Big 15??

Anonymous
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Anonymous wrote:
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Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga


This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field



If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.


Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top



NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.


If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.


I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.


People only know about Sidwell b/c of presidents kids tbh. Similarly, St Andrews would’ve never been on any of these lists pre Trump. If we want to look at college acceptances, TJ is the best school in VA and Blair is the best school in MD. I guess Sidwell can be the best school in DC (I’m not as familiar with their public’s) but it wouldn’t hold a candle to TJ or Blair, or even Poolesville for that matter.


What is a Poolesville? Get out of here PP.


Google it. You sound like a fool.



You are the fool. Just the fact that I had to look up the school says enough. "Sidwell wouldn't hold a candle to Poolesville." Do you have their senior insta page or prior year matriculation results ? I would like to see how Sidwell students compare to the Poolesville scholars you speak of!


Once again—Google it. You’ll find lots of information and national rankings to answer all of your questions. Goes to show that people on this forum are incapable of ranking schools based on academics.


We are ranking PRIVATE schools. Did you read the title of this forum?


I did, and it’s a pity that the fan favorite Sidwell is less well known and worse at sports than Dematha, has less notable alumni than Gonzaga, and worse college outcomes than public schools. But hey, whatever you have to tell yourself to make the 60k feel worth it…


You are really lying on Al Gore’s internet tonight. Are you angry that you can’t afford to spend $60k/ year to educate your children?

Do you understand that if any Sidwell parent wanted to send their children to Poolesville high, they could do so? The reverse is definitely NOT true.

You should take your anti-Sidwell ranting and hatred to the public school forum. I’m sure you’ll find a more receptive audience there.


NP and a private school parent spending $50K a year in tuition. What are you trying to prove with your competition of who can afford private school? This somehow makes your family better than the Poolesville family? You realize Poolesville and other magnets are competitive to get in and your kid has no advantage in admissions because your money doesn't matter. You really are pathetic.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga


This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field



If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.


Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top



NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.


If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.


I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.


People only know about Sidwell b/c of presidents kids tbh. Similarly, St Andrews would’ve never been on any of these lists pre Trump. If we want to look at college acceptances, TJ is the best school in VA and Blair is the best school in MD. I guess Sidwell can be the best school in DC (I’m not as familiar with their public’s) but it wouldn’t hold a candle to TJ or Blair, or even Poolesville for that matter.


What is a Poolesville? Get out of here PP.


Google it. You sound like a fool.



You are the fool. Just the fact that I had to look up the school says enough. "Sidwell wouldn't hold a candle to Poolesville." Do you have their senior insta page or prior year matriculation results ? I would like to see how Sidwell students compare to the Poolesville scholars you speak of!


Once again—Google it. You’ll find lots of information and national rankings to answer all of your questions. Goes to show that people on this forum are incapable of ranking schools based on academics.


We are ranking PRIVATE schools. Did you read the title of this forum?


I did, and it’s a pity that the fan favorite Sidwell is less well known and worse at sports than Dematha, has less notable alumni than Gonzaga, and worse college outcomes than public schools. But hey, whatever you have to tell yourself to make the 60k feel worth it…


You are really lying on Al Gore’s internet tonight. Are you angry that you can’t afford to spend $60k/ year to educate your children?

Do you understand that if any Sidwell parent wanted to send their children to Poolesville high, they could do so? The reverse is definitely NOT true.

You should take your anti-Sidwell ranting and hatred to the public school forum. I’m sure you’ll find a more receptive audience there.


NP and a private school parent spending $50K a year in tuition. What are you trying to prove with your competition of who can afford private school? This somehow makes your family better than the Poolesville family? You realize Poolesville and other magnets are competitive to get in and your kid has no advantage in admissions because your money doesn't matter. You really are pathetic.


+1 I think people on this forum just aren’t familiar with Poolesville, but kids have no better chance of getting into Poolesville’s stem magnet than TJs. It’s the Moco up county equivalent of Blair.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga


This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field



If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.


Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top



NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.


If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.


I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.


People only know about Sidwell b/c of presidents kids tbh. Similarly, St Andrews would’ve never been on any of these lists pre Trump. If we want to look at college acceptances, TJ is the best school in VA and Blair is the best school in MD. I guess Sidwell can be the best school in DC (I’m not as familiar with their public’s) but it wouldn’t hold a candle to TJ or Blair, or even Poolesville for that matter.


