NCS v. Holton

[Anonymous]

I know there is a post about on the whole Holton v. NCS topic. However, the conversation ended up getting pretty snarky. Can anyone post FACTS about the differences between the schools? I prefer this not turn into a topic to put down the other school. Thanks in advance for your opinions!

[Anonymous]

NCS is more religious, less diverse, has a reputation of being the "mean girls" although that is opinion based. They have more affiliations with STA than Holton does with Landon. I think Holton has more STEM and NCS has more English/Art. I think the sports are equal with various teams doing well. Holton wins swimming and ice hockey almost ever single year. I don't think NCS has a hockey team. I think NCS is better at Lacrosse and soccer. Holton has an indoor pool. Their sports facilities are nice but NCS's new athletic facility is beautiful - top notch. That said, it is off the school and you must walk outside and there is really no parking. Total pain for sports games. NCS offers Greek and Japanese in upper and I don't think Holton does. They both offer the same languages in middle (Ch, Sp, Lat, Fre) but Holton offers Chinese in lower school. NCS offers only Spanish and French. Holton has a global education and trips associated with it that everyone speaks highly of. Lots of exchange student offerings too. I think they both do community service although NCS is slightly more. Holton has uniforms and NCS does not.

I think you really need to look at the grade your daughter is entering and see which one she liked more on her shadow days. My daughter was accepted to both and Stone Ridge. It was a tough decision. Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

If you don't mind sharing, which school did you choose?

[Anonymous]

I think if you visit the schools, there is an immediate different vibe - neither is wrong, it just goes to what your DD would prefer …

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you don't mind sharing, which school did you choose?

It was tough for us. DD chose Holton. It was an easier commute for us too which helped. I don't think you could go wrong with either one. But like the other poster said, my DD liked the "vibe" more at Holton. Her class was goofy, quirky, smart and athletic. She fit in well from the beginning and still loves it.

What is your daughter feeling? Did she do shadows at both schools? You may have a better idea after the welcoming meetings. Just go with your gut and let your daughter have a say too. Good Luck!!

[Anonymous]

She did shadow. Likes them both equally. Her personality can fit into both. We will attend receptions & go from there. Thx

[Anonymous]

IF she really liked both equally and you felt pretty comfortable with both, then choose the one closer to home, not only for the commuting efficiency, but also in terms of ease of friendships, Holton definitely skews more Maryland suburbs and NCS more DC, with even some Virginia and less Maryland suburbs.

[Anonymous]

Holton has many McLean area students now, and increasing every year. Very easy reverse commute over the 495 bridge.

[Anonymous]

One big difference -- which the second poster raised -- is that NCS has an extensive "coordinate" program with St. Albans. Joint arts; co-ed English class junior year; all upperclass electives co-ed, cross-registration at STA for certain courses (e.g., linear and vector calculus) not offered at NCS; and a number of fully joint sports programs (crew, cross-country/track, swimming). The shared campus allows integrated activities (academic in particular) not feasible with the distance between Holton and Landon.

NCS still has the cultural feel of an all-girls school, and in 9-10th grades there's not much academic cross-registration, but by graduation students will have had at least one and often many more co-ed classes. Lots of people like this aspect but theoretically someone might not want the co-ed classes.

[Anonymous]

NCS hands down, apparently Holton won't excuse your absence if it is snowing or something. J/k.

[Anonymous]

Without giving too much away, what is your daughter like? Personality, academics and athletics, music/arts? Maybe it would help us a little more.

[Anonymous]

I think the new student and new parent receptions will be a big factor in helping you get a sense of your daughter's particular class- which is important given class size.

We were given this advice to go in with an open mind and and see how our DD felt at these events - and we did. Surprisingly, our DD chose the school that I would not have predicted at the start of the process, but she ended up very happy and thriving.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP here. She is highly academic, competitive athlete, string instrument, and avid book reader. Very nice and polite. Blends in very well in most settings. Likes friends that are smart (girls and boys) but helps teacher with students that need more help. Can be a little shy and not competitive with school work. At times she would share her grade on an assignment with me and I would ask what other kids received and she always says she does not know. I was a little concerned b/c I was more competitve growing up but I had to accept that as part of her personality. It has not hurt her b/c she has never received less than an A. Part of me wants her to go to Holton b/c I heard it was less competitve (although still highly academic) than NCS and may fit better with her personality. The other part of me wants her to pick it up with her competitive edge and believe NCS could teach her that.

We have an open mind on this and know she will be served well no matter the school chosen.

[Anonymous]

Either would be fine. Both are highly competitive. I would choose based on how convenient it is for you.

[Anonymous]

NCS parent here, and I agree with the PP. Pick the one that is more convenient for you and your family, if it is otherwise truly a toss-up.