Best & most affordable private schools in Alexandria area

[Anonymous]

Agree that it is the parochial schools that fall within the $10-15k tuition range. You might want to look in surrounding areas, too. FWIW, we live in old town and carpool with another family to a private elsewhere in NoVa. We also looked into a couple schools that offer bus service.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am that poster. Why is that crazy to note? Often times people write without thinking or without realizing how easily identifiable they are. Especially when they say things that may be taken negatively about local schools (here meaning where their neighborhood families go).

Because it's highly unlikely that anyone will be "outed" by the details they provide with the exception, perhaps, of close friends. Most of us don't care if our good friends know what we're posting.

You sound paranoid and slightly crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anywhere is Alexandria is acceptable for a commute of the school is worth it and highly regarded with caring and compassionate teachers. We couldn’t afford more than 10$-15$k a year. Any suggestions for a narrowed list that we should spend time researching? TIA!

Are you open to Catholic schools? There are many good private options in Alexandria, with many above that price point. Those in that ballpark range in the greater Alexandria area at that price range are Immanuel Lutheran, St. Mary’’s, Blessed Sacrament, St. Rita’s, St. Louis and Old Town/Aquinas Montessori.

For $10-$15k a year, you’re not going to get a highly regarded school. The best private in Alexandria is St. Stephens and St. Agnes. You could apply and see what kind of financial aid they might offer.

Immanuel Lutheran is an extremely conservative, intolerant branch of the Lutheran church. I would not send a child to Catholic schools is you’re looking for caring and compassionate teachers that meet your child where they are. The Catholic approach to education is much more about fitting the child into a mold, and if your child should be a little different or need more attention, to bad.

Pssst. It's "too" bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am that poster. Why is that crazy to note? Often times people write without thinking or without realizing how easily identifiable they are. Especially when they say things that may be taken negatively about local schools (here meaning where their neighborhood families go).

Because it's highly unlikely that anyone will be "outed" by the details they provide with the exception, perhaps, of close friends. Most of us don't care if our good friends know what we're posting.

You sound paranoid and slightly crazy.

Umm, she lives in Alexandria with a third grader who takes the shuttle from the middle school to the lower school and also has a boy at STA. Of course people beyond close friends know who she is. She may or may not care, but she’s ragging on certain aalexandria schools that her neighbor families attend. Again, no idea why you think it’s crazy to point that out, or why you care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am that poster. Why is that crazy to note? Often times people write without thinking or without realizing how easily identifiable they are. Especially when they say things that may be taken negatively about local schools (here meaning where their neighborhood families go).

Because it's highly unlikely that anyone will be "outed" by the details they provide with the exception, perhaps, of close friends. Most of us don't care if our good friends know what we're posting.

You sound paranoid and slightly crazy.

Umm, she lives in Alexandria with a third grader who takes the shuttle from the middle school to the lower school and also has a boy at STA. Of course people beyond close friends know who she is. She may or may not care, but she’s ragging on certain aalexandria schools that her neighbor families attend. Again, no idea why you think it’s crazy to point that out, or why you care.

I don't really care, but I think it's weird that you post over and over again that people are "outing" themselves, as though they aren't grown-ups and can't figure out for themselves what they shoudl or shouldn't post.

As for "ragging," everyone has their opinion and others are free to ignore it. Why do you need to get involved?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am that poster. Why is that crazy to note? Often times people write without thinking or without realizing how easily identifiable they are. Especially when they say things that may be taken negatively about local schools (here meaning where their neighborhood families go).

Because it's highly unlikely that anyone will be "outed" by the details they provide with the exception, perhaps, of close friends. Most of us don't care if our good friends know what we're posting.

You sound paranoid and slightly crazy.

Umm, she lives in Alexandria with a third grader who takes the shuttle from the middle school to the lower school and also has a boy at STA. Of course people beyond close friends know who she is. She may or may not care, but she’s ragging on certain aalexandria schools that her neighbor families attend. Again, no idea why you think it’s crazy to point that out, or why you care.

I don't really care, but I think it's weird that you post over and over again that people are "outing" themselves, as though they aren't grown-ups and can't figure out for themselves what they shoudl or shouldn't post.

Marwin, why do you care? And I am certainly not posting over and over. I’ve only posted this 2-3 times over the several years I’ve looked at dcum, and only when I myself know who the poster is. I find it odd that you call someone “crazy” for pointing this out.

As for "ragging," everyone has their opinion and others are free to ignore it. Why do you need to get involved?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am that poster. Why is that crazy to note? Often times people write without thinking or without realizing how easily identifiable they are. Especially when they say things that may be taken negatively about local schools (here meaning where their neighborhood families go).

Because it's highly unlikely that anyone will be "outed" by the details they provide with the exception, perhaps, of close friends. Most of us don't care if our good friends know what we're posting.

You sound paranoid and slightly crazy.

Umm, she lives in Alexandria with a third grader who takes the shuttle from the middle school to the lower school and also has a boy at STA. Of course people beyond close friends know who she is. She may or may not care, but she’s ragging on certain aalexandria schools that her neighbor families attend. Again, no idea why you think it’s crazy to point that out, or why you care.

