does everyone who applied to flint hill get in

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's my point. Oakton is a good HS and FH is not worth $30K. If I lived in that area and I was dissatisfied with the prospect of my child attending a public school like Oakton, I'd either move or apply somewhere else. As someone else said, a lot of people looking for a private school education choose FH because the choices are limited in that area.

We practically live around the corner from FH and looked at the lower level and at the high school level. I disliked the lower school altogether, and wasn't expecting to, but I did like the high school. However, the high school was not a good fit for my DC and we opted to commute to another school.

However, I would disagree that Oakton High School is a better school than Flint Hill. I think this depends entirely on your kid's interests and abilities. I think a kid who is athletic or in band can do very well at Oakton, but found Oakton to be lacking in meeting the needs of the rest of their student body.

[Anonymous]

Does anybody know FH's average SAT scores or whether the have had any NMSFs in recent years?

[Anonymous]

I am not sure if this is needed, but I can give some first hand experience on FHS. My DS went to FHS from his middle school years until 9th. He now attends a "Big 3" school in the area. Anyways, I have experienced the middle and upper school. The middle school is great and is definitely value for the money. The teachers are nurturing and facilities are great. It is definitely worth it over some of the public middle schools like Langston Hughes, Luther Jackson, etc. However, my DS and the rest of the family had a different experience in the Upper School. There wasn't any major academic push. Athletics were mediocre last year. The Arts aren't bad but they aren't superb. Some are arguing that Oakton HS might be better than FHS. Now I wouldn't go that far, FHS definitely has more push and resources anyday.Bottom Line, let me give you the Pros and Cons.

Pros:
- Very generous school community
- Respectful Kids
- Great Campus
- Tech friendly
- Learning Center for kids who need help.
- Good Admin

Cons:
- Not enough academic, athletic push
- College Matriculation List=mediocre
*Person doesn't want to pay $30,000/per year to send kids to VT, NOVA, GMU, JMU, etc.
- Pool of kids is weaker than schools like Potomac, Sidwell, Holton, Landon, NCS, Prep, St Albans.
- Accepts way too many students who apply.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a private school which isn't really an academic pusher but still has small class sizes and helps kids strive, then FHS might be for you. However, if you want to push your kids in academics and athletics to the MAX and be in a environment where Ivies and other Big school are present, then a school like Potomac, Sidwell, Landon, GDS, Holton, Prep, NCS, STA, etc might suit you.

[Anonymous]

Respectful Kids?

LOL. Have you ever attended a FHS athletic contest? Those kids act like punks.

[Anonymous]

FHS is a 2nd tier school compared to others in this area. If you see their college matriculation list, it's quite mediocre for the tuition amount. I don't think any parent wants to spend $30,000 just to send their children to GMU, NOVA, VT, etc. Athletics aren't anything out of the ordinary as well. I would probably go for the Potomac School, GDS, Maret, or maybe a FCPS or MoCo school. Just an opinion.

[Anonymous]

It's a lot of money to spend when your child will end up at James Madison.

[Anonymous]

Yes. I believe their college matriculation list's best colleges were Cornell(1),Boston University(1), and a few to UVA.

[Anonymous]

Current 1st grade parent here. My DS left an elite DC big 3 after JK to attend FHS. 98t percentile WPPSI who is pretty intellectually gifted. FHS is better fit because it's classes are much smaller, and its classroom strategies are focused on ensuring that children succeed, and it accomodates learning style differences. For example, it works with little boys (as in my case) to structure their experiences to their needs. Unlike other schools, its doesn't pigeon hole kids or try to break them.

It's admissions are not as competitive as the DC big 3-for a variety of factors. But the FHS kids are educated to their fullest potential.

[Anonymous]

PP again, on college exmissions, most of the kids from the so-called big 3 - will NOT be attending Ivy League schools. While some certainly will, the majority will not.

Also, last several years in college admissions have been very difficult. Kid bubble and economic factors have made schools like James Madison, VTech, and others look more attactive.

[Anonymous]

PP, don't joke yourself. I have had TWO of my DC's leave FHS because it wasn't as rigorous as I wanted it to be in both academics and athletics. My 1st DC left FHS in 6th grade. He placed in the mid 90 percentile if I remember correctly in both the Math and English sections. He left for an all boy's school in the area, one of the top 5 schools, and was now a top notch student and athlete. He took his SAT and knocked above a 2200. He is now on a half scholarship to Northwestern for their business program. My 2nd DC left FHS as well. He placed in the high 80s for both Math and English. Now he is in the upper school in a all boys school as well. He's also a top notch student and athlete. He took a practice SAT two months ago and received a a low 2000. The key to FHS is, the LS and MS are great. The US, not so much. The US is not as rigorous as other top schools which provide a more challenging/competitive environment. If you want your DC, no matter if boy or girl, to succeed to his/her potential, look away from FHS in the Upper School field.