Differences Between Alexandria Parochials St. Marys, St. Ritas, Blessed Sacrament?

[Anonymous]

If you are intersted in St Louis there is an open house coming up in November.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a little off topic but 19:40 bought up a good point. Why pay the extra money at the private schools in Alexandria ie, ACD, SSSA, Burgundy, Brown and Grace if the Parochials are a viable option.

Some families may not philosophically agree with the very conservative religious education incorporated into the parochials, especially when it comes to science (e.g., creation vs. evolution). I think the schools also teach "chastity" and pro-life philosophies, and daily religion is incorporated into coursework. Very strict conservative. That may not appeal especially to a family who likes Burgundy or ACDS, which are more progressive. Browne, SSSAS, and Burgundy also have impressive facilities by comparison.

As the parent of a rising Kindergargener, I am also wondering what the differences are, and whether the privates are any better academically than St. Marys, Blessed Sacrament (VA), or St. Ritas? Likewise, are these privates and parochials any better than, say, one of the more decent public schools in Alexandria City or FFX Country Alexandria (e.g., Lyles-Crouch, Maury, Waynewood)? Many of the publics have differentiation, and pull kids out of classes for extra help (if they are struggling), or additional challenging work (if they are ahead of their grade level). I do not believe the parochials do this, and I would be surprised if the privates did. I've had several St. Mary's families express concern that their K and 1st graders are bored and not challenged enough.

Can anyone comment?

Old post, but I do have a comment. SMS has started to breakout children based on their need, i.e., advanced reading. I was concerned about this as well, but my fear was put to rest. My DC was in a "special" reading group with other advanced readers. He was able to go to the library, check out books in addition to the book in the bag that was brought home every evening.

[Anonymous]

I am also interested in the differences between these three schools. Which is the easiest to get admitted to if your family is Catholic, but is not registered with the parish? We sometimes attend mass, but never officially registered at two of these schools.

[Anonymous]

If you don't regularly attend Mass at any of the 3 mentioned schools, I would think you'll have difficulty securing a spot. SMS is a large parish with a large school, and has a large mass of applicants. The other 2 schools are much smaller, thus securing a spot will be tough. If you really want your child to attend one of these 3 schools, you need to establish yourselves by attending Mass weekly. What is your current parish?

[Anonymous]

How have things changed since 2013?

[Anonymous]

Well, at St Louis things only get better all the time. We have been very happy there and have been there for many years.

[Anonymous]

Any updates on St Mary’s Kindergarten — number of classes, difficulty getting in, etc?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any updates on St Mary’s Kindergarten — number of classes, difficulty getting in, etc?

There are 3 classes per grade at St. Marys. Call or email the registrar at the school for the numbers for this year...they would be the only ones to really know. The parochial schools don’t mind families calling about these details.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any updates on St Mary’s Kindergarten — number of classes, difficulty getting in, etc?

I would expect 3 classes x 26-27 kids per class. Lots of siblings, mostly parishioners, but not exclusively. They always say that, but there are always some kids from outside the parish, maybe not even Catholic. Every effort is made to admit every parishioner's child. In the past that has resulted in bubble classes, but they'd like to avoid that.

[Anonymous]

How are these schools as of 2019?

How do these schools rank as of 2019? Which would be top academically?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How are these schools as of 2019?

How do these schools rank as of 2019? Which would be top academically?

Have 2 kids at Blessed Sacrament. Like any other school, there are things we love and things that make me want to pull my hair out. We just had a class gathering at a playground to welcome a transfer student. The Mom was going on and on about how she wasn't pleased with ACPS and Maury elementary and that the "academics" aren't there, etc. I was VERY surprised and after talking to a few other families that were there, this is the consensus on why people choose Catholic schools:

1) Instilling Catholic beliefs in their children. Period.

2) Whether real or imagined, a sense of community and the idea that parents who care enough to apply/pay for tuition will be more invested in the school and community.

3) Easier issues with behavior in the classroom... the ability to remove children from the class who are disruptive, etc.

Every single parent that I talked to about this issue said academics were NOT their main focus. From my personal experience at BSS, this particular Catholic school caters to the middle of the road - I think with large class sizes, it would be difficult to properly educate those who are severely behind or ahead.

So, you may get some responses from people who have better knowledge of the actual academics of these three schools (I only have BSS experience), but generally, I don't think any Catholic school is going to try to sell you on academics as the main point of their existence.

[Anonymous]

BSS and St. Rita's are one class per grade. St. Rita's has a classical curriculum so if that's your thing, check it out. SMS has 3 classes per grade so there can be different math tracks. SMS is probably the most academically "intense". However Catholics are different than mainstream privates in that the focus is transmitting the Faith. Kids have Mass once a week and weekly adoration.

Also St. Mary's has just added a classroom for kids with intellectual disabilities.

[Anonymous]

Do they differ in where students attend after graduation?

[Anonymous]

St. Mary and St. Louis are both really good. Not that Blessed Sacrament and St. Rita aren’t, they are just smaller schools.

After graduation, many attend Bishop Ireton, Gonzaga. Some Visi. A few O’Connell and local public high schools.

[Anonymous]

Will St Rita become blue ribbon?