Best catholic in the DC area?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gonzaga is NOT as strong as St. Anselm's. St. Anselm's is the most rigorous private in DC, including St. Alban's.

The belligerence of your post and the fact that you have to compare yourself to St. Albans in a post belies an inferiority complex. Rigor can be defined in a number of different ways, as most thoughtful minds would agree. Your response comes off as a mindlessly knee-jerk.

As an objective observer, I will note that St. Albans has a higher success rate in terms of admissions to Ivies and other elite colleges than St. Anselm's. Perhaps that's because colleges prefer a different kind of rigor -- that which is demonstrated by the scholar-athlete who must balance the life of the mind with sportsmanship.

It was not knee jerk, it was in the Washington Post ranking.

Haha... You said washington post... As if it's an authority in anything.

As opposed to your opinion?

Different poster here, but PP was not claiming to be an authority. PP was questioning whether WP could be considered one. The fact that St. Anselm's is listed on a Washington Post ranking certainly doesn't mean that it's more rigorous than any other school. The methodology behind most such rankings are quite flawed, and it's a rather ignorant response to cite the WP as an authority in supporting the argument that it's not a "knee-jerk. mindless" statement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gonzaga is NOT as strong as St. Anselm's. St. Anselm's is the most rigorous private in DC, including St. Alban's.

The belligerence of your post and the fact that you have to compare yourself to St. Albans in a post belies an inferiority complex. Rigor can be defined in a number of different ways, as most thoughtful minds would agree. Your response comes off as a mindlessly knee-jerk.

As an objective observer, I will note that St. Albans has a higher success rate in terms of admissions to Ivies and other elite colleges than St. Anselm's. Perhaps that's because colleges prefer a different kind of rigor -- that which is demonstrated by the scholar-athlete who must balance the life of the mind with sportsmanship.

It was not knee jerk, it was in the Washington Post ranking.

Haha... You said washington post... As if it's an authority in anything.

As opposed to your opinion?

Different poster here, but PP was not claiming to be an authority. PP was questioning whether WP could be considered one. The fact that St. Anselm's is listed on a Washington Post ranking certainly doesn't mean that it's more rigorous than any other school. The methodology behind most such rankings are quite flawed, and it's a rather ignorant response to cite the WP as an authority in supporting the argument that it's not a "knee-jerk. mindless" statement.

So again, what is your data point besides your opinion?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gonzaga is NOT as strong as St. Anselm's. St. Anselm's is the most rigorous private in DC, including St. Alban's.

The belligerence of your post and the fact that you have to compare yourself to St. Albans in a post belies an inferiority complex. Rigor can be defined in a number of different ways, as most thoughtful minds would agree. Your response comes off as a mindlessly knee-jerk.

As an objective observer, I will note that St. Albans has a higher success rate in terms of admissions to Ivies and other elite colleges than St. Anselm's. Perhaps that's because colleges prefer a different kind of rigor -- that which is demonstrated by the scholar-athlete who must balance the life of the mind with sportsmanship.

It was not knee jerk, it was in the Washington Post ranking.

Haha... You said washington post... As if it's an authority in anything.

As opposed to your opinion?

Different poster here, but PP was not claiming to be an authority. PP was questioning whether WP could be considered one. The fact that St. Anselm's is listed on a Washington Post ranking certainly doesn't mean that it's more rigorous than any other school. The methodology behind most such rankings are quite flawed, and it's a rather ignorant response to cite the WP as an authority in supporting the argument that it's not a "knee-jerk. mindless" statement.

So again, what is your data point besides your opinion?

HHI works pretty well... There are many studies to back it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Academically: St. Anselms, GP, GZ, SJC (unless your in scholars program then it's just as good as GZ or GP), and Dematha.
Sports: Dematha, SJC/GZ, GP, St. Anselms
St. Anselms is way behind the other schools in sports. Even GP is pretty far behind thise three other schools. Dematha is a sports power house. While GZ and SJC are both sports power houses to buy just not as much.

