Mater Dei families

[Anonymous]

We are thinking of applying next year to Mater Dei.

So, to the Mater Dei families out there -- why do you love the school?

How do you make sure your sons are well rounded?

Can you explain the music program? Other programs that help your son focus on talents other than sports?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking of applying next year to Mater Dei.

So, to the Mater Dei families out there -- why do you love the school?

How do you make sure your sons are well rounded?

Can you explain the music program? Other programs that help your son focus on talents other than sports?

Thanks!

We have been out of MD for a few years, but because the cast of characters has changed little in all probability the school has not changed much.

Based on your questions, I'm concerned that MD might not be a good fit for you and your son. Music program? If one existed, we weren't aware of it.

MD really is pretty much academics and athletics and a lot of emphasis on being a "good guy". The "good guy" thing centers on not being a braggart or a bully or a liar or any of the other things that particularly offend male sensibilities.

What makes MD great and why it particularly helped our boys?

It's all boys. And we're convinced that most little boys learn differently and act differently than little girls.

It has a largely male teaching staff ... and the male teachers seem to understand the little boy thing. When faced with a class that has trouble focusing, a teacher may take the whole class outside and run them around the football field a few times. Can you imagine that sort of thing in a public school or a co-ed school?

There is an emphasis on academics and athletics. And much of the interest in athletics comes from the boys themselves.

I don't want to overstate this, but there isn't a lot of sympathy at MD nor is there much tolerance for excuses. Several times I thought that they were being tougher than they should have been. But at the same time I thought that this too was a good life lesson for the boys.

You might want to consider the Heights, just down the road or the Woods Academy or one of the parish schools. I'm assuming you are Catholic since you are iinterested in Mater Dei.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for the nice reply.

I do believe that they now have a music program after getting some pressure.

I love the good guy thing -- if we don't apply to MD (I know getting in is very hard), we will go to our Catholic school, where this is also emphasized.

Everyone I have ever spoken to who went to MD said they had an amazing experience.

Can I ask without offending how you made sure your boys were exposed to girls in settings other than dances, etc.

I want my sons to understand that girls are just as smart and they can be their very good friends, not just girl friends. I do have a daughter who will keep them in line, so that will help a lot.

Related to the previous question, do the moms try to organize any after school events that emphasize non sports talents -- e.g., going to theater, cooking classes, etc.

Finally, do you have girls? If so, where did they go? If co-ed, how to you compare the experience?

Thanks for your time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks so much for the nice reply.

I do believe that they now have a music program after getting some pressure.

I love the good guy thing -- if we don't apply to MD (I know getting in is very hard), we will go to our Catholic school, where this is also emphasized.

Everyone I have ever spoken to who went to MD said they had an amazing experience.

Can I ask without offending how you made sure your boys were exposed to girls in settings other than dances, etc.

I want my sons to understand that girls are just as smart and they can be their very good friends, not just girl friends. I do have a daughter who will keep them in line, so that will help a lot.

Related to the previous question, do the moms try to organize any after school events that emphasize non sports talents -- e.g., going to theater, cooking classes, etc.

Finally, do you have girls? If so, where did they go? If co-ed, how to you compare the experience?

Thanks for your time.

Amazing experience? I'm not sure my sons would both agree with that one. One of them has a highly developed sense of fairness and he wasn't crazy about decisions that didn't go his way. But my wife and I really appreciated the experience.

On girls - If you are not local or if this is your first child you may not be aware of the very large Catholic community that exists that surrounds all these Catholic schools. It's boys and girls and it goes far beyond dances. They all know one another and they all "hang out" and there are a lot of friendships. I'm afraid this view of boys isolated who do not have high opinions of girls isn't one I have seen. And our sons went on to all boys high schools too.

I'm unaware of mom's organizing any outside of school events. There didn't seem to be any need for it or any time for it.