I don't really care, but I think it's weird that you post over and over again that people are "outing" themselves, as though they aren't grown-ups and can't figure out for themselves what they shoudl or shouldn't post.

As for "ragging," everyone has their opinion and others are free to ignore it. Why do you need to get involved?

DP and we live in the City and if that poster’s kids are involved in any sports or other loca activities in Alexandria City, then yep I would also say their post had too much info. Alexandria City has a much smaller school age population than people realize. My kid play several sports and has done so with the same kids for a few years. It’s more “small town “than people think

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
DP and we live in the City and if that poster’s kids are involved in any sports or other loca activities in Alexandria City, then yep I would also say their post had too much info. Alexandria City has a much smaller school age population than people realize. My kid play several sports and has done so with the same kids for a few years. It’s more “small town “than people think

As the poster who supposedly posted too much info, I obviously disagree with you. Your suggestion that I somehow don’t have a clue about the community after living here for 20 years is rather condescending.

Y’all can go find some other stupid thing to obsess over. I’m good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

DP and we live in the City and if that poster’s kids are involved in any sports or other loca activities in Alexandria City, then yep I would also say their post had too much info. Alexandria City has a much smaller school age population than people realize. My kid play several sports and has done so with the same kids for a few years. It’s more “small town “than people think


As the poster who supposedly posted too much info, I obviously disagree with you. Your suggestion that I somehow don’t have a clue about the community after living here for 20 years is rather condescending.

Y’all can go find some other stupid thing to obsess over. I’m good.

Since your post basically consisted of negative comments about schools that you don't have personal experience sending your kids to, we'll manage without you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anywhere is Alexandria is acceptable for a commute of the school is worth it and highly regarded with caring and compassionate teachers. We couldn’t afford more than 10$-15$k a year. Any suggestions for a narrowed list that we should spend time researching? TIA!

Are you open to Catholic schools? There are many good private options in Alexandria, with many above that price point. Those in that ballpark range in the greater Alexandria area at that price range are Immanuel Lutheran, St. Mary’’s, Blessed Sacrament, St. Rita’s, St. Louis and Old Town/Aquinas Montessori.

For $10-$15k a year, you’re not going to get a highly regarded school. The best private in Alexandria is St. Stephens and St. Agnes. You could apply and see what kind of financial aid they might offer.

Immanuel Lutheran is an extremely conservative, intolerant branch of the Lutheran church. I would not send a child to Catholic schools is you’re looking for caring and compassionate teachers that meet your child where they are. The Catholic approach to education is much more about fitting the child into a mold, and if your child should be a little different or need more attention, to bad.

Says the person with the kid at SSAS. Best does not equal most expensive.

I am PP and I don’t send my child to SSSAS. My children attended Sidwell and STA. However, as Alexandrians we thoroughly researched all the private school options in Alexandria. People may judge schools differently, but my criteria was well-trained teachers, strong academic curriculum, school resources, and outplacement - for K-12s, college placement. With regard to those criteria, SSSAS is the strongest private in Alexandria.

I have friends who sent their children to Blessed Sacrament and St. Rita’s. Blessed Sacrament has some issues with their handling of children no are fully in the range of normal, but may be a bit more rambunctious or outspoken. St. Rita’s academics aren’t the best, although the teachers have the reputation of being a bit more tolerant of “kidness” than at Blessed Sacrament.

Immanuel Lutheran has a classical curriculum that initially appealed to us, but we were very turned off by the homophobia and intolerance that are explicitly part of the school.

You commuted to Sidwell LS from Alexandria? Are you kidding?

No, we commute to DC and she takes the bus from the Wisconsin Ave campus to Bethesda. That said, we will be very relieved next year when she starts at the middle school.

Why do you write about your kids in the past tense above? They "attended"? hmm. When we interviewed for Sidwell LS, they told us they had "a few" people from Arlington. We ended up thinking it was just too far. Can't imagine what they would have said about Alexandria: 1? None? Just pointing out that your situation sounds/sounded quite unique.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anywhere is Alexandria is acceptable for a commute of the school is worth it and highly regarded with caring and compassionate teachers. We couldn’t afford more than 10$-15$k a year. Any suggestions for a narrowed list that we should spend time researching? TIA!

Are you open to Catholic schools? There are many good private options in Alexandria, with many above that price point. Those in that ballpark range in the greater Alexandria area at that price range are Immanuel Lutheran, St. Mary’’s, Blessed Sacrament, St. Rita’s, St. Louis and Old Town/Aquinas Montessori.

For $10-$15k a year, you’re not going to get a highly regarded school. The best private in Alexandria is St. Stephens and St. Agnes. You could apply and see what kind of financial aid they might offer.

Immanuel Lutheran is an extremely conservative, intolerant branch of the Lutheran church. I would not send a child to Catholic schools is you’re looking for caring and compassionate teachers that meet your child where they are. The Catholic approach to education is much more about fitting the child into a mold, and if your child should be a little different or need more attention, to bad.

