Great private schools that aren't hard to get into

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:The schools listed by the last two posters are very helpful.

Regarding the reasons for competitive schools being sought after (how redundant!), there are many reasons besides snob appeal or prestige ... they often have much better facilities, meaning not only lovely grounds but also science labs, arts studios and theatres, sports opportunities, second campuses, study abroad opportunities, and on and on. I would not argue that any one of those features are necessary or worth the money for any particular child, but they might be for certain ones.

As much as I despise the words "thrive" and "fit" that I see so often here, the more desired schools can allow certain kids to do both perhaps better than a good Catholic school or some of those listed above.

And by the way, seeking a school out for prestige is a legitimate way to create a successful path for one's child. It would not be my personal choice and it does not guarantee any particular outcome, but it is still a reasonable strategy and doesn't need to be treated so negatively.



I don't argue these points and I believe there are many threads that back up the legitimate reasons to opt for admission at one of the area's prestigious day schools. However, this thread's objective was to get the word out on OTHER schools and maybe even perhaps stop those who do not gain admittance to the "top 3" from fretting so much.

I wish that those of you who are not interested in the original topic, would stop hijacking to sing further praise on the schools that we all already know are good. It really is counterproductive to the intent of the thread.
Anonymous
Here is the list of the names we accumulated so far ---

Congressional
Barrie
ACDS
River School
New School
Sheridan
Washington Episcopal
Green Hedges
Green Acres
Browne
Langley
Grace Episcopal
St Andrews Episcopal
St Anselms
Montessori School of Northern Virginia
Field School
Westminster School
British School of Washington
NPS
WIS (maybe)
Pinecrest

Brookwood and Avalon were mentioned, but I could not find any data on them, perhaps someone else knows something about these schools???

And I want to make a comment -- I know that Potomac is sometimes mentioned as hard to gain entry, but for those of you who might be looking at the high school level, I am not so sure this is true. So, it might be worth a shot for those looking for a 9th grade up slot.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I really think discussions like these will be more productive if people will quit judging/criticizing those who make different school choices.


Or if people just stop assuming they know who they're talking to and just try to answer the question -- which is about schools not about attitudes toward competition or any individual's situation or preferences. I'm the OP and I posted an open-ended inquiry because I'm (a) I'm a teacher and I'm tired of hearing about school talked about only in terms of admissions, (b) it's clear that there are people who come here looking for recommendations beyond the usual suspects, (c) I was hoping for a discussion that highlighted the variety and quality of local private schools so that the stakes get lowered for folks who seem to see these admissions decisions as life-determining.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Here is the list of the names we accumulated so far ---

Congressional
Barrie
ACDS
River School
New School
Sheridan
Washington Episcopal
Green Hedges
Green Acres
Browne
Langley
Grace Episcopal
St Andrews Episcopal
St Anselms
Montessori School of Northern Virginia
Field School
Westminster School
British School of Washington
NPS
WIS (maybe)
Pinecrest

Brookwood and Avalon were mentioned, but I could not find any data on them, perhaps someone else knows something about these schools???

And I want to make a comment -- I know that Potomac is sometimes mentioned as hard to gain entry, but for those of you who might be looking at the high school level, I am not so sure this is true. So, it might be worth a shot for those looking for a 9th grade up slot.


No way Langley should be on this list. We personally know many well qualified and affluent families who were turned down this year. It's a school with extroninary resources for its size, and with Potomac so hard to get into these days it's a focal point for many NOVA families. ACDS is also a little tougher than you'd think, although easier to get in than Langley.