Our sons were in public school before Mater Dei. We found it exhausting interfacing with the teachers and the specialists and the committees they have. (I broke an ankle when one was in 3rd grade. The public school somehow heard about it and --- unbeknownst to us --- had sent him a counselor several times (instead of recess) to see if he was having problems dealing with this trauma. That was the week we decided to take the boys out of this Edu-Speak zoo.) Beginning at Mater Dei we dropped the kids off. Went to the open house and the Father-Son picnic abd graduation. It was liberating. We had confidence in the school. They did their job. We did ours. The kids did theirs. It was great.

They aren't going to learn all of life's lessons in school. The culture and the media innundate them. Mater Dei was, in a sense, an oasis away from all that.

We have no daughters. My poor wife has lived in an all male world that she has tried to civilize.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks so much for the nice reply.

I do believe that they now have a music program after getting some pressure.

I love the good guy thing -- if we don't apply to MD (I know getting in is very hard), we will go to our Catholic school, where this is also emphasized.

Everyone I have ever spoken to who went to MD said they had an amazing experience.

Can I ask without offending how you made sure your boys were exposed to girls in settings other than dances, etc.

I want my sons to understand that girls are just as smart and they can be their very good friends, not just girl friends. I do have a daughter who will keep them in line, so that will help a lot.

Related to the previous question, do the moms try to organize any after school events that emphasize non sports talents -- e.g., going to theater, cooking classes, etc.

Finally, do you have girls? If so, where did they go? If co-ed, how to you compare the experience?

Thanks for your time.

Amazing experience? I'm not sure my sons would both agree with that one. One of them has a highly developed sense of fairness and he wasn't crazy about decisions that didn't go his way. But my wife and I really appreciated the experience.

On girls - If you are not local or if this is your first child you may not be aware of the very large Catholic community that exists that surrounds all these Catholic schools. It's boys and girls and it goes far beyond dances. They all know one another and they all "hang out" and there are a lot of friendships. I'm afraid this view of boys isolated who do not have high opinions of girls isn't one I have seen. And our sons went on to all boys high schools too.

I'm unaware of mom's organizing any outside of school events. There didn't seem to be any need for it or any time for it.

Our sons were in public school before Mater Dei. We found it exhausting interfacing with the teachers and the specialists and the committees they have. (I broke an ankle when one was in 3rd grade. The public school somehow heard about it and --- unbeknownst to us --- had sent him a counselor several times (instead of recess) to see if he was having problems dealing with this trauma. That was the week we decided to take the boys out of this Edu-Speak zoo.) Beginning at Mater Dei we dropped the kids off. Went to the open house and the Father-Son picnic abd graduation. It was liberating. We had confidence in the school. They did their job. We did ours. The kids did theirs. It was great.

They aren't going to learn all of life's lessons in school. The culture and the media innundate them. Mater Dei was, in a sense, an oasis away from all that.

We have no daughters. My poor wife has lived in an all male world that she has tried to civilize.

You sound like you didn't spend enough time at the school to really know if they were doing a good job or not. Did you just take the teachers' word for it (vis a vie the conference/report card?) Yes, public schools (and some privates) actually want you involved in your child's education.

[Anonymous]

If you are part of the Catholic mafia that loves to go over the top on the sidelines of games, you will fit right in. If that's not for you, look elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are part of the Catholic mafia that loves to go over the top on the sidelines of games, you will fit right in. If that's not for you, look elsewhere.

There's a lot of bad parental behavior on sidelines everywhere at every level. Mater Dei doen't have the market cornered on that. It's the times.

The Catholic Mafia part is a lot closer to the mark. Although Mafia might be a little strong. It is the grammar school of choice for many Catholic familes in lower Montgomery County and NW DC.

Athletics are a big deal there. But no more than they are at some other similar private schools in their vicinity.

Mater Dei's distinguishing characteristic is its all male environment.

The Heights School is right up the road and might be an alternative for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking of applying next year to Mater Dei.

So, to the Mater Dei families out there -- why do you love the school?

