The Heights School

[Anonymous]

To answer 22:53's question:

Students are required to take religion classes and attend services. They also only have male teachers, I think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To answer 22:53's question:

Students are required to take religion classes and attend services. They also only have male teachers, I think.

There is a lot of recent misinformation on this thread that I, a long time Heights parent, wish to correct. First of all, no one is required to attend daily Mass at the Heights. There are maybe three school wide Masses a year; otherwise, students are free to choose Mass or a study hall. When my kids were in lower school, 3-5, I think the classes may have attended as a group perhaps once a week, but it was not required for non-Catholics. Likewise, there is a religion class that is mandatory for Catholics, but in lower and middle school non-Catholics can opt out, and in high school, non-Catholics can take an ethics class instead of religion. It is true that all of the teachers are male, by design, to serve as role models and mentors, which for us is a real benefit of the school.

I don't know a lot about Opus Dei, but it is not a "sect," and I don't think it was founded in America, though some Americans participate. Opus Dei members certainly do not reject Vatican II and attend regular parish churches along with all other Catholics. Opus Dei is called a personal prelature of the Church (whatever that means), and it is made up of lay people and priests who seek to sanctify everyday life. At least that is my understanding. I don't think my kids, who have been at the school many years, could even tell you that much about it. A few teachers are members, and a few of the families, but the vast majority are not, and we have not experienced anything negative as a result (other than prejudice from people who make misinformed stereotypes). It is true that Opus Dei tends to attract conservatives. I am one of the posters from above who is more liberal on some social issues than the Opus Dei folks I know, but that has not stopped us from having a positive experience at the school.

There are many reasons families choose the Heights over other Catholic schools, including the all boys environment, its small size and close faculty/student/family relationships, and mentoring in physical and moral as well as academic development.

I am glad the new poster was impressed by the open house. Would you care to share what you liked the most? I would be glad to answer any questions, or i am sure the admissions office would welcome your inquiries.

[Anonymous]

We are a new Heights family....just started this year in middle school. We LOVE it. Could not be happier. Our son had a rotten year in 6th grade at our parish school. Old, inflexible, female teachers who did NOT know how to make school interesting and engaging for boys. The Heights is just THAT. We are catholic but have no intention in becoming Opus Dei, and thus far no one has raised it. Our middle schooler must take religion, but no mass is required. We love the overall philosophy...that boys grow to be responsible, capable men by being given freedom and responsibility. There are few stupid rules here, unlike at our parish school (such as no talking in the halls or black socks only or all white tennis shoes only). Boys are given freedom to move and roam and grow and discuss. Every single faculty member is dedicated to the development of boys into strong, responsible, respectful, professional men. We love this place. It is just right for our active, smart boy. LOVE it. I highly encourage anyone with boys to take a look.

[Anonymous]

I had some questions about the shuttle bus that I didn't have a chance to ask at the open house. My son would be going into 6th grade, and I wanted to know if he's too young to ride. I think he would be fine for an hour doing work, reading, and/or socializing, but if the boys are all older high school boys, that could change the dynamics of a long twice-daily trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To answer 22:53's question:

Students are required to take religion classes and attend services. They also only have male teachers, I think.

There is a lot of recent misinformation on this thread that I, a long time Heights parent, wish to correct. First of all, no one is required to attend daily Mass at the Heights. There are maybe three school wide Masses a year; otherwise, students are free to choose Mass or a study hall. When my kids were in lower school, 3-5, I think the classes may have attended as a group perhaps once a week, but it was not required for non-Catholics. Likewise, there is a religion class that is mandatory for Catholics, but in lower and middle school non-Catholics can opt out, and in high school, non-Catholics can take an ethics class instead of religion. It is true that all of the teachers are male, by design, to serve as role models and mentors, which for us is a real benefit of the school.

