St.ANDREW’s episcopal or Norwood School Bethesda?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Congratulations on your admittances! I have friends whose children have attended Norwood and liked it. The two schools have much in common -- but one offers the chance to stay on for high school and the other doesn't.

Our children feel truly known, appreciated, and challenged by their St Andrew's teachers. They enjoy both friendships and healthy competition with their peers. Some of the sports teams win championships, others aren't so competitive; some students are world class athletes in individual sports. Campus life is wonderful -- there's just a happy vibe there.

The school culture is what I wish for America as a whole. Somehow this incredibly diverse student body manages to engage in respectful discourse and interactions. Yes, the very impressive middle school director is nationally known for his diversity work, and this month, Bethesda Magazine features a profile on a current student who is recognized for her activism. Yet conservative voices are also heard, school tradition matters very much, and faith is celebrated. Our student body is filled with young people who haven't been silo'd off and surrounded by others who only think and speak as they do, or come only from the same background as they do. I have to think that's going to prepare them very well for the real world.

As for your ambition for your children. Our Upper School student has set his sights on a particular very selective (Ivy equivalent) college, and we've checked to see that the school does indeed have a strong track record of placement there. He has spoken to a SAES alumna who is currently studying there who told him that she has felt well prepared. The school's alumni include some big names in technology, the arts, policy, and other fields.

Lastly, as a parent, the community is really so welcoming. There are many ways to volunteer (or not) and always events to meet up with fellow parents. We celebrated the school's anniversary with a gala at National Cathedral last night. It was filled with happy parents like us who obviously have great affection for one another.

Hope this is helpful!

how religious is Saint Andrews?

Well said PP. I have had the same thoughts about SAES being what I wish for America. As for religion, a recent thread may be helpful https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/15/764550.page

[Anonymous]

How big is St. Andrews in terms of class - for example, how many students are there in 9th grade total?

[Anonymous]

PP here - I didn't finish my thought in that paragraph about the kids who don't take all APs. I meant to say that kids who pursue more balance (like my second child) seem to excel in other areas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How big is St. Andrews in terms of class - for example, how many students are there in 9th grade total?

This year's 9th grade is 95 kids. Small enough for teachers to know the kids well. Big enough to fill out the sports teams, theater productions, and provide enough social opportunities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The head of middle school is a national speaker on the topic, they offer trainings on the topic for other schools and host a diversity conference for students from all over the area.

Even if this is true, how is it relevant to whether the student body itself is actually racially diverse?

I suppose it's related in this way. The school's choice of middle school head is just one example of an institutional commitment to diversity. The biggest evidence is the student body itself is something like 40% people of color.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The head of middle school is a national speaker on the topic, they offer trainings on the topic for other schools and host a diversity conference for students from all over the area.

Even if this is true, how is it relevant to whether the student body itself is actually racially diverse?

I suppose it's related in this way. The school's choice of middle school head is just one example of an institutional commitment to diversity. The biggest evidence is the student body itself is something like 40% people of color.

And this would qualify it as one of the LEAST diverse public schools in Montgomery County. Private schools: really, stop telling us how diverse you are when ALL MoCo private schools are still majority white, some massively, while only a tiny percentage of the 200 MCPS schools are majority white.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Current SAES US parent.

...

On the academic rigor and classroom culture, it is strong but flexible. In my limited scope (our DC is on the honors/AP path) there is some variation in rigor and culture of the classroom, with what I think are the best skilled teachers covering the honors sections and less skilled in other sections. Additionally, while we have for the most part found the faculty to be excellent with experience, credentials, longevity, snd training in the science of learning through the school’s Center for Transformational Teaching and Learning, there is the occasionally less than inspired faculty member. None have been terrible, but occasionally there is a faculty member without spark. In three years our DC has only experienced 2 of this profile. From what I understand about even the “elites,” this variation happens everywhere.

St. Andrew’s really is a terrific educational institution. It is extremely well run with a focused, dedicated board and volunteer constituency. It is on a very meaningful trajectory to be among the finest and most impactful of the area independent schools.

NP here, also considering St. Andrews. My child is strong in math and less so in the humanities; she is unlikely to be in honors sections in English or history. I want her to go to a school where kids who have areas of struggle are as valued as kids with all strengths, and your perception of where the strongest teachers are gives me great concern.

[Anonymous]

We also recently moved from abroad and we toured several schools before applying to 3 for our two children. However, we did not tour St. Andrew’s, although I’m sure it’s a great school.
One got into all 3, the other got into 2 and WL at one. They both got accepted into Norwood and it’s the school we have chosen.
I’m not sure if you’re had chance to visit the schools since you live abroad which could make it hard in making a decision. We chose Norwood over the others for various reasons. Their mission statement about “being known” really stood out to us from the beginning and we quickly learned that they mean it. We loved how the admissions team really took their time to get to know our children and the entire family. We felt it throughout the whole admissions process. This was was especially reflected in their acceptance emails as they spoke about each child specifically. They didn’t just copy- paste the email, which the other schools did.