How do you make sure your sons are well rounded?

Can you explain the music program? Other programs that help your son focus on talents other than sports?

Thanks!

We have been out of MD for a few years, but because the cast of characters has changed little in all probability the school has not changed much.

Based on your questions, I'm concerned that MD might not be a good fit for you and your son. Music program? If one existed, we weren't aware of it.

MD really is pretty much academics and athletics and a lot of emphasis on being a "good guy". The "good guy" thing centers on not being a braggart or a bully or a liar or any of the other things that particularly offend male sensibilities.

What makes MD great and why it particularly helped our boys?

It's all boys. And we're convinced that most little boys learn differently and act differently than little girls.

It has a largely male teaching staff ... and the male teachers seem to understand the little boy thing. When faced with a class that has trouble focusing, a teacher may take the whole class outside and run them around the football field a few times. Can you imagine that sort of thing in a public school or a co-ed school?

There is an emphasis on academics and athletics. And much of the interest in athletics comes from the boys themselves.

I don't want to overstate this, but there isn't a lot of sympathy at MD nor is there much tolerance for excuses. Several times I thought that they were being tougher than they should have been. But at the same time I thought that this too was a good life lesson for the boys.

You might want to consider the Heights, just down the road or the Woods Academy or one of the parish schools. I'm assuming you are Catholic since you are iinterested in Mater Dei.

I sure can! I was a teacher and would take my co-ed class outside to run around when they needed a break. My children go to public school and their teachers do the same thing.

[Anonymous]

I just don't buy the "good guy" aspect that PP describes. Yes to Academics and Athletics. And yes to "community" (Catholic Mafia, as mentioned by another poster) but I've known many MD boys and I wouldn't call them "good guys"..Sure, there are exceptions, but I don't believe this is the rule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking of applying next year to Mater Dei.

So, to the Mater Dei families out there -- why do you love the school?

How do you make sure your sons are well rounded?

Can you explain the music program? Other programs that help your son focus on talents other than sports?

Thanks!

We have been out of MD for a few years, but because the cast of characters has changed little in all probability the school has not changed much.

Based on your questions, I'm concerned that MD might not be a good fit for you and your son. Music program? If one existed, we weren't aware of it.

MD really is pretty much academics and athletics and a lot of emphasis on being a "good guy". The "good guy" thing centers on not being a braggart or a bully or a liar or any of the other things that particularly offend male sensibilities.

What makes MD great and why it particularly helped our boys?

It's all boys. And we're convinced that most little boys learn differently and act differently than little girls.

It has a largely male teaching staff ... and the male teachers seem to understand the little boy thing. When faced with a class that has trouble focusing, a teacher may take the whole class outside and run them around the football field a few times. Can you imagine that sort of thing in a public school or a co-ed school?

There is an emphasis on academics and athletics. And much of the interest in athletics comes from the boys themselves.

I don't want to overstate this, but there isn't a lot of sympathy at MD nor is there much tolerance for excuses. Several times I thought that they were being tougher than they should have been. But at the same time I thought that this too was a good life lesson for the boys.

You might want to consider the Heights, just down the road or the Woods Academy or one of the parish schools. I'm assuming you are Catholic since you are iinterested in Mater Dei.

I sure can! I was a teacher and would take my co-ed class outside to run around when they needed a break. My children go to public school and their teachers do the same thing.

I wonder about the motivation of public school parents on a Private school discussion board. Why are they here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just don't buy the "good guy" aspect that PP describes. Yes to Academics and Athletics. And yes to "community" (Catholic Mafia, as mentioned by another poster) but I've known many MD boys and I wouldn't call them "good guys"..Sure, there are exceptions, but I don't believe this is the rule.

They may not be 100% successful at producing "good guys". But that is what they are trying to achieve and thats what they tell the boys is important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just don't buy the "good guy" aspect that PP describes. Yes to Academics and Athletics. And yes to "community" (Catholic Mafia, as mentioned by another poster) but I've known many MD boys and I wouldn't call them "good guys"..Sure, there are exceptions, but I don't believe this is the rule.