What is a Poolesville? Get out of here PP.


Google it. You sound like a fool.



You are the fool. Just the fact that I had to look up the school says enough. "Sidwell wouldn't hold a candle to Poolesville." Do you have their senior insta page or prior year matriculation results ? I would like to see how Sidwell students compare to the Poolesville scholars you speak of!


Once again—Google it. You’ll find lots of information and national rankings to answer all of your questions. Goes to show that people on this forum are incapable of ranking schools based on academics.


We are ranking PRIVATE schools. Did you read the title of this forum?


I did, and it’s a pity that the fan favorite Sidwell is less well known and worse at sports than Dematha, has less notable alumni than Gonzaga, and worse college outcomes than public schools. But hey, whatever you have to tell yourself to make the 60k feel worth it…


You are really lying on Al Gore’s internet tonight. Are you angry that you can’t afford to spend $60k/ year to educate your children?

Do you understand that if any Sidwell parent wanted to send their children to Poolesville high, they could do so? The reverse is definitely NOT true.

You should take your anti-Sidwell ranting and hatred to the public school forum. I’m sure you’ll find a more receptive audience there.


NP and a private school parent spending $50K a year in tuition. What are you trying to prove with your competition of who can afford private school? This somehow makes your family better than the Poolesville family? You realize Poolesville and other magnets are competitive to get in and your kid has no advantage in admissions because your money doesn't matter. You really are pathetic.


+1 I think people on this forum just aren’t familiar with Poolesville, but kids have no better chance of getting into Poolesville’s stem magnet than TJs. It’s the Moco up county equivalent of Blair.


Agree. We only looked at privates in DC and very close in suburbs of Maryland so we are unfamiliar with TG, Poolesville, or any of the publics or magnets you mention. In fact I am completely unfamiliar with how magnet admission works. It is just not on our radar and we do not think about publics or what they are doing. It would be wonderful if public school parents would stop bombing these forums.
Anonymous
It does seem like public school parents are insecure about some private/independent schools. Why come into a private/independent school forum to discuss public schools? In all honesty, who cares? Send your child where you want. It's an anonymous message board; most of these folks are probably posting to get a response from the few people who take this stuff too personally.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga


This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field



Please, please stop putting Bullis, SSAS and Potomac on the list. They just don't make the cut. And if Gonzaga is on there, Visitation should also be on there as it is even more competitive than it's brother school.


I dont know anyone at Potomac but I cannot get over how you are trying to deny that it is worthy of being in the top 15. It has so much better college placement than Gonzaga or whatever other school you are trying to boost. And Bullis looks great, too. Post some actual results or sit down, Here is Potomac’s college placement so far:

Stanford
Upenn
Dartmouth (rowing)
Harvard
Yale (soccer)
Dartmouth
Dartmouth
Brown (track)
Dartmouth
Brown
US Naval Academy (baseball)
Princeton (soccer)
Duke
Duke
Harvard
Duke
Plus tons of NYU, Colgate, Middle ury, UVA, Washington and Lee.

https://www.instagram.com/pmacdecisions2024?igsh=Mnk0NXo0dDl0dDkw

DP
I agree with Potomac being in the top 15, but they are not T-5 as many Potomac boosters and parents try to claim.
Good school but not T-5.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga


This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field



If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.


Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top



NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.


If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.


I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.


People only know about Sidwell b/c of presidents kids tbh. Similarly, St Andrews would’ve never been on any of these lists pre Trump. If we want to look at college acceptances, TJ is the best school in VA and Blair is the best school in MD. I guess Sidwell can be the best school in DC (I’m not as familiar with their public’s) but it wouldn’t hold a candle to TJ or Blair, or even Poolesville for that matter.


What is a Poolesville? Get out of here PP.


Google it. You sound like a fool.



You are the fool. Just the fact that I had to look up the school says enough. "Sidwell wouldn't hold a candle to Poolesville." Do you have their senior insta page or prior year matriculation results ? I would like to see how Sidwell students compare to the Poolesville scholars you speak of!


Once again—Google it. You’ll find lots of information and national rankings to answer all of your questions. Goes to show that people on this forum are incapable of ranking schools based on academics.


We are ranking PRIVATE schools. Did you read the title of this forum?


