St Alban's and NCS

[Anonymous]

My two cents is that it’s very self selecting. In my son’s grade, there are plenty of social boys who hangout more with NCS girls. Then there are plenty of boys who stick to the STA side of the close. I’ve seen that number increase as he’s gone through US with more “cross-pollination” as they age. For our family, it’s the perfect “all-boys” situation. But like everything else in eduction, some people have very strong opinions otherwise. Fine, don’t send your kids there, but also don’t dump on the choice made by us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at Beauvoir and considering next steps.

We recognize that St Alban's and NCS are among the very best schools in DC but are struggling with the question of if these are the environments we want to raise our kids.

I had friends in college who attended NCS and spoke about what a toxic environment it was - unhealthy competition, eating disorders. I remember thinking how glad I was this wasn't my experience. That was decades ago - is it better now?

We hear people rave about St. Alban's. But when we went on a tour it also felt a bit off to us. -- the high schoolers we interacted with on the tour seemed like great kids but all had this vibe of a bit neurotic and overwhelmed.

I have no doubt that these kids are getting excellent educations and learning how to navigate a high-achieving culture. But are these happy environments? Do kids emerge from schools well-adjusted and ready to thrive and enjoy life?

What do these schools do to actively support this healthy mindset, beyond teaching them to achieve academically?

Are there parents of kids at these school who have had similar doubts? Were those fears confirmed or were you pleasantly surprised?

Please do not respond if you have no experience with the school.

I find NCS and St Alban very strange. They pretend they still live in some traditional bubble from 100 years ago. But the building, the single sex, the location, and the tradition are so out of place in the current time. I got that they want to imitate Oxford or Cambridge. But they never really were contemporary. The Close feels so odd. Just a reminder: the National Cathedral was built in 1893. My grand-grandmother's chair was older.

Well, I find this statement (bolded) very strange. How is the location out of place in the current time? Single sex schools are more popular than ever, so you're wrong about that. And what "tradition" is so out of place in the current time?

Your entire post is based on personal feelings (a grudge?) that most people do not share.

First of all, the National Cathedral was built in modern times in a Gothic style. So, all of its associations are not part of a natural time.
All of the service, cathedral, and uniform are all things of the past. It is classic, maybe. But it is just so out of place in Teleytown.
Single sex schools are somewhat popular. Not than ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at Beauvoir and considering next steps.

We recognize that St Alban's and NCS are among the very best schools in DC but are struggling with the question of if these are the environments we want to raise our kids.

I had friends in college who attended NCS and spoke about what a toxic environment it was - unhealthy competition, eating disorders. I remember thinking how glad I was this wasn't my experience. That was decades ago - is it better now?

We hear people rave about St. Alban's. But when we went on a tour it also felt a bit off to us. -- the high schoolers we interacted with on the tour seemed like great kids but all had this vibe of a bit neurotic and overwhelmed.

I have no doubt that these kids are getting excellent educations and learning how to navigate a high-achieving culture. But are these happy environments? Do kids emerge from schools well-adjusted and ready to thrive and enjoy life?

What do these schools do to actively support this healthy mindset, beyond teaching them to achieve academically?

Are there parents of kids at these school who have had similar doubts? Were those fears confirmed or were you pleasantly surprised?

Please do not respond if you have no experience with the school.

I find NCS and St Alban very strange. They pretend they still live in some traditional bubble from 100 years ago. But the building, the single sex, the location, and the tradition are so out of place in the current time. I got that they want to imitate Oxford or Cambridge. But they never really were contemporary. The Close feels so odd. Just a reminder: the National Cathedral was built in 1893. My grand-grandmother's chair was older.

Well, I find this statement (bolded) very strange. How is the location out of place in the current time? Single sex schools are more popular than ever, so you're wrong about that. And what "tradition" is so out of place in the current time?

Your entire post is based on personal feelings (a grudge?) that most people do not share.

First of all, the National Cathedral was built in modern times in a Gothic style. So, all of its associations are not part of a natural time.
All of the service, cathedral, and uniform are all things of the past. It is classic, maybe. But it is just so out of place in Teleytown.
Single sex schools are somewhat popular. Not than ever.

It’s not in Tenleytown. And only the youngest girls (4-6th grades) wear uniforms. The National Cathedral is one of the most progressive churches around. Weird comments to make when they’re not even accurate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at Beauvoir and considering next steps.

We recognize that St Alban's and NCS are among the very best schools in DC but are struggling with the question of if these are the environments we want to raise our kids.

I had friends in college who attended NCS and spoke about what a toxic environment it was - unhealthy competition, eating disorders. I remember thinking how glad I was this wasn't my experience. That was decades ago - is it better now?

