The Heights School

[Anonymous]

I don't see it discussed much on here.

My DS applied and has gotten in. I thought it was his safety school so I didn't give it much thought. But he is waitlisted at St. Anslem's (I really thought he would get in) so now we are considering it. I have to say when we toured it was the least impressive of all the schools we went to. I am thinking of just keeping him where he is and trying again next year. Does anyone send their kids there? Yes, we are Catholic so the Opus Dei thing doesn't scare me.

[Anonymous]

St Anselm's and The Heights are very different schools. St Anselms is full of DC and PG county families. The academics are good and there is a real emphasis on community service. The families at the Heights are really, really conservative.

[Anonymous]

We know many boys and families from Heights and they all seem very happy. If you are Catholic then I don't see any problem with Heights.
I didn't realize St. Anselm's waitlisted. I thought they were either in or out. Learn something new every day
Good luck.

[Anonymous]

What age? We looked at both (and DS was accepted to both) for HS but chose Heights because of convenience. My impression is that the curricula are very similar (classical liberal arts) but there are definitely options for less academically gifted kids at the Heights, as well as rigorous courses and several APs for those aiming for top colleges. St anselms is probably more homogeneous in terms kids' intellectual ability/curiosity. But we have found mamy of the Heights teachers to be outstanding as teachers and as role models, which is important to us. We are Catholic but not as conservative as some families there. You will never find a school where everyone is just like you. The Heights will never be a mainstream school because of the Opus Dei affiliation, nor does it strive to be. The bottom line is that DS is receiving a quality education, and the school is assisting us in raising him to be a young man of good character.

[Anonymous]

PP again. I don't see many posts from Heights parents here, so feel free to ask any other questions here if you wish to ask anonymously. I am sure the admissions office would set you up with current parents to talk to, as well.

[Anonymous]

Current Heights parent here, feel free to ask questions. I usually lay pretty low because there are a few loud anti-Catholics on DCUM but if you have specific questions, ask away.
DS is very happy at Heights and he's an academic kid, not a sports bone in his body

[Anonymous]

Not the OP, but also Catholic and have friends who are members of Opus Dei and am totally OK with that aspect of the school. Anyhow, does the Heights have an environment where it is safe to be smart? I realize that is a funny phrase but am wondering if the school has an environment where there is social pressure/ a social norm amongst the boys to be very engaged in learning, asking questions, and discussing things. Is there a place for a boy who has most of the typical boy qualities to also develop his emotional life via music, literature and art?

[Anonymous]

Not the OP either, but also Catholic too. Apart from the Opus Dei affiliation, how does the Heights compare with schools like Georgetown Prep and Gonzaga? I really like its reputation of developing character in its students. What is it student body like? Academics?

[Anonymous]

I find this question very interesting because I have noticed such a broad span in intellectual traditions between catholic schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP either, but also Catholic too. Apart from the Opus Dei affiliation, how does the Heights compare with schools like Georgetown Prep and Gonzaga? I really like its reputation of developing character in its students. What is it student body like? Academics?

Heights is different because they span lower, middle and high school. The curriculum in upper school is similar to GP. Physical activity is important and the boys get ample opportunities to develop both mind and body. They are not a sports powerhouse but the boys do OK. My son is not sports oriented at all but he is having a great time at Heights. The boys are curious and encouraged to discuss topics, engage in learning and it is a place where it is safe to be smart. The best is to visit the school. If you go to the website you will find PDF of the curriculum for lower, middle and upper schools. It is a traditional environment. There is no calling teachers by their first name, no sitting on the floor or in the window, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find this question very interesting because I have noticed such a broad span in intellectual traditions between catholic schools.

Yes, the Archdiocese of Washington is committed to making a Catholic education widely available to a variety of learning styles and abilities.

[Anonymous]

I have been pleasantly surprised by the diversity in my son's small class. There are super studious boys, all-around athletes, musicians, boys who participate in drama and art, math/science quizzes and boys more inclined toward literature, boys interested in politics, extroverted and introverted boys, international students, etc. I don't think there's a type -- the school promotes development of mind, body, character, and spiritual life equally. It is okay to be smart. I can't compare to other schools having not sent kids to them. But I do think the small size of the Heights facilitates close relationships with the all-male faculty (another unique feature) that is beneficial to the boys' development.

[Anonymous]

***whizzes, not quizzes (although there are plenty of those, too!)

[Anonymous]

OP, what was "least impressive" about your visit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have been pleasantly surprised by the diversity in my son's small class. There are super studious boys, all-around athletes, musicians, boys who participate in drama and art, math/science quizzes and boys more inclined toward literature, boys interested in politics, extroverted and introverted boys, international students, etc. I don't think there's a type -- the school promotes development of mind, body, character, and spiritual life equally. It is okay to be smart. I can't compare to other schools having not sent kids to them. But I do think the small size of the Heights facilitates close relationships with the all-male faculty (another unique feature) that is beneficial to the boys' development.

My experience has been the same and I have one in Upper school and one in Lower. My cousin's boys are at GP and the workload in the Upper school is similar and the selection of AP's is similar.