Flint Hill

[Anonymous]

I searched through the forum, and it appears as if the general consensus is that FHS is sub-par.

Are there any parents of FHS students that have positive things to say? I'm also considering St. Stephens and St. Agnes as well as Potomac, but FHS is the closest.

[Anonymous]

I think you have to consider the source..most people on this thread are either DC or very close to DC so Flint Hill gets a bad rap due to location. I actually think the only school in VA that gets a positive rap is Potomac and I am convinced it is due to their great busing program. But I digress..I can't help you with specifics on Flint Hill as we are driving into the city to go to school. I would check their admissions as an indictator of where their grads go to school.

[Anonymous]

I think it is fine for high school, not perfect (don't let the pretentious twits on this site fool you, none of the schools are), but can be a great fit for many kids. I really wanted it to be a fit for my kid as it is so close to my home, but it wasn't.

I also think SSSA and Potomac are fine schools.

[Anonymous]

PP, can you provide any insight as to who Flint Hill may be a good fit for or not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, can you provide any insight as to who Flint Hill may be a good fit for or not?

I think it is a good fit for a kid who leans more toward athletics than the arts.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP, I've had children at FHS through their LS, MS, and US program, but none of my children have graduated from there. My children have attended FHS from grades 3-9. You may ask, why did you put them in the first place? FHS is about 10 minutes away WALKING, thus, being very convenient and it's a very professional private school.

First off, good luck to you in your school search. Been through it 4 times..whew! Anyways, FHS is a great school and has its strengths and weaknesses. It's definitely great if you don't want a pressure boiler system for your children. I remember my DS's first yr away from FHS at a Big 3 school and FHS seemed to him like a cakewalk when he told me about his first day at his new Big 3 school. FHS has a very diverse population in terms of student backgrounds. You have kids who are extremely intelligent, then you have those who need extreme assistance with their learning, and then there are those who are simply there because they're good at either a sport or art. It is a pretty "balanced" school, but if you want you're child to be pushed to the next level, i'd look into Potomac or another school in the DMV. Potomac has a much more rigorous program compared to FHS. I transferred all of my DCs sometime in HS or before HS to Big 3/5 schools because they all needed an extra push in academics and athletics.

In terms of academics, as I said, they're not extremely challenging. This is my opinion on how the academic scene looks.
Tier 1: Sidwell, STA, NCS
Tier 2: Landon, Holton(Some debate Holton/Landon should be tier 1) Georgetown Prep, Maret, Potomac, GDS
Tier 3: Potomac(some argue, I think it is tier 2), Visitation,FHS(maybe) etc
Tier 4: Bullis, FHS, SSSA
FHS falls into Tier 3 or 4 in my opinion along with Bullis. In terms of college matriculation, FHS usually sends out to a few great schools, but many of the schools include average to subpar colleges including GMU, Nova, etc. Excuse me, but I just don't think I want to send a child to a 30k/yr school and expect them to go to GMU or NOVA. From what i've heard from parents, this year's senior class was stellar and it had many bright kids in all fields. It'll be interesting to hear how their next batch will be, Class of 2012. Overall, in terms of comparing schools, I believe that Potomac serves to be more challenging than FHS in terms of academics, but their athletic and arts program are about the same. SSSA and Bullis are pretty much carbon copies of FHS, just in different locations and have different athletic/artistic strength+weaknesses. Not quite sure which grade you're looking at for DC, but I would recommend FHS for LS or MS. I would HIGHLY recommend Potomac or higher for HS, simply because upper school years is when it matters and driving the extra 10-15 minutes is worth it in the long haul. I'll be sure to check on this thread to see if you have any questions. Cheers.

[Anonymous]

PP, not OP, but thanks for the straightforward assessment. We live 10 minutes walking from Langley -- would that make your list for ES and MS? Don't know if DD would be admitted to Potomac but I'd like to find something less pressure-filled.

