Is SSSA academically rigorous?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:It is definitely competitive with local schools like Flint Hill, Landon, St Andrews, Maret, Bullis. More competitive than PVI, Gonzaga, Bishop Ireton. Easier admit than Potomac, St. Albans and NCS, Sidwell and maybe GDS but on par with everything else. It tends to draw from Alexandria and points south in Virginia and some from Maryland over the Wilson bridge. I work in DC and see lots of magnets for it so it’s as popular as any. It has a ton of APs and excellent teachers. I went to a local private and it’s always been around. For all the newbies that just moved here, it’s not new and it is good.

It is not nearly as highly regarded as Maret. And “maybe” an easier admit than GDS? Try “definitely much easier.”

So here is the thing. GDS is tough lately. But it’s also a flavor many won’t like so it just doesn’t get the same number of applicants as a place like Potomac or Sidwell. Maret is smaller. Not really in the same zone in terms of size. It’s more like SAES size but Maret is and feels less traditional. Academically it’s fine. It is not as amazing as it wants to be considered. It’s a very try hard place filled with try hards who just missed their first choice. That vibe isn’t great. Lots of people actually choose SSSAS first.

Choose SSSAS first over what other schools?

Good question. Because the only reason anyone is choosing SSSAS first is due to closer proximity as compared to much better schools.

I know people who chose it over Flint Hill, SAES, Bullis, Madiera and Maret. I know one left NCS for SSSAS.

struggle with the idea that anyone would seriously consider Bullis/SAES who is also considering SSSAS based on geography.

Why? Lots of people in Vienna and Great falls look at both directions and DC. The issue with most DC schools is no bus. SAES and Bullis have bus stops in Virginia and SSSAS has stops in Vienna and McLean.