Leaving MCPS for a Catholic school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are the "Big Three Cs"? The #BigThree DC area private schools of the Catholics?

If you use Niche as a resource, it's Prep, St. Anselm's, and Stone Ridge. https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-catholic-high-schools/m/washington-dc-metro-area/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering putting our third kid in Catholic school for kindergarten next year. Two oldest are in MCPS and overall it has been okay, except that we regret not sending the oldest one to private HS (The public HS is huge, overcrowded and counselors basically have barely anytime for any middle of the road kid.). Our public ES and MS although “good schools” are also overcrowded. We want a closer knit school community that a Catholic school could give our family due to a smaller size, and even though we don’t practice much Catholicism (I am Catholic, spouse isn’t) we wouldn’t mind child having that Catholic/God “connection” via the school. I guess we see more the value of that now than we did a few years ago.. However, I’m having major guilt about doing this differently this time around. I feel that I will miss the public school community and experience (school bus, classmates being neighbors etc) that our first two kiddos have had and feel bad that I will “rob” our third kiddo of the public school experience. Would love to hear others perspectives! We think child would likely thrive in any environment as a context..

We pulled our kids from public school (FCPS) a few years ago because we wanted well-behaved students and a classroom conducive to learning, fewer political distractions, and a better student-to-teacher ratio; education is a priority for our family and that's where we spent most of our discretionary income. The smaller schools, tighter-knit social circle, and frankly, far less "problematic" students or "drama" has been a breath of fresh air. We could never go back to public school at this point.

Most of the kids in our neighborhood are still in public school. The kids still play together in the neighborhood; our kids also play organized sports, dance, etc. and still have their friends from those activities. We still go to the community pool and the kids play with other kids there just as well as they did before.

I do sometimes miss the convenience of sending the kids to the bus stop, but other than that, I miss nothing about the "public school experience."

+1

[Anonymous]

We found that the community atmosphere in public school pretty much ends in middle school. So, why not stick with the public school for elementary and then move to a Catholic middle school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering putting our third kid in Catholic school for kindergarten next year. Two oldest are in MCPS and overall it has been okay, except that we regret not sending the oldest one to private HS (The public HS is huge, overcrowded and counselors basically have barely anytime for any middle of the road kid.). Our public ES and MS although “good schools” are also overcrowded. We want a closer knit school community that a Catholic school could give our family due to a smaller size, and even though we don’t practice much Catholicism (I am Catholic, spouse isn’t) we wouldn’t mind child having that Catholic/God “connection” via the school. I guess we see more the value of that now than we did a few years ago.. However, I’m having major guilt about doing this differently this time around. I feel that I will miss the public school community and experience (school bus, classmates being neighbors etc) that our first two kiddos have had and feel bad that I will “rob” our third kiddo of the public school experience. Would love to hear others perspectives! We think child would likely thrive in any environment as a context..

Check out The Heights and Oakcrest. They're known to be the "best' of the Catholics.

Omg no OP they are not the best.
Oakcrest has a strong Opus Dei pressence you do not want that cult. and Alums have some horrific stories here and on the Instagram page for this group at Oakcrest that was in 2021 look it up. Ultra conservative and Science well forget about that

The Heights is a subpar education for ultra conservative families. Not a good place period. Boys are rude and out of control.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering putting our third kid in Catholic school for kindergarten next year. Two oldest are in MCPS and overall it has been okay, except that we regret not sending the oldest one to private HS (The public HS is huge, overcrowded and counselors basically have barely anytime for any middle of the road kid.). Our public ES and MS although “good schools” are also overcrowded. We want a closer knit school community that a Catholic school could give our family due to a smaller size, and even though we don’t practice much Catholicism (I am Catholic, spouse isn’t) we wouldn’t mind child having that Catholic/God “connection” via the school. I guess we see more the value of that now than we did a few years ago.. However, I’m having major guilt about doing this differently this time around. I feel that I will miss the public school community and experience (school bus, classmates being neighbors etc) that our first two kiddos have had and feel bad that I will “rob” our third kiddo of the public school experience. Would love to hear others perspectives! We think child would likely thrive in any environment as a context..