[Anonymous]

01:56 That was one of the more balanced assessments of Flint Hill I've seen. Mentioning this year's graduating class as being exceptionally strong, also answered my question about why a few kids stayed whom I didn't expect to stay through H.S.

(Sorry you're not sleeping either.)

[Anonymous]

The school you choose for your children is obviously very important. I really hope people do not make such an important decision based at all on anonymous postings on a website.

[Anonymous]

Also want to say "thanks" to the OP for what appears to be a very honest assessment of FHS. We are also considering the HIGH school and have heard the same comments. Where there is fire, there is obvoiusly smoke certainly as it relates to the academics and the fact that the school seems to accept students at levels.

This is all useful information to "consider" as we go through the process. Frankly, a comment from one OP who advises readers "not to rely on web postings etc" re: decisions about where to send their DC to school is offensive and adds nothing. These posts are intended to be information postings. What OP provided about FHS is just that..."information" based on their presonal experiences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP, I've had children at FHS through their LS, MS, and US program, but none of my children have graduated from there. My children have attended FHS from grades 3-9. You may ask, why did you put them in the first place? FHS is about 10 minutes away WALKING, thus, being very convenient and it's a very professional private school.

First off, good luck to you in your school search. Been through it 4 times..whew! Anyways, FHS is a great school and has its strengths and weaknesses. It's definitely great if you don't want a pressure boiler system for your children. I remember my DS's first yr away from FHS at a Big 3 school and FHS seemed to him like a cakewalk when he told me about his first day at his new Big 3 school. FHS has a very diverse population in terms of student backgrounds. You have kids who are extremely intelligent, then you have those who need extreme assistance with their learning, and then there are those who are simply there because they're good at either a sport or art. It is a pretty "balanced" school, but if you want you're child to be pushed to the next level, i'd look into Potomac or another school in the DMV. Potomac has a much more rigorous program compared to FHS. I transferred all of my DCs sometime in HS or before HS to Big 3/5 schools because they all needed an extra push in academics and athletics.

In terms of academics, as I said, they're not extremely challenging. This is my opinion on how the academic scene looks.
Tier 1: Sidwell, STA, NCS
Tier 2: Landon, Holton(Some debate Holton/Landon should be tier 1) Georgetown Prep, Maret, Potomac, GDS
Tier 3: Potomac(some argue, I think it is tier 2), Visitation,FHS(maybe) etc
Tier 4: Bullis, FHS, SSSA
FHS falls into Tier 3 or 4 in my opinion along with Bullis. In terms of college matriculation, FHS usually sends out to a few great schools, but many of the schools include average to subpar colleges including GMU, Nova, etc. Excuse me, but I just don't think I want to send a child to a 30k/yr school and expect them to go to GMU or NOVA. From what i've heard from parents, this year's senior class was stellar and it had many bright kids in all fields. It'll be interesting to hear how their next batch will be, Class of 2012. Overall, in terms of comparing schools, I believe that Potomac serves to be more challenging than FHS in terms of academics, but their athletic and arts program are about the same. SSSA and Bullis are pretty much carbon copies of FHS, just in different locations and have different athletic/artistic strength+weaknesses. Not quite sure which grade you're looking at for DC, but I would recommend FHS for LS or MS. I would HIGHLY recommend Potomac or higher for HS, simply because upper school years is when it matters and driving the extra 10-15 minutes is worth it in the long haul. I'll be sure to check on this thread to see if you have any questions. Cheers.

I don't get this philosophy. Choosing all schools, including college, for my children has to do with fit and where they will be happy and if that happened to be GMU or NOVA, fine. As I posted earlier, FH was not a fit for my artsy and academically driven kid, but that had nothing to do with the colleges the grads went on to. Selecting a LS MS or US is based on finding a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes the value of education as it's own reward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP, I've had children at FHS through their LS, MS, and US program, but none of my children have graduated from there. My children have attended FHS from grades 3-9. You may ask, why did you put them in the first place? FHS is about 10 minutes away WALKING, thus, being very convenient and it's a very professional private school.

