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Private & Independent Schools
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. |
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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. |
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. |
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. |
And you're assuming anyone gives a rat's a _ _ about your reasons on this thread? |
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. |
| OP, public schools are really good and easy to get into. |
| 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. |
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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.
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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.... |
| 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. |
Some are, some aren't. Depends on where you live (and/or can afford to live). |
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For sixth grade and up, I would add Edmund Burke in NW DC. Small school, solid academics, outstanding
usic, art, and theater. |