What schools were not what you expected when you visited them in person?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:St. Andrews was not what we expected. Great vibe and gorgeous facilities.

I agree that the vibe was much more down to earth than I expected, but I did expect that with that price tag, the campus would be lovely (and it is).

[Anonymous]

NCS’ campus is absolutely gorgeous, and we really did like Maret’s campus. GDS’ campus was alright, for us the curb appeal wasn’t there.

[Anonymous]

We we underwhelmed by NPS facilities, though the community far made up for average space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell. Culture was completely not what I expected. Declined admission.

+1! I totally agree

Would love to hear elaboration on this.

Why does Sidwell seem like it’s on a downhill trajectory? Concerning.

I did not expect much from Sidwell but was completely amazed by the culture and DC ended up going. Has been an amazing experience.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, we really liked Maret's facilities. We only saw the lower school and middle school but we're clean and shiny with a nice feel. Potomac was gorgeous. I kept thinking my kids would take a step down when they went to college! But the vibe wasn't for us.

[Anonymous]

What was the vibe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We we underwhelmed by NPS facilities, though the community far made up for average space.

The outdoor space is not huge, but the indoor is bright, cheery and well maintained.

[Anonymous]

IMO, Potomac has nice buildings, but the campus itself was a jumbled mess with not enough forethought given to layout.

[Anonymous]

In Big 3 since K. Decided to look around for hs. Attend one of the schools listed below but don’t want to blow our cover:

GDS - facilities were fine but culture, especially for hs, not was DC looking for.

Did Maret and St. Andrews back to back. Maret wouldn’t have looked so bad but St. Andrews is amazing facility wise. Culture better for DC at Maret.

Sidwell - college campus weird kids (per my DC).

WIS - well taken care of but tired facility. Best culture of the lot. Really enjoyed kids and teachers.

Looked at single sex Catholic schools too. Most had really nice facilities and kids were happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IMO, Potomac has nice buildings, but the campus itself was a jumbled mess with not enough forethought given to layout.

Really? Hunh. I don’t agree. Thinks it’s a great campus - open and lots of green space but well designed and sensible. Kids always have some exposure to outdoors New athletic building will be amazing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell. Culture was completely not what I expected. Declined admission.

+1! I totally agree

Would love to hear elaboration on this.

Why does Sidwell seem like it’s on a downhill trajectory? Concerning.

Obviously it isn't for you. For those who are there, they seem pretty happy with the facilities, the faculty and the program. Not every school is the right fit for every kid.

[Anonymous]

Re: comment that a part of the main building was not what poster "expected." 20 years or so ago, the main building burned down - very much like the recent Notre Dame tragedy. Turned out in many way so be great for them. Old building had not even been air-conditioned. When they rebuilt it, they did a beautiful job - and have followed up on that with major efforts to modernize and rebuild the whole campus, continuing til today when they have a major class rebuilding going on. It's not a rich school, owned and run by an old order of nuns, but it is really beautiful and well-built and modern about 90%, very soon to be 100%. And the girls there love it!

[Anonymous]

Sorry, talking about Visitation rebuild just above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell. Culture was completely not what I expected. Declined admission.

+1! I totally agree

Would love to hear elaboration on this.

Why does Sidwell seem like it’s on a downhill trajectory? Concerning.

Interesting that you have posted this exact comment on multiple threads. What is concerning is your slight odd obsession.....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In Big 3 since K. Decided to look around for hs. Attend one of the schools listed below but don’t want to blow our cover:

GDS - facilities were fine but culture, especially for hs, not was DC looking for.

Did Maret and St. Andrews back to back. Maret wouldn’t have looked so bad but St. Andrews is amazing facility wise. Culture better for DC at Maret.

Sidwell - college campus weird kids (per my DC).

WIS - well taken care of but tired facility. Best culture of the lot. Really enjoyed kids and teachers.

Looked at single sex Catholic schools too. Most had really nice facilities and kids were happy.

Having been at Maret, I am surprised it would be a fit if you are even willing to consider singlensex Catholics. Each DC is different of course but suggest more diligence might be due.