SSSAS - what is the culture like currently?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:stay away from the US. far away.

Why?

+2 We are strongly considering for our non-sporty boy. We have heard such great things in the last few years about the high school.

SSSAS parent here.

It’s a fabulous school. Really, really wonderful. Passionate, intelligent teachers, dedicated administration, kind and welcoming parents. It’s possibly the most organized school in the area (we have friends who didn’t leave the district like we did and send their kids to dc privates, and the organization and communication from St Stephens was clearly heads above others during the height of covid), and the head of school gets much of the credit for this. Obviously there are many good schools in the area, both public and private, but I have to say we could not be more pleased with St Stephens.

There are a handful of parents, especially on DCUM, who trash the school in vague terms. Search this forum and read what they have said. Most of the negative comments make it clear that these parents are anti BLM and so called critical race theory. They are, in other words, nuts, and I have never encountered these complaints IRL. The school administration and faculty lean left, and while there are many Republican families at the school they are by and large “establishment” types and not Trumpy. The few outraged Trumpy types apparently come to DCUM to complain anonymously.

So it’s good, if your white.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:stay away from the US. far away.

Why?

+2 We are strongly considering for our non-sporty boy. We have heard such great things in the last few years about the high school.

SSSAS parent here.

It’s a fabulous school. Really, really wonderful. Passionate, intelligent teachers, dedicated administration, kind and welcoming parents. It’s possibly the most organized school in the area (we have friends who didn’t leave the district like we did and send their kids to dc privates, and the organization and communication from St Stephens was clearly heads above others during the height of covid), and the head of school gets much of the credit for this. Obviously there are many good schools in the area, both public and private, but I have to say we could not be more pleased with St Stephens.

There are a handful of parents, especially on DCUM, who trash the school in vague terms. Search this forum and read what they have said. Most of the negative comments make it clear that these parents are anti BLM and so called critical race theory. They are, in other words, nuts, and I have never encountered these complaints IRL. The school administration and faculty lean left, and while there are many Republican families at the school they are by and large “establishment” types and not Trumpy. The few outraged Trumpy types apparently come to DCUM to complain anonymously.

Very helpful response, thank you!

[Anonymous]

My kid entered freshman year as a non sporty geek that loved to learn. Needed help with organization and study habits. Graduated with a fantastic foundation for college, a wonderful friend group and all the skills needed to succeed - and even became a decent athlete and developed a love of sports while there that has kept him busy in college. Friend group included an incredibly diverse group of smart kind kids - and these solid friendships made for a happy and wonderfully well rounded experience. Teachers were hands on with kids, hands off with parents, and they really push for self advocacy. Can’t say enough good things about this school. Parents were very welcoming as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid entered freshman year as a non sporty geek that loved to learn. Needed help with organization and study habits. Graduated with a fantastic foundation for college, a wonderful friend