The feeling we have gotten from Norwood is that it’s a family school where the community is close and supportive and that is something we value tremdously. Our children loved the campus and especially liked their art and music room.

Good luck in making your decision, maybe we will meet soon

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Current SAES US parent.

...

On the academic rigor and classroom culture, it is strong but flexible. In my limited scope (our DC is on the honors/AP path) there is some variation in rigor and culture of the classroom, with what I think are the best skilled teachers covering the honors sections and less skilled in other sections. Additionally, while we have for the most part found the faculty to be excellent with experience, credentials, longevity, snd training in the science of learning through the school’s Center for Transformational Teaching and Learning, there is the occasionally less than inspired faculty member. None have been terrible, but occasionally there is a faculty member without spark. In three years our DC has only experienced 2 of this profile. From what I understand about even the “elites,” this variation happens everywhere.

St. Andrew’s really is a terrific educational institution. It is extremely well run with a focused, dedicated board and volunteer constituency. It is on a very meaningful trajectory to be among the finest and most impactful of the area independent schools.

NP here, also considering St. Andrews. My child is strong in math and less so in the humanities; she is unlikely to be in honors sections in English or history. I want her to go to a school where kids who have areas of struggle are as valued as kids with all strengths, and your perception of where the strongest teachers are gives me great concern.

Current upper school parent here. I posted just below your quoted post above that I disagree with this assessment based on our DK's experience there. I would have your child shadow the types of classes they would take and see what they think.

[Anonymous]

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We also recently moved from abroad and we toured several schools before applying to 3 for our two children. However, we did not tour St. Andrew’s, although I’m sure it’s a great school.
One got into all 3, the other got into 2 and WL at one. They both got accepted into Norwood and it’s the school we have chosen.
I’m not sure if you’re had chance to visit the schools since you live abroad which could make it hard in making a decision. We chose Norwood over the others for various reasons. Their mission statement about “being known” really stood out to us from the beginning and we quickly learned that they mean it. We loved how the admissions team really took their time to get to know our children and the entire family. We felt it throughout the whole admissions process. This was was especially reflected in their acceptance emails as they spoke about each child specifically. They didn’t just copy- paste the email, which the other schools did.

The feeling we have gotten from Norwood is that it’s a family school where the community is close and supportive and that is something we value tremdously. Our children loved the campus and especially liked their art and music room.

Good luck in making your decision, maybe we will meet soon

Norwood family here - congratulations and welcome!!

[Anonymous]

It seems like the elephant in the room is that the President's youngest attends SAES. It might be a pain dealing with security. It might not be. At his old school in NYC, some parents found it annoying when the mother and her security detail took up an entire elevator, which forced others to have to wait. Of course, there are worse things in life. But the bottom line is you might want to think about inconveniences due to that.

I found it strange no one mentioned that.

To others, I know, it's a draw to have that happening at a school.

But it's good to know about before you pick, so you can decide if you care one way or the other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems like the elephant in the room is that the President's youngest attends SAES. It might be a pain dealing with security. It might not be. At his old school in NYC, some parents found it annoying when the mother and her security detail took up an entire elevator, which forced others to have to wait. Of course, there are worse things in life. But the bottom line is you might want to think about inconveniences due to that.

I found it strange no one mentioned that.

To others, I know, it's a draw to have that happening at a school.

But it's good to know about before you pick, so you can decide if you care one way or the other.

I went to school with Chelsea. Maybe things have changed since then, but there were zero inconveniences from secret service issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems like the elephant in the room is that the President's youngest attends SAES. It might be a pain dealing with security. It might not be. At his old school in NYC, some parents found it annoying when the mother and her security detail took up an entire elevator, which forced others to have to wait. Of course, there are worse things in life. But the bottom line is you might want to think about inconveniences due to that.

I found it strange no one mentioned that.

To others, I know, it's a draw to have that happening at a school.

But it's good to know about before you pick, so you can decide if you care one way or the other.

Current SAES parent. We were concerned how the first child’s presence would effect the school, but there has been no impact that we have noticed. Yes, the FLOTUS does come occasionally to events but she slips in and out with little notice and I don’t think (or know) POTUS to have ever been on campus. Yes, there is a secret service presence but it has little impact. I understand the concern, but it’s just a non issue

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems like the elephant in the room is that the President's youngest attends SAES. It might be a pain dealing with security. It might not be. At his old school in NYC, some parents found it annoying when the mother and her security detail took up an entire elevator, which forced others to have to wait. Of course, there are worse things in life. But the bottom line is you might want to think about inconveniences due to that.

I found it strange no one mentioned that.

To others, I know, it's a draw to have that happening at a school.

But it's good to know about before you pick, so you can decide if you care one way or the other.

Current SAES parent. We were concerned how the first child’s presence would effect the school, but there has been no impact that we have noticed. Yes, the FLOTUS does come occasionally to events but she slips in and out with little notice and I don’t think (or know) POTUS to have ever been on campus. Yes, there is a secret service presence but it has little impact. I understand the concern, but it’s just a non issue