St. Anselm's Abbey High School

[Anonymous]

And is legacy a hook for applicants from public school whose family isn't super-rich?

[Anonymous]

I trust that most families make the right choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New poster here. What I have heard or get a sense from friends at the Abby is that the academics are incredibly rigorous. I almost get a sense that workload-wise, it might not be that far from if not similar to the schools deemed pressure cookers in the DMV. The fact that Abbey students enter starting in 6th grade to me implies that the student body is heavily if not completely self-selecting for this level of rigor. Most of the top schools that it is being compared to enroll students starting in Kindergarten. There's no way then that all of those grade school kids are all on top of their game come high-school. It just doesn't work that way.

Why then is Saint Anslems being shamed for not being as strong academically as these other schools where 30-50% of their student body may be those who started in elementary school and would not necessarily all be as sharp as those who self-selected the school in the more challenging middle and high school years?

The workload at SAAS would break top students at most competitors. The idea that it is “not as strong academically” is completely inconsistent with reality.

But it IS consistent with its track record of failing to send kids to top colleges on par with schools you want to view as its peers.

Ok. So let’s say you are right. What exactly is your point? Or is that your point? And to what end? So you can sneer at the school? Which you’ve done. Now move on because really who cares? Why do you?

We are happy with the school. DS is getting a good education among peers he likes. That’s enough for us as I’m sure is enough for many other families at the Abbey.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New poster here. What I have heard or get a sense from friends at the Abby is that the academics are incredibly rigorous. I almost get a sense that workload-wise, it might not be that far from if not similar to the schools deemed pressure cookers in the DMV. The fact that Abbey students enter starting in 6th grade to me implies that the student body is heavily if not completely self-selecting for this level of rigor. Most of the top schools that it is being compared to enroll students starting in Kindergarten. There's no way then that all of those grade school kids are all on top of their game come high-school. It just doesn't work that way.

Why then is Saint Anslems being shamed for not being as strong academically as these other schools where 30-50% of their student body may be those who started in elementary school and would not necessarily all be as sharp as those who self-selected the school in the more challenging middle and high school years?

The workload at SAAS would break top students at most competitors. The idea that it is “not as strong academically” is completely inconsistent with reality.

But it IS consistent with its track record of failing to send kids to top colleges on par with schools you want to view as its peers.

Ok. So let’s say you are right. What exactly is your point? Or is that your point? And to what end? So you can sneer at the school? Which you’ve done. Now move on because really who cares? Why do you?

We are happy with the school. DS is getting a good education among peers he likes. That’s enough for us as I’m sure is enough for many other families at the Abbey.

Well said

[Anonymous]

I have no connection with the Abbey, but it’s pretty obvious from its description that it’s not the kind of place that attracts parents obsessed with top tier college admissions. That’s a WASPY, striver thing.

[Anonymous]

Based on DS’ high school experience at SAAS, I would call out a few additional benefits: Some really small classes, almost tutorials, and the ability to pursue independent study means strong faculty relationships. The 4-year religion requirement provides an incredible foundation for rigorous thought and precision of written expression, especially from a philosophical perspective. A willingness by the administration to meet the students where they are at in terms of advanced study and create opportunities/classes to meet those needs. A super dedicated performing arts faculty that punches way above its weight for theater especially and musical performance. Fun and interesting annual spring break and summer study/travel opportunities (Greece, Spain, Italy, Ireland). A rare 4-year Arabic language program that provides many students with additional opportunities for competitive scholarships and high school study abroad (like NYSLI). All that, plus nice boys and a lovely parent community.

WRT to workload, it was an adjustment in 9th grade but then fell into the groove and 3-4 hours of work per night in 11-12 doesn’t jive with what we see. Probably more like an hour during the school day in free periods and an hour or so at home. More intensive time investment on weekends when papers due or tests in some of the tougher subjects for him. All in all, pretty normal.

Definitely recommend it for the right fit student. A visit should pretty quickly rule it in or out for your DS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Based on DS’ high school experience at SAAS, I would call out a few additional benefits: Some really small classes, almost tutorials, and the ability to pursue independent study means strong faculty relationships. The 4-year religion requirement provides an incredible foundation for rigorous thought and precision of written expression, especially from a philosophical perspective. A willingness by the administration to meet the students where they are at in terms of advanced study and create opportunities/classes to meet those needs. A super dedicated performing arts faculty that punches way above its weight for theater especially and musical performance. Fun and interesting annual spring break and summer study/travel opportunities (Greece, Spain, Italy, Ireland). A rare 4-year Arabic language program that provides many students with additional opportunities for competitive scholarships and high school study abroad (like NYSLI). All that, plus nice boys and a lovely parent community.

