Wouldn’t a classical school fit this model? |
Yes on the grammar and spelling in Catholic schools. And my experience is that they are strict on the grading. DD’s capitalization quiz had instructions to underline the first letter of each word that needed to be capitalized. She got sloppy and sometimes underlined the first two or first three letters of the word. She lost points! She came back telling me that several kids got a D on that quiz. But I think at least some of those kids will read directions more carefully from now on! I can personally say that DD’s spelling and handwriting has improved so much in the month they’ve had school. |
While there are secular classical schools, they are mostly quite religious. I also can't think of any secular classical school in this area, besides maybe Washington Latin. |
I believe Westminster in Annandale is basically secular. St. Rita and St. Jerome are excellent classical schools, but as you note they are very religious and not what OP is looking for. |
| If you truly want "Catholic light" go for Episcopal schools. Look at St. Andrew's. They explicitly teach phonics/writing. |
That was Bullis in the late 80s and early 90s. |