We pulled our kids from public school (FCPS) a few years ago because we wanted well-behaved students and a classroom conducive to learning, fewer political distractions, and a better student-to-teacher ratio; education is a priority for our family and that's where we spent most of our discretionary income. The smaller schools, tighter-knit social circle, and frankly, far less "problematic" students or "drama" has been a breath of fresh air. We could never go back to public school at this point.

Most of the kids in our neighborhood are still in public school. The kids still play together in the neighborhood; our kids also play organized sports, dance, etc. and still have their friends from those activities. We still go to the community pool and the kids play with other kids there just as well as they did before.

I do sometimes miss the convenience of sending the kids to the bus stop, but other than that, I miss nothing about the "public school experience."

I really wish folks would stop saying the bolded in response to certain things. As though people having kids in public school means education is not a priority.

I am the PP. When I said "education is a priority for our family" it was related to "and that's where we spend most of our discretionary income." We're not wealthy, and sending our children to Catholic school is not easy, but we invest most of our discretionary income in education because we prioritize it over other things we could do with that money. That's what I meant.

[Anonymous]

We went Catholic last year and are never looking back. Wow, what a difference. We're fortunate in that our parish school is in our neighborhood so we don't miss out on the community feel, but beyond that the academic rigor, caring teachers and positive peer groups are head and shoulders above our old public.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We went Catholic last year and are never looking back. Wow, what a difference. We're fortunate in that our parish school is in our neighborhood so we don't miss out on the community feel, but beyond that the academic rigor, caring teachers and positive peer groups are head and shoulders above our old public.

OP here. Thanks. Were you in MCPS before?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering putting our third kid in Catholic school for kindergarten next year. Two oldest are in MCPS and overall it has been okay, except that we regret not sending the oldest one to private HS (The public HS is huge, overcrowded and counselors basically have barely anytime for any middle of the road kid.). Our public ES and MS although “good schools” are also overcrowded. We want a closer knit school community that a Catholic school could give our family due to a smaller size, and even though we don’t practice much Catholicism (I am Catholic, spouse isn’t) we wouldn’t mind child having that Catholic/God “connection” via the school. I guess we see more the value of that now than we did a few years ago.. However, I’m having major guilt about doing this differently this time around. I feel that I will miss the public school community and experience (school bus, classmates being neighbors etc) that our first two kiddos have had and feel bad that I will “rob” our third kiddo of the public school experience. Would love to hear others perspectives! We think child would likely thrive in any environment as a context..

We pulled our kids from public school (FCPS) a few years ago because we wanted well-behaved students and a classroom conducive to learning, fewer political distractions, and a better student-to-teacher ratio; education is a priority for our family and that's where we spent most of our discretionary income. The smaller schools, tighter-knit social circle, and frankly, far less "problematic" students or "drama" has been a breath of fresh air. We could never go back to public school at this point.

Most of the kids in our neighborhood are still in public school. The kids still play together in the neighborhood; our kids also play organized sports, dance, etc. and still have their friends from those activities. We still go to the community pool and the kids play with other kids there just as well as they did before.

I do sometimes miss the convenience of sending the kids to the bus stop, but other than that, I miss nothing about the "public school experience."

I really wish folks would stop saying the bolded in response to certain things. As though people having kids in public school means education is not a priority.

+1. That is my biggest pet peeve on this forum (and on the College/University forum). People will declare that "education is a priority for our family." It is tone deaf, or at least naive, to make that comment. I have yet to meet any person who does not consider education to be a top priority for their children - whether in public or private school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering putting our third kid in Catholic school for kindergarten next year. Two oldest are in MCPS and overall it has been okay, except that we regret not sending the oldest one to private HS (The public HS is huge, overcrowded and counselors basically have barely anytime for any middle of the road kid.). Our public ES and MS although “good schools” are also overcrowded. We want a closer knit school community that a Catholic school could give our family due to a smaller size, and even though we don’t practice much Catholicism (I am Catholic, spouse isn’t) we wouldn’t mind child having that Catholic/God “connection” via the school. I guess we see more the value of that now than we did a few years ago.. However, I’m having major guilt about doing this differently this time around. I feel that I will miss the public school community and experience (school bus, classmates being neighbors etc) that our first two kiddos have had and feel bad that I will “rob” our third kiddo of the public school experience. Would love to hear others perspectives! We think child would likely thrive in any environment as a context..