Says the person with the kid at SSAS. Best does not equal most expensive.

I am PP and I don’t send my child to SSSAS. My children attended Sidwell and STA. However, as Alexandrians we thoroughly researched all the private school options in Alexandria. People may judge schools differently, but my criteria was well-trained teachers, strong academic curriculum, school resources, and outplacement - for K-12s, college placement. With regard to those criteria, SSSAS is the strongest private in Alexandria.

I have friends who sent their children to Blessed Sacrament and St. Rita’s. Blessed Sacrament has some issues with their handling of children no are fully in the range of normal, but may be a bit more rambunctious or outspoken. St. Rita’s academics aren’t the best, although the teachers have the reputation of being a bit more tolerant of “kidness” than at Blessed Sacrament.

Immanuel Lutheran has a classical curriculum that initially appealed to us, but we were very turned off by the homophobia and intolerance that are explicitly part of the school.

You commuted to Sidwell LS from Alexandria? Are you kidding?

No, we commute to DC and she takes the bus from the Wisconsin Ave campus to Bethesda. That said, we will be very relieved next year when she starts at the middle school.

Why do you write about your kids in the past tense above? They "attended"? hmm. When we interviewed for Sidwell LS, they told us they had "a few" people from Arlington. We ended up thinking it was just too far. Can't imagine what they would have said about Alexandria: 1? None? Just pointing out that your situation sounds/sounded quite unique.

Past tense was a typo. Trust me, there is more than one family going to Sidwell from Alexandria. Perhaps reflective of APS being in better shape than ACPS.

[Anonymous]

To the Alexandria to Bethesda commuter, why Sidwell? There are so many other schools closer that are not such an awful commute for a elementary kid. I can't imagine doing that with a Ker, a 3rd grader, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anywhere is Alexandria is acceptable for a commute of the school is worth it and highly regarded with caring and compassionate teachers. We couldn’t afford more than 10$-15$k a year. Any suggestions for a narrowed list that we should spend time researching? TIA!

Are you open to Catholic schools? There are many good private options in Alexandria, with many above that price point. Those in that ballpark range in the greater Alexandria area at that price range are Immanuel Lutheran, St. Mary’’s, Blessed Sacrament, St. Rita’s, St. Louis and Old Town/Aquinas Montessori.

For $10-$15k a year, you’re not going to get a highly regarded school. The best private in Alexandria is St. Stephens and St. Agnes. You could apply and see what kind of financial aid they might offer.

Immanuel Lutheran is an extremely conservative, intolerant branch of the Lutheran church. I would not send a child to Catholic schools is you’re looking for caring and compassionate teachers that meet your child where they are. The Catholic approach to education is much more about fitting the child into a mold, and if your child should be a little different or need more attention, to bad.

Says the person with the kid at SSAS. Best does not equal most expensive.

I am PP and I don’t send my child to SSSAS. My children attended Sidwell and STA. However, as Alexandrians we thoroughly researched all the private school options in Alexandria. People may judge schools differently, but my criteria was well-trained teachers, strong academic curriculum, school resources, and outplacement - for K-12s, college placement. With regard to those criteria, SSSAS is the strongest private in Alexandria.

I have friends who sent their children to Blessed Sacrament and St. Rita’s. Blessed Sacrament has some issues with their handling of children no are fully in the range of normal, but may be a bit more rambunctious or outspoken. St. Rita’s academics aren’t the best, although the teachers have the reputation of being a bit more tolerant of “kidness” than at Blessed Sacrament.

Immanuel Lutheran has a classical curriculum that initially appealed to us, but we were very turned off by the homophobia and intolerance that are explicitly part of the school.

You commuted to Sidwell LS from Alexandria? Are you kidding?

No, we commute to DC and she takes the bus from the Wisconsin Ave campus to Bethesda. That said, we will be very relieved next year when she starts at the middle school.

Why do you write about your kids in the past tense above? They "attended"? hmm. When we interviewed for Sidwell LS, they told us they had "a few" people from Arlington. We ended up thinking it was just too far. Can't imagine what they would have said about Alexandria: 1? None? Just pointing out that your situation sounds/sounded quite unique.

Past tense was a typo. Trust me, there is more than one family going to Sidwell from Alexandria. Perhaps reflective of APS being in better shape than ACPS.

Yes, there are other families going to Sidwell from Alexandria. However, I would bet most are at the NW DC location. Not many families are willing to subject a young child to a long commute to Sidwell’s lower school. Most go local and transfer to DC schools in middle school or high school. If you are set on DC schools for elementary, many try the commute for a few years and end up moving.

[Anonymous]

It’s four miles between Ls and US. “Long commute”? You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: It’s four miles between Ls and US. “Long commute”? You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about.

Well if you need to be at the middle school garage by 7:50 to be sure to catch the bus, I would think you’d need to leave anywhere in Alexandria by about 7:20 or before. That means leaving the house just about an hour before school starts. Not the longest commute ever, but seems long for an early elementary schooler.