Class Size at Catholic School NOVA-alexandria

[Anonymous]

We are moving to NOVA -- I have been looking in the Alexandria area, but I am having a challenge finding the right school for my daughter. We hoped for a Catholic School, but I have been dismayed with most of my tours. So far we viewed St. Louis (the children looked defeated and the staff didn't seem to even acknowledge the children in the hall). St. Rita (nice, but I was concerned with the facilities, no gym, no lunchroom). St. Bernadette (29 kids in the class for first grade, the principal seemed ignorant about the school curriculum and then I was told the Pastor of the Church is not kid friendly), I took a whirlwind tour of Blessed Sacrament (in my quick tour, this was a contender but again the class size seemed way too big, I didn't have time to judge the faculty/student interaction). I skipped St Marys because of the reviews I was reading. Maybe I should take another look.

Finally, I went out to St. Michaels in Annandale -- The facilities seemed nice and the class sizes were small. The school was closed during my tour, so I missed the faculty/student dynamic on my tour. My only concern is the views of the pastor. I don't mind conservative, but he seems fixated on an anti-gay crusade. His writings frankly concern me.

Anyone have any advice or thoughts on these or other schools within the vicinity? Falls Church area may be too far of a drive -- I probably can't afford a home in the Arlington area, so I am worried about not finding a home in that area and the commute to those schools --

Thoughts? Please help-- Really was hoping for an affordable, community Catholic School.

[Anonymous]

Hi, Not sure when you went to St Louis but your impression could not be further from the truth. It is a great school with a very warm environment.

[Anonymous]

People seem to like St. Ann and St. Agnes in Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Are you looking for next year? What grade? You may have limited options regardless as some of these schools maintain a wait list (and have already sent out acceptances for next year).

Several neighbors of mine love St. Louis, but I think they frequently have a wait list for K. My kids go to St. Mary's, and we've had an excellent experience, but I know they always maintain a wait list, and it sounds like you're not interested anyway. We didn't get into BS a couple years ago, even though we were the first nonparishioner application they received that year. I've heard things were different this school year, and they had some openings. We liked St. Agnes in Arlington, but again I believe they typically have a wait list. Doesn't mean you couldn't get off the wait list at any of these schools, but I'm not sure you'll be able to just pick the one you like best at this point, particularly if you're looking for K.

Nativity is in Burke, which is generally an affordable area. I don't know anything about it, but I see it mentioned from time yo time

[Anonymous]

So far, during my tours, only StRita was at capacity. The other schools may have had only limited spots. I realize my window is closing, but since I havent found a school I am stuck. Hoping that the right place and a spot will open for me.

[Anonymous]

By the way first grade and yes, next year.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't count St Rita out because of lack of gym and cafeteria. My kids transferred there from public school and I have found the academics to be better. The kids don't miss the cafeteria at all, and aside from figuring out basketball practice they don't miss the gym.

[Anonymous]

Thank you. If I can find a home near st Rita, I would try to get in there. They really did seem to have the right focus and a great handle on academics. But I am afraid of the location. Maybe I should consider at least putting myself on the wait list. I was afraid of my child feeling confined to one classroom. You haven't seen this?

[Anonymous]

Love blessed sacrament!

[Anonymous]

The kids have recess at least twice a day outside as well as art, music, library, computer lab, and chapel. They don't just sit in their classroom all day. They are going somewhere at least every two hours and that doesn't count going to specials.

[Anonymous]

Blessed Sacrament is great, but I heard from a friend who is a parishioner (but admits she doesn't attend mass all the time & her husband is not a member) that she got waitlisted...

[Anonymous]

I would never consider a school without a gym. It doesn't need a cafeteria, but schools should have indoor gym facilities.

[Anonymous]

How about Queen of Apostles in Alexandria?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How about Queen of Apostles in Alexandria?

Good school. The classes are very small (1:14) - same curriculum as everyone else (science, Spanish, art, mass, etc). The principal is an educator and they seemed to have loosened up a bit. Huge gym and a playground.

The best part is the before care - drop off is EARLY so it really helps in the morning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are moving to NOVA -- I have been looking in the Alexandria area, but I am having a challenge finding the right school for my daughter. We hoped for a Catholic School, but I have been dismayed with most of my tours. So far we viewed St. Louis (the children looked defeated and the staff didn't seem to even acknowledge the children in the hall). St. Rita (nice, but I was concerned with the facilities, no gym, no lunchroom). St. Bernadette (29 kids in the class for first grade, the principal seemed ignorant about the school curriculum and then I was told the Pastor of the Church is not kid friendly), I took a whirlwind tour of Blessed Sacrament (in my quick tour, this was a contender but again the class size seemed way too big, I didn't have time to judge the faculty/student interaction). I skipped St Marys because of the reviews I was reading. Maybe I should take another look.

Finally, I went out to St. Michaels in Annandale -- The facilities seemed nice and the class sizes were small. The school was closed during my tour, so I missed the faculty/student dynamic on my tour. My only concern is the views of the pastor. I don't mind conservative, but he seems fixated on an anti-gay crusade. His writings frankly concern me.

Anyone have any advice or thoughts on these or other schools within the vicinity? Falls Church area may be too far of a drive -- I probably can't afford a home in the Arlington area, so I am worried about not finding a home in that area and the commute to those schools --

Thoughts? Please help-- Really was hoping for an affordable, community Catholic School.

I don't think makes sense to skip any potential school based solely on reviews -- particularly if you are talking about reviews on this forum. You should actually go look at a school and make up your own mind.