Why does The Heights get overlooked? Geography? Reputation for Conservatism? They are great academically and sports-wise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Academically: St. Anselms, GP, GZ, SJC (unless your in scholars program then it's just as good as GZ or GP), and Dematha.
Sports: Dematha, SJC/GZ, GP, St. Anselms
St. Anselms is way behind the other schools in sports. Even GP is pretty far behind thise three other schools. Dematha is a sports power house. While GZ and SJC are both sports power houses to buy just not as much.

Why does The Heights get overlooked? Geography? Reputation for Conservatism? They are great academically and sports-wise.

I agree The Heights is seldom discussed on this forum. We just went through the high school application process for DS. We looked at GZ, SJC, GP, St. Anselms, and The Heights. The Heights would have been the most convenient location wise, but he just did not like it that much on his shaddow day, so we did not apply. I think it is partly due to the fact that it starts in middle school, and he was looking for a situation where all kids were new in 9th grade.

He also did not like GP. Not sure why. Also location wise a good option, but thankful he passed on that one based solely on the outrageous tuition.

Finally, we didn't bother with St. Anselms mainly because of location. It seems like a wonderful place, but the commute would be too difficult for us.

[Anonymous]

The Heights is a small school that runs grades 3-12. It is single sex, so that deters some kids. It is a very conservative school so it isn't for everyone. My son attends and loves it. The academics are great and the sports are fine (not neccessarily on par with some of the bigger Catholics for most sports).

The school is really well loved by the students and their families. My son has really matured, become more independent, and found a new love for learning. He is surrounded by great kids and has motivated, interesting, and inspiring teachers. He has several mentors and looks up to them for advice on much more than just school matters. He wakes up happy and excited to go to school each day. As a parent, I can't ask for much more.

I am neither conservative, nor Catholic, but we have been welcomed by the staff and families alike. I am sure that there are many other wonderful Catholic schools out there, too, but I feel so lucky to have my son at the Heights. I definitely suggest visiting several schools to find one that suits your child the best. Even the best school may not be the best match for your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:St Anselms for academics. Dematha for sports. GZ for both with SJC a close second and a good alternative as its coed.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St. Anselm's is the most rigorous for academics, but the student body tends to be quite introverted and nerdy, so not a good cultural fit for everyone. But, the silver lining is that almost anyone can make a sports team at St. Anselm's, but it is hard to play at GZ or SJC or DeMatha if one is not a gifted athlete.

After St. Anselm's, GP, GZ, and SJC all have similar academics. SJC has a broader range of academic abilities (including a program for kids with learning disabilities), but the top students at all 3 of these schools will have similar characteristics.

DD has a few friends at St. Anselm's. Last year they invited her to a mixer at school. After about an hour she was ready to leave. I asked her why, and she replied it was just too dry. ^ poster hit the nail on the head, introverted and nerdy, and there's nothing wrong with that. I wish my DD was more a nerd ten times over..lol

This is one of those things that just doesn't change. 20 years on, as a local and a product of one of the girls' schools, I find I relate the most to men who went to St. Anselm's. As a kid, I was introverted and nerdy, so there you go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Academically: St. Anselms, GP, GZ, SJC (unless your in scholars program then it's just as good as GZ or GP), and Dematha.
Sports: Dematha, SJC/GZ, GP, St. Anselms
St. Anselms is way behind the other schools in sports. Even GP is pretty far behind thise three other schools. Dematha is a sports power house. While GZ and SJC are both sports power houses to buy just not as much.

Why does The Heights get overlooked? Geography? Reputation for Conservatism? They are great academically and sports-wise.

People are seriously creeped out by the Opus Dei. Full stop. Look, no one doubts or argues with the excellent education, but the rigidity of the dogma is, in many ways, in direct opposition to an emphasis on strong critical thinking skills.

