Differences Between Alexandria Parochials St. Marys, St. Ritas, Blessed Sacrament?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a little off topic but 19:40 bought up a good point. Why pay the extra money at the private schools in Alexandria ie, ACD, SSSA, Burgundy, Brown and Grace if the Parochials are a viable option.

I have a child at one of the parochial schools mentioned here, but I think the reasons are (1) those who pay for ACDS, SSSAS, Burgundy, Brown, Grace, probably don't think the parochial schools are of the same caliber (I don't know if they are or not; we looked at only one of the named independents (Grace), DC was admitted, but we chose the parochial option); and/or (2) there are plenty of people who don't want the religious instruction and/or conservative environment for their kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Class sizes at St Mary are reasonable...22-26, depending on grade and whether your grade has 3 classes or 4. All classes through 2nd have their own aide, and 3rd grade has a floatiing aid. Despite the decent-sized classes, the fact that there are nearly 800 students in the aging facility cannot be discounted. School mass and assemblies in the gym are dangerously full; and lunch is extremely short in order ot accomodate all those kids through the lines in 2 hours. I wish the principal would stop expanding the # of classes per grade (bubble classses) just to accomodate wealthy parishioners who complained that they were waitlisted.

I can't speak to the specific differences between the schools because we are new to the game, but for what it's worth, we are NOT parishioners at St. Mary's and our DC is admitted for the fall.

Have they announced whether there are 3 or 4 K classes (I'm assuming you're starting in K, but maybe not) in the fall? Last year, we received a letter at some point explaining the decision to go with 4 K classes for this year. Just curious whether the 4 classes is the new norm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a little off topic but 19:40 bought up a good point. Why pay the extra money at the private schools in Alexandria ie, ACD, SSSA, Burgundy, Brown and Grace if the Parochials are a viable option.

Some families may not philosophically agree with the very conservative religious education incorporated into the parochials, especially when it comes to science (e.g., creation vs. evolution). I think the schools also teach "chastity" and pro-life philosophies, and daily religion is incorporated into coursework. Very strict conservative. That may not appeal especially to a family who likes Burgundy or ACDS, which are more progressive. Browne, SSSAS, and Burgundy also have impressive facilities by comparison.

As the parent of a rising Kindergargener, I am also wondering what the differences are, and whether the privates are any better academically than St. Marys, Blessed Sacrament (VA), or St. Ritas? Likewise, are these privates and parochials any better than, say, one of the more decent public schools in Alexandria City or FFX Country Alexandria (e.g., Lyles-Crouch, Maury, Waynewood)? Many of the publics have differentiation, and pull kids out of classes for extra help (if they are struggling), or additional challenging work (if they are ahead of their grade level). I do not believe the parochials do this, and I would be surprised if the privates did. I've had several St. Mary's families express concern that their K and 1st graders are bored and not challenged enough.

Can anyone comment?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Class sizes at St Mary are reasonable...22-26, depending on grade and whether your grade has 3 classes or 4. All classes through 2nd have their own aide, and 3rd grade has a floatiing aid. Despite the decent-sized classes, the fact that there are nearly 800 students in the aging facility cannot be discounted. School mass and assemblies in the gym are dangerously full; and lunch is extremely short in order ot accomodate all those kids through the lines in 2 hours. I wish the principal would stop expanding the # of classes per grade (bubble classses) just to accomodate wealthy parishioners who complained that they were waitlisted.

Parishoners have been waitlisted? When did the number of classes increase? I just remember being told by one of the priests a number of years back that for the first time in his tenure, a parishoner's child wasn't admitted. Maybe alot has changed.

I have to admit, I am surprised to here there are 4 classes per grade. Is that more than Lyles Crouch?

I know kids who got in who aren't even catholic. I also know catholic parents who won't send their kids there because of class size!(St. Mary's)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a little off topic but 19:40 bought up a good point. Why pay the extra money at the private schools in Alexandria ie, ACD, SSSA, Burgundy, Brown and Grace if the Parochials are a viable option.

Some families may not philosophically agree with the very conservative religious education incorporated into the parochials, especially when it comes to science (e.g., creation vs. evolution). I think the schools also teach "chastity" and pro-life philosophies, and daily religion is incorporated into coursework. Very strict conservative. That may not appeal especially to a family who likes Burgundy or ACDS, which are more progressive. Browne, SSSAS, and Burgundy also have impressive facilities by comparison.

As the parent of a rising Kindergargener, I am also wondering what the differences are, and whether the privates are any better academically than St. Marys, Blessed Sacrament (VA), or St. Ritas? Likewise, are these privates and parochials any better than, say, one of the more decent public schools in Alexandria City or FFX Country Alexandria (e.g., Lyles-Crouch, Maury, Waynewood)? Many of the publics have differentiation, and pull kids out of classes for extra help (if they are struggling), or additional challenging work (if they are ahead of their grade level). I do not believe the parochials do this, and I would be surprised if the privates did. I've had several St. Mary's families express concern that their K and 1st graders are bored and not challenged enough.

