WWYD? Alexandria George Mason vs SSSAS. Is the money really worth it?

[Anonymous]

People are jerks and this thread proves it. Private is best if the money means little to you. Either because a grandparent or someone else is paying or because you make a lot of money.

The tuition is a rounding error if you make 7 figures and there are lots in the DMV and Alexandria that do.

For SSSAS many of the families do make very high incomes. Probably most do. That is the same at all of the privates. If that is not you and you would not qualify for a scholarship then I would not even think of going.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would try George Mason before you do private or move. You may be pleasantly surprised. Yes, it might be harder to switch to a different school midway through elementary, but with so much money at stake, don’t you want to know that you gave the least expensive option a shot?

I attended a different private school in Alexandria from prek-8, then went to T.C. Williams (now ACHS) for high school. I got a good education at both. I have friends who did private prek-12 (including SSSAS), and friends who did ACPS all the way through. We all got into similarly selective colleges and have had similar life outcomes. Granted, that was over 20 years ago, but I think the same holds true today based on the families I know now.

So if you have typical children, I’d try public. However, if there are special circumstances (ADHD, learning disabilities, extreme giftedness), then maybe that changes your calculations.

Did the schools 20 years ago have all the problems they do now? Accredidation, safety issues, etc? I ask seriously and appreciate your insight!

I'm the PP of this post. I think that parents have been concerned about ACPS for a long time. My parents were in the '90s, which is why my sister and I went to private school through 8th grade. But two private school tuitions were tough for two feds to afford even back then. When our neighbors' kids graduated from T.C. and got into colleges like Princeton and UVA, my parents figured that ACPS must be doing something right, so we went to public high school. And it was fine. A culture shock at first after private, but we found our way. I did well in honors and AP classes and mostly hung out with the "smart" kids. I don't remember too many behavior issues. I maybe heard about a few fights, but I don't think I witnessed one.

Is it worse now? Maybe. Certainly the stabbing at the McDonald's a few years ago was very concerning, as are the reports of fights. While those incidents tend to be confined to a small population, they are still not something I would want my own kids witnessing. However, private schools are not without their issues either. Probably fewer problems in elementary, but certainly at the high school level there are still issues with sex, drugs, and alcohol. Even back in the day, I remember I had several classmates at public school who at all been kicked out of SSSAS because of a sex scandal there.

As for academics, the accreditation system has changed over the years. It now has a lot more to do with whether special populations are showing progress. This may have the effect of diverting resources away from special programming for talented and gifted, if that's something you are interested in. (I don't know enough about how it is affecting elementary TAG programs, so maybe someone else can chime in here.) But I think there are still a lot of opportunities in ACPS for motivated kids, particularly at the upper levels. ACHS has so many more AP, dual enrollment, and special academy options than it did when I was a student.

Is George Mason right for you? I don't know. Depends on your kids and a bit on luck. One student or teacher or administrator could make or break it for you. But you won't know whether it's a good fit until you've tried it. If it's a bad fit, then you can explore other options. Spending $45k+ per kid per year is a lot, and if you are going to spend that kind of money on SSSAS or a similar school, you should feel confident that it's worth it. While it's never bad to spend money on your child's education, that money could go a long way toward helping your kids in other ways. Same goes for moving. It's expensive and a huge pain, and if you are doing it for the schools you should feel like you are moving to somewhere better. And how will you know that unless you've tried George Mason? It's the easiest and most affordable option, and it has been good for a lot of kids. Maybe it will work for you or maybe it won't, but if you try it you'll know for sure.

Ha! Are you talking about a previous headmistresse's daughter being filmed getting spit roasted in the dining room of a house party?


I'd all but forgotten about that

Not sure if it’s the same incident, but I believe they were all expelled for the filming and distribution of pornography involving minors.

[Anonymous]

Another option - Catholic schools , Grace episcopal for the early years, Immanuel Lutheran

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would try George Mason before you do private or move. You may be pleasantly surprised. Yes, it might be harder to switch to a different school midway through elementary, but with so much money at stake, don’t you want to know that you gave the least expensive option a shot?

I attended a different private school in Alexandria from prek-8, then went to T.C. Williams (now ACHS) for high school. I got a good education at both. I have friends who did private prek-12 (including SSSAS), and friends who did ACPS all the way through. We all got into similarly selective colleges and have had similar life outcomes. Granted, that was over 20 years ago, but I think the same holds true today based on the families I know now.

So if you have typical children, I’d try public. However, if there are special circumstances (ADHD, learning disabilities, extreme giftedness), then maybe that changes your calculations.

Did the schools 20 years ago have all the problems they do now? Accredidation, safety issues, etc? I ask seriously and appreciate your insight!

