What are the best independent schools ranked 1 - 8 ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I take a certain solace in periodically coming to this board and finding discussions of the Big 3 or the Big 5. It's comforting to know that no matter how asinine this discussion is there seems to be no stopping it, either by consensus or attrition. And this week's post serves as further confirmation that hell remains balmy with no sign of freeze.

Why is it important that we recognize three schools as "Big" anything? It clearly is not helpful to a wide swath of private school parents who would never send their kids to two of these schools because they are affiliated with religious institutions. I pass no judgment on the quality of education at STA or NCS, but they aren't options for many people. Do the people that send kids to these schools need to feel better that their kids are going to a "Big" school? Being a part of a coalition of schools doesn't mean a thing; it's the educational experience that best suits your child that matters. The Ivy League (named so because it was originally compromised of four schools - written as IV in roman numerals) now has eight members. People aren't getting their hackles about being OG Ivy though. And virtually every ranking system scores Stanford, Duke, MIT, CalTech and UChicago above roughly half of the schools in the Ivy League. We accept all this, but yet not two weeks goes by when someone isn't on this Board trying to create tiers and status largely based on the DC of the 1950s (GDS didn't even exist before 1945; Potomac's high school started in 1987, etc.).

Historically, there were Big 3 Broadcasters (NBC, CBS, and ABC) and Big 3 Automakers (GM, Chrysler and Ford). But a sizable number of you get your news from Fox or Jon Stewart and drive Teslas. And I still can't get an adequate explanation of why the BigTen has 14 members...

May I suggest more interesting conversations about the Big 3? Perhaps causes of divorce (alcoholism, adultery, being an a$$hole), or personality traits of DCUM P&IS posters (insecurity, overachievement, paranoia). We need to recognize that labels like the Big 3 can be toxic, divisive and harmful to students by placing more of an emphasis on status and tradition than on student well-being and educational outcomes.

I'll be back in a few weeks for my favorite post: What were you doing when you got the acceptance. In the interim I hope everyone finds some Bolivian marching powder and well needed perspective.

You realize the same can be said for parents that want religious schools? They would not select some schools that did not offer religion? Must look at both sides when you are making an argument.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, the Big 3 echo chamber

Hate us cause they ain’t us

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I take a certain solace in periodically coming to this board and finding discussions of the Big 3 or the Big 5. It's comforting to know that no matter how asinine this discussion is there seems to be no stopping it, either by consensus or attrition. And this week's post serves as further confirmation that hell remains balmy with no sign of freeze.

Why is it important that we recognize three schools as "Big" anything? It clearly is not helpful to a wide swath of private school parents who would never send their kids to two of these schools because they are affiliated with religious institutions. I pass no judgment on the quality of education at STA or NCS, but they aren't options for many people. Do the people that send kids to these schools need to feel better that their kids are going to a "Big" school? Being a part of a coalition of schools doesn't mean a thing; it's the educational experience that best suits your child that matters. The Ivy League (named so because it was originally compromised of four schools - written as IV in roman numerals) now has eight members. People aren't getting their hackles about being OG Ivy though. And virtually every ranking system scores Stanford, Duke, MIT, CalTech and UChicago above roughly half of the schools in the Ivy League. We accept all this, but yet not two weeks goes by when someone isn't on this Board trying to create tiers and status largely based on the DC of the 1950s (GDS didn't even exist before 1945; Potomac's high school started in 1987, etc.).

Historically, there were Big 3 Broadcasters (NBC, CBS, and ABC) and Big 3 Automakers (GM, Chrysler and Ford). But a sizable number of you get your news from Fox or Jon Stewart and drive Teslas. And I still can't get an adequate explanation of why the BigTen has 14 members...

May I suggest more interesting conversations about the Big 3? Perhaps causes of divorce (alcoholism, adultery, being an a$$hole), or personality traits of DCUM P&IS posters (insecurity, overachievement, paranoia). We need to recognize that labels like the Big 3 can be toxic, divisive and harmful to students by placing more of an emphasis on status and tradition than on student well-being and educational outcomes.

I'll be back in a few weeks for my favorite post: What were you doing when you got the acceptance. In the interim I hope everyone finds some Bolivian marching powder and well needed perspective.