WRT to workload, it was an adjustment in 9th grade but then fell into the groove and 3-4 hours of work per night in 11-12 doesn’t jive with what we see. Probably more like an hour during the school day in free periods and an hour or so at home. More intensive time investment on weekends when papers due or tests in some of the tougher subjects for him. All in all, pretty normal.

Definitely recommend it for the right fit student. A visit should pretty quickly rule it in or out for your DS.

Everything you say is true except for the HW load. Our son has about the 3 or 4 hours of work daily. But he is not the most efficient of students. But if you are a bright kid, this is an amazing school. The boys are such nice kids and having the monks on campus has been such a great experience. The religion classes are more philosophy type classes that are rigorous and thought provoking. You could not ask for a better community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on DS’ high school experience at SAAS, I would call out a few additional benefits: Some really small classes, almost tutorials, and the ability to pursue independent study means strong faculty relationships. The 4-year religion requirement provides an incredible foundation for rigorous thought and precision of written expression, especially from a philosophical perspective. A willingness by the administration to meet the students where they are at in terms of advanced study and create opportunities/classes to meet those needs. A super dedicated performing arts faculty that punches way above its weight for theater especially and musical performance. Fun and interesting annual spring break and summer study/travel opportunities (Greece, Spain, Italy, Ireland). A rare 4-year Arabic language program that provides many students with additional opportunities for competitive scholarships and high school study abroad (like NYSLI). All that, plus nice boys and a lovely parent community.

WRT to workload, it was an adjustment in 9th grade but then fell into the groove and 3-4 hours of work per night in 11-12 doesn’t jive with what we see. Probably more like an hour during the school day in free periods and an hour or so at home. More intensive time investment on weekends when papers due or tests in some of the tougher subjects for him. All in all, pretty normal.

Definitely recommend it for the right fit student. A visit should pretty quickly rule it in or out for your DS.

Everything you say is true except for the HW load. Our son has about the 3 or 4 hours of work daily. But he is not the most efficient of students. But if you are a bright kid, this is an amazing school. The boys are such nice kids and having the monks on campus has been such a great experience. The religion classes are more philosophy type classes that are rigorous and thought provoking. You could not ask for a better community.

Maybe not your DS’ experience re time spent on homework, but true for ours nonetheless. FWIW, DS having zero issues with the workload at a top-tier college — beyond well prepared.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, the most important point here is that the Abbey provides a wonderful education, hands down. College outcomes *can* be one of many measures to evaluate the quality of a high school education, and the school sends enough boys to well-known colleges to affirm that, if that matters to you. But just because boys also go to schools outside the so-called "top tier" doesn't mean they didn't receive a strong, challenging, and inspiring education. Choosing a college is the result of a whole host of variables, tangible and intangible. Schools turned down by last year's graduates include Vanderbilt, Columbia, Berkeley, and Notre Dame (yes, I am a parent). Some of those boys went to schools that might have a perceived lower "brand value" for a number of well-considered reasons. I think they should be applauded for being thoughtful enough to go to a place that feels right for them instead of defaulting to the school with the biggest name. To me, that is evidence enough of a sound education.

Adding that grads also turned down Georgia Tech, Georgetown, UT Austin, USC, Middlebury, Swarthmore, Claremont McKenna, etc. All to echo that the choices made by SAAS grads really are as PP says above. Getting to know the boys in a class over the years, it’s actually tremendous to see how each young man makes the decision that’s right for him without as much of the pressure to go name-brand or bust. A positive reflection on the boys and culture of the school IMHO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Georgia Tech, Georgetown, UT Austin, USC, Middlebury, Swarthmore, Claremont McKenna

None of these are "name brand" schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Georgia Tech, Georgetown, UT Austin, USC, Middlebury, Swarthmore, Claremont McKenna

None of these are "name brand" schools.

So is it ivy or bust for you? Sorry to disappoint. Schools listed are really good schools even if you don’t think so.

[Anonymous]

I didn't say they weren't "really good" schools. Name brand and quality aren't the same thing.

[Anonymous]

If they aren’t the same thing, I’d much prefer to send my son to a “really good school” than a “name brand” school, and I’m glad the boys at the Abbey are focusing on quality and not just subjective reputation alone.

And FWIW, USC, Georgetown, Middlebury, and Swarthmore have gargantuan name recognition in their respective category of college (research university or liberal arts).

[Anonymous]

I don't understand your point -- what does turning down really good schools with limited name recognition prove exactly?

P.S. The general public outside the DCUM bubble (both in the US and around the world) has basically no clue about USC, Georgetown, Middlebury, and Swarthmore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand your point -- what does turning down really good schools with limited name recognition prove exactly?

P.S. The general public outside the DCUM bubble (both in the US and around the world) has basically no clue about USC, Georgetown, Middlebury, and Swarthmore.

And they think Penn State is far superior to University of Pennsylvania. Not sure why this matters. IYKYK.