We hear people rave about St. Alban's. But when we went on a tour it also felt a bit off to us. -- the high schoolers we interacted with on the tour seemed like great kids but all had this vibe of a bit neurotic and overwhelmed.

I have no doubt that these kids are getting excellent educations and learning how to navigate a high-achieving culture. But are these happy environments? Do kids emerge from schools well-adjusted and ready to thrive and enjoy life?

What do these schools do to actively support this healthy mindset, beyond teaching them to achieve academically?

Are there parents of kids at these school who have had similar doubts? Were those fears confirmed or were you pleasantly surprised?

Please do not respond if you have no experience with the school.

I find NCS and St Alban very strange. They pretend they still live in some traditional bubble from 100 years ago. But the building, the single sex, the location, and the tradition are so out of place in the current time. I got that they want to imitate Oxford or Cambridge. But they never really were contemporary. The Close feels so odd. Just a reminder: the National Cathedral was built in 1893. My grand-grandmother's chair was older.

Well, I find this statement (bolded) very strange. How is the location out of place in the current time? Single sex schools are more popular than ever, so you're wrong about that. And what "tradition" is so out of place in the current time?

Your entire post is based on personal feelings (a grudge?) that most people do not share.

First of all, the National Cathedral was built in modern times in a Gothic style. So, all of its associations are not part of a natural time.
All of the service, cathedral, and uniform are all things of the past. It is classic, maybe. But it is just so out of place in Teleytown.
Single sex schools are somewhat popular. Not than ever.

It’s not in Tenleytown. And only the youngest girls (4-6th grades) wear uniforms. The National Cathedral is one of the most progressive churches around. Weird comments to make when they’re not even accurate.

But the whole vibe is repressive and strange. Most progressive church. I just don't get why being on the Close is a good thing. Fake old building and tourist spot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at Beauvoir and considering next steps.

We recognize that St Alban's and NCS are among the very best schools in DC but are struggling with the question of if these are the environments we want to raise our kids.

I had friends in college who attended NCS and spoke about what a toxic environment it was - unhealthy competition, eating disorders. I remember thinking how glad I was this wasn't my experience. That was decades ago - is it better now?

We hear people rave about St. Alban's. But when we went on a tour it also felt a bit off to us. -- the high schoolers we interacted with on the tour seemed like great kids but all had this vibe of a bit neurotic and overwhelmed.

I have no doubt that these kids are getting excellent educations and learning how to navigate a high-achieving culture. But are these happy environments? Do kids emerge from schools well-adjusted and ready to thrive and enjoy life?

What do these schools do to actively support this healthy mindset, beyond teaching them to achieve academically?

Are there parents of kids at these school who have had similar doubts? Were those fears confirmed or were you pleasantly surprised?

Please do not respond if you have no experience with the school.

I find NCS and St Alban very strange. They pretend they still live in some traditional bubble from 100 years ago. But the building, the single sex, the location, and the tradition are so out of place in the current time. I got that they want to imitate Oxford or Cambridge. But they never really were contemporary. The Close feels so odd. Just a reminder: the National Cathedral was built in 1893. My grand-grandmother's chair was older.

Well, I find this statement (bolded) very strange. How is the location out of place in the current time? Single sex schools are more popular than ever, so you're wrong about that. And what "tradition" is so out of place in the current time?

Your entire post is based on personal feelings (a grudge?) that most people do not share.

First of all, the National Cathedral was built in modern times in a Gothic style. So, all of its associations are not part of a natural time.
All of the service, cathedral, and uniform are all things of the past. It is classic, maybe. But it is just so out of place in Teleytown.
Single sex schools are somewhat popular. Not than ever.

It’s not in Tenleytown. And only the youngest girls (4-6th grades) wear uniforms. The National Cathedral is one of the most progressive churches around. Weird comments to make when they’re not even accurate.

But the whole vibe is repressive and strange. Most progressive church. I just don't get why being on the Close is a good thing. Fake old building and tourist spot.

And the parents are the rich, boring, preppy lawyers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at Beauvoir and considering next steps.

We recognize that St Alban's and NCS are among the very best schools in DC but are struggling with the question of if these are the environments we want to raise our kids.

I had friends in college who attended NCS and spoke about what a toxic environment it was - unhealthy competition, eating disorders. I remember thinking how glad I was this wasn't my experience. That was decades ago - is it better now?

We hear people rave about St. Alban's. But when we went on a tour it also felt a bit off to us. -- the high schoolers we interacted with on the tour seemed like great kids but all had this vibe of a bit neurotic and overwhelmed.