I don't know a lot about Opus Dei, but it is not a "sect," and I don't think it was founded in America, though some Americans participate. Opus Dei members certainly do not reject Vatican II and attend regular parish churches along with all other Catholics. Opus Dei is called a personal prelature of the Church (whatever that means), and it is made up of lay people and priests who seek to sanctify everyday life. At least that is my understanding. I don't think my kids, who have been at the school many years, could even tell you that much about it. A few teachers are members, and a few of the families, but the vast majority are not, and we have not experienced anything negative as a result (other than prejudice from people who make misinformed stereotypes). It is true that Opus Dei tends to attract conservatives. I am one of the posters from above who is more liberal on some social issues than the Opus Dei folks I know, but that has not stopped us from having a positive experience at the school.

There are many reasons families choose the Heights over other Catholic schools, including the all boys environment, its small size and close faculty/student/family relationships, and mentoring in physical and moral as well as academic development.

I am glad the new poster was impressed by the open house. Would you care to share what you liked the most? I would be glad to answer any questions, or i am sure the admissions office would welcome your inquiries.

Thank you for this info. I am the person who asked about Opus Dei. I am not Catholic. Not religious. But the school is attractive because it's all boys with male teachers, and because, quite frankly, the price tag is cheaper than some other private high schools. A coworker of mine sent her son there because she was divorced and wanted positive male role models for her son. She was very happy with the school and says her son was too.

It's nice to know non-Catholics can opt out of certain religious things. I wouldn't expect it, but it's thoughtful.

[Anonymous]

NP here with a question for the Heights mom. We are politically moderate and Catholic and really like what we know about and have seen at the school. The lower school cabins, teachers, amazing nature and art room, and space to be active and explore seem ideal for active boys. I researched the school here on DCUM though and was a little bit concerned about some comments that a former Heights parent made on another thread. Are there any issues with the lower school boys using profane language unchecked by the teachers? Also, the poster alluded to a tragic incident of a boy dying of alcohol related issues. I would guess that this was an unfortunate and isolated incident, but would like to hear your perceptions. These are hardly questions that you can ask the admissions office, but since this site is anonymous, I am curious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To answer 22:53's question:

Students are required to take religion classes and attend services. They also only have male teachers, I think.

There is a lot of recent misinformation on this thread that I, a long time Heights parent, wish to correct. First of all, no one is required to attend daily Mass at the Heights. There are maybe three school wide Masses a year; otherwise, students are free to choose Mass or a study hall. When my kids were in lower school, 3-5, I think the classes may have attended as a group perhaps once a week, but it was not required for non-Catholics. Likewise, there is a religion class that is mandatory for Catholics, but in lower and middle school non-Catholics can opt out, and in high school, non-Catholics can take an ethics class instead of religion. It is true that all of the teachers are male, by design, to serve as role models and mentors, which for us is a real benefit of the school.

I don't know a lot about Opus Dei, but it is not a "sect," and I don't think it was founded in America, though some Americans participate. Opus Dei members certainly do not reject Vatican II and attend regular parish churches along with all other Catholics. Opus Dei is called a personal prelature of the Church (whatever that means), and it is made up of lay people and priests who seek to sanctify everyday life. At least that is my understanding. I don't think my kids, who have been at the school many years, could even tell you that much about it. A few teachers are members, and a few of the families, but the vast majority are not, and we have not experienced anything negative as a result (other than prejudice from people who make misinformed stereotypes). It is true that Opus Dei tends to attract conservatives. I am one of the posters from above who is more liberal on some social issues than the Opus Dei folks I know, but that has not stopped us from having a positive experience at the school.

There are many reasons families choose the Heights over other Catholic schools, including the all boys environment, its small size and close faculty/student/family relationships, and mentoring in physical and moral as well as academic development.

I am glad the new poster was impressed by the open house. Would you care to share what you liked the most? I would be glad to answer any questions, or i am sure the admissions office would welcome your inquiries.

