Based solely on academics, rank the top 5 private high schools in DC/VA/MD

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A typical student of a top private would not last a quarter at Basis, particularly if he/she/they entered later in the curriculum after (borderline irresponsible) middle school content acceleration has kicked in.. many of the top privates are already doing away with APs out of fear from having their students perform poorly. In contrast, Basis pushes a lot of APs and integrates the AP grades into the students course grades shown in their transcripts... meaning that if you flunk an AP there are real repercussions to the grade of that subject in the transcript... if you do well, there are good repercussions !

This is just BS. I assume you are talking about Basis DC?

Their average SAT last year:
Section Range Mean
Evidence-Based
Reading and Writing 500-780 638
Math 470-800 636
TOTALS 970-1580 1274

A FULL 200 points those from the top DC privates. I guess all those AP exams didn't actually translate into knowledge learned.

Also, PARCC scores:
73% are at or above grade level ELA
65% are at or above grade level math.

So again, it's such a wonderful school that 30-40% of kids are not even performing at grade level.

Your post is a joke.

BIM

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A typical student of a top private would not last a quarter at Basis, particularly if he/she/they entered later in the curriculum after (borderline irresponsible) middle school content acceleration has kicked in.. many of the top privates are already doing away with APs out of fear from having their students perform poorly. In contrast, Basis pushes a lot of APs and integrates the AP grades into the students course grades shown in their transcripts... meaning that if you flunk an AP there are real repercussions to the grade of that subject in the transcript... if you do well, there are good repercussions !

This is just BS. I assume you are talking about Basis DC?

Their average SAT last year:
Section Range Mean
Evidence-Based
Reading and Writing 500-780 638
Math 470-800 636
TOTALS 970-1580 1274

A FULL 200 points those from the top DC privates. I guess all those AP exams didn't actually translate into knowledge learned.

Also, PARCC scores:
73% are at or above grade level ELA
65% are at or above grade level math.

So again, it's such a wonderful school that 30-40% of kids are not even performing at grade level.

Your post is a joke.

No. The PP was talking about Basis, the private school in McLean, VA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WIS offers the hardest high school diploma anyone can obtain. The dual IB diploma. And the school has kids in top colleges in the US and around the world.

So I would definitely have them in the top five.

This.

WiS is a global brand. Others, day GDS for example, have zero recognition outside the DC elite bubble.

There is no way anyone can name a top 5 independent school. You can try to use college matriculation as a measure but honestly, we know that’s not very helpful. Also, WIS college matriculation looks no different than Maret, Gonzaga, or Prep for that matter.

In the world of DCUM the top schools will always be the most popular/elite schools.

Which will always be
NCS/STA
Sidwell
GDS
Maret
Holton

Maret does NOT belong in this group. It is a step below all of the schools listed above. There is nothing that distinguishes Maret from any other regular independent school found in random cities across the country. It’s a perfectly acceptable, yet very basic independent school.

No GDS is the one to go. There is a lot of hype for the school that is not backed up. It does not belong on the list. I really do not understand the hype around it.

Holton, Maret, NCS, STA, Sidwell

I disagree, and my children don’t attend Maret or GDS. Maret has no distinguishing characteristics. GDS is the academically rigorous, social justice-focused independent. In addition, GDS has the proud distinction of being Washington DC’s first racially integrated private school.

What makes Maret different from most other private schools?

What’s your definition of academically rigorous? If these students end up at the same college, does it matter? What metric are any of those posters even using?

Yes, it does matter. A more academically rigorous high school will better prepare you for college level classes. Google the article about Wilson’s valedictorian who attended Dartmouth. It wasn’t a smooth academic transition.

Before you respond that JR isn’t Maret, I contend that Wilson’s valedictorian would have probably done well at Maret.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WIS offers the hardest high school diploma anyone can obtain. The dual IB diploma. And the school has kids in top colleges in the US and around the world.

So I would definitely have them in the top five.

This.

WiS is a global brand. Others, day GDS for example, have zero recognition outside the DC elite bubble.

There is no way anyone can name a top 5 independent school. You can try to use college matriculation as a measure but honestly, we know that’s not very helpful. Also, WIS college matriculation looks no different than Maret, Gonzaga, or Prep for that matter.

In the world of DCUM the top schools will always be the most popular/elite schools.

Which will always be
NCS/STA
Sidwell
GDS
Maret
Holton

Maret does NOT belong in this group. It is a step below all of the schools listed above. There is nothing that distinguishes Maret from any other regular independent school found in random cities across the country. It’s a perfectly acceptable, yet very basic independent school.

No GDS is the one to go. There is a lot of hype for the school that is not backed up. It does not belong on the list. I really do not understand the hype around it.