First off, good luck to you in your school search. Been through it 4 times..whew! Anyways, FHS is a great school and has its strengths and weaknesses. It's definitely great if you don't want a pressure boiler system for your children. I remember my DS's first yr away from FHS at a Big 3 school and FHS seemed to him like a cakewalk when he told me about his first day at his new Big 3 school. FHS has a very diverse population in terms of student backgrounds. You have kids who are extremely intelligent, then you have those who need extreme assistance with their learning, and then there are those who are simply there because they're good at either a sport or art. It is a pretty "balanced" school, but if you want you're child to be pushed to the next level, i'd look into Potomac or another school in the DMV. Potomac has a much more rigorous program compared to FHS. I transferred all of my DCs sometime in HS or before HS to Big 3/5 schools because they all needed an extra push in academics and athletics.

In terms of academics, as I said, they're not extremely challenging. This is my opinion on how the academic scene looks.
Tier 1: Sidwell, STA, NCS
Tier 2: Landon, Holton(Some debate Holton/Landon should be tier 1) Georgetown Prep, Maret, Potomac, GDS
Tier 3: Potomac(some argue, I think it is tier 2), Visitation,FHS(maybe) etc
Tier 4: Bullis, FHS, SSSA
FHS falls into Tier 3 or 4 in my opinion along with Bullis. In terms of college matriculation, FHS usually sends out to a few great schools, but many of the schools include average to subpar colleges including GMU, Nova, etc. Excuse me, but I just don't think I want to send a child to a 30k/yr school and expect them to go to GMU or NOVA. From what i've heard from parents, this year's senior class was stellar and it had many bright kids in all fields. It'll be interesting to hear how their next batch will be, Class of 2012. Overall, in terms of comparing schools, I believe that Potomac serves to be more challenging than FHS in terms of academics, but their athletic and arts program are about the same. SSSA and Bullis are pretty much carbon copies of FHS, just in different locations and have different athletic/artistic strength+weaknesses. Not quite sure which grade you're looking at for DC, but I would recommend FHS for LS or MS. I would HIGHLY recommend Potomac or higher for HS, simply because upper school years is when it matters and driving the extra 10-15 minutes is worth it in the long haul. I'll be sure to check on this thread to see if you have any questions. Cheers.

OP here. PP, thank you *so* much for this very candid assessment of FHS. I'm looking for my now 3 yr old, and like the idea of having her go to the same school for at least all of elementary/middle.

Since my original post, I've been looking to get more information on Potomac, and SSSA. I was not aware SSSA was on the same 'level' as FHS, I thought it was a little 'above'?

I also agree that picking the right school is a huge decision and should be made not just on opinions on DCUM, but I do find this a helpful place to get information that helps me get started on my search. Additionally, I also agree with the PP above that if I'm paying $30K/year, I'd like that to at least help steer my kids into becoming more academically driven to want to pick a top university, or at least feel confident that they can apply anywhere. I know I am years away from that, but I want to make the right decision.

We live in NOVA, near GMU, and I feel like having a 4 yr old commute 30-40 minutes to school is a bit much, whereas an older kid/teenager, could handle that fine. So, perhaps the choice for me is FHS for lower/middle, and Potomac for HS. We're still very early in this whole process, but really do appreciate the PP above, and others.

On a final note, we are also interested in good, co-ed Catholic schools, if anyone has any recommendations. St. Leo's in FFX?