Can anyone comment?

Woah. Stop. Catholic schools do not believe in creationism. Where did you get that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a little off topic but 19:40 bought up a good point. Why pay the extra money at the private schools in Alexandria ie, ACD, SSSA, Burgundy, Brown and Grace if the Parochials are a viable option.

Some families may not philosophically agree with the very conservative religious education incorporated into the parochials, especially when it comes to science (e.g., creation vs. evolution). I think the schools also teach "chastity" and pro-life philosophies, and daily religion is incorporated into coursework. Very strict conservative. That may not appeal especially to a family who likes Burgundy or ACDS, which are more progressive. Browne, SSSAS, and Burgundy also have impressive facilities by comparison.

As the parent of a rising Kindergargener, I am also wondering what the differences are, and whether the privates are any better academically than St. Marys, Blessed Sacrament (VA), or St. Ritas? Likewise, are these privates and parochials any better than, say, one of the more decent public schools in Alexandria City or FFX Country Alexandria (e.g., Lyles-Crouch, Maury, Waynewood)? Many of the publics have differentiation, and pull kids out of classes for extra help (if they are struggling), or additional challenging work (if they are ahead of their grade level). I do not believe the parochials do this, and I would be surprised if the privates did. I've had several St. Mary's families express concern that their K and 1st graders are bored and not challenged enough.

Can anyone comment?

Woah. Stop. Catholic schools do not believe in creationism. Where did you get that?

Here is a link to the curriculum guidelines:

http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/catholicschools/curriculumparents.php

[Anonymous]

Woah. Stop. Catholic schools do not believe in creationism. Where did you get that?

My understanding is that the schools teach evolution, immediately followed by the creation concepts, and how evolution fits into the Bible. Is that not correct? That's been my experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Woah. Stop. Catholic schools do not believe in creationism. Where did you get that?

My understanding is that the schools teach evolution, immediately followed by the creation concepts, and how evolution fits into the Bible. Is that not correct? That's been my experience.

We may be thinking of two different Definitions of creation. I thought you were talking about creationism, which I believe is based on a literal translation of genesis. Catholics are not so literal. But, there the belief that god is the creator. That doesn't mean that god and evolution can't coexist. From the curriculum posted above, it looks like they might teach evolution and then also how evolution fits into the concept that god exists. To me, that's very different than teaching how evolution fits into the bible.

The

[Anonymous]

My child is in 7th grade at St Marys. They teach concrete science, using the Glencoe -McGraw Hill Life Science mainstream text. Evolution, Darwin, scientific method, etc. Look at the curriculum guide. Creationism is for evangelical protestants.

[Anonymous]

All diocesan schools teach chastity and the catechism. Is that a bad thing? Personally I'd like my 6th grader to be chaste, modest, respectful of her body and others'.

Very few families are not catholic. There are some in the bubble classes and in the older grades, due to attrition and the fact that there are extra seats in the bubble grades. The mission of SMS is a CATHOLIC EDUCATION. If you want a gifted education curriculum, or math-focused curriculum, or an arts-focused curriculum...this isn;t the place for you. Families are there for the doctrine. We (families) and adminstration are very up front about the mission and goals of the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a little off topic but 19:40 bought up a good point. Why pay the extra money at the private schools in Alexandria ie, ACD, SSSA, Burgundy, Brown and Grace if the Parochials are a viable option.

Some families may not philosophically agree with the very conservative religious education incorporated into the parochials, especially when it comes to science (e.g., creation vs. evolution). I think the schools also teach "chastity" and pro-life philosophies, and daily religion is incorporated into coursework. Very strict conservative. That may not appeal especially to a family who likes Burgundy or ACDS, which are more progressive. Browne, SSSAS, and Burgundy also have impressive facilities by comparison.

As the parent of a rising Kindergargener, I am also wondering what the differences are, and whether the privates are any better academically than St. Marys, Blessed Sacrament (VA), or St. Ritas? Likewise, are these privates and parochials any better than, say, one of the more decent public schools in Alexandria City or FFX Country Alexandria (e.g., Lyles-Crouch, Maury, Waynewood)? Many of the publics have differentiation, and pull kids out of classes for extra help (if they are struggling), or additional challenging work (if they are ahead of their grade level). I do not believe the parochials do this, and I would be surprised if the privates did. I've had several St. Mary's families express concern that their K and 1st graders are bored and not challenged enough.

