Reputation of St. John's College HS and other "normal" privates

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess Sheldon now is a Sidwell parent, because onlySheldon would feel obliged to make an off-topic correction where the math estimate was really very close, but off by ONE student.

You do know that Sheldon actually attends GDS (at least the actor portraying).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unnecessary to correct misstatements of fact?

You should know you’re not allowed to say anything about Sidwell that can remotely be perceived as a compliment. If you dare, someone will race to the post to put you “snobby Sidwell parents” in your place!

Please. The thread is expressly NOT about Sidwell. Second, it wasn't a misstatement. PP offered an average range among a group of schools for a broad comparison. So yes, unnecessary to point out this year's actual number for one of those schools. Nobody cares if it's 10, 11, or zero.

This thread may not be about Sidwell, but the OP mentioned Sidwell in his/her initial post. Since then, several other posters have invoked Sidwell’s name. In case you weren’t aware, conversations are allowed to organically evolve and include additional information.


Btw, Sidwell’s average number of NMSFs over the past 3 years is ~12 so the PP would still be wrong. You don’t have to care about the number of Sidwell’s NMSFs, but I care about accuracy. I will continue to correct the record where I see fit. You will deal.

Your "correction" is wrong because you are "correcting" something that was never posited. Read better.

Why are you so insecure about Sidwell? It's a great school. Relax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't see SJC mentioned much at all here. I wonder if it's because it's not one of the top schools, is affordable for normies, and doesn't carry the pretense some of the other more famous privates do. Is that right? We are not from the area and feel a little lost navigating the world of private schools. Both went to fairly elite private schools back home where everyone just kinda intutively knows which schools are the "rich kid schools", the "smart kid schools", "the artsy kid schools", etc. I fantasize sometimes about sending my kids to one of the cathedral schools, for example but I think financially, it's just not gonna be in the cards for us. I am trying to explore what I think of as the second tier schools like Gonzaga, possibly SJC, etc. I don't mean to denigrate any of these schools in any way; I don't know enough about any of them to have much to say positively or negatively. Just talking about tuition alone. Based on what I can gather, we would not qualify for aid but at the same time, $50k+ per child would be pretty uncomfortable for us. I ask about SJC specifically because we live nearby and I just saw on their website that tuition could be doable for us. But I'm really interested in learning about the general reputations of any schools outside of the STA/NCS, Sidwell, GDS, realm where the doctors, lawyers, and otherwise elite send their kids.

Lol bec it’s for dummies who waste their money on a bad private whe. Public is better.

Financially at Johns is a stupid Decision not to mention indoctrination instead of actual learning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see SJC mentioned much at all here. I wonder if it's because it's not one of the top schools, is affordable for normies, and doesn't carry the pretense some of the other more famous privates do. Is that right? We are not from the area and feel a little lost navigating the world of private schools. Both went to fairly elite private schools back home where everyone just kinda intutively knows which schools are the "rich kid schools", the "smart kid schools", "the artsy kid schools", etc. I fantasize sometimes about sending my kids to one of the cathedral schools, for example but I think financially, it's just not gonna be in the cards for us. I am trying to explore what I think of as the second tier schools like Gonzaga, possibly SJC, etc. I don't mean to denigrate any of these schools in any way; I don't know enough about any of them to have much to say positively or negatively. Just talking about tuition alone. Based on what I can gather, we would not qualify for aid but at the same time, $50k+ per child would be pretty uncomfortable for us. I ask about SJC specifically because we live nearby and I just saw on their website that tuition could be doable for us. But I'm really interested in learning about the general reputations of any schools outside of the STA/NCS, Sidwell, GDS, realm where the doctors, lawyers, and otherwise elite send their kids.

Lol bec it’s for dummies who waste their money on a bad private whe. Public is better.

Financially at Johns is a stupid Decision not to mention indoctrination instead of actual learning.

Your spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and ability to proofread are excellent recommendations for public school. /s

[Anonymous]

It’s fascinating how Sidwell dominates so many conversations about schools in the DC Metro (both on DCUM and IRL). For example, this thread is supposed to be about SJC’s reputation, but even the OP can’t resist name checking Sidwell in the first post. That rarely happens in the reverse (unless the discussion is about sports).

Sidwell must love the consistent free publicity. As Oscar Wilde once said, “There’s only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to reality.

SJC is a great school, and it is well worth visiting and learning about its various programs (Benile and Scholars). As noted, it's larger many of the others, which is a plus to some and a negative to others. They recruit heavily for key sports so unless your child is truly exceptional keep that in mind. That said, they have lots of other sports and activities to consider, as well. Talk to some of the parents who have kids there (we know many), and they'll give it a big thumbs up. We know families whose kids got into GP, Gonzaga, Visi and SR and opted for SJC, so treating it like a second-class citizen is misguided.

And no, I don't have a child there (opted to go to a smaller school) or work there...

