Holton Arms vs. Visitation

Anonymous
We are torn between sending our DS to Holton or to Visitation....any feedback? Really appreciate any candid insights.
Anonymous
You mean DD, correct?
Anonymous
yes, sorry.
Anonymous
I have a DS who goes to Landon, so I know Holton quite well since I am looking into for my DS next year. Why are you even debating between the two schools? They're not even in the same level, Holton is hands down better in terms of academics, arts, and athletics.
Anonymous
Not from this area and have friends who have recommended both for different reasons. We really want to find a school that is diverse and that will challenge our DS academically...she is also a solid athlete.
Anonymous
I don't think they are that far apart academically if you look at the data on scores, but having looked at both for my DD, who in the end decided to go to a coed big 3, Holten seemed to have stronger math/sciences and arts (especially music). Overall Visi stronger in sports particularly crew, soccer, basketball. Setting quite different urban vs very suburban, boys school nearby and some academic and other forma interactions. Would not describe either as exactly diverse. Tend to have a more overall conservative group of families than NCS or coed DC schools
Anonymous
Both are great schools. In the end, the distinction lies in a core set of values upon which a personal foundation is built. No right or wrong answer here, just which resonates more with your family.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I have a DS who goes to Landon, so I know Holton quite well since I am looking into for my DS next year. Why are you even debating between the two schools? They're not even in the same level, Holton is hands down better in terms of academics, arts, and athletics.

You may know Landon and the IAC (boys athletic conference), but I don't think you can be familiar with the ISL (the girl's athletic conference) if you think Holton is better than Visi in athletics. Visi wins the overall sports trophy for the league routinely, and in the higher profile sports (soccer, basketball, lacrosse, for example) is significantly stronger than Holton. Even in swimming, a Holton strength, Visi won this year. Holton has a very good sports program, so this is not a reason to drop it from your list if you have an athletic daughter, but it is worth noting the inaccuracy of the prior post in that one regard; I do agree that it is acknowledged that Holton is stronger academically and in the arts. Congrats and good luck!
Anonymous
Holton is far more diverse. Two great options.
Anonymous
18:55, may i add a little to your sage comments re: core values? My Christian DD has been enlightened about the similarities of all the world's great faiths. Holton lives the Golden Rule. This seems to be Holton's core value. She has learned how to discuss faith-based differences with great respect and earnest desire to learn more about her religion as well as those of her friends. This has made her more well-rounded knowing her friends share as deep and strong core personal values as she does. I just did not want the OP to possibly think Holton was a spiritual black-hole. THX.
Anonymous
The girls at Visitation seem to really love their school. I have known several girls from other all girls schools who would not repeat the experience.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:The girls at Visitation seem to really love their school. I have known several girls from other all girls schools who would not repeat the experience.


Agree, but it seems a majority of Holton girls do as well. At least most of the current classes.
Anonymous
Holton is predominantly a rich girl's school; Visitation is more economically diverse.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Holton is predominantly a rich girl's school; Visitation is more economically diverse.


Maybe 30 years ago. Currently, 25 percent of students receive financial aid. There seems to be a high majority of working moms. Some expensive cars, but way more older model domestic and Asian imports.
Anonymous
Holton:
Total financial aid given for 2010-2011: $3,256,097
Endowment/Annual Fund: $51,029,825/$1,027,000

Visi gives 1.6 million in aid annually although Holton tuition is higher.

Holton has 42 percent students of color.

They're both great schools and difficult to choose between them.
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