You realize the same can be said for parents that want religious schools? They would not select some schools that did not offer religion? Must look at both sides when you are making an argument.

To the extent the author is making an argument, I think you've misapprehended it. The point seems to be that the title "Big 3" is meaningless as it doesn't denominate the best three schools in the area, the largest schools in the area, the major schools in the area, etc. That point seems true regardless of whether parents want or don't want religion as part of an educational experience.

[Anonymous]

Sidwell
NCS/STA
GDS
Holton/Maret/Potomac
St. Anselm

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell
NCS/STA
GDS
Holton/Maret/Potomac
St. Anselm

NCS/STA
Sidwell
GDS/Holton/Maret/Potomac (don't see difference in either of these schools)
Visi/Landon

[Anonymous]

Big 3 is a dated, elitist concept.

Someone should come up with something new.

Maybe OG3 - Sidwell, NCS/STA, the traditional old guard

And the New9 - Sidwell, GDS, Holton Arms, Potomac, STA, NCS, Maret, BIM, Madeira

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Big 3 is a dated, elitist concept.

Someone should come up with something new.

Maybe OG3 - Sidwell, NCS/STA, the traditional old guard

And the New9 - Sidwell, GDS, Holton Arms, Potomac, STA, NCS, Maret, BIM, Madeira

The Big 3 is like the confederate statues they are taking down all over the country. The statues had their moment and now it is time for them to live in a museum somewhere.

There are so many great schools in this area! Shine a light on more of them and encourage each family to find their best individual fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Top academic schools:
Sidwell
GDS
Holton
Ncs/STA

I love how you snuck Holton in there

I certainly didn't "sneak" it in there. Based on what I know, I think Holton is right up there with these other schools.

You totally did. You go!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Big 3 is a dated, elitist concept.

Someone should come up with something new.

Maybe OG3 - Sidwell, NCS/STA, the traditional old guard

And the New9 - Sidwell, GDS, Holton Arms, Potomac, STA, NCS, Maret, BIM, Madeira

BIM booster, you are as relentless as the insufferable Maryland booster. It is no where in the same league as the other schools on your list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Big 3 is a dated, elitist concept.

Someone should come up with something new.

Maybe OG3 - Sidwell, NCS/STA, the traditional old guard

And the New9 - Sidwell, GDS, Holton Arms, Potomac, STA, NCS, Maret, BIM, Madeira

BIM booster, you are as relentless as the insufferable Maryland booster. It is no where in the same league as the other schools on your list.

1) BIM
2) Holton
BIG GAP
\/
\/
\/
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3) Sidwell
4)GDS
5) ST A/ NCS
6 - 8) tied: Bullis, Potomac, Prep

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Big 3 is a dated, elitist concept.

Someone should come up with something new.

Maybe OG3 - Sidwell, NCS/STA, the traditional old guard

And the New9 - Sidwell, GDS, Holton Arms, Potomac, STA, NCS, Maret, BIM, Madeira

BIM booster, you are as relentless as the insufferable Maryland booster. It is no where in the same league as the other schools on your list.

And you always bite. So insecure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell
NCS/STA
GDS
Holton/Maret/Potomac
St. Anselm

NCS/STA
Sidwell
GDS/Holton/Maret/Potomac (don't see difference in either of these schools)
Visi/Landon

🤣🤣🤣🤣 “Landon”🤣🤣🤣🤣. Thanks, I needed that laugh today

[Anonymous]

Landon is an outstanding school for boys. Yes, it has a higher acceptance rate than some of the others listed here. But still an excellent option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Landon is an outstanding school for boys. Yes, it has a higher acceptance rate than some of the others listed here. But still an excellent option.

SAT cheaters and girlfriend beaters. No thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1) the school my kid goes to and I think makes other envious.
2) a school that is similar to my kid’s school. “We” got accepted but turned it down.
3) see #2
4) some school that gets mentioned a lot but I know nothing about.
5) the school my friend’s kids go to.
6) a school that wait listed my kid.
7) a really bad school.
8) the school that b#$ch Jane’s kids got in to but rejected my kid…screw you!

This is so perfect.