SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.

[Anonymous]

I am looking for info on VA privates. Is there a forum similar to this one in NoVA? There does not seem to be much on this site. TIA.

[Anonymous]

There have been several threads in this topic if you search the forum for older posts

[Anonymous]

You need to search by school, there haven't been many threads on nova generally. Your best bet is to tour them all. The differences will be quite obvious. You can try the yahoo group oldtownmoms, but it will probably be less informative than DCUM. It will help you connect with local parents that you could talk to directly. There's also typically a fall fair with most VA independents in attendance, but I don't think it includes schools like Potomac or non-Alexandria schools. I haven't seen it advertised yet for this fall so I don't have a date or link.

[Anonymous]

Got it. Thanks all!

[Anonymous]

If you post specific questions about these schools you will likely get opinions from some DCUMers- not as many as with some of the NW schools, but that may be a good thing!

[Anonymous]

For what it is worth, we accepted at Alexandria Country Day School for K, and have been extremely happy with the decision so far. ACDS has a wonderful new Head of School (his second year) with a strong vision for the direction of the school, as well as new Lower/Middle school heads - a lot of fresh enthusiasm, small classes for lots of personal attention for academics, but many daily combined class activities for larger social interaction. A strong school community and a relaxed, fun atmosphere with many ways to be involved. We especially like the progressive approach to education, but in a traditional school setting. Best of luck, as all of these schools have great qualities - I think it is just a matter of finding the right fit for your kiddo & family, by visiting open houses etc.

[Anonymous]

We are a current St. Stephen's & St. Agnes family and are thrilled with our experiences at the school over the last 3 years. I agree with the others that you should tour a number of schools to find the right place for your children and your family. We found that SSSAS had exactly what we needed: a warm and loving community for the kids, a welcoming and active volunteer network for the parents, and a challenging and creative academic program.

[Anonymous]

We're at Commonwealth Academy in N. Alexandria and could not be happier. I hear Episcopal (the boarding school) is XLNT but have no personal experience with it.

[Anonymous]

Mom of 2 children at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (SSSAS) and so happy with how our children are curious, good people. We're seeing the middle school (6-8) after having seen lower school (JK-5) for years and it's equally great. We're most impressed with the small classes, innovative curriculum and diversity within the community. The school is known for its incredible faculty and it's true. Like the other parents said, visiting a few schools helps clarify where you can see your child - it becomes clear pretty quickly when you envision yourself there, picking up from the playground, volunteering with parents, seeing children in classes. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

We are leaning toward SSSAS, so thanks for some feedback on that school. I just want to be sure (as sure as I can be) the choice is right!

[Anonymous]

Another very happy SSSAS family. Lower, middle, and upper school are all great for their respective age groups. Separate campuses have been great for our kids. LS campus is a delight for the little ones. In MS, particularly happy with single sex math and science classes. School just built a new greenhouse, which is opening up a lot of hands-on experience. US great environment for teens and there are far more extracurricular opportunities than we would have guessed. Super faculty and admin and we value that they seem to know the kids pretty well. As others have said, you should visit (and make sure you look at all three campuses to get a feel for their differences!). Good luck.

[Anonymous]

We are at SSSAS currently - our child transferred from another of the schools mentioned. If I had to do it all over again I would have gone SSSAS all the way. The lower math classes at SSSAS are filled with ACDS, Browne and other transfer students - many have to repeat algebra even with straight A's at the other schools. I would NOT have chosen DC's k-8 school had I known what SSSAS is really like-DC loves it and it is really far superior to the others. Don't wait for HS to realize that your tier 2 school delivered a tier 2 education - go for SSSAS, make one of the others your back up, and transfer in as soon as you can (trust me - that is what the smart ACPS parents do - they DON"T wait for HS unless there is a real problem with academics.

[Anonymous]

Was that last post written by someone at the admissions department? SSSAS may be fine for some, but we were thoroughly turned off by the head's introduction of a senior (to a group of prospective parents). She introduced the girl like this: "This is X. X is a golfer. " It sounded like the head focused first and foremost on athletics. That impression seemed confirmed by conversations with other parents. If that's your goal, fine, but I'd like the focus to be a bit larger than that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are at SSSAS currently - our child transferred from another of the schools mentioned. If I had to do it all over again I would have gone SSSAS all the way. The lower math classes at SSSAS are filled with ACDS, Browne and other transfer students - many have to repeat algebra even with straight A's at the other schools. I would NOT have chosen DC's k-8 school had I known what SSSAS is really like-DC loves it and it is really far superior to the others. Don't wait for HS to realize that your tier 2 school delivered a tier 2 education - go for SSSAS, make one of the others your back up, and transfer in as soon as you can (trust me - that is what the smart ACPS parents do - they DON"T wait for HS unless there is a real problem with academics.

I really don't like your attitude - the pushy parent. Get a grip.

[Anonymous]

Listen carefully PP. My post has nothing to do with me or you. My comment is a candid and honest assessment of choices I deeply regret regarding my child's education and why I regret them. I am sharing my experience because it is something I never even considered - that an A "range" at one school is not an A "range" at another. ACDS, Browne and Burgandy all have different standards with SSSAS being the highest. This is a fact Do you want to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on an education where your child is getting straight As and have them end up in remedial math and language classes in HS - when it counts? Your SSAT scores could be off the charts and this could STILL happen - it DOES happen. I'm trying to offer you some insight for the decisions you are making on behalf of your child. My advice is sound and based upon actual experiences. If you don't care if your kid will suffer serious academic consequences by attending a school that makes YOU feel good then go for it. I'm trying to help your kid not you.