Does this mean if a kid isn't a stellar athlete, they're less likely to get in? Or are you saying that if kid is interested in sports but is just an average player, they may be disappointed to be left off varsity teams because so many spots will go to athletic recruits? Or do you mean that academics may be hindered because some kids are in the school just because of sports and may slow down other kids in the classroom?

SJC admits plenty of kids who aren't brilliant athletes. But those kids are not likely to end up as three year varsity athletes on the basketball, baseball, football or lax teams. Other sports are less insanely competitive, e.g. crew.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s fascinating how Sidwell dominates so many conversations about schools in the DC Metro (both on DCUM and IRL). For example, this thread is supposed to be about SJC’s reputation, but even the OP can’t resist name checking Sidwell in the first post. That rarely happens in the reverse (unless the discussion is about sports).

Sidwell must love the consistent free publicity. As Oscar Wilde once said, “There’s only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”

Psst: a Sidwell parent interjected and caused this.

[Anonymous]

You want service, but also love of God, family and country.

Getting back to the actual point of this post, this is why people choose Catholic education. SJC is a great school, and I could not care less how it stacks up against Sidwell, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't see SJC mentioned much at all here. I wonder if it's because it's not one of the top schools, is affordable for normies, and doesn't carry the pretense some of the other more famous privates do. Is that right? We are not from the area and feel a little lost navigating the world of private schools. Both went to fairly elite private schools back home where everyone just kinda intutively knows which schools are the "rich kid schools", the "smart kid schools", "the artsy kid schools", etc. I fantasize sometimes about sending my kids to one of the cathedral schools, for example but I think financially, it's just not gonna be in the cards for us. I am trying to explore what I think of as the second tier schools like Gonzaga, possibly SJC, etc. I don't mean to denigrate any of these schools in any way; I don't know enough about any of them to have much to say positively or negatively. Just talking about tuition alone. Based on what I can gather, we would not qualify for aid but at the same time, $50k+ per child would be pretty uncomfortable for us. I ask about SJC specifically because we live nearby and I just saw on their website that tuition could be doable for us. But I'm really interested in learning about the general reputations of any schools outside of the STA/NCS, Sidwell, GDS, realm where the doctors, lawyers, and otherwise elite send their kids.

If you are on the MD side, B-CC is just as good or better. JR is a mixed bag with DCPS. We felt SJC was just a public school and way to focused on athletics. Very big difference b/t the athletic facilities and rest of the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see SJC mentioned much at all here. I wonder if it's because it's not one of the top schools, is affordable for normies, and doesn't carry the pretense some of the other more famous privates do. Is that right? We are not from the area and feel a little lost navigating the world of private schools. Both went to fairly elite private schools back home where everyone just kinda intutively knows which schools are the "rich kid schools", the "smart kid schools", "the artsy kid schools", etc. I fantasize sometimes about sending my kids to one of the cathedral schools, for example but I think financially, it's just not gonna be in the cards for us. I am trying to explore what I think of as the second tier schools like Gonzaga, possibly SJC, etc. I don't mean to denigrate any of these schools in any way; I don't know enough about any of them to have much to say positively or negatively. Just talking about tuition alone. Based on what I can gather, we would not qualify for aid but at the same time, $50k+ per child would be pretty uncomfortable for us. I ask about SJC specifically because we live nearby and I just saw on their website that tuition could be doable for us. But I'm really interested in learning about the general reputations of any schools outside of the STA/NCS, Sidwell, GDS, realm where the doctors, lawyers, and otherwise elite send their kids.

If you are on the MD side, B-CC is just as good or better. JR is a mixed bag with DCPS. We felt SJC was just a public school and way to focused on athletics. Very big difference b/t the athletic facilities and rest of the school.

There are lots of kids from Bethesda in bounds for Whitman, BCC, Churchill, etc. that attend SJC. I don't believe they are all athletes (but I am sure some are athletes).

Lots from Olney and that area as well which I never quite understood because Good Counsel is right there...but the ones I know were recruited athletes...though again, never understood it as I assume Good Counsel would also recruit them as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see SJC mentioned much at all here. I wonder if it's because it's not one of the top schools, is affordable for normies, and doesn't carry the pretense some of the other more famous privates do. Is that right? We are not from the area and feel a little lost navigating the world of private schools. Both went to fairly elite private schools back home where everyone just kinda intutively knows which schools are the "rich kid schools", the "smart kid schools", "the artsy kid schools", etc. I fantasize sometimes about sending my kids to one of the cathedral schools, for example but I think financially, it's just not gonna be in the cards for us. I am trying to explore what I think of as the second tier schools like Gonzaga, possibly SJC, etc. I don't mean to denigrate any of these schools in any way; I don't know enough about any of them to have much to say positively or negatively. Just talking about tuition alone. Based on what I can gather, we would not qualify for aid but at the same time, $50k+ per child would be pretty uncomfortable for us. I ask about SJC specifically because we live nearby and I just saw on their website that tuition could be doable for us. But I'm really interested in learning about the general reputations of any schools outside of the STA/NCS, Sidwell, GDS, realm where the doctors, lawyers, and otherwise elite send their kids.