I did, and it’s a pity that the fan favorite Sidwell is less well known and worse at sports than Dematha, has less notable alumni than Gonzaga, and worse college outcomes than public schools. But hey, whatever you have to tell yourself to make the 60k feel worth it…


You are really lying on Al Gore’s internet tonight. Are you angry that you can’t afford to spend $60k/ year to educate your children?

Do you understand that if any Sidwell parent wanted to send their children to Poolesville high, they could do so? The reverse is definitely NOT true.

You should take your anti-Sidwell ranting and hatred to the public school forum. I’m sure you’ll find a more receptive audience there.


NP and a private school parent spending $50K a year in tuition. What are you trying to prove with your competition of who can afford private school? This somehow makes your family better than the Poolesville family? You realize Poolesville and other magnets are competitive to get in and your kid has no advantage in admissions because your money doesn't matter. You really are pathetic.


+1 I think people on this forum just aren’t familiar with Poolesville, but kids have no better chance of getting into Poolesville’s stem magnet than TJs. It’s the Moco up county equivalent of Blair.


Agree. We only looked at privates in DC and very close in suburbs of Maryland so we are unfamiliar with TG, Poolesville, or any of the publics or magnets you mention. In fact I am completely unfamiliar with how magnet admission works. It is just not on our radar and we do not think about publics or what they are doing. It would be wonderful if public school parents would stop bombing these forums.


Not a public school parent lol. Private school kids apply to public magnets all the time when transitioning from middle to high school, that’s why they get raised in the conversation. If they don’t get into TJ/Blair/Poolesville (whichever they’re zoned for) they go to Potomac, Sidwell etc.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:It does seem like public school parents are insecure about some private/independent schools. Why come into a private/independent school forum to discuss public schools? In all honesty, who cares? Send your child where you want. It's an anonymous message board; most of these folks are probably posting to get a response from the few people who take this stuff too personally.

Private schools parents do that all the times. Check the MCPS forum. It is overrun by private schools parents.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It does seem like public school parents are insecure about some private/independent schools. Why come into a private/independent school forum to discuss public schools? In all honesty, who cares? Send your child where you want. It's an anonymous message board; most of these folks are probably posting to get a response from the few people who take this stuff too personally.

Private schools parents do that all the times. Check the MCPS forum. It is overrun by private schools parents.


I don't believe you. There is absolutely no reason to go on a public school forum. The worlds do not intersect. Once a year we play a public school in sports that is it. Separate worlds socially and school wise.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It does seem like public school parents are insecure about some private/independent schools. Why come into a private/independent school forum to discuss public schools? In all honesty, who cares? Send your child where you want. It's an anonymous message board; most of these folks are probably posting to get a response from the few people who take this stuff too personally.

Private schools parents do that all the times. Check the MCPS forum. It is overrun by private schools parents.


I don't believe you. There is absolutely no reason to go on a public school forum. The worlds do not intersect. Once a year we play a public school in sports that is it. Separate worlds socially and school wise.

LOL
You don't need to believe me. It's there for all to see.
Seriously, do you live in a bubble or are you really that dumb?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It does seem like public school parents are insecure about some private/independent schools. Why come into a private/independent school forum to discuss public schools? In all honesty, who cares? Send your child where you want. It's an anonymous message board; most of these folks are probably posting to get a response from the few people who take this stuff too personally.

Private schools parents do that all the times. Check the MCPS forum. It is overrun by private schools parents.


I don't believe you. There is absolutely no reason to go on a public school forum. The worlds do not intersect. Once a year we play a public school in sports that is it. Separate worlds socially and school wise.


Sometimes I'll get a caddy at the club who attends a local public school. Nice kids but wouldn't want them dating my daughters.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga


This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field



If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.


Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top



NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.


If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.


I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.


People only know about Sidwell b/c of presidents kids tbh. Similarly, St Andrews would’ve never been on any of these lists pre Trump. If we want to look at college acceptances, TJ is the best school in VA and Blair is the best school in MD. I guess Sidwell can be the best school in DC (I’m not as familiar with their public’s) but it wouldn’t hold a candle to TJ or Blair, or even Poolesville for that matter.


What is a Poolesville? Get out of here PP.


Google it. You sound like a fool.



You are the fool. Just the fact that I had to look up the school says enough. "Sidwell wouldn't hold a candle to Poolesville." Do you have their senior insta page or prior year matriculation results ? I would like to see how Sidwell students compare to the Poolesville scholars you speak of!


