Big 15??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. STA
2. NCS
3. Sidwell
4. GDS
5. Potomac
6. Maret
7. Holton
8. Madeira
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. St Stephens St. Agnes
12. Prep
13. St. Johns
14. Bullis
15. Episcopal

Missing a few but this looks right.

I know many STA and NCS parents that wouldn’t even put them abovet Sidwell. The top 4 are probably correct with Sidwell or GDS #1/2 and STA/NCS #3/4.

Sidwell has huge time gaps throughout the day that are not focused on learning or other productive activities. That is not true at NCS or STA. Sidwell hype machine notwithstanding, the Cathedral schools pack far more into each day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga

This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field

If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.

Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top

NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.

Hype does not equal quality. What people have “heard” is meaningless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga

This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field

If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.

Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top

NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.

If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.

I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. STA
2. NCS
3. Sidwell
4. GDS
5. Potomac
6. Maret
7. Holton
8. Madeira
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. St Stephens St. Agnes
12. Prep
13. St. Johns
14. Bullis
15. Episcopal

Missing a few but this looks right.

I know many STA and NCS parents that wouldn’t even put them abovet Sidwell. The top 4 are probably correct with Sidwell or GDS #1/2 and STA/NCS #3/4.

Sidwell has huge time gaps throughout the day that are not focused on learning or other productive activities. That is not true at NCS or STA. Sidwell hype machine notwithstanding, the Cathedral schools pack far more into each day.

Lol—that’s a new one! According to you, independent study time and time to complete homework, during the day, isn’t a “productive” activity.

You are not making The Cathedral schools sound appealing…at all. You couldn’t have a career in sales if your life depended on it. 😂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga

This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field

If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.

Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top

NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.

If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.

I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.

“I dont follow sports closely…but you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports…”

Are you trying to sound stupid or is it just by chance?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. STA
2. NCS
3. Sidwell
4. GDS
5. Potomac
6. Maret
7. Holton
8. Madeira
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. St Stephens St. Agnes
12. Prep
13. St. Johns
14. Bullis
15. Episcopal

Missing a few but this looks right.

I know many STA and NCS parents that wouldn’t even put them abovet Sidwell. The top 4 are probably correct with Sidwell or GDS #1/2 and STA/NCS #3/4.

Sidwell has huge time gaps throughout the day that are not focused on learning or other productive activities. That is not true at NCS or STA. Sidwell hype machine notwithstanding, the Cathedral schools pack far more into each day.

Lol—that’s a new one! According to you, independent study time and time to complete homework, during the day, isn’t a “productive” activity.

You are not making The Cathedral schools sound appealing…at all. You couldn’t have a career in sales if your life depended on it. 😂

What we need is some time to loaf and rest on our false laurels! Rigor, smigor!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga

This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field

If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.

Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top

NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.

If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.

I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.

“I dont follow sports closely…but you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports…”

Are you trying to sound stupid or is it just by chance?

I live in DC and I rarely hear anything about Dematha or Gonzaga. You are indeed overstating their name recognition. Their academic reputation is average, at best.

Btw, you’ve already lost the debate when you stoop to insults. Do better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. STA
2. NCS
3. Sidwell
4. GDS
5. Potomac
6. Maret
7. Holton
8. Madeira
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. St Stephens St. Agnes
12. Prep
13. St. Johns
14. Bullis
15. Episcopal

Missing a few but this looks right.

I know many STA and NCS parents that wouldn’t even put them abovet Sidwell. The top 4 are probably correct with Sidwell or GDS #1/2 and STA/NCS #3/4.

Sidwell has huge time gaps throughout the day that are not focused on learning or other productive activities. That is not true at NCS or STA. Sidwell hype machine notwithstanding, the Cathedral schools pack far more into each day.

Lol—that’s a new one! According to you, independent study time and time to complete homework, during the day, isn’t a “productive” activity.

You are not making The Cathedral schools sound appealing…at all. You couldn’t have a career in sales if your life depended on it. 😂

What we need is some time to loaf and rest on our false laurels! Rigor, smigor!

Loafing and resting that results in:
1. High percentages of Ivy+ and T25 National University/SLAC admits;
2. Consistently having the highest number of NMSF and Finalists; and
3. Nationally ranked sports teams with multiple championships, over many years.

