St. Pats vs NPS
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Anonymous
| My husband and I are debating between NPS and St. Pats nursery for our son. Can anyone help with pros and cons of each school? We've heard great things about both and are having a hard time deciding. Also, where do most kids end up after leaving these schools? Thanks! |
Anonymous
| Go with the one that is the easiest commute. |
Anonymous
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OP, if you're looking for nursery, you're clearly new at this, but please --- you're talking about nursery. Where "most kids go" after these schools is hardly relevant to you now because a) if you've done any research at all, you know that they all go pretty much to the same schools when they finish at either NPS or St. Pats and b) you're years away from that and things can really change.
Just pick one. They are both good schools and in many way, interchangeable. |
Anonymous
| I agree that outplacement is very similar for these schools. And commute, especially through the years, matters. But I also think the schools have subtle yet important distinctions in their cultures. Did you feel that one of them felt like it was a better fit on your visits? |
Anonymous
| They're both great and very similar in many ways. You can't go wrong. We chose NPS and have had a great experience for both our kids. We also have friends at St. Pat's who feel the same way. |
Anonymous
| Thanks. I really like how, for nursery, NPS is smaller and therefore seemingly more comforting to our son. That being said, as he ages, I like how St. Pats seems more spacious for an active boy. Can you expand on the cultural differences? |
Anonymous
I can't speak to St. Pats, but I can say that I have one high energy boy at NPS and it has been an amazing experience for him and our family. They get plenty of recess time (3-4 per day), and also have PE, drama, and music where they get to move around. The school recently did a renovation, and is now much more expansive than previously. I can't say enough great things about NPS - it is truly a loving, nurturing, welcoming place. Good luck with your decision! |
Anonymous
| We chose NPS and a big deciding factor for us was having an opportunity to speak with their 6th graders. They are poised, well prepared, and grounded in a way that impressed us. You can look for the child you have now but it's wise to keep an eye out for the child he/she will become at the school. |
Anonymous
I'm an NPS parent and certainly agree with this, but, to be fair, most of the schools in this area turn out kids who are poised, well prepared and grounded in a way that will impress you. |
Anonymous
| Pick wherever you field the most comfortable. Both are good choices. I would recommend factoring commute as well. It makes a HUGE difference. |
Anonymous
| These schools are maybe five minutes apart. I am not sure commute would be a deciding factor. These are both terrific schools. Our kids are at St. Pats and both love the school. We have a boy and a girl so can say the experience is terrific for either sex. I do wish St. Pats had uniforms that would be one thing to think about although I am overruled on this by my daughter. I also like the green space at St. Pats--it's a lot for a city school and their new field is amazing but we are a sporty family so playing fields are meaningful for us. I also like the 7th and 8th grade program at St. Pats-I wanted to avoid the girl drama and so far so good. |
Anonymous
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Disagree about commute. If you are in Bethesda, Chevy Chase DC, forest hills and Cleveland park or even EOTP, nps is more convenient.
If you are in NoVa, Palisades or Georgetown, ST. Pats might be more convenient. Wesley Heights and Spring Valley would be a toss up. |
Anonymous
Ha... five minute apart when.... on a Sunday morning at 3:00 a.m.? |
Anonymous
No need to be nasty. I commute to St. Pat's from the farthest east part of Chevy Chase & the part between NPS & St. Pat's is about 5 minutes, maybe 8 It is not a bad commute at all. As with all commutes, you find a route that works and, it becomes a routine. When we were applying, we were also choosing between St. Pat's & NPS. Staying untip 8th grade in the smaller setting was very important to us. I want that type of comfort zone for my kids during the middle school years. They are both lovely scchools, so you won't make a mistake no matter which way you go. Congratupations on getting this far! |
Anonymous
Thanks everyone. So I will just go ahead and ask the obvious question, which is more prestigious and has a better reputation? I hate sounding stuck up but if I have to choose, I would like to know the views on the schools.....and yes, I'm aware I'm applying for nursery, however I would like the best for my child. I don't see any fault in that. Thanks so much
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