STA or Landon for a STEM nonathletic boy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is really into anything math, science, and tech related. He does have a slight interest in tennis and golf, but otherwise isn't sporty. He likes running around outside to blow off steam, but won't willingly participate in a game of pick up sports. He's into Legos and video games as well. He's a mostly A student and quiet and introverted. He's overwhelmed by the sheer number of students at public school and prefers to be in an environment where people want to learn and be respectful(not get in trouble). SAAS is on our list as well. One non-negotiable on our list is that the school must have a sizable minority population. We are looking for middle school at the moment, but may reevaluate for high school, if needs and wants change.

what demographic are you, and what minority group is it non-negotiable for the school to have?

We are African American.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is really into anything math, science, and tech related. He does have a slight interest in tennis and golf, but otherwise isn't sporty. He likes running around outside to blow off steam, but won't willingly participate in a game of pick up sports. He's into Legos and video games as well. He's a mostly A student and quiet and introverted. He's overwhelmed by the sheer number of students at public school and prefers to be in an environment where people want to learn and be respectful(not get in trouble). SAAS is on our list as well. One non-negotiable on our list is that the school must have a sizable minority population. We are looking for middle school at the moment, but may reevaluate for high school, if needs and wants change.

I'd say definitely STA over Landon, but do look into Georgetown Prep as well if you are interested in an all boy school. I have a son there who is not too athletic and more STEM focused and he's thriving. Yes, so many boys are very much into athletics there but there are many boys who are more academically focused. My son found a nice group of friends there and loves it.

[Anonymous]

PP here. Sorry. Just realized you are looking for middle school and not high school!

[Anonymous]

GDS seems to fit your criteria unless you of course only want all boys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is really into anything math, science, and tech related. He does have a slight interest in tennis and golf, but otherwise isn't sporty. He likes running around outside to blow off steam, but won't willingly participate in a game of pick up sports. He's into Legos and video games as well. He's a mostly A student and quiet and introverted. He's overwhelmed by the sheer number of students at public school and prefers to be in an environment where people want to learn and be respectful(not get in trouble). SAAS is on our list as well. One non-negotiable on our list is that the school must have a sizable minority population. We are looking for middle school at the moment, but may reevaluate for high school, if needs and wants change.

In recent years Landon I would say for certain has a more sizable minority population especially African American and also is much more religiously diverse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:GDS seems to fit your criteria unless you of course only want all boys.

Aside from the all-boys preference, although GDS is diverse and welcomes a wide range of kids, it's not STEM focused at all. I don't think that's necessary to be STEM-focused at GDS (and we have a kid there who loves STEM classes), but it will have nothing on Blair's SMCS program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I came on here to suggest SAAS but I see it’s already on your radar. I’m not familiar with Saint Albans but SAAS is definitely more academically demanding than Landon. My son just finished middle school at Saint Anselm’s and it as a wonderful experience.

Op here, I'm assuming that your son fits a similar profile to mine. If so, what other schools were considered for middle school?

PP here. Yes, my son sounds very similar to yours. At the risk of outing him, he was actually at Landon lower school before starting at the Abbey. We have no hard feelings against Landon, my son was happy there and it was a lovely school, but my son needed more academic challenge. I imagine Landon would have gotten more challenging in middle and upper school but we decided to try something different and it has worked out very well for my son. The only other school we considered was GDS but he wasn't accepted and I think, in hindsight, the Abbey suits him better because he's not necessarily a self-starter - he needs structure and to have high expectations placed on him. We also really liked the unpretentiousness of the Abbey community. Good luck in your search!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I came on here to suggest SAAS but I see it’s already on your radar. I’m not familiar with Saint Albans but SAAS is definitely more academically demanding than Landon. My son just finished middle school at Saint Anselm’s and it as a wonderful experience.

Op here, I'm assuming that your son fits a similar profile to mine. If so, what other schools were considered for middle school?

DP: For our youngest, it was the only place we applied. It just checked all the boxes for him.

[Anonymous]

+1 for SAAS. The school has a big commitment to scholarships for kids to attend and prizes diversity.

[Anonymous]

One note about our experience at STA. We do have a super sporty kid in the traditional sense, and it was a natural fit. *But, our kids good friends are runners. They have strong cross country and track teams. My sense is that many of those kids would not describe themselves as “sporty” per se but they are super athletic (in my view!) and have a wonderful supportive team. And, I sense that many didn’t know or realize their ability/passion for running until later. Just mentioning that while STA is sortof known for its sports requirement, physical activity really of any kind is valued. I agree with the school philosophy that many boys need that outlet and so it’s a fit for our family. Best of luck on your search.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:+1 for SAAS. The school has a big commitment to scholarships for kids to attend and prizes diversity.

That's a plus for our family. It is at the top of our list!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One note about our experience at STA. We do have a super sporty kid in the traditional sense, and it was a natural fit. *But, our kids good friends are runners. They have strong cross country and track teams. My sense is that many of those kids would not describe themselves as “sporty” per se but they are super athletic (in my view!) and have a wonderful supportive team. And, I sense that many didn’t know or realize their ability/passion for running until later. Just mentioning that while STA is sortof known for its sports requirement, physical activity really of any kind is valued. I agree with the school philosophy that many boys need that outlet and so it’s a fit for our family. Best of luck on your search.

Thanks for your perspective!

[Anonymous]

If you are in Virginia, move to McLean and go to Longfellow or Cooper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is really into anything math, science, and tech related. He does have a slight interest in tennis and golf, but otherwise isn't sporty. He likes running around outside to blow off steam, but won't willingly participate in a game of pick up sports. He's into Legos and video games as well. He's a mostly A student and quiet and introverted. He's overwhelmed by the sheer number of students at public school and prefers to be in an environment where people want to learn and be respectful(not get in trouble). SAAS is on our list as well. One non-negotiable on our list is that the school must have a sizable minority population. We are looking for middle school at the moment, but may reevaluate for high school, if needs and wants change.

Neither this is an absurd question

Neither of those schools would be good for your student from a stem pov

If you must no question STA

Landon stem no there are not enough good students in math or the curriculum to be very successful in college

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely STA over Landon.
There are plenty of boys there who are like your son (introverted, quiet, etc.) I'd put this type of boy at 25% of any given grade but the others will be smart as well (just more sporty). The STEM and math classes are really good (and hard) in the high school. My son came from a strong public and it was night and day (math was much harder at STA-as a 9th grader he ended up repeating the last math class he took in public).

STA is a difficult admit--you need to pursue other school options as well. The middle school admission years (6th and 7th) typically take between 5 and 12 boys. Having some Bs will be hard for admission but frankly if your son is a minority that is a plus. STA (like every DC school) is invested in having a diverse student body.

Both are difficult admits.