We are both lawyers and send our DD to Georgetown Visitation. I've found a lot of lawyers, doctors and diplomat parents at the school. But you also have your share of sort of air head legacy moms so it balances it out.

Come on. Be fair. There are lawyer and doctor legacy moms as well. Correct?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess Sheldon now is a Sidwell parent, because onlySheldon would feel obliged to make an off-topic correction where the math estimate was really very close, but off by ONE student.

You do know that Sheldon actually attends GDS (at least the actor portraying).

Wasn’t that a completely unsubstantiated rumor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see SJC mentioned much at all here. I wonder if it's because it's not one of the top schools, is affordable for normies, and doesn't carry the pretense some of the other more famous privates do. Is that right? We are not from the area and feel a little lost navigating the world of private schools. Both went to fairly elite private schools back home where everyone just kinda intutively knows which schools are the "rich kid schools", the "smart kid schools", "the artsy kid schools", etc. I fantasize sometimes about sending my kids to one of the cathedral schools, for example but I think financially, it's just not gonna be in the cards for us. I am trying to explore what I think of as the second tier schools like Gonzaga, possibly SJC, etc. I don't mean to denigrate any of these schools in any way; I don't know enough about any of them to have much to say positively or negatively. Just talking about tuition alone. Based on what I can gather, we would not qualify for aid but at the same time, $50k+ per child would be pretty uncomfortable for us. I ask about SJC specifically because we live nearby and I just saw on their website that tuition could be doable for us. But I'm really interested in learning about the general reputations of any schools outside of the STA/NCS, Sidwell, GDS, realm where the doctors, lawyers, and otherwise elite send their kids.

If you are on the MD side, B-CC is just as good or better. JR is a mixed bag with DCPS. We felt SJC was just a public school and way to focused on athletics. Very big difference b/t the athletic facilities and rest of the school.

There are lots of kids from Bethesda in bounds for Whitman, BCC, Churchill, etc. that attend SJC. I don't believe they are all athletes (but I am sure some are athletes).

Lots from Olney and that area as well which I never quite understood because Good Counsel is right there...but the ones I know were recruited athletes...though again, never understood it as I assume Good Counsel would also recruit them as well.

SJC has 1,300 students. I'd be willing to bet that at least 60% of them come from Montgomery County with a high concentration from towns that are served by BCC, WJ, Whitman, etc, etc.

That's 800 families who choose SJC instead of one of the Montgomery County high schools. That's a lot of people who apparently don't agree that BCC and similar schools are "better". That the supporters of the public schools don't understand why, doesn't matter.

17% of all kids in Montgomery County don't attend the public schools. In the western part of the County, it's probably 25% or more.

[Anonymous]

St. John’s is fairly unique amongst the private school offerings in the DMV in that it is not just Catholic, but it also has a long military tradition. While no longer affiliated with JROTC, the current Cadet Corps program is an important and visible component of the school. Love of country is baked into the DNA of the school. It’s a gem of a school that is incredibly diverse racially and economically. In a region that is a bastion of progressive ideology almost to the exclusion of all other viewpoints, SJC provides a home to families and students looking for more traditional values. They provide tremendous service to the surrounding community and we are lucky to have them. Definitely give the school a look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SJC is mentioned quite a bit, so not sure what you are talking about.

I assume you know it and other WCAC schools are considered sports powerhouses, so don't think your kid can just show up and play many sports if not recruited.

Solid academically, but not crazy amounts of homework. Produced 2 NMSFs this year vs. anywhere from 6-10 at GDS, Sidwell, STA just to give you some benchmark.

Good size...1200 kids total vs. 300 at STA, 600ish at Sidwell/GDS.

I’m chiming in to provide accurate information about Sidwell. Sidwell produced 11 NMSFs this year (the highest # I’ve seen at Sidwell, in recent memory, was 16). Sidwell has ~500 students in the US.

Sidwell has about 125 in the senior class with 11 NMSF for 2024-2025. That is 8%.

BIM has 24 in the senior class with 3 NMSF for 2024-2025. That is 12.5%

If you are looking for a great private school in the DMV, consider BIM. The school has been rated as the #1 private school in the DMV (Sidwell is #2).

https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-private-high-schools/m/washington-dc-metro-area/

I don’t put much stock in Niche rankings (for obvious reasons). However, out of curiosity, what was BIM ranked in 2023? 2022 and earlier?

If you want to send your child to a bargain basement for-profit school (with a public charter pedigree), I’ll leave you to it. It appears that only about 25 families/year are interested in that…interesting experiment.
I wonder why? Actually, I don’t.

I believe BIM was still ranked #1 in those year and as far back as 2021