I have no doubt that these kids are getting excellent educations and learning how to navigate a high-achieving culture. But are these happy environments? Do kids emerge from schools well-adjusted and ready to thrive and enjoy life?

What do these schools do to actively support this healthy mindset, beyond teaching them to achieve academically?

Are there parents of kids at these school who have had similar doubts? Were those fears confirmed or were you pleasantly surprised?

Please do not respond if you have no experience with the school.

I find NCS and St Alban very strange. They pretend they still live in some traditional bubble from 100 years ago. But the building, the single sex, the location, and the tradition are so out of place in the current time. I got that they want to imitate Oxford or Cambridge. But they never really were contemporary. The Close feels so odd. Just a reminder: the National Cathedral was built in 1893. My grand-grandmother's chair was older.

Well, I find this statement (bolded) very strange. How is the location out of place in the current time? Single sex schools are more popular than ever, so you're wrong about that. And what "tradition" is so out of place in the current time?

Your entire post is based on personal feelings (a grudge?) that most people do not share.

First of all, the National Cathedral was built in modern times in a Gothic style. So, all of its associations are not part of a natural time.
All of the service, cathedral, and uniform are all things of the past. It is classic, maybe. But it is just so out of place in Teleytown.
Single sex schools are somewhat popular. Not than ever.

It’s not in Tenleytown. And only the youngest girls (4-6th grades) wear uniforms. The National Cathedral is one of the most progressive churches around. Weird comments to make when they’re not even accurate.

But the whole vibe is repressive and strange. Most progressive church. I just don't get why being on the Close is a good thing. Fake old building and tourist spot.

The oldest buildings are well over 100 years old. The cathedral itself, finished in the 1990s, is Gothic Revival. But I wouldn't call it fake.

[Anonymous]

NCS opened in 1900, so it's not from the renaissance, but it's not exactly new. I'm not sure what schools around are older -- maybe St Johns?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NCS opened in 1900, so it's not from the renaissance, but it's not exactly new. I'm not sure what schools around are older -- maybe St Johns?

PP here. Visi was founded in 1799. Old!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My two cents is that it’s very self selecting. In my son’s grade, there are plenty of social boys who hangout more with NCS girls. Then there are plenty of boys who stick to the STA side of the close. I’ve seen that number increase as he’s gone through US with more “cross-pollination” as they age. For our family, it’s the perfect “all-boys” situation. But like everything else in eduction, some people have very strong opinions otherwise. Fine, don’t send your kids there, but also don’t dump on the choice made by us.

Can we just post that as the headline to the entire Private School Forum?! Yes! Everything in education is polarizing and maybe this option isn't for you, but please don't dump on us for the decisions we made.

[Anonymous]

Both schools are the right fit for the right child. I have 2 girls at NCS. They both went to Beauvoir and both are doing very well academically. It's not perfect. No where is. Each class will have its own dynamics - good and bad. We considered looking elsewhere for my oldest and after touring a handful of schools, she decided that NCS was the right place for her. As for the parent community, it could be better. In fact, I think the NCS mom community has been the worst part of NCS. The cliques start with the moms trying to curate a certain experience for their girls. In fact, the part that has been weird for me is the number of girls who are at an academically rigorous all girls school whose end game is to marry rich. There a lot of wealthy superficial elite country club women - and those who are not but so desperately want to fit in and be invited to country clubs - at NCS. But there are also some amazing, genuine NCS moms who all want the same things for our girls. I have found my mom group and these women will be in my life forever.

As for STA, I know quite a few families there and for the most part they all seem happy. Again, not perfect. I have heard complaints about certain teachers but nothing that has risen to people considering leaving the school because of it. Parents that I know with kids at both schools, seem to generally prefer the way things are done at STA.

As for interaction between the girls at NCS and boys at STA, in my opinion, it's just the right balance. If I wanted my girls to go to schools with boys, we wouldn't be at an all girls school. I find it odd when parents complain about this. The only time were this is minimal interaction is lower school. By middle school they can do theater and sports together. As best as I can tell they aren't being deprives socially as there seems to be a fair amount of "dating" going on between the two schools.