[Anonymous]

I have 2 children who graduated Flint Hill and 1 child who is there now in the high school. I believe Flint hill to be an excellent school for a broad range of children. You really need to go visit!
The Upper School Director is excellent and responsive. The teachers are overall excellent. The high school program allows for a broad range of challenges. My children took mostly honors and/or AP classes and those teachers are particularly good. One of my children had serious medical issues. I cannot be more grateful to all the efforts made by the teachers and adminstration to assist my child through that tough year. My 2 who graduated have done extremely well in the competitive schools they attend(ed) and my college graduate got an excellent job in journalism upon graduation. My child who attends a college with several Potomac and Madeira grads has been helping them with their chemistry and calculus homework!
As far as extracurriculars I can only really say from my experience that your child can find something they might like. The Latin program ( they travel to state and national conventions) is fantastic and best in the state. Athletics is excellent. As far as the music program the percussion, capella group and choir are excellent. The fine arts program is very good with professional artists on staff and many graduates who go on to art programs. My child got his start in journalism while working on the newspaper.
I did look at other schools in DC,etc, but I could not justify that commute given what I saw at Flint Hill. Flint Hill must compete with excellent Virginia public schools....and they do quite well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP, I've had children at FHS through their LS, MS, and US program, but none of my children have graduated from there. My children have attended FHS from grades 3-9. You may ask, why did you put them in the first place? FHS is about 10 minutes away WALKING, thus, being very convenient and it's a very professional private school.

First off, good luck to you in your school search. Been through it 4 times..whew! Anyways, FHS is a great school and has its strengths and weaknesses. It's definitely great if you don't want a pressure boiler system for your children. I remember my DS's first yr away from FHS at a Big 3 school and FHS seemed to him like a cakewalk when he told me about his first day at his new Big 3 school. FHS has a very diverse population in terms of student backgrounds. You have kids who are extremely intelligent, then you have those who need extreme assistance with their learning, and then there are those who are simply there because they're good at either a sport or art. It is a pretty "balanced" school, but if you want you're child to be pushed to the next level, i'd look into Potomac or another school in the DMV. Potomac has a much more rigorous program compared to FHS. I transferred all of my DCs sometime in HS or before HS to Big 3/5 schools because they all needed an extra push in academics and athletics.

In terms of academics, as I said, they're not extremely challenging. This is my opinion on how the academic scene looks.
Tier 1: Sidwell, STA, NCS
Tier 2: Landon, Holton(Some debate Holton/Landon should be tier 1) Georgetown Prep, Maret, Potomac, GDS
Tier 3: Potomac(some argue, I think it is tier 2), Visitation,FHS(maybe) etc
Tier 4: Bullis, FHS, SSSA
FHS falls into Tier 3 or 4 in my opinion along with Bullis. In terms of college matriculation, FHS usually sends out to a few great schools, but many of the schools include average to subpar colleges including GMU, Nova, etc. Excuse me, but I just don't think I want to send a child to a 30k/yr school and expect them to go to GMU or NOVA. From what i've heard from parents, this year's senior class was stellar and it had many bright kids in all fields. It'll be interesting to hear how their next batch will be, Class of 2012. Overall, in terms of comparing schools, I believe that Potomac serves to be more challenging than FHS in terms of academics, but their athletic and arts program are about the same. SSSA and Bullis are pretty much carbon copies of FHS, just in different locations and have different athletic/artistic strength+weaknesses. Not quite sure which grade you're looking at for DC, but I would recommend FHS for LS or MS. I would HIGHLY recommend Potomac or higher for HS, simply because upper school years is when it matters and driving the extra 10-15 minutes is worth it in the long haul. I'll be sure to check on this thread to see if you have any questions. Cheers.

What are you basing this on? Did you send all your kids to all of these schools? Did you work at any of them? Do you have a deep understanding of their mission, philosophy., curriculum? Or did you base it on second-hand information?

[Anonymous]

What are you basing this on? Did you send all your kids to all of these schools? Did you work at any of them? Do you have a deep understanding of their mission, philosophy., curriculum? Or did you base it on second-hand information?

Give her a break. OP asked for opinions and I'm glad to hear them. I wasn't expecting a double-blind Harvard study on the issue -- but several pps with several kids each gave lots of good insight and, gasp, different opinions!! Thanks ! I appreciate all the data points.