St Andrew's diversity

[Anonymous]

Hi,
Does anyone know about how many students are Jewish at St. Andrew's in Potomac. Tour guide there said 10%.

Also for anyone with students there now or in the past- how religious is the weekly chapel for middle and high schoolers? Will a non - christian student feel uncomfortable? Do the teachers and staff do a good job of making sure they feel welcome during chapel?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I can think of 2 jewish families that have kids at St. Andrews and they seem pretty happy there. Maybe the school can let you talk to one?

[Anonymous]

Thanks. That's good to hear. I know of a few but not direct friends so will try to reach out via mutual friends.

[Anonymous]

The website here: https://www.saes.org/page/about/at-a-glance

say 46% POC and that's seems correct to me.


We're a current family here in upper school. There are quite a few Jewish families as well. It's very diverse.They have a diversity officer and quite a few teachers as well.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info!
Good to hear.
Love the emphasis on community service and faith at the school just don't want anyone trying to convert my child or make them feel less welcome. Doesn't seem like religion will be an issue there, which is nice!

[Anonymous]

Really?

Christmas and Easter celebrations?

Any crucifixes?

[Anonymous]

I mean that it sounds like it won’t be an issue that he is not Christian. I’d prefer a none religious school but I like everything else about the school. I’m ok with Christmas songs etc.

[Anonymous]

They are very inclusive and respectful of all religions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are very inclusive and respectful of all religions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi,
[b]Does anyone know about how many students are Jewish at St. Andrew's in Potomac. Tour guide there said 10%. [i]

Also for anyone with students there now or in the past- how religious is the weekly chapel for middle and high schoolers? Will a non - christian student feel uncomfortable? Do the teachers and staff do a good job of making sure they feel welcome during chapel?

Thanks!

When Jews only make up 2% of society, it would seem rather unlikely that they would make up 10% of a non Jewish school. Especially one located outside of the NY area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi,
[b]Does anyone know about how many students are Jewish at St. Andrew's in Potomac. Tour guide there said 10%. [i]

Also for anyone with students there now or in the past- how religious is the weekly chapel for middle and high schoolers? Will a non - christian student feel uncomfortable? Do the teachers and staff do a good job of making sure they feel welcome during chapel?

Thanks!

When Jews only make up 2% of society, it would seem rather unlikely that they would make up 10% of a non Jewish school. Especially one located outside of the NY area.

Potomac is a heavily Jewish area so 10% doesn’t surprise me.

[Anonymous]

Jewish parent of recent St. Andrew’s Jewish graduate. OP - for middle and high school you should feel completely comfortable sending your DC here assuming you are reform or conservative. In those grades the class was usually 10-12% Jewish —probably a bit more really because that is based on student self reporting and there were several mixed marriage firms where those kids didn’t necessarily identify. Yes, there is weekly chapel and many kids — Jewish or not — tune out during the service part just as many do in their own temple or church at that age. But there often very good speakers on universal themes in lieu of traditional sons or homilies. Each year one chapel in the fall is dedicated to acknowledging The High Holidays. When my DC was there they always did a Holocaust memorial chapel once per year. There is an optional Jewish affinity club that works with the Chaplain on planning these events. Honestly, I was skeptical at first but I found St Andrew’s more supportive of religious sldiverdity because it has Episcopal routes than the secular private where my kids attended elementary school.

I can’t comment on the younger grades which were brought into the school via a merger with St Frances in Potomac. At that time, I would not have sent a Jewish kid to the lower school but as they have moved more of those grades to the main campus I sis pect things have gotten better, so if you have a young one I would do more research.

[Anonymous]

Pardon above typos — sons = sermons, firms = families, and others intent is self-evident.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jewish parent of recent St. Andrew’s Jewish graduate. OP - for middle and high school you should feel completely comfortable sending your DC here assuming you are reform or conservative. In those grades the class was usually 10-12% Jewish —probably a bit more really because that is based on student self reporting and there were several mixed marriage firms where those kids didn’t necessarily identify. Yes, there is weekly chapel and many kids — Jewish or not — tune out during the service part just as many do in their own temple or church at that age. But there often very good speakers on universal themes in lieu of traditional sons or homilies. Each year one chapel in the fall is dedicated to acknowledging The High Holidays. When my DC was there they always did a Holocaust memorial chapel once per year. There is an optional Jewish affinity club that works with the Chaplain on planning these events. Honestly, I was skeptical at first but I found St Andrew’s more supportive of religious sldiverdity because it has Episcopal routes than the secular private where my kids attended elementary school.

I can’t comment on the younger grades which were brought into the school via a merger with St Frances in Potomac. At that time, I would not have sent a Jewish kid to the lower school but as they have moved more of those grades to the main campus I sis pect things have gotten better, so if you have a young one I would do more research.

Thank you. This is exactly what I wanted to hear. We are looking at middle school. And we are reform.

[Anonymous]

My son has 2 Jewish friends there in HS. We are Jewish and seriously considered sending him there too. It really seems very inclusive.