They may not be 100% successful at producing "good guys". But that is what they are trying to achieve and thats what they tell the boys is important.

My opinion is Mater Dei emphasises being a good guy without being effeminate. Some people don't approve. A school can't be everything to all people and be a good school. Mater Dei is really really really really really really special. I went there...then Churchill...then Umd...I was captain of the Wrestling team at Churchill, wrestled for Umd, was a OC beach patrol lifeguard when OCBP finished 3rd in the world skills compettion, created my own company and Mater Dei had the most impact on my life all the way to the core. I sent my son there...who was limited athleticaly...he came out stronger with skills that will last a lifetime.

[Anonymous]

typing fast...excuse grammer and typos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just don't buy the "good guy" aspect that PP describes. Yes to Academics and Athletics. And yes to "community" (Catholic Mafia, as mentioned by another poster) but I've known many MD boys and I wouldn't call them "good guys"..Sure, there are exceptions, but I don't believe this is the rule.

They may not be 100% successful at producing "good guys". But that is what they are trying to achieve and thats what they tell the boys is important.

My opinion is Mater Dei emphasises being a good guy without being effeminate. Some people don't approve. A school can't be everything to all people and be a good school. Mater Dei is really really really really really really special. I went there...then Churchill...then Umd...I was captain of the Wrestling team at Churchill, wrestled for Umd, was a OC beach patrol lifeguard when OCBP finished 3rd in the world skills compettion, created my own company and Mater Dei had the most impact on my life all the way to the core. I sent my son there...who was limited athleticaly...he came out stronger with skills that will last a lifetime.

The phrase "emphasizes being a good guy without being effeminate" is troubling. However, my main point is the following:

My biggest problem with Mater Dei is that they undersell the kids intellectually by overemphasizing athletics and "being a good guy" (which seems less about morality and more about fitting in) at the expense of stretching intellectually. School personnel have discouraged students from applying to at least one top all-boys' non-Catholic private option in the area by saying that it is "too rigorous for Mater Dei students."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just don't buy the "good guy" aspect that PP describes. Yes to Academics and Athletics. And yes to "community" (Catholic Mafia, as mentioned by another poster) but I've known many MD boys and I wouldn't call them "good guys"..Sure, there are exceptions, but I don't believe this is the rule.

They may not be 100% successful at producing "good guys". But that is what they are trying to achieve and thats what they tell the boys is important.

My opinion is Mater Dei emphasises being a good guy without being effeminate. Some people don't approve. A school can't be everything to all people and be a good school. Mater Dei is really really really really really really special. I went there...then Churchill...then Umd...I was captain of the Wrestling team at Churchill, wrestled for Umd, was a OC beach patrol lifeguard when OCBP finished 3rd in the world skills compettion, created my own company and Mater Dei had the most impact on my life all the way to the core. I sent my son there...who was limited athleticaly...he came out stronger with skills that will last a lifetime.

The phrase "emphasizes being a good guy without being effeminate" is troubling. However, my main point is the following:

My biggest problem with Mater Dei is that they undersell the kids intellectually by overemphasizing athletics and "being a good guy" (which seems less about morality and more about fitting in) at the expense of stretching intellectually. School personnel have discouraged students from applying to at least one top all-boys' non-Catholic private option in the area by saying that it is "too rigorous for Mater Dei students."

C'mon ... You probably have one data point for the MD staff counseling someone that the "top all-boys' non-Catholic private option" was too academically rigorous. It's conceivable that they might have felt for that one student that the school would be too intellectually rigorous.

That being said, there is within a Catholic Education a preference for other Catholic schools. That's why so many MD students go to Prep and Gonzaga and why so many Prep and Gonzaga students opt to attend Georgetown, Notre Dame, Boston College and other Catholic colleges and universities. It's a "Catholic thing. You wouldn't get it.