Once again—Google it. You’ll find lots of information and national rankings to answer all of your questions. Goes to show that people on this forum are incapable of ranking schools based on academics.


We are ranking PRIVATE schools. Did you read the title of this forum?


I did, and it’s a pity that the fan favorite Sidwell is less well known and worse at sports than Dematha, has less notable alumni than Gonzaga, and worse college outcomes than public schools. But hey, whatever you have to tell yourself to make the 60k feel worth it…


Who are Gonzaga’s notable alumni?


Who are Sidwell’s?


First Gonzaga vs Potomac now Gonzaga vs Sidwell. These Gonzaga parents have lost it. You need a reality check ASAP.


This forum needs a reality check. No one is using any real objective metrics to rank any of these schools and it’s full of bias. There is no objective metric that makes Sidwell #1 but for some reason we’re all supposed to accept it as gospel. It doesn’t have the best campus/facilities, price, college outcomes, alumni or sports. People throw these rankings around with no real rigor.


Which DC Private school has better facilities, college outcomes, alumni or sports than Sidwell? I’ll give you price, though.

And I mean name one DC Metro school that is better than Sidwell in all areas listed above? Gonzaga is already out based on its facilities/location (practically a homeless shelter), academics, college outcomes, and alumni.


Although Gonzaga does host homeless men on their campus for lunch, the campus is quite lovely.





https://imgur.com/Iee4GyW









Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga


This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field



Please, please stop putting Bullis, SSAS and Potomac on the list. They just don't make the cut. And if Gonzaga is on there, Visitation should also be on there as it is even more competitive than it's brother school.


I dont know anyone at Potomac but I cannot get over how you are trying to deny that it is worthy of being in the top 15. It has so much better college placement than Gonzaga or whatever other school you are trying to boost. And Bullis looks great, too. Post some actual results or sit down, Here is Potomac’s college placement so far:

Stanford
Upenn
Dartmouth (rowing)
Harvard
Yale (soccer)
Dartmouth
Dartmouth
Brown (track)
Dartmouth
Brown
US Naval Academy (baseball)
Princeton (soccer)
Duke
Duke
Harvard
Duke
Plus tons of NYU, Colgate, Middle ury, UVA, Washington and Lee.

https://www.instagram.com/pmacdecisions2024?igsh=Mnk0NXo0dDl0dDkw


NP. These lists of where kids commit aren’t that helpful b/c kids at some schools are more likely to consider affordability than others. You’d really need the list from the schools themselves showing where kids were accepted.


You are making excuses. One student can get into a number of elite schools and it shows up on the list of where kids are accepted. One superstar at a school is nowhere equal to schools like GDS and Potomac sending large numbers of kids to elite schools. If kids were able to afford Potomac (or any other PRIVATE school) either by private pay or financial aid the same will be true for their colleges (in general). Let’s not discount results for your few outliers who need to consider finances. That’s why this is the private school forum. Perhaps, there should be an independent school list (where tuition is 40+). This would include schools like Visi, SR, GP. But would leave out some of the other Catholics. That way you are comparing apples to apples.


Wow, so pathetic. I have no words.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga


This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field



If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.


Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top



NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.


If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.


I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.


People only know about Sidwell b/c of presidents kids tbh. Similarly, St Andrews would’ve never been on any of these lists pre Trump. If we want to look at college acceptances, TJ is the best school in VA and Blair is the best school in MD. I guess Sidwell can be the best school in DC (I’m not as familiar with their public’s) but it wouldn’t hold a candle to TJ or Blair, or even Poolesville for that matter.


What is a Poolesville? Get out of here PP.


Google it. You sound like a fool.



You are the fool. Just the fact that I had to look up the school says enough. "Sidwell wouldn't hold a candle to Poolesville." Do you have their senior insta page or prior year matriculation results ? I would like to see how Sidwell students compare to the Poolesville scholars you speak of!


Once again—Google it. You’ll find lots of information and national rankings to answer all of your questions. Goes to show that people on this forum are incapable of ranking schools based on academics.


We are ranking PRIVATE schools. Did you read the title of this forum?


I did, and it’s a pity that the fan favorite Sidwell is less well known and worse at sports than Dematha, has less notable alumni than Gonzaga, and worse college outcomes than public schools. But hey, whatever you have to tell yourself to make the 60k feel worth it…


Who are Gonzaga’s notable alumni?