We pulled our kids from public school (FCPS) a few years ago because we wanted well-behaved students and a classroom conducive to learning, fewer political distractions, and a better student-to-teacher ratio; education is a priority for our family and that's where we spent most of our discretionary income. The smaller schools, tighter-knit social circle, and frankly, far less "problematic" students or "drama" has been a breath of fresh air. We could never go back to public school at this point.

Most of the kids in our neighborhood are still in public school. The kids still play together in the neighborhood; our kids also play organized sports, dance, etc. and still have their friends from those activities. We still go to the community pool and the kids play with other kids there just as well as they did before.

I do sometimes miss the convenience of sending the kids to the bus stop, but other than that, I miss nothing about the "public school experience."

I really wish folks would stop saying the bolded in response to certain things. As though people having kids in public school means education is not a priority.

I am the PP. When I said "education is a priority for our family" it was related to "and that's where we spend most of our discretionary income." We're not wealthy, and sending our children to Catholic school is not easy, but we invest most of our discretionary income in education because we prioritize it over other things we could do with that money. That's what I meant.

OK. If that is the case, then this would be a more balanced and precise way to get your point across: "We are not wealthy, but we are willing to spend our discretionary income on tuition for private school, because we believe that would be the best choice for our son/daughter."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering putting our third kid in Catholic school for kindergarten next year. Two oldest are in MCPS and overall it has been okay, except that we regret not sending the oldest one to private HS (The public HS is huge, overcrowded and counselors basically have barely anytime for any middle of the road kid.). Our public ES and MS although “good schools” are also overcrowded. We want a closer knit school community that a Catholic school could give our family due to a smaller size, and even though we don’t practice much Catholicism (I am Catholic, spouse isn’t) we wouldn’t mind child having that Catholic/God “connection” via the school. I guess we see more the value of that now than we did a few years ago.. However, I’m having major guilt about doing this differently this time around. I feel that I will miss the public school community and experience (school bus, classmates being neighbors etc) that our first two kiddos have had and feel bad that I will “rob” our third kiddo of the public school experience. Would love to hear others perspectives! We think child would likely thrive in any environment as a context..

Check out The Heights and Oakcrest. They're known to be the "best' of the Catholics.

Omg no OP they are not the best.
Oakcrest has a strong Opus Dei pressence you do not want that cult. and Alums have some horrific stories here and on the Instagram page for this group at Oakcrest that was in 2021 look it up. Ultra conservative and Science well forget about that

The Heights is a subpar education for ultra conservative families. Not a good place period. Boys are rude and out of control.

what are you basing this assessment on? Do you have first-hand experience?

I can't speak to Oakcrest, but Heights boys are some of the most polite and respectful I've met. Yes, they tend to be a spirited and boisterous bunch, but joyful. Education is on par (or better) than other Catholics mentioned on this board. It's just super polarizing bc of the Opus Dei affiliation and because people outwardly practice their faith and are comfortable with that. It's no surprise people on this board can't stomach the idea of it. They want to tear it down every chance they get because it's counterculture and that's threatening.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering putting our third kid in Catholic school for kindergarten next year. Two oldest are in MCPS and overall it has been okay, except that we regret not sending the oldest one to private HS (The public HS is huge, overcrowded and counselors basically have barely anytime for any middle of the road kid.). Our public ES and MS although “good schools” are also overcrowded. We want a closer knit school community that a Catholic school could give our family due to a smaller size, and even though we don’t practice much Catholicism (I am Catholic, spouse isn’t) we wouldn’t mind child having that Catholic/God “connection” via the school. I guess we see more the value of that now than we did a few years ago.. However, I’m having major guilt about doing this differently this time around. I feel that I will miss the public school community and experience (school bus, classmates being neighbors etc) that our first two kiddos have had and feel bad that I will “rob” our third kiddo of the public school experience. Would love to hear others perspectives! We think child would likely thrive in any environment as a context..