Holton, Maret, NCS, STA, Sidwell

+1. Not dog in the fight but we found Maret a lot more compelling for various reasons but primarily a well-rounded offering. GDS athletics leaves a lot to be desired. I know this topic is just for academics. Buy many very smart kids want to be at a well rounded school which is why many of those student turn away from GDS and towards Sidwell and Maret.

Please stay on topic. The question was about academics and Maret is not up to GDS’ level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WIS offers the hardest high school diploma anyone can obtain. The dual IB diploma. And the school has kids in top colleges in the US and around the world.

So I would definitely have them in the top five.

This.

WiS is a global brand. Others, day GDS for example, have zero recognition outside the DC elite bubble.

There is no way anyone can name a top 5 independent school. You can try to use college matriculation as a measure but honestly, we know that’s not very helpful. Also, WIS college matriculation looks no different than Maret, Gonzaga, or Prep for that matter.

In the world of DCUM the top schools will always be the most popular/elite schools.

Which will always be
NCS/STA
Sidwell
GDS
Maret
Holton

Maret does NOT belong in this group. It is a step below all of the schools listed above. There is nothing that distinguishes Maret from any other regular independent school found in random cities across the country. It’s a perfectly acceptable, yet very basic independent school.

No GDS is the one to go. There is a lot of hype for the school that is not backed up. It does not belong on the list. I really do not understand the hype around it.

Holton, Maret, NCS, STA, Sidwell

+1. Not dog in the fight but we found Maret a lot more compelling for various reasons but primarily a well-rounded offering. GDS athletics leaves a lot to be desired. I know this topic is just for academics. Buy many very smart kids want to be at a well rounded school which is why many of those student turn away from GDS and towards Sidwell and Maret.

Please stay on topic. The question was about academics and Maret is not up to GDS’ level.

Hi GDS booster -- neither Maret nor GDS are up to the level of topv5 in the city.

So sorry.

[Anonymous]

BASIS DC is a charter not a private. The average at BASIS McLean is 1450 and a 33 ACT

This should end any discussion on academic rigor:

Basis: https://www.niche.com/k12/basis-independent-mclean-mclean-va/academics/

[Anonymous]

Here's the tally... all from niche.com

Indeed is among the top, but TJ (public) blows the competition.


Average scores:

TJ High School: 1530 (SAT), 34 (ACT)
Basis Mclean: 1470 (SAT0, 33 (ACT)
NCS/STA: 1420 (SAT), 33 (ACT)
Sidwell: 1430 (SAT), 33 (ACT)
GDS: 1420 (SAT), 33 (ACT)
Maret: 1370 (SAT), 31 (ACT)
Georgetown prep: 1350 (SAT), 31 (ACT)
Holton: 1390 (SAT), 32(ACT)
Bullis: 1270 (SAT), 29 (ACT)
WIS: 1340 (SAT), 31 (ACT)
Walt Whitman: 1360 (SAT), 31 (ACT)
Walter Johnson: 1310 (SAT), 30 (ACT)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WIS offers the hardest high school diploma anyone can obtain. The dual IB diploma. And the school has kids in top colleges in the US and around the world.

So I would definitely have them in the top five.

This.

WiS is a global brand. Others, day GDS for example, have zero recognition outside the DC elite bubble.

There is no way anyone can name a top 5 independent school. You can try to use college matriculation as a measure but honestly, we know that’s not very helpful. Also, WIS college matriculation looks no different than Maret, Gonzaga, or Prep for that matter.

In the world of DCUM the top schools will always be the most popular/elite schools.

Which will always be
NCS/STA
Sidwell
GDS
Maret
Holton

Maret does NOT belong in this group. It is a step below all of the schools listed above. There is nothing that distinguishes Maret from any other regular independent school found in random cities across the country. It’s a perfectly acceptable, yet very basic independent school.

No GDS is the one to go. There is a lot of hype for the school that is not backed up. It does not belong on the list. I really do not understand the hype around it.

Holton, Maret, NCS, STA, Sidwell

+1. Not dog in the fight but we found Maret a lot more compelling for various reasons but primarily a well-rounded offering. GDS athletics leaves a lot to be desired. I know this topic is just for academics. Buy many very smart kids want to be at a well rounded school which is why many of those student turn away from GDS and towards Sidwell and Maret.

Please stay on topic. The question was about academics and Maret is not up to GDS’ level.

Hi GDS booster -- neither Maret nor GDS are up to the level of topv5 in the city.

So sorry.

So I’m a GDS booster because I’m stating facts? Maret has no brand. It’s just a regular everyday private school. All of the top DC privates have rigorous academics and clearly defined brands.