Who are Sidwell’s?


First Gonzaga vs Potomac now Gonzaga vs Sidwell. These Gonzaga parents have lost it. You need a reality check ASAP.


This forum needs a reality check. No one is using any real objective metrics to rank any of these schools and it’s full of bias. There is no objective metric that makes Sidwell #1 but for some reason we’re all supposed to accept it as gospel. It doesn’t have the best campus/facilities, price, college outcomes, alumni or sports. People throw these rankings around with no real rigor.


Which DC Private school has better facilities, college outcomes, alumni or sports than Sidwell? I’ll give you price, though.

And I mean name one DC Metro school that is better than Sidwell in all areas listed above? Gonzaga is already out based on its facilities/location (practically a homeless shelter), academics, college outcomes, and alumni.


Uh oh, they will be coming for you in the morning with the volunteering and service aspect!!!!


DP. Not sure why you would lol at service.

So, Sidwell parents think they are the best, because........they are well known. No other criterion than that. Gonzaga parents value service to the community and don't want kids who just look away from homeless individuals (or anyone else for that matter) as less than people. I'd rather know the Gonzaga families.


So true. This snobbish attitude is so unbecoming. I am grateful we were sheltered from these people by sending our kids to great Catholic schools like Gonzaga.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga


This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field



If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.


Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top



NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.


If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.


I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.


People only know about Sidwell b/c of presidents kids tbh. Similarly, St Andrews would’ve never been on any of these lists pre Trump. If we want to look at college acceptances, TJ is the best school in VA and Blair is the best school in MD. I guess Sidwell can be the best school in DC (I’m not as familiar with their public’s) but it wouldn’t hold a candle to TJ or Blair, or even Poolesville for that matter.


What is a Poolesville? Get out of here PP.


Google it. You sound like a fool.



You are the fool. Just the fact that I had to look up the school says enough. "Sidwell wouldn't hold a candle to Poolesville." Do you have their senior insta page or prior year matriculation results ? I would like to see how Sidwell students compare to the Poolesville scholars you speak of!


Once again—Google it. You’ll find lots of information and national rankings to answer all of your questions. Goes to show that people on this forum are incapable of ranking schools based on academics.


We are ranking PRIVATE schools. Did you read the title of this forum?


I did, and it’s a pity that the fan favorite Sidwell is less well known and worse at sports than Dematha, has less notable alumni than Gonzaga, and worse college outcomes than public schools. But hey, whatever you have to tell yourself to make the 60k feel worth it…


Who are Gonzaga’s notable alumni?


Who are Sidwell’s?


First Gonzaga vs Potomac now Gonzaga vs Sidwell. These Gonzaga parents have lost it. You need a reality check ASAP.


This forum needs a reality check. No one is using any real objective metrics to rank any of these schools and it’s full of bias. There is no objective metric that makes Sidwell #1 but for some reason we’re all supposed to accept it as gospel. It doesn’t have the best campus/facilities, price, college outcomes, alumni or sports. People throw these rankings around with no real rigor.


Which DC Private school has better facilities, college outcomes, alumni or sports than Sidwell? I’ll give you price, though.

And I mean name one DC Metro school that is better than Sidwell in all areas listed above? Gonzaga is already out based on its facilities/location (practically a homeless shelter), academics, college outcomes, and alumni.


Although Gonzaga does host homeless men on their campus for lunch, the campus is quite lovely.





https://imgur.com/Iee4GyW











Wow didn't expect this. Very nice. May need to check this out for my middle schooler.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Instead of big 3/5, what is the big 15?! You can’t add or take away schools, only rearrange them. Don’t even think about adding BIM. Sister and brother schools go together.
Criteria: prestige, merit, matriculation, tradition, rivalries, notability, alums, etc.

1. Sidwell
2. NCS and STA
3. GDS
4. Maret
5. Potomac
6. Holton and Landon
7. Bullis
8. Maderia
9. WIS
10. SR and GP
11. SJC
12. Episcopal
13. St Andrews
14. St Stephens St Agnes
15. Visi and Gonzaga


This is the list of 15! Some rearranging could be made with the actual ranking numbers but these are the top 15.

