St. Albans & Potomac

[Anonymous]

I toured St. Albans and Potomac and was impressed by both, though they seem to be very different schools in terms of their overall culture. I'd love to hear your thoughts on how the schools differ. Thanks for your thoughts.

[Anonymous]

Just curious, for what grade? And what did you find different about their overall culture (other than co-Ed/single sex obviously)? We are looking at both also.

[Anonymous]

I too am curious about age and how you definite "culture." They are both more on the conservative side than say GDS. Both are excellent schools. There are certainly benefits to single sex education, but not sure what you mean by culture.

[Anonymous]

Define not definite. Must have more coffee.

Also wanted to mention we know kids happy at both places. Both schools have great reputations.

[Anonymous]

Very dependent on the kid. We had been counseled that one of ours would be happier at P (more independent/artistic/less competitive by nature) and didn't take the advice and sent him to STA. Wasn't very happy there (brother loved it) and ultimately moved him out. I think in hindsight, P would have been the right choice. Both great schools, but they see themselves as having different missions, and different cultures that might work for one child, but not another.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just curious, for what grade? And what did you find different about their overall culture (other than co-Ed/single sex obviously)? We are looking at both also.

4th grade. Tie vs. casual. Family style lunch with teacher vs. cafe style eating. 13 kids in class vs 16-18. Sports vs. PE. Church vs. no church. Traditional vs. untraditional. STA - Not a big deal to see a dog pile of boys in the yard. Potomac seems more arts focused and large modern facility on a beautiful campus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very dependent on the kid. We had been counseled that one of ours would be happier at P (more independent/artistic/less competitive by nature) and didn't take the advice and sent him to STA. Wasn't very happy there (brother loved it) and ultimately moved him out. I think in hindsight, P would have been the right choice. Both great schools, but they see themselves as having different missions, and different cultures that might work for one child, but not another.

OP - yes agree, though I've only toured and have no real experience other than friends who attend. More competitive athletic child thrives at STA and artistic and less competitive likes P.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Very dependent on the kid. We had been counseled that one of ours would be happier at P (more independent/artistic/less competitive by nature) and didn't take the advice and sent him to STA. Wasn't very happy there (brother loved it) and ultimately moved him out. I think in hindsight, P would have been the right choice. Both great schools, but they see themselves as having different missions, and different cultures that might work for one child, but not another.

OP - yes agree, though I've only toured and have no real experience other than friends who attend. More competitive athletic child thrives at STA and artistic and less competitive likes P.

This could be true, but Potomac has a very good athletic program as well as strong arts.

[Anonymous]

Both great schools, but different feel altogether, not to mention location.