Also, I don't think it's true that most of the Beauvoir kids leave. First, by the time US rolls around the Beauvoir kids don't make up the majority because after 4th grade entry year they add non BVR girls in 5th (a very small number), 6th (a whole class), 7th and 8th (possibly whole classes), and for 9th (a very large number). From LS to MS, a handful will leave. From MS to HS, 10 to 12 will leave. In both cases, it's just not girls who came from Beauvoir.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both schools are the right fit for the right child. I have 2 girls at NCS. They both went to Beauvoir and both are doing very well academically. It's not perfect. No where is. Each class will have its own dynamics - good and bad. We considered looking elsewhere for my oldest and after touring a handful of schools, she decided that NCS was the right place for her. As for the parent community, it could be better. In fact, I think the NCS mom community has been the worst part of NCS. The cliques start with the moms trying to curate a certain experience for their girls. In fact, the part that has been weird for me is the number of girls who are at an academically rigorous all girls school whose end game is to marry rich. There a lot of wealthy superficial elite country club women - and those who are not but so desperately want to fit in and be invited to country clubs - at NCS. But there are also some amazing, genuine NCS moms who all want the same things for our girls. I have found my mom group and these women will be in my life forever.

As for STA, I know quite a few families there and for the most part they all seem happy. Again, not perfect. I have heard complaints about certain teachers but nothing that has risen to people considering leaving the school because of it. Parents that I know with kids at both schools, seem to generally prefer the way things are done at STA.

As for interaction between the girls at NCS and boys at STA, in my opinion, it's just the right balance. If I wanted my girls to go to schools with boys, we wouldn't be at an all girls school. I find it odd when parents complain about this. The only time were this is minimal interaction is lower school. By middle school they can do theater and sports together. As best as I can tell they aren't being deprives socially as there seems to be a fair amount of "dating" going on between the two schools.

Also, I don't think it's true that most of the Beauvoir kids leave. First, by the time US rolls around the Beauvoir kids don't make up the majority because after 4th grade entry year they add non BVR girls in 5th (a very small number), 6th (a whole class), 7th and 8th (possibly whole classes), and for 9th (a very large number). From LS to MS, a handful will leave. From MS to HS, 10 to 12 will leave. In both cases, it's just not girls who came from Beauvoir.

+1 minus the last paragraph.

The numbers regarding new students for each grade (i.e. "whole classes") is not fully accurate nor is the number of Beauvoir students who leave. I find that most Beauvoir students are staying at NCS even if it is no longer the right fit for them.

100% for "The cliques start with the moms trying to curate a certain experience for their girls" -- this is true and very weird and maybe we all subconsciously do this, but it is weird at NCS. Parents will ignore you if they have already put you in a box and their daughters act the same way to their classmates.

That being said, overall, we are having a good experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Both schools are the right fit for the right child. I have 2 girls at NCS. They both went to Beauvoir and both are doing very well academically. It's not perfect. No where is. Each class will have its own dynamics - good and bad. We considered looking elsewhere for my oldest and after touring a handful of schools, she decided that NCS was the right place for her. As for the parent community, it could be better. In fact, I think the NCS mom community has been the worst part of NCS. The cliques start with the moms trying to curate a certain experience for their girls. In fact, the part that has been weird for me is the number of girls who are at an academically rigorous all girls school whose end game is to marry rich. There a lot of wealthy superficial elite country club women - and those who are not but so desperately want to fit in and be invited to country clubs - at NCS. But there are also some amazing, genuine NCS moms who all want the same things for our girls. I have found my mom group and these women will be in my life forever.

As for STA, I know quite a few families there and for the most part they all seem happy. Again, not perfect. I have heard complaints about certain teachers but nothing that has risen to people considering leaving the school because of it. Parents that I know with kids at both schools, seem to generally prefer the way things are done at STA.

As for interaction between the girls at NCS and boys at STA, in my opinion, it's just the right balance. If I wanted my girls to go to schools with boys, we wouldn't be at an all girls school. I find it odd when parents complain about this. The only time were this is minimal interaction is lower school. By middle school they can do theater and sports together. As best as I can tell they aren't being deprives socially as there seems to be a fair amount of "dating" going on between the two schools.

Also, I don't think it's true that most of the Beauvoir kids leave. First, by the time US rolls around the Beauvoir kids don't make up the majority because after 4th grade entry year they add non BVR girls in 5th (a very small number), 6th (a whole class), 7th and 8th (possibly whole classes), and for 9th (a very large number). From LS to MS, a handful will leave. From MS to HS, 10 to 12 will leave. In both cases, it's just not girls who came from Beauvoir.

+1 minus the last paragraph.

The numbers regarding new students for each grade (i.e. "whole classes") is not fully accurate nor is the number of Beauvoir students who leave. I find that most Beauvoir students are staying at NCS even if it is no longer the right fit for them.

100% for "The cliques start with the moms trying to curate a certain experience for their girls" -- this is true and very weird and maybe we all subconsciously do this, but it is weird at NCS. Parents will ignore you if they have already put you in a box and their daughters act the same way to their classmates.

That being said, overall, we are having a good experience.

