Burgundy Farms vs. Alexandria Country Day vs. Browne vs. SSAS

[Anonymous]

I've heard from many Burgundy families that Burgundy's middle school head, Nancy Kaplan, does a fabulous job working with students and families to find schools that are right for them. I'm sure that she would discuss her process with you if you'd like.

[Anonymous]

Browne's new admistration is a nightmare. The teachers all remain fabulous.

[Anonymous]

To the PP who write about college admissions from St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School, or anyone else who knows, where is this information available?

[Anonymous]

Maybe a current SSSAS parent can fill us in. Where are the seniors going, and who got in where due to athletics?

[Anonymous]

interested in the previous comment re: Browne's new administration -- why is it a nightmare? If anyone has any other thoughts on these schools, please chime in. We've visited and applied, but we are relatively new to the area and want to make the right choice for our DS......

[Anonymous]

Browne has been great for our family. I have no idea what the other poster is talking about in terms of administration - the teachers are fabulous, the curriculum top notch and creative. The student body is very diverse and happy - our child loves going to school every day and has thrived. We loved Burgundy too, but Browne seemed a better fit for DC1. I have no worries about high school, but honestly, would not even consider St. Stephens if education and values are top priorities - there is a mass exodus at high school at SSSA and I would choose TC Williams over St. Stephens in terms of college placement and experience. Burgundy families seem to follow a similar pattern, steer clear of SSSA and many attend TC with great success and prestigious college placement. Each year, both Burgandy and Browne have multiple kids attend TJ - which is considered among the most elite US high schools for kids leaning towards science, math. I'd say absolutely consider Browne/Burgundy depending on your childs needs and personality, and SSSA and ACDS two distant seconds if you feel you cannot bear the thought of private. If you are seeking a smaller learning environment, I'd suggest Grace Episcopal, or consider going public. George Mason, Maury and Lyles Crouch are excellent public lower school options as well.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately we are not zoned for George Mason, LCrouch or Maury (we are zoned for Jefferson Houston, which is why we are going private0 but we will try for the other ACPS via lottery. I think we are not eligible for TJ High School because we live in Alexandria City.
I have heard many students leave Browne in the older grades, leaving the classes quite small. (We've heard this about Grace too.) have you found this to be true? and where are the kids going? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

New poster here. I've heard great things about Alexandria Country Day --small classes, nurturing environment, solid academics, great exmissions -- so for us the choice has been Burgundy vs. ACDS. Very different schools and philosophies, we know, but we've been attracted to both! Anyone with experience able to compare these two?

[Anonymous]

You hit the nail on the head when you said "different philosophies." ACDS is a fine little school but very traditional. Kids wear uniforms, etc. Burgundy has a progressive curriculum & kids call their teachers by first names. The schools are just are apples and oranges. I don't think one is "better" -- both seem to produce happy, balanced, caring, respectful, well-prepared kids-- but some kids who would find Burgundy too confusing (too much autonomy!) would thrive at ACDS, while other kids who would find ACDS stultifying (too hidebound!) would thrive at Burgundy. For more on Burgundy, see the recent thread on "NoVa Schools," which turned out to me mostly on Burgundy....

[Anonymous]

PP again. If interested here are a bunch of threads comparing these schools:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/35363.page#231705

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/32613.page#215810

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/31158.page#198297

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/8217.page#46761

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/42593.page#288623

[Anonymous]

ACDS has long been considered the back-up to SSSA. Brown really isn't considered in the same league academically as SSSA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Browne's new admistration is a nightmare. The teachers all remain fabulous.

I agree. My child is still at Browne b/c the teachers. I had been considering Burgundy b/c of the head of the school. I would consider again if the administrator is not improved.

[Anonymous]

What's the problem with Browne's administration?