As for Potomac - it's one of the top and most difficult schools to get into in the metro area. Just look back on this forum at all the people posting their rejections this year. As for being easier to get in the high school than K... I'd check your facts. With all the K-8 programs in NOVA, and all the applications from other DC area schools - it's a very tough get. Go take a look at Norwood's application/acceptance rates as posted on their website and compare the acceptance rates of top schools like Sidwell, GDS, Potomac, STA, etc. with some of the others. It's here: http://www.norwoodschool.org/welcome/admission/next_school_placement/index.aspx



Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Here is the list of the names we accumulated so far ---

Congressional
Barrie
ACDS
River School
New School
Sheridan
Washington Episcopal
Green Hedges
Green Acres
Browne
Langley
Grace Episcopal
St Andrews Episcopal
St Anselms
Montessori School of Northern Virginia
Field School
Westminster School
British School of Washington
NPS
WIS (maybe)
Pinecrest

Brookwood and Avalon were mentioned, but I could not find any data on them, perhaps someone else knows something about these schools???

And I want to make a comment -- I know that Potomac is sometimes mentioned as hard to gain entry, but for those of you who might be looking at the high school level, I am not so sure this is true. So, it might be worth a shot for those looking for a 9th grade up slot.


No way Langley should be on this list. We personally know many well qualified and affluent families who were turned down this year. It's a school with extroninary resources for its size, and with Potomac so hard to get into these days it's a focal point for many NOVA families. ACDS is also a little tougher than you'd think, although easier to get in than Langley.

As for Potomac - it's one of the top and most difficult schools to get into in the metro area. Just look back on this forum at all the people posting their rejections this year. As for being easier to get in the high school than K... I'd check your facts. With all the K-8 programs in NOVA, and all the applications from other DC area schools - it's a very tough get. Go take a look at Norwood's application/acceptance rates as posted on their website and compare the acceptance rates of top schools like Sidwell, GDS, Potomac, STA, etc. with some of the others. It's here: http://www.norwoodschool.org/welcome/admission/next_school_placement/index.aspx






Perhaps things have changed, perhaps the families I knew were just lucky. But 3 years ago 4 of the families I know who applied at the high school were accepted. 2 opted for other schools, but nonetheless were accepted.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Here is the list of the names we accumulated so far ---

Congressional
Barrie
ACDS
River School
New School
Sheridan
Washington Episcopal
Green Hedges
Green Acres
Browne
Langley
Grace Episcopal
St Andrews Episcopal
St Anselms
Montessori School of Northern Virginia
Field School
Westminster School
British School of Washington
NPS
WIS (maybe)
Pinecrest

Brookwood and Avalon were mentioned, but I could not find any data on them, perhaps someone else knows something about these schools???

And I want to make a comment -- I know that Potomac is sometimes mentioned as hard to gain entry, but for those of you who might be looking at the high school level, I am not so sure this is true. So, it might be worth a shot for those looking for a 9th grade up slot.


No way Langley should be on this list. We personally know many well qualified and affluent families who were turned down this year. It's a school with extroninary resources for its size, and with Potomac so hard to get into these days it's a focal point for many NOVA families. ACDS is also a little tougher than you'd think, although easier to get in than Langley.

As for Potomac - it's one of the top and most difficult schools to get into in the metro area. Just look back on this forum at all the people posting their rejections this year. As for being easier to get in the high school than K... I'd check your facts. With all the K-8 programs in NOVA, and all the applications from other DC area schools - it's a very tough get. Go take a look at Norwood's application/acceptance rates as posted on their website and compare the acceptance rates of top schools like Sidwell, GDS, Potomac, STA, etc. with some of the others. It's here: http://www.norwoodschool.org/welcome/admission/next_school_placement/index.aspx






Perhaps things have changed, perhaps the families I knew were just lucky. But 3 years ago 4 of the families I know who applied at the high school were accepted. 2 opted for other schools, but nonetheless were accepted.


The Norwood stats are likely more accurate than an anecdote.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote: it could also be because of some prestige factor, social networks, placement records for the next levels of schools (high school, college, etc), and so on.


Agree. A school is a package that goes far beyond the educational element. I don't have a school-age kid yet, but I would never choose a school only because of that. There is a reason for a top school to develop certain reputation and to become "coveted", so I would not ignore that. Some parents often take the moral high ground by ignoring other elements associated with schooling. Well, I would just say that they are fooling themselves.