[Anonymous]

We are not Opus Dei and that did not matter a whit at the Heights. This has to be the most forgiving school I've ever encountered. Perhaps because they are so Catholic and have to believe in redemption.

[Anonymous]

GP is a good school for an outgoing kid, who does well academically and who wants to actually play (not warm the bench) multiple sports each year. The academics are solid, and the coaches work together to support multi-sport athletes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Academically: St. Anselms, GP, GZ, SJC (unless your in scholars program then it's just as good as GZ or GP), and Dematha.
Sports: Dematha, SJC/GZ, GP, St. Anselms
St. Anselms is way behind the other schools in sports. Even GP is pretty far behind thise three other schools. Dematha is a sports power house. While GZ and SJC are both sports power houses to buy just not as much.

Why does The Heights get overlooked? Geography? Reputation for Conservatism? They are great academically and sports-wise.

People are seriously creeped out by the Opus Dei. Full stop. Look, no one doubts or argues with the excellent education, but the rigidity of the dogma is, in many ways, in direct opposition to an emphasis on strong critical thinking skills.

I disagree. I am liberal, my kids thrive at The Heights. You actually have to build strong critical thinking skills to have beliefs that are different than your environment. It's just another form of diversity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Anselms for academics. Dematha for sports. GZ for both with SJC a close second and a good alternative as its coed.

This.

Agree but missing some schools. Again, where would you put The Heights and Georgetown Prep? I'm guessing:

St Anselms Academics
The Heights Academics
GZ both sports & academics
Georgetown Prep both academics and sports
St. John's both academics and sports
DeMatha sports

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Academically: St. Anselms, GP, GZ, SJC (unless your in scholars program then it's just as good as GZ or GP), and Dematha.
Sports: Dematha, SJC/GZ, GP, St. Anselms
St. Anselms is way behind the other schools in sports. Even GP is pretty far behind thise three other schools. Dematha is a sports power house. While GZ and SJC are both sports power houses to buy just not as much.

Why does The Heights get overlooked? Geography? Reputation for Conservatism? They are great academically and sports-wise.

People are seriously creeped out by the Opus Dei. Full stop. Look, no one doubts or argues with the excellent education, but the rigidity of the dogma is, in many ways, in direct opposition to an emphasis on strong critical thinking skills.

I disagree. I am liberal, my kids thrive at The Heights. You actually have to build strong critical thinking skills to have beliefs that are different than your environment. It's just another form of diversity.

How is The Heights at accepting new kids in 9th grade who are not Catholic and are liberal? I am falling in love with their curriculum but wondering how my son would do. He is bright, sensitive, appreciates athletics but not real sporty and has severe executive functioning / organizational challenges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Academically: St. Anselms, GP, GZ, SJC (unless your in scholars program then it's just as good as GZ or GP), and Dematha.
Sports: Dematha, SJC/GZ, GP, St. Anselms
St. Anselms is way behind the other schools in sports. Even GP is pretty far behind thise three other schools. Dematha is a sports power house. While GZ and SJC are both sports power houses to buy just not as much.

Why does The Heights get overlooked? Geography? Reputation for Conservatism? They are great academically and sports-wise.

People are seriously creeped out by the Opus Dei. Full stop. Look, no one doubts or argues with the excellent education, but the rigidity of the dogma is, in many ways, in direct opposition to an emphasis on strong critical thinking skills.

I disagree. I am liberal, my kids thrive at The Heights. You actually have to build strong critical thinking skills to have beliefs that are different than your environment. It's just another form of diversity.

How is The Heights at accepting new kids in 9th grade who are not Catholic and are liberal? I am falling in love with their curriculum but wondering how my son would do. He is bright, sensitive, appreciates athletics but not real sporty and has severe executive functioning / organizational challenges.

Very accepting. But there s no "learning center" so help for executive functioning skills would be outside tutoring.

St. Johns has a program for kids with LDs.