GDS vs NCS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am yet another NCS grad that would not send my son to STA (or any all boys shook for that matter).

As for the OP's question, NCS and GDS are two very different schools. I think your family needs to decide based on what best suits her strengths and wishes. I think GDS could offer more variety and freedom, but I think NCS could ultimately offer more opportunity. I am keeping it vague because it is indeed a vague question with no right answer that an anonymous forum can provide.

My friend is an NCS grad from the mid-1980s and really happy with STA for her sons. For what it's worth she thinks STA has changed a great deal since her day, and all for the better. I get people's concerns about all-boys' education but it's also worth noting that it sounds like St. Albans has changed a good deal in a generation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Regarding sports, really depends on which girls' sport, can't make that blanket statement. Track and cross country really strong at GDS, basketball has traditionally been as strong or stronger than NCS (which until this year was in lower division of ISL or A, GDS in AA for years, NCS had one fantastic player this year who is graduating I believe), volleyball often quite strong at GDS. NCS generally a soccer powerhouse, but last few years GDS has been towards top of AA as well, and has been competitive with/beaten Visi/Sidwell and other traditionally strong teams. Lacrosse at GDS very weak as is crew (particularly compared to NCS), but overall girls sports are not necessarily a weakness at GDS.

Well, yes, you actually can -- it is verifiable as the league ranks all the schools in aggregate performance. NCS is usually #2 out of 15 and GDS generally is around 10 - 12. GDS has some solid programs but nobody would say they are "strong in girls' sports" and GDS is happy with that -- no need to try to compete with all the sports-crazy schools.