Exactly. I don't think this gets addressed enough on this forum. A private school experience spans far beyond simply what is taught in the classroom. It includes valuable experiences like after school activities, sports, arts, field trips, opportunities for your child to meet and learn from interesting people (many of whom are other parents or friends of parents), parents club activities, fall/spring fairs, etc, etc, etc. Top private schools simply have more resources to devote to activities and experiences beyond the classroom - and its those activities and experiences that often have the biggest impact on the development of your child. This is why we have chosen to focus on a top independent school education for our kids.


And you're assuming anyone gives a rat's a _ _ about your reasons on this thread?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Post your recommendations here. What's great about the school? What kinds of kids flourish there?


OP,

Does tuition affect your decision? I know Catholic schools were mentioned. Some do offer a very solid foundation K-8. And tuition - even for non-parishioners - is not going to break the bank. My friend's daughter is starting K at our local private, and both she and her husband are not of the Catholic faith.

Their K assessment is not taxing either. The kids actually have fun going from one activity to the next. The results are used to design individualized instruction for each child.
Anonymous
OP, public schools are really good and easy to get into.
Anonymous
Nobody has mentioned Lowell..and that is less competitive. I know several children who have attended and have gone on to the more competitive schools for 7th grade on. I think most that apply do get in there and it looks like a beautiful school but really liberal and thats not for everyone.
Anonymous
Based on the Norwood link, I think we should add Bullis to the list of schools that are easier to get into. I would think Norwood and Langley are about the same as far as admissions competitiveness. You should probably also add Flint Hill if the others are on the list.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:This is why we have chosen to focus on a top independent school education for our kids.


And you're assuming anyone gives a rat's a _ _ about your reasons on this thread?

Actually, I was sort of entertained by her attempts to rationalize it all, vacillating between the vague references to "packages" -- a word that implies a lot while leaving tons unsaid -- and naming all the extra curriculars that any other self-respecting private school also offers in abundance. I'd like to see her come up with a real reason, having nothing to do with exmissions or snob appeal, as to why her choice is, it goes without saying, "best for her kid." I even sort of buy the exmissions argument, although even here we need to be careful because your talented kid may be lost in a sea of high achievers from Ivy legacy and well-known families, and we all know that Harvard only takes a few from each school.... But that PP was certainly unsuccessful in persuading us that it isn't largely about snob appeal!

But I agree, it doesn't belong in this thread. I do appreciate the effort to identify other great schools that are best for a broader range of kids. Back to the discussion, now....
Anonymous
I would add Burgundy Farm and St. Stephens St. Agnes in Alexandria. I know of a number of kids that were accepted at these schools this year and chose not to attend. I'm not suggesting that these are "lessor" schools or trying to be stir up trouble. What I see happening is Alexandria families choosing public school over private (and yes, this is a relatively new trend). As a result, all of our private schools appear to be less competitive (or perhaps less selective would be a better term). On the other hand - our publics are getting crowded again - and I'm one of the families that returned to private this year in a non-entry year and our child was accepted everywhere (which seemed pretty typical as well). To be fair, our child is a good student, a fun happy kid with no learning or social issues and high test scores. DC has always been a good kid - yet 4 years ago dc was accepted at 1 Alexandria school. This year 4 out of 4 Alexandria schools. From what I read on these boards we would not have fared as well in DC by any means. All of these Alexandria schools can be good for the right kid. I know many happy families at Burgundy, Browne, St. Stephens AND ACDS. I'm basing this comment on my own experience as a 2003 and 2008 private school applicant. If others have had a difficult time gaining acceptance recently, I urge you to post your experience.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:OP, public schools are really good and easy to get into.


Some are, some aren't. Depends on where you live (and/or can afford to live).
Anonymous
For sixth grade and up, I would add Edmund Burke in NW DC. Small school, solid academics, outstanding
usic, art, and theater.
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