I will say that Maret has improved its reputation in recent years. A generation ago, it was known as the private for not so smart students. The school you attended if you were counseled out of the Cathedral Schools/Sidwell/GDS. Perhaps in another generation, Burke will be where Maret is now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's the tally... all from niche.com

Indeed is among the top, but TJ (public) blows the competition.


Average scores:

TJ High School: 1530 (SAT), 34 (ACT)
Basis Mclean: 1470 (SAT0, 33 (ACT)
NCS/STA: 1420 (SAT), 33 (ACT)
Sidwell: 1430 (SAT), 33 (ACT)
GDS: 1420 (SAT), 33 (ACT)
Maret: 1370 (SAT), 31 (ACT)
Georgetown prep: 1350 (SAT), 31 (ACT)
Holton: 1390 (SAT), 32(ACT)
Bullis: 1270 (SAT), 29 (ACT)
WIS: 1340 (SAT), 31 (ACT)
Walt Whitman: 1360 (SAT), 31 (ACT)
Walter Johnson: 1310 (SAT), 30 (ACT)[/quote



Niche has no access to data. This is silly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d put Holton under St Anselms and Potomac

BS-- you have no idea

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d put Holton under St Anselms and Potomac

BS-- you have no idea

+1 That’s a joke

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WIS offers the hardest high school diploma anyone can obtain. The dual IB diploma. And the school has kids in top colleges in the US and around the world.

So I would definitely have them in the top five.

This.

WiS is a global brand. Others, day GDS for example, have zero recognition outside the DC elite bubble.

Ummm I think GDS may have national recognition, for better or worse, since it came up multiple times at the Supreme Court confirmation hearings last year for Trustee Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Anyhow I'll play
Sidwell
GDS
Cathedral Schools
St Anselm's
Maret
WIS
Potomac
Holton

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WIS offers the hardest high school diploma anyone can obtain. The dual IB diploma. And the school has kids in top colleges in the US and around the world.

So I would definitely have them in the top five.

This.

WiS is a global brand. Others, day GDS for example, have zero recognition outside the DC elite bubble.

There is no way anyone can name a top 5 independent school. You can try to use college matriculation as a measure but honestly, we know that’s not very helpful. Also, WIS college matriculation looks no different than Maret, Gonzaga, or Prep for that matter.

In the world of DCUM the top schools will always be the most popular/elite schools.

Which will always be
NCS/STA
Sidwell
GDS
Maret
Holton

Maret does NOT belong in this group. It is a step below all of the schools listed above. There is nothing that distinguishes Maret from any other regular independent school found in random cities across the country. It’s a perfectly acceptable, yet very basic independent school.

No GDS is the one to go. There is a lot of hype for the school that is not backed up. It does not belong on the list. I really do not understand the hype around it.

Holton, Maret, NCS, STA, Sidwell

+1. Not dog in the fight but we found Maret a lot more compelling for various reasons but primarily a well-rounded offering. GDS athletics leaves a lot to be desired. I know this topic is just for academics. Buy many very smart kids want to be at a well rounded school which is why many of those student turn away from GDS and towards Sidwell and Maret.

Please stay on topic. The question was about academics and Maret is not up to GDS’ level.

And what measurement are you using to make such assertion?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A typical student of a top private would not last a quarter at Basis, particularly if he/she/they entered later in the curriculum after (borderline irresponsible) middle school content acceleration has kicked in.. many of the top privates are already doing away with APs out of fear from having their students perform poorly. In contrast, Basis pushes a lot of APs and integrates the AP grades into the students course grades shown in their transcripts... meaning that if you flunk an AP there are real repercussions to the grade of that subject in the transcript... if you do well, there are good repercussions !

This is just BS. I assume you are talking about Basis DC?

Their average SAT last year:
Section Range Mean
Evidence-Based
Reading and Writing 500-780 638
Math 470-800 636
TOTALS 970-1580 1274

A FULL 200 points those from the top DC privates. I guess all those AP exams didn't actually translate into knowledge learned.

Also, PARCC scores:
73% are at or above grade level ELA
65% are at or above grade level math.

So again, it's such a wonderful school that 30-40% of kids are not even performing at grade level.

Your post is a joke.

BASIS DC is a charter not a private. The average at BASIS McLean is 1450 and a 33 ACT

Yes, basis DC is a charter that has to accept anyone that lotteries in. And they have done amazing things in the short few years since they’ve been open.

-non Basis parent but DC parent that is thrilled with their work.

Also:
BASIS DC has 100% acceptance into 4 year colleges and universities, with an average merit scholarship of $150,000 per student.

This is great for a lottery only school that’s only had a couple of graduating classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Which lower school is best for instilling critical thinking skills while also teaching solid foundational skills?

SFS (don’t like their new picture math methods tho), PDS, Potomac, Maret lower schools have solid instruction and materials.