culture . Yes, our daughter was able to find her small supportive group - but still you deal with the whole grade. HOS consistently unimpressive as a leader - which usually doesn't matter that much to a student's day to day experience, but SR handled Covid worse than most schools and with many big things, HOS is just slightly off. Re the comments on CRT, yes CRT was over the top. The irony is SR doesn't see how the diversity push is in contrast to how things actually run - / clique wise / administration wise / alumni - country club parents who drive a lot. As my daughter said, they push "diversity", yet they want everyone to be similar and think the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every IS in the DMV is recalibrating approach to DEI. Incredibly tricky, as the VA governor's race has borne out. In the end, SR, like lots of schools, is working to figure out what steps it can take to make ALL its students feel seen and valued. I applaud this work, as it is challenging and quite the minefield. SR is working hatd to find a path in line with its mission.

DEI is one thing, CRT is quite another.

You don't solve one issue by creating another.

Besides, the idea of lack of privilege in an expensive private school is fairly ridiculous.

You realize that the concepts and themes that serve as the basis for critical race theory have been prominent in education for years? These topics most recently became politicized and highly controversial. It’s an attempt to teach a more inclusive historical record.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our daughter had an ok experience, but would not call it great. The marketing, the campus facilities, the image they create is amazing, but the reality isn't as bright. Yes, the academics were strong though not as challenging as the school our son went to. College Counseling and placement is very strong, one of Stone Ridge's top points.

The challenges are that some strong cliques / dynamics / personalities shape the culture . Yes, our daughter was able to find her small supportive group - but still you deal with the whole grade. HOS consistently unimpressive as a leader - which usually doesn't matter that much to a student's day to day experience, but SR handled Covid worse than most schools and with many big things, HOS is just slightly off. Re the comments on CRT, yes CRT was over the top. The irony is SR doesn't see how the diversity push is in contrast to how things actually run - / clique wise / administration wise / alumni - country club parents who drive a lot. As my daughter said, they push "diversity", yet they want everyone to be similar and think the same.

Can anyone name a top all girls school in the DMV area that doesn't have these issues? Seriously interested as we are in the application process right now. SR is one of the schools we are considering as well as VISI, Holy Child, and Holy Cross.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What’s the DEI insanity?

They went all-in on CRT last year but seem to have backed off somewhat from the cliff edge.

I'm sure the Virginia election result will make them back off even more.

Well that's a deal killer. Not getting my money

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our daughter had an ok experience, but would not call it great. The marketing, the campus facilities, the image they create is amazing, but the reality isn't as bright. Yes, the academics were strong though not as challenging as the school our son went to. College Counseling and placement is very strong, one of Stone Ridge's top points.

The challenges are that some strong cliques / dynamics / personalities shape the culture . Yes, our daughter was able to find her small supportive group - but still you deal with the whole grade. HOS consistently unimpressive as a leader - which usually doesn't matter that much to a student's day to day experience, but SR handled Covid worse than most schools and with many big things, HOS is just slightly off. Re the comments on CRT, yes CRT was over the top. The irony is SR doesn't see how the diversity push is in contrast to how things actually run - / clique wise / administration wise / alumni - country club parents who drive a lot. As my daughter said, they push "diversity", yet they want everyone to be similar and think the same.

Same with our daughter. I’ve had kids in several schools in area , lived all over the country and abroad, not sure I’ve ever encountered such a cliquey crowd. It’s actually kind of bizarre.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our daughter had an ok experience, but would not call it great. The marketing, the campus facilities, the image they create is amazing, but the reality isn't as bright. Yes, the academics were strong though not as challenging as the school our son went to. College Counseling and placement is very strong, one of Stone Ridge's top points.

The challenges are that some strong cliques / dynamics / personalities shape the culture . Yes, our daughter was able to find her small supportive group - but still you deal with the whole grade. HOS consistently unimpressive as a leader - which usually doesn't matter that much to a student's day to day experience, but SR handled Covid worse than most schools and with many big things, HOS is just slightly off. Re the comments on CRT, yes CRT was over the top. The irony is SR doesn't see how the diversity push is in contrast to how things actually run - / clique wise / administration wise / alumni - country club parents who drive a lot. As my daughter said, they push "diversity", yet they want everyone to be similar and think the same.

Interesting how different our perceptions can be … I think the HOS is amazing and impressive. She is nice to everyone. She is very hands on, she led the fund raising for the many campus improvements needed, oversaw a very intelligent renovation of campus that makes excellent use of the space, and has spiritual depth. No one is perfect but she clearly cares deeply about the school and the girls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What’s the DEI insanity?

They went all-in on CRT last year but seem to have backed off somewhat from the cliff edge.

I'm sure the Virginia election result will make them back off even more.

Well that's a deal killer. Not getting my money

Oh puhleeze - they never taught CRT at SR. They did have a few awkward student-led race sensitivity workshops. They were trying to respond to the BLM around the country in constructive student led ways but they were a bit patronizing. Storm in a tea cup to get worked up about that.

It is a sad joke that Va went for the guy fear mongering about something that is not even taught in Va curriculums.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our daughter had an ok experience, but would not call it great. The marketing, the campus facilities, the image they create is amazing, but the reality isn't as bright. Yes, the academics were strong though not as challenging as the school our son went to. College Counseling and placement is very strong, one of Stone Ridge's top points.

The challenges are that some strong cliques / dynamics / personalities shape the culture . Yes, our daughter was able to find her small supportive group - but still you deal with the whole grade. HOS consistently unimpressive as a leader - which usually doesn't matter that much to a student's day to day experience, but SR handled Covid worse than most schools and with many big things, HOS is just slightly off. Re the comments on CRT, yes CRT was over the top. The irony is SR doesn't see how the diversity push is in contrast to how things actually run - / clique wise / administration wise / alumni - country club parents who drive a lot. As my daughter said, they push "diversity", yet they want everyone to be similar and think the same.

Interesting how different our perceptions can be … I think the HOS is amazing and impressive. She is nice to everyone. She is very hands on, she led the fund raising for the many campus improvements needed, oversaw a very intelligent renovation of campus that makes excellent use of the space, and has spiritual depth. No one is perfect but she clearly cares deeply about the school and the girls.

.

Plus one - unlike many HOS at other good but expensive private schools in this area, she is not snobby and talks with many apart from the rich donors.

Also as a SR alumni who has founded a school in a high need area befote, she deeply understands the Sacred Heart mission.

HOS is wonderful intelligent human being who cares about the girls.

[Anonymous]

We had our girls start in 9th grade. One graduate so far who got into her top choice, highly competitive college. She fared much better than the girls she went to parochial grade school with who went to other Catholic high schools in the area. By far she and the others who went to SR from her grade school had the best college placement. The staff is incredible. Teachers want to be there and are passionate about what they do. The school leans liberal and I would say is Catholic "lite." But academics is strong and the community is fantastic. None of my girls play the "in" sports (think lacrosse), and one of them is not into athletics at all but has found her niche in the arts. Last year was not typical and wasn't our best experience there. But this year is much better and the school is aware of the social and academic challenges brought upon by the pandemic and are working hard to address these challenges. Have your daughter shadow and get a feel as to whether she feels at home there. It has been the right fit for our family and I highly recommend.