High School for Average 9th Grader

[Anonymous]

My child is an average student but is having a difficult time adjusting to the public high school. We’re thinking about visiting some of the upcoming private school open houses and are considering switching to private for 10th grade. Which MD/DC schools would accept an average student and would there typically be many, if any, openings for 10th grade?

[Anonymous]

You have to understand the DMV is one of the most competitive area for private high school applications. Schools will tell you they are not looking for “average” but, exceptional students to bring value to their program. If your child has average grades, you need to make sure he/she is great test scores and/or recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Many of the schools listed here have high schools. What does he enjoy? What is he good at?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have to understand the DMV is one of the most competitive area for private high school applications. Schools will tell you they are not looking for “average” but, exceptional students to bring value to their program. If your child has average grades, you need to make sure he/she is great test scores and/or recommendations.

Sorry, but this just isn't true. OP, take that with a grain of salt and don't let it deter you from finding a good fit for your child. Even the most competitive private high schools have average students. That's why they have multiple levels of some courses. Especially the K-12schools who admitted children before anyone could know what kind of student the would become, but really all of them. And, your idea of average might not be average at all.

[pbraverman]

There are nearly 90 independent schools who are members of AISGW, the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington — not including most parochial/diocesan schools. You can get a start on your research at aisgw.org, where you can make a good first cut by geography, coed vs. single-sex, etc.

Hoping that the ickiness of self-promotion is outweighed by the offer of knowledgeable advice, my own site has a bunch of info for parents who want to undertake the application process themselves, at this page: www.peterbraverman.com/diy

There are many schools that are very happy to have great, average kids. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many of the schools listed here have high schools. What does he enjoy? What is he good at?

Oops, I forgot to include the link. https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/831218.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to understand the DMV is one of the most competitive area for private high school applications. Schools will tell you they are not looking for “average” but, exceptional students to bring value to their program. If your child has average grades, you need to make sure he/she is great test scores and/or recommendations.

Sorry, but this just isn't true. OP, take that with a grain of salt and don't let it deter you from finding a good fit for your child. Even the most competitive private high schools have average students. That's why they have multiple levels of some courses. Especially the K-12schools who admitted children before anyone could know what kind of student the would become, but really all of them. And, your idea of average might not be average at all.

But you forgot to mention that a lot of the average students at those competitive high schools end up leaving after 8th grade and even after 9th grade. And the influx of super smart kids in 9th grade make the class a lot more competitive. Also, in private school at least the competitive ones, the regular classes are like honors or AP type classes in public school.

The best thing to do is find a school with the right fit not a brand name.

[Anonymous]

I would try Bullis and St. Andrews. They accept a wide range of students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to understand the DMV is one of the most competitive area for private high school applications. Schools will tell you they are not looking for “average” but, exceptional students to bring value to their program. If your child has average grades, you need to make sure he/she is great test scores and/or recommendations.

Sorry, but this just isn't true. OP, take that with a grain of salt and don't let it deter you from finding a good fit for your child. Even the most competitive private high schools have average students. That's why they have multiple levels of some courses. Especially the K-12schools who admitted children before anyone could know what kind of student the would become, but really all of them. And, your idea of average might not be average at all.

But you forgot to mention that a lot of the average students at those competitive high schools end up leaving after 8th grade and even after 9th grade. And the influx of super smart kids in 9th grade make the class a lot more competitive. Also, in private school at least the competitive ones, the regular classes are like honors or AP type classes in public school.

The best thing to do is find a school with the right fit not a brand name.

Just not true. Why are you promoting this idea?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to understand the DMV is one of the most competitive area for private high school applications. Schools will tell you they are not looking for “average” but, exceptional students to bring value to their program. If your child has average grades, you need to make sure he/she is great test scores and/or recommendations.

Sorry, but this just isn't true. OP, take that with a grain of salt and don't let it deter you from finding a good fit for your child. Even the most competitive private high schools have average students. That's why they have multiple levels of some courses. Especially the K-12schools who admitted children before anyone could know what kind of student the would become, but really all of them. And, your idea of average might not be average at all.

But you forgot to mention that a lot of the average students at those competitive high schools end up leaving after 8th grade and even after 9th grade. And the influx of super smart kids in 9th grade make the class a lot more competitive. Also, in private school at least the competitive ones, the regular classes are like honors or AP type classes in public school.

The best thing to do is find a school with the right fit not a brand name.

Just not true. Why are you promoting this idea?

At k-12s I particular, there are many average kids who are lifers who got in as four or five year olds on the strength of their parents/ grandparents money or connections. They occupy the mid to lower class rankings. Getting in for high school is more competitive. Many of the lifers would never be admitted at this stage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have to understand the DMV is one of the most competitive area for private high school applications. Schools will tell you they are not looking for “average” but, exceptional students to bring value to their program. If your child has average grades, you need to make sure he/she is great test scores and/or recommendations.

Except hardly anyone even applies to private schools.

[Anonymous]

Bullis, St. Andrews, St. Anslems

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bullis, St. Andrews, St. Anslems

St. Anselm's has the heaviest minimum course load of any private school and doesn't have a non-honors track.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to understand the DMV is one of the most competitive area for private high school applications. Schools will tell you they are not looking for “average” but, exceptional students to bring value to their program. If your child has average grades, you need to make sure he/she is great test scores and/or recommendations.

Except hardly anyone even applies to private schools.

Please elaborate. Do you have applicant data?

[Anonymous]

We'd all like to believe that our schools accept only the brightest and most capable students. Makes us feel oh-so-special. But it's true of only one school that I know, and I know many of them very well. Most of DC private admit a range of average to super-bright kids. Yes, even that one you're thinking of.

And this is GOOD news! Because when you admit students representing a narrow range of ability and ambition, it creates a really unhealthy atmosphere. Diversity isn't just the right thing to do -- it also makes for happier students, more relaxed parents, more joyful communities.

The NAIS just put a study about this on their social media in case you want to look into it.