Sign me up!
1. Cons seem to like it Some of us don’t want our children to have to be in therapy to recover from their

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. STA
2. NCS
3. Sidwell
4. GDS
5. Potomac
6. Maret
7. Holton
8. Madeira
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. St Stephens St. Agnes
12. Prep
13. St. Johns
14. Bullis
15. Episcopal

Missing a few but this looks right.

I know many STA and NCS parents that wouldn’t even put them abovet Sidwell. The top 4 are probably correct with Sidwell or GDS #1/2 and STA/NCS #3/4.

Sidwell has huge time gaps throughout the day that are not focused on learning or other productive activities. That is not true at NCS or STA. Sidwell hype machine notwithstanding, the Cathedral schools pack far more into each day.

Lol—that’s a new one! According to you, independent study time and time to complete homework, during the day, isn’t a “productive” activity.

You are not making The Cathedral schools sound appealing…at all. You couldn’t have a career in sales if your life depended on it. 😂

What we need is some time to loaf and rest on our false laurels! Rigor, smigor!

Loafing and resting that results in:
1. High percentages of Ivy+ and T25 National University/SLAC admits;
2. Consistently having the highest number of NMSF and Finalists; and
3. Nationally ranked sports teams with multiple championships, over many years.

[Anonymous]

This troll thread is still active? Thought it was finally dying. Troll sucked you fools back in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga

This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field

If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.

Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top

NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.

If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.

I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.

“I dont follow sports closely…but you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports…”

Are you trying to sound stupid or is it just by chance?

I live in DC and I rarely hear anything about Dematha or Gonzaga. You are indeed overstating their name recognition. Their academic reputation is average, at best.

Btw, you’ve already lost the debate when you stoop to insults. Do better.

NP. Academic reputation of Gonzaga is very strong--at the top end of their class, it is just as strong as any of the Big 3. The difference here is that it's a larger school (250 per class) which allows students at many academic levels. On the other hand, the kids at the top of the class are well challenged and they go on to ivies and other top 20 schools. You cannot beat a Jesuit education. My son was one of the students at the top of the class, and he had an amazing 4 years there. It is a unique place that the other schools being discussed here could never replicate.

Oh and the football player one of the PPs referenced is Caleb Williams, who will be the #1 pick in the draft this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga

This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field

If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.

Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top

NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.

If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.

I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.

People only know about Sidwell b/c of presidents kids tbh. Similarly, St Andrews would’ve never been on any of these lists pre Trump. If we want to look at college acceptances, TJ is the best school in VA and Blair is the best school in MD. I guess Sidwell can be the best school in DC (I’m not as familiar with their public’s) but it wouldn’t hold a candle to TJ or Blair, or even Poolesville for that matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga

This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field

If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.

Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top

NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.

If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.

I agree with this completely.
If it is based on name recognition, Dematha is the run away number 1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1. Sidwell
2. STA
3. NCS (I intentionally put this 3rd because I don't actually think STA and NCS are even)
4. GDS (often mistaken for "big 3" because of the neighborhood debacle and harder than usual few years for entrance...still a great school but isn't higher than 4 at the moment)

5-15: Everyone else with caveats into two buckets -

Toward the top of the everyone else:
Madeira, Potomac (both of these might be higher if they weren't in VA) - Holton - Visitation - Prep/Gonzaga, Maret

The bottom of the everyone else:
SR, SJC, Bullis, Landon, SAES

Other schools discussed here: Most people have never heard of them...yes, including BIM

PP you are funny- and your list is old news. What are you talking about with the "neighborhood" the fight over the new GDS building was three years ago? GDS has SIX kids going to Harvard this year alone. And tons into other Ivy League Schools and top 25's. The stats are crazy high.. Ask any Sidwell parent the college admit situation is bleak this year.

Also GDS has the lowest acceptance rate of any DMV school. It is literally the hardest school in DC to get into....So haters gonna hate but:

1. GDS
2. St Albans/NCS
3. Sidwell
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton
7. Landon
8. Visi
9. Prep
10. SJS
11. Madeira
12. SR
13. St Andrews
14. Bullis

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga

This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field

If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.

Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top

NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.

If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.

I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.

+1 Sports all day long. To all of the Bullis naysayers who are Gonzaga/Dematha boosters, Bullis is the school with national recognition for T&F, so if anything people outside the DMV would know Bullis first.