First Preference Independent School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My first choice is Holy Trinity School in Georgetown

We received a notice a month and a half ago from Holy Trinity (after they cashed our application check) that they were not enrolling any new applicants to Pre-K this year as all the Nursery students are moving forward.

[Anonymous]

so annoying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not just ask current/former parents of these schools for their feelings about these schools? Why does it matter if it was their first choice during the application process?

Some people "choose" St. Patrick's or Sheridan because their child was not admitted to Sidwell, Maret, or GDS. In this case it's not really a choice, and I'm not at all surprised if these current/former parents are now happy. However, if actually given a choice between St. Patrick's or Sheridan and the coveted schools like Sidwell, Maret, GDS and Beauvoir, it is interesting to know what tipped the scales for those parents. What not-so-visible or not-so-known attribute of these schools made it a first choice. Many of the attributes listed by the 12:30 poster are attributes of the more competitive schools. And current/former parents and admissions folks give the party line when you visit the schools, such that you can't necessarily readily see what about the school would make it a first choice.

FWIW, my child was at a private school largely considered a back-up (read, 2nd, 3rd or 4th choice) and it made a difference in the parent body and attrition.

[Anonymous]

Some people "choose" St. Patrick's or Sheridan because their child was not admitted to Sidwell, Maret, or GDS. In this case it's not really a choice, and I'm not at all surprised if these current/former parents are now happy.

Maybe they find themselves happy at a "backup" school because their child is happy there - and they realize that may actually be what matters most. I have yet to meet a parent at any of these schools who does not hesitate to tell me how they truly feel about their particular school- the good and the bad. Of course, the admissions tour is not (nor should it be) the place where you'd expect to get negative feedback about the school. If you are looking for honest feedback about a school - the posts on this forum about St. Patrick's, and I believe there was another one about Sheridan not too far back, have better information than taking someone's advice based on their particular feelings after attending the various open houses, visits, and other admissions related tours.

Many of the schools will provide similar points during the tours, open houses, interviews, etc. Every school will say that it nurtures the whole child, follows the Responsive Classroom model, utilizes Chicago Math, the list goes on and on. There are not a lot of diferences between what they say during the admission process, really. So, after getting in you will find out what the school is truly like - unless you are able to get some honest feedback from current parents now.

[Anonymous]

Hi -

This is for the poster that asked about religion at St Patricks. Our children are there, despite the fact that neither my husband or I are at all religious (to call us agnostic would be generous). The kids do go to chapel once a week, and they do have a religion class. However, the school really and truly is an inclusive place that teaches about all different religions and ways of believing. We have seen it as a good way for our children to learn about different religions and beliefs in a way that they would never get in our (agnostic/athiestic) household. The focus at St patricks is much more on community than on religion.

[Anonymous]

17:03 - Are parents generally pleased to have their kids attend? I ask because it makes a difference whether parents had their hearts set on attending a different school (i.e., still champing at the bit for or eyeing another school). I wouldn't want a place that might be transient because of attrition for these reasons, or where the parents aren't vested because they wish they were someplace else.

[Anonymous]

I am the 12:30 poster and my heart is set on St. Patrick's. It's truly our first choice and it frustrates me that people consider it a 2nd tier school because, from what I can tell, some pretty amazing things go on inside.

To comment on religion- After talking to families at the school as well as faculty I can ditto the 17:03 poster as to why I like the idea of chapel. We are not religious at all and I love that my kids (if we get in) will have the opportunity to learn about all different religions as I think this will make them more open-minded, etc.

[Anonymous]

My children go to Sheridan School and it is amazing. The school is warm and nurturing and incredibly academic without being stressful. The Faculty is amazing, most have their masters. Everyone knows everyone and each child is made to feel like they matter. The curriculum is very well thought through and my children have really learned how to think not just memorize. The Head is amazing - not only does he know every child he knows every family and goes far out of his way to be available. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the school. If you get an accept you are very lucky.

[Anonymous]

To the St. Pats families-- (prospective): While not first hand, I hear WONDERFUL things about this school from current parents and prospective parent friends. From everything I have heard, I think you should be thrilled if you DC gets in. I only wish it were closer to me!

[Anonymous]

PP-
I am the parent who has my heart set on St. Pat's and I thank you very much for your post!! I will do cartwheels down my entire block if my DD gets in!!



I'm not kidding!!!

[Anonymous]

Aawww. That's sweet. Good luck to you. Hope your dd gets in.

[Anonymous]

I think the main reason GDS, Sidwell and Maret are "preferred" is because once in, parents don't have to worry about this kind of stress until college.

As a lifelong Washingtonian who has seen the schools change and evolve over the last 30+ years, I can honestly say that all of the schools (St. Patrick's, Sheridan etc.) are fantastic places where kids and families have received great educations, and built nurturing communities.

I seriously doubt anyone considers those beyond the "big 3" -- (isn't it really 4?) second tier institutions, and certainly no one should be taking acceptance or denial to these institutions as a commentary on their child. It is, for the most part, a pure numbers game.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the main reason GDS, Sidwell and Maret are "preferred" is because once in, parents don't have to worry about this kind of stress until college.

While this may be true, as another lifelong Washingtonian who went to the same school from K-12, there is something else to think about. While nice for the parent not to think again about the stress of placement, the child may not be the same when he/she is 5 and 14. Therefore, some of these PK or K through 8 schools are the right choice for families who can then reassess who their child is as a teenager. Sometimes it can be stiffling to remain in the same place for 14 or more years.

Many wonderful schools (Sheridan, Norwood, St. Pats, WES) place a good number of their children into all the "big 3" high schools anyway. In addition, schools where the 8th graders are the top of the heap have the advantage of "keeping your child young." The younger students are looking up to the middle schoolers as the model as opposed to high school seniors. It keeps the middle schoolers "younger" as well.

Giving your child the gift of a change is something to think about...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In addition, schools where the 8th graders are the top of the heap have the advantage of "keeping your child young." The younger students are looking up to the middle schoolers as the model as opposed to high school seniors. It keeps the middle schoolers "younger" as well.

This is a very interesting point. To what extent is the same true of schools that segregate younger and older kids on separate campuses?

[Anonymous]

I totally agree with this (keeping them younger) and have heard it from many educators and parents. I like the idea and am looking at schools with that model for a reason. Yes, that means applying again for highschool, but these schools are very helpful and have great placement (Norwood, WES, for example). But again, just a personal preference, but it seems to resonate as very true to me. Public schools are doing some similar things to keep kids shielded a bit from the bigger kids and all that the bigger kids bring with them.