Are you in a W cluster? Which Catholics are you considering?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are the "Big Three Cs"? The #BigThree DC area private schools of the Catholics?

If you use Niche as a resource, it's Prep, St. Anselm's, and Stone Ridge. https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-catholic-high-schools/m/washington-dc-metro-area/

Absolutely agree with this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering putting our third kid in Catholic school for kindergarten next year. Two oldest are in MCPS and overall it has been okay, except that we regret not sending the oldest one to private HS (The public HS is huge, overcrowded and counselors basically have barely anytime for any middle of the road kid.). Our public ES and MS although “good schools” are also overcrowded. We want a closer knit school community that a Catholic school could give our family due to a smaller size, and even though we don’t practice much Catholicism (I am Catholic, spouse isn’t) we wouldn’t mind child having that Catholic/God “connection” via the school. I guess we see more the value of that now than we did a few years ago.. However, I’m having major guilt about doing this differently this time around. I feel that I will miss the public school community and experience (school bus, classmates being neighbors etc) that our first two kiddos have had and feel bad that I will “rob” our third kiddo of the public school experience. Would love to hear others perspectives! We think child would likely thrive in any environment as a context..

Get out. Exiting the incompetent bureaucracy of public education is reason 1 to leave. Missing the "public school experience" lolololol!!!

GO NOW!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering putting our third kid in Catholic school for kindergarten next year. Two oldest are in MCPS and overall it has been okay, except that we regret not sending the oldest one to private HS (The public HS is huge, overcrowded and counselors basically have barely anytime for any middle of the road kid.). Our public ES and MS although “good schools” are also overcrowded. We want a closer knit school community that a Catholic school could give our family due to a smaller size, and even though we don’t practice much Catholicism (I am Catholic, spouse isn’t) we wouldn’t mind child having that Catholic/God “connection” via the school. I guess we see more the value of that now than we did a few years ago.. However, I’m having major guilt about doing this differently this time around. I feel that I will miss the public school community and experience (school bus, classmates being neighbors etc) that our first two kiddos have had and feel bad that I will “rob” our third kiddo of the public school experience. Would love to hear others perspectives! We think child would likely thrive in any environment as a context..

Check out The Heights and Oakcrest. They're known to be the "best' of the Catholics.

Omg no OP they are not the best.
Oakcrest has a strong Opus Dei pressence you do not want that cult. and Alums have some horrific stories here and on the Instagram page for this group at Oakcrest that was in 2021 look it up. Ultra conservative and Science well forget about that

The Heights is a subpar education for ultra conservative families. Not a good place period. Boys are rude and out of control.

If they are in your neighborhood, I'd consider but yeah they're nothing all that notable compared to other Catholics, imo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering putting our third kid in Catholic school for kindergarten next year. Two oldest are in MCPS and overall it has been okay, except that we regret not sending the oldest one to private HS (The public HS is huge, overcrowded and counselors basically have barely anytime for any middle of the road kid.). Our public ES and MS although “good schools” are also overcrowded. We want a closer knit school community that a Catholic school could give our family due to a smaller size, and even though we don’t practice much Catholicism (I am Catholic, spouse isn’t) we wouldn’t mind child having that Catholic/God “connection” via the school. I guess we see more the value of that now than we did a few years ago.. However, I’m having major guilt about doing this differently this time around. I feel that I will miss the public school community and experience (school bus, classmates being neighbors etc) that our first two kiddos have had and feel bad that I will “rob” our third kiddo of the public school experience. Would love to hear others perspectives! We think child would likely thrive in any environment as a context..

Check out The Heights and Oakcrest. They're known to be the "best' of the Catholics.

Omg no OP they are not the best.
Oakcrest has a strong Opus Dei pressence you do not want that cult. and Alums have some horrific stories here and on the Instagram page for this group at Oakcrest that was in 2021 look it up. Ultra conservative and Science well forget about that

The Heights is a subpar education for ultra conservative families. Not a good place period. Boys are rude and out of control.

I know families at the Heights even though we don’t plan to put our boys there. The boys are not rude and out of control. Seriously, stop making massive generalizations for student populations. It’s so unhelpful. Just go visit the school and ask real families about their experiences.