I'm the PP of this post. I think that parents have been concerned about ACPS for a long time. My parents were in the '90s, which is why my sister and I went to private school through 8th grade. But two private school tuitions were tough for two feds to afford even back then. When our neighbors' kids graduated from T.C. and got into colleges like Princeton and UVA, my parents figured that ACPS must be doing something right, so we went to public high school. And it was fine. A culture shock at first after private, but we found our way. I did well in honors and AP classes and mostly hung out with the "smart" kids. I don't remember too many behavior issues. I maybe heard about a few fights, but I don't think I witnessed one.

Is it worse now? Maybe. Certainly the stabbing at the McDonald's a few years ago was very concerning, as are the reports of fights. While those incidents tend to be confined to a small population, they are still not something I would want my own kids witnessing. However, private schools are not without their issues either. Probably fewer problems in elementary, but certainly at the high school level there are still issues with sex, drugs, and alcohol. Even back in the day, I remember I had several classmates at public school who at all been kicked out of SSSAS because of a sex scandal there.

As for academics, the accreditation system has changed over the years. It now has a lot more to do with whether special populations are showing progress. This may have the effect of diverting resources away from special programming for talented and gifted, if that's something you are interested in. (I don't know enough about how it is affecting elementary TAG programs, so maybe someone else can chime in here.) But I think there are still a lot of opportunities in ACPS for motivated kids, particularly at the upper levels. ACHS has so many more AP, dual enrollment, and special academy options than it did when I was a student.

Is George Mason right for you? I don't know. Depends on your kids and a bit on luck. One student or teacher or administrator could make or break it for you. But you won't know whether it's a good fit until you've tried it. If it's a bad fit, then you can explore other options. Spending $45k+ per kid per year is a lot, and if you are going to spend that kind of money on SSSAS or a similar school, you should feel confident that it's worth it. While it's never bad to spend money on your child's education, that money could go a long way toward helping your kids in other ways. Same goes for moving. It's expensive and a huge pain, and if you are doing it for the schools you should feel like you are moving to somewhere better. And how will you know that unless you've tried George Mason? It's the easiest and most affordable option, and it has been good for a lot of kids. Maybe it will work for you or maybe it won't, but if you try it you'll know for sure.

This is a very thoughtful perspective. Thanks very much.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the kid. Totally and utterly depends on the personality and whether they have any learning disabilities.

Both our kids went to GM. Both at SSSAS now.

I would not switch to private till 6th even if you go Pvt.

One of our kids would be fine in public but 1 needs SSSAS - just better fit.

SSSAS is not perfect but if your kid isn't going to do well with 900 other kids at school.. you know

SSSAS is a good school and if money is no object is going to be better in many ways culturally - if you go on holiday, you want to stay at Embassy Suites or a boutique top hotel? If you're ok at ES then you don't need private no matter what. When I travel I like really nice so culturally if I can pick the environment, I'm going with boutique. One of my kids really needs that level of "nice" by way of learning disabilities. Life is easier with 2 in one school so we put both in after a couple yrs at the same school. Before then, I can 100% confirm my SSSAS kid received better academic quality than my GM kid (my oldest is SSSAS).

A very very important consideration is not academics but culture. Don't separate the 2. Consider both and where your kid will be most comfortable for 7 years if their life and where they will have their needs met.

School choice is aligned with the kid going day in day out. Not just about where they will end up in college - that's just not the point. A "perfect" kid will end up somewhere great no matter where they go. An easy going person will be happy staying at E Suites or a boutique high end beautiful hotel. They will be happy no matter what but if your kid has any issues, that choice is a serious one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends on the kid. Totally and utterly depends on the personality and whether they have any learning disabilities.

Both our kids went to GM. Both at SSSAS now.

I would not switch to private till 6th even if you go Pvt.

One of our kids would be fine in public but 1 needs SSSAS - just better fit.

SSSAS is not perfect but if your kid isn't going to do well with 900 other kids at school.. you know

SSSAS is a good school and if money is no object is going to be better in many ways culturally - if you go on holiday, you want to stay at Embassy Suites or a boutique top hotel? If you're ok at ES then you don't need private no matter what. When I travel I like really nice so culturally if I can pick the environment, I'm going with boutique. One of my kids really needs that level of "nice" by way of learning disabilities. Life is easier with 2 in one school so we put both in after a couple yrs at the same school. Before then, I can 100% confirm my SSSAS kid received better academic quality than my GM kid (my oldest is SSSAS).

A very very important consideration is not academics but culture. Don't separate the 2. Consider both and where your kid will be most comfortable for 7 years if their life and where they will have their needs met.

School choice is aligned with the kid going day in day out. Not just about where they will end up in college - that's just not the point. A "perfect" kid will end up somewhere great no matter where they go. An easy going person will be happy staying at E Suites or a boutique high end beautiful hotel. They will be happy no matter what but if your kid has any issues, that choice is a serious one.

This person makes some really good points. Some kids will do well anywhere. Some won’t. Might be worth the money if your kid needs that environment. Unfortunately, you may not know yet whether your kid needs it or not. It may take some trial and error.