My DC's K teacher created a special reading curriculum for him since he's reading on a 5th grade level. His math is at 3rd grade level, so he has special assignments, I can safely say that's additional challenging work. Many of St. Mary's graduates go on to impressive high schools, so I would assume students are receiving a quality education. SMS ia also a blue ribbon school, as is BS. my DC is bored because his preschool was awesome as well.
Can anyone comment?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone comment on how a politically liberal Jewish parent might be welcomed at any of these schools? Would this affect how our DC is accepted? My spouse is Catholic with a family tradition of Catholic schools and we are considering for our DC. Another concern is income level. We are both feds (high 14s) so have a comfortable lifestyle (though some on this board might disagree), but we put all any savings towards retirement or college funds. We don't drive expensive cars, belong to a country club, or go on vacations other than to visit family. We live in a modest (by DC standards) house. I know I should not care about "fitting in" (either us or DC), but I attended Big 3 schools and always felt self-conscious about not having as much money as most of the families. In fact, I still feel self-conscious at reunions for these schools. Maybe we just need to instill more self-confidence in our DC than I have!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone comment on how a politically liberal Jewish parent might be welcomed at any of these schools? Would this affect how our DC is accepted? My spouse is Catholic with a family tradition of Catholic schools and we are considering for our DC. Another concern is income level. We are both feds (high 14s) so have a comfortable lifestyle (though some on this board might disagree), but we put all any savings towards retirement or college funds. We don't drive expensive cars, belong to a country club, or go on vacations other than to visit family. We live in a modest (by DC standards) house. I know I should not care about "fitting in" (either us or DC), but I attended Big 3 schools and always felt self-conscious about not having as much money as most of the families. In fact, I still feel self-conscious at reunions for these schools. Maybe we just need to instill more self-confidence in our DC than I have!

I can somewhat answer your question. My child is at St. Mary's. DH is Catholic; I am not. DH is conservative; I'm more liberal. The liberal v. conservative piece hasn't really come up for us. If I know the political leanings of the parents of my kid's friends (mostly I don't), it's usually because of where they work or have worked that make it pretty clear. Or their bumper stickers, but it doesn't really come up in casual conversation. I know plenty of parents who aren't Catholic--one parent was raised Catholic, but the other was not, like us. Our lifestyle sounds very similar to yours--GS 14/15, modest house, no country club membership (none of my kid's friends belong to country clubs), luxury cars, or fancy vacations. There are most definitely people with money there (I haven't come across a lot of double Fed families), but we've really found it to be a welcoming community and my child has made great friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone comment on how a politically liberal Jewish parent might be welcomed at any of these schools? Would this affect how our DC is accepted? My spouse is Catholic with a family tradition of Catholic schools and we are considering for our DC. Another concern is income level. We are both feds (high 14s) so have a comfortable lifestyle (though some on this board might disagree), but we put all any savings towards retirement or college funds. We don't drive expensive cars, belong to a country club, or go on vacations other than to visit family. We live in a modest (by DC standards) house. I know I should not care about "fitting in" (either us or DC), but I attended Big 3 schools and always felt self-conscious about not having as much money as most of the families. In fact, I still feel self-conscious at reunions for these schools. Maybe we just need to instill more self-confidence in our DC than I have!

My DC just finished his first year at Blessed Sacrament. You would be a welcomed addition to the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone comment on how a politically liberal Jewish parent might be welcomed at any of these schools? Would this affect how our DC is accepted? My spouse is Catholic with a family tradition of Catholic schools and we are considering for our DC. Another concern is income level. We are both feds (high 14s) so have a comfortable lifestyle (though some on this board might disagree), but we put all any savings towards retirement or college funds. We don't drive expensive cars, belong to a country club, or go on vacations other than to visit family. We live in a modest (by DC standards) house. I know I should not care about "fitting in" (either us or DC), but I attended Big 3 schools and always felt self-conscious about not having as much money as most of the families. In fact, I still feel self-conscious at reunions for these schools. Maybe we just need to instill more self-confidence in our DC than I have!

I can somewhat answer your question. My child is at St. Mary's. DH is Catholic; I am not. DH is conservative; I'm more liberal. The liberal v. conservative piece hasn't really come up for us. If I know the political leanings of the parents of my kid's friends (mostly I don't), it's usually because of where they work or have worked that make it pretty clear. Or their bumper stickers, but it doesn't really come up in casual conversation. I know plenty of parents who aren't Catholic--one parent was raised Catholic, but the other was not, like us. Our lifestyle sounds very similar to yours--GS 14/15, modest house, no country club membership (none of my kid's friends belong to country clubs), luxury cars, or fancy vacations. There are most definitely people with money there (I haven't come across a lot of double Fed families), but we've really found it to be a welcoming community and my child has made great friends.

How well do you think a multiracial child would fit in at St. Mary's?