Thank you for this info. I am the person who asked about Opus Dei. I am not Catholic. Not religious. But the school is attractive because it's all boys with male teachers, and because, quite frankly, the price tag is cheaper than some other private high schools. A coworker of mine sent her son there because she was divorced and wanted positive male role models for her son. She was very happy with the school and says her son was too.

It's nice to know non-Catholics can opt out of certain religious things. I wouldn't expect it, but it's thoughtful.

Please make this decision well-educated. If you are not Catholic and not familiar with Opus Dei you need to educate yourself so you understand completely the school's philosophy and way of life. There are very few non-Catholics in the school and those that are non-Catholics are usually very close to Catholicism in their own religion. It is true what one poster said about most of the families being conservative. The bumper stickers are usually pro-Republican, Pro-Life and Pro-military. If you are not comfortable with that you may want to rethink. There used to be daily Mass - someone said there isn't anymore. I'm surprised by that. Latin will also be expected. And you son should be self-starter - they do not coddle. But do read up on Opus Dei and understand that there are no women teachers and that the males that will be teaching you son may be Numeraries (unmarried, live in group houses, practice corporal mortification) or Supernumeraries (same, but married). Hail Marys are said every morning and rosaries are prayed. If your son is not in that culture he may be very uncomfortable. Here's the wiki page to get you started: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opus_dei.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had some questions about the shuttle bus that I didn't have a chance to ask at the open house. My son would be going into 6th grade, and I wanted to know if he's too young to ride. I think he would be fine for an hour doing work, reading, and/or socializing, but if the boys are all older high school boys, that could change the dynamics of a long twice-daily trip.

We called it "the Mexican prison bus". Sixth grade is probably fine but it can be pretty rough for the younger boys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Heights families -- please be honest. if we are a flamig liberal Catholic family, will we fit in?

Frankly, I think you will be. Please go and visit the school a lot and take Mass there. This is not Catholic-lite. Get a good feel of the family life, the large families, read the bumper stickers. This is no rap on the Heights - I admire the school - I just think you will not be comfortable if you go in as a self-professed "flaming liberal". You must fully understand what Opus Dei is about and that they take Mass, the rosary, everything Catholic - very very seriously.

[Anonymous]

Always amazed at how many in this supposedly well educated area get their news from Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert and their theology from Dan Brown ( or Wiki).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Always amazed at how many in this supposedly well educated area get their news from Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert and their theology from Dan Brown ( or Wiki).

I admittedly don't know much about Opus Dei, but the "read the bumper stickers" argument is just absurd to me.

[Anonymous]

Our sons take the bus from Alexandria, and it is fine. All ages are on board...many 3rd graders in addition to middle school and one or two high school. Many sleep in the morning, the afternoon is spent chatting or reading. There are faculty who ride (they use it to commute from VA too!) and they help keep things under control.

Daily mass is not required after 5th grade. It is optional, and many of the middle/upper school boys prefer to use that period as a study hall (they also sell egg/bacon bagel sandwiches during that time and the hungry teens usually get those instead of going to mass).

Only a very few teachers are Opus Dei (10 of 70), and I would imagine not many of those are numeraries.

We are run of the mill Catholics, and while not interested in joining Opus Dei (and not at all afraid of it either), we think the freedom and growth opportunities the school gives boys are unmatched, and we are thrilled to have our boys there.

[Anonymous]

Most high-schoolers drive themselves or are in carpools (if they play JV/varsity sports they can't take the pm bus anyway). Having the older kids on the bus is a positive, not a negative. The younger ones look up to the big kids.

[Anonymous]

Shuttle bus questioner here -- thanks so much! We are looking forward to applying this year, and it's nice to know that there are such helpful families willing to take the time to answer questions here. Maybe we'll see some of you on the Alexandria bus some time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Always amazed at how many in this supposedly well educated area get their news from Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert and their theology from Dan Brown ( or Wiki).

Incorrect. We were a Heights family for five years. And if you can't start someone who is utterly ignorant on Opus Dei with wiki, where are you going to start them?