[Anonymous]

We are a former SSSAS family, so clearly I am biased vs the school, but I don't think your only choices should be GM or SSSAS. We went slightly further for a much stronger k-12 and only regret not leaving earlier. Ironically, the bus system where we are makes the commute easier for all of us, despite the school not being in Alexandria, and the tuition is actually lower than SSSAS.
I think a lot of Alexandria families settle for SSSAS or get sucked in b/c their neighbors go there. It was a slightly rough transition out b/c our kids were far behind in language arts and foreign language and just general writing (they were ok in math). Our current school has no bullying, no busy work, way less tech dependency in the lower grades, stronger teachers, better music, and just generally seems to be a better education. The college placements are a lot stronger, too.
If you are considering SSSAS, definitely look at the other privates in the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, not even remotely worth it at $420,000.

- a guy who went to Landon K-12, but sent two kids to Maury- GW- TC

Really now? You started Landon in kindergarten?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi all - OP here. The tuition would obviously be a major sacrifice. And we have more than one child. Definitely not skipping a couple lattes I guess we could use the money to leave Alexandria altogether, sadly.

SSSAS offers aid in some cases up to HHIs of $300k depending on the situation so keep that in mind.

At full pay? No, probably not worth it, especially as Mason will have brand new facilities and will be one of the wealthiest schools in the system following redistricting.

But leaving is an option, too, that plenty of people take. Don’t know why some people get so bent out of shape about this. The burden isn’t on you to make underperforming schools better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, not even remotely worth it at $420,000.

- a guy who went to Landon K-12, but sent two kids to Maury- GW- TC

Really now? You started Landon in kindergarten?

It's BCS or Mater Dei, you pedant. You didn't know tha,t did you? LOL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:George Mason vs SSSAS. Is the money really worth it?

OP- we went through a similar journey with our eldest before entering K, though different ACPS elementary school and different local private. We ended up deciding private school was not worth the substantial investment at the elementary level, and we do not regret that decision. There were definitely points of frustration in elementary school, and advocacy is needed to ensure your kids’ needs are being met, but both our kids received a great education. There are also more support services in public, that you may not anticipate needing. There are many dedicated teachers in ACPS, but of course, not all. Kid is now in a local private in middle school and they are more academically prepared than most of their peers.

Private school has typical student population- some great families, but many more kids (than public) who come from wealthy families and clearly get whatever they want. We (including kids) connected more with the ACPS community.

Biggest benefit of private for us is more individualized attention and decreased screen usage.

[Anonymous]

Being at the other end of things, I don't really see the ROI for SSSA in terms of college placement. Their graduates seem to go to very average colleges--they would get into the same or better from public schools. However, there is a big difference with respect to parent communication and interaction. So, if you need to have your hand held and get immediate responses from teachers and admin about everything, SSSA and probably many other privates are much better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Being at the other end of things, I don't really see the ROI for SSSA in terms of college placement. Their graduates seem to go to very average colleges--they would get into the same or better from public schools. However, there is a big difference with respect to parent communication and interaction. So, if you need to have your hand held and get immediate responses from teachers and admin about everything, SSSA and probably many other privates are much better.

I mean, if you look at the ACHS matriculations in the Alexandria Times every year they are pretty average too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Being at the other end of things, I don't really see the ROI for SSSA in terms of college placement. Their graduates seem to go to very average colleges--they would get into the same or better from public schools. However, there is a big difference with respect to parent communication and interaction. So, if you need to have your hand held and get immediate responses from teachers and admin about everything, SSSA and probably many other privates are much better.

I mean, if you look at the ACHS matriculations in the Alexandria Times every year they are pretty average too.

You’re missing The Pointe. The upper middle class white kids at Alexandria city high school go onto UVA William and Mary Chapel Hill and a couple Ivy’s, just like Saint Stephen’s. But the Saint Stephen’s kids do so at a cost of $55,000 a year. Totally not worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:George Mason vs SSSAS. Is the money really worth it?

OP- we went through a similar journey with our eldest before entering K, though different ACPS elementary school and different local private. We ended up deciding private school was not worth the substantial investment at the elementary level, and we do not regret that decision. There were definitely points of frustration in elementary school, and advocacy is needed to ensure your kids’ needs are being met, but both our kids received a great education. There are also more support services in public, that you may not anticipate needing. There are many dedicated teachers in ACPS, but of course, not all. Kid is now in a local private in middle school and they are more academically prepared than most of their peers.

Private school has typical student population- some great families, but many more kids (than public) who come from wealthy families and clearly get whatever they want. We (including kids) connected more with the ACPS community.

Biggest benefit of private for us is more individualized attention and decreased screen usage.

Considering what has been coming out for years now about the impact of screen "learning" on young brains, this is a major consideration. Personalized attention is also important to the child's social development and mental health.

It used to be that you could get both of those in public schools. Likely, you still can in some places. But your kid gets one childhood and one shot at brain development. I'd spend the money (or homeschool and supplement with tutors/enrichment classes where necessary).