The only people that behave this way are the small clusters of Chevy and Congo families. Thankfully at NCS they are not as prevalent as elsewhere. Overall, most of NCS is NOT that way at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at Beauvoir and considering next steps.

We recognize that St Alban's and NCS are among the very best schools in DC but are struggling with the question of if these are the environments we want to raise our kids.

I had friends in college who attended NCS and spoke about what a toxic environment it was - unhealthy competition, eating disorders. I remember thinking how glad I was this wasn't my experience. That was decades ago - is it better now?

We hear people rave about St. Alban's. But when we went on a tour it also felt a bit off to us. -- the high schoolers we interacted with on the tour seemed like great kids but all had this vibe of a bit neurotic and overwhelmed.

I have no doubt that these kids are getting excellent educations and learning how to navigate a high-achieving culture. But are these happy environments? Do kids emerge from schools well-adjusted and ready to thrive and enjoy life?

What do these schools do to actively support this healthy mindset, beyond teaching them to achieve academically?

Are there parents of kids at these school who have had similar doubts? Were those fears confirmed or were you pleasantly surprised?

Please do not respond if you have no experience with the school.

I find NCS and St Alban very strange. They pretend they still live in some traditional bubble from 100 years ago. But the building, the single sex, the location, and the tradition are so out of place in the current time. I got that they want to imitate Oxford or Cambridge. But they never really were contemporary. The Close feels so odd. Just a reminder: the National Cathedral was built in 1893. My grand-grandmother's chair was older.

Well, I find this statement (bolded) very strange. How is the location out of place in the current time? Single sex schools are more popular than ever, so you're wrong about that. And what "tradition" is so out of place in the current time?

Your entire post is based on personal feelings (a grudge?) that most people do not share.

First of all, the National Cathedral was built in modern times in a Gothic style. So, all of its associations are not part of a natural time.
All of the service, cathedral, and uniform are all things of the past. It is classic, maybe. But it is just so out of place in Teleytown.
Single sex schools are somewhat popular. Not than ever.

It’s not in Tenleytown. And only the youngest girls (4-6th grades) wear uniforms. The National Cathedral is one of the most progressive churches around. Weird comments to make when they’re not even accurate.

But the whole vibe is repressive and strange. Most progressive church. I just don't get why being on the Close is a good thing. Fake old building and tourist spot.

The oldest buildings are well over 100 years old. The cathedral itself, finished in the 1990s, is Gothic Revival. But I wouldn't call it fake.

Just a very vibe, old-man (though NCS is a woman) vibe of old money and power and glory to a certain past. No doubt the education is great. But I wonder how the students feel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both schools are the right fit for the right child. I have 2 girls at NCS. They both went to Beauvoir and both are doing very well academically. It's not perfect. No where is. Each class will have its own dynamics - good and bad. We considered looking elsewhere for my oldest and after touring a handful of schools, she decided that NCS was the right place for her. As for the parent community, it could be better. In fact, I think the NCS mom community has been the worst part of NCS. The cliques start with the moms trying to curate a certain experience for their girls. In fact, the part that has been weird for me is the number of girls who are at an academically rigorous all girls school whose end game is to marry rich. There a lot of wealthy superficial elite country club women - and those who are not but so desperately want to fit in and be invited to country clubs - at NCS. But there are also some amazing, genuine NCS moms who all want the same things for our girls. I have found my mom group and these women will be in my life forever.

As for STA, I know quite a few families there and for the most part they all seem happy. Again, not perfect. I have heard complaints about certain teachers but nothing that has risen to people considering leaving the school because of it. Parents that I know with kids at both schools, seem to generally prefer the way things are done at STA.

As for interaction between the girls at NCS and boys at STA, in my opinion, it's just the right balance. If I wanted my girls to go to schools with boys, we wouldn't be at an all girls school. I find it odd when parents complain about this. The only time were this is minimal interaction is lower school. By middle school they can do theater and sports together. As best as I can tell they aren't being deprives socially as there seems to be a fair amount of "dating" going on between the two schools.

Also, I don't think it's true that most of the Beauvoir kids leave. First, by the time US rolls around the Beauvoir kids don't make up the majority because after 4th grade entry year they add non BVR girls in 5th (a very small number), 6th (a whole class), 7th and 8th (possibly whole classes), and for 9th (a very large number). From LS to MS, a handful will leave. From MS to HS, 10 to 12 will leave. In both cases, it's just not girls who came from Beauvoir.

What experience??

[Anonymous]

They were/are intentional about their girls only befriending other rich, elite, country club belonging girls and they seek to hang out with boys from the same/similar kind of families. Their play dates, birthday parties, and other outside school hangouts were/are often exclusive to girls from similar backgrounds.