1. STA
2. Sidwell
3. NCS
4. GDS
5. Maret
6. Holton
7. Madiera
8. Potomac
9. Landon
10. Gonzaga
11. Prep
12. St. Johns
13. Bullis
14. St. Anselms
15. St Stephens St Agnes

next 3 would be:
16. Episcopal
17. WIS
18. Field



If Sidwell isn’t #1, then the list is incorrect. I’m not a Sidwell parent (my children attend Catholic independents), but I live in DC and I’m very familiar with how these institutions are perceived.


Prestige depends on the circle you are in. For the old money establishment types STA/NCS for sure are the top.

For more progressive types and less establishment club types - Sidwell or Maret

Newer money more progressive would consider GDS the top



NP. I heard about Sidwell, before moving to DC, when I still lived in LA. If you’re immersed in the world of elite private school education, you’ve probably heard of Sidwell and know it’s considered to be a great school. New money, old money, progressive, regressive—if they care about private school education, they’ve probably heard of Sidwell. That’s much less true of the Cathedral schools.


If we’re basing this on name recognition, you have to put Dematha back on the list. If it’s name recognition outside of DC, the big 3 are Dematha, Sidwell and Gonzaga (in no particular order). If we’re basing this debate on academics, all of the privates in dc have stellar academics and trade teachers so comparing on that alone is silly.


I had never heard of Dematha or Gonzaga before moving to DC because I don’t follow sports closely. Even now, I have no idea where in Maryland the school is located (I know it’s PG, though). I don’t hear much about Gonzaga, unless it’s sports related (specifically, the recent grad who will be drafted by the NFL soon). The reputation ranking of academic institutions, whether it’s high school or college, is based on the ACADEMIC reputation of the school.

Dematha and Gonzaga are not known as academic or intellectual powerhouses. And you’re definitely overstating their national recognition in sports.


People only know about Sidwell b/c of presidents kids tbh. Similarly, St Andrews would’ve never been on any of these lists pre Trump. If we want to look at college acceptances, TJ is the best school in VA and Blair is the best school in MD. I guess Sidwell can be the best school in DC (I’m not as familiar with their public’s) but it wouldn’t hold a candle to TJ or Blair, or even Poolesville for that matter.


What is a Poolesville? Get out of here PP.


Google it. You sound like a fool.



You are the fool. Just the fact that I had to look up the school says enough. "Sidwell wouldn't hold a candle to Poolesville." Do you have their senior insta page or prior year matriculation results ? I would like to see how Sidwell students compare to the Poolesville scholars you speak of!


Once again—Google it. You’ll find lots of information and national rankings to answer all of your questions. Goes to show that people on this forum are incapable of ranking schools based on academics.


We are ranking PRIVATE schools. Did you read the title of this forum?


I did, and it’s a pity that the fan favorite Sidwell is less well known and worse at sports than Dematha, has less notable alumni than Gonzaga, and worse college outcomes than public schools. But hey, whatever you have to tell yourself to make the 60k feel worth it…


You are really lying on Al Gore’s internet tonight. Are you angry that you can’t afford to spend $60k/ year to educate your children?

Do you understand that if any Sidwell parent wanted to send their children to Poolesville high, they could do so? The reverse is definitely NOT true.

You should take your anti-Sidwell ranting and hatred to the public school forum. I’m sure you’ll find a more receptive audience there.


NP and a private school parent spending $50K a year in tuition. What are you trying to prove with your competition of who can afford private school? This somehow makes your family better than the Poolesville family? You realize Poolesville and other magnets are competitive to get in and your kid has no advantage in admissions because your money doesn't matter. You really are pathetic.


+1 I think people on this forum just aren’t familiar with Poolesville, but kids have no better chance of getting into Poolesville’s stem magnet than TJs. It’s the Moco up county equivalent of Blair.


Agree. We only looked at privates in DC and very close in suburbs of Maryland so we are unfamiliar with TG, Poolesville, or any of the publics or magnets you mention. In fact I am completely unfamiliar with how magnet admission works. It is just not on our radar and we do not think about publics or what they are doing. It would be wonderful if public school parents would stop bombing these forums.


Not a public school parent lol. Private school kids apply to public magnets all the time when transitioning from middle to high school, that’s why they get raised in the conversation. If they don’t get into TJ/Blair/Poolesville (whichever they’re zoned for) they go to Potomac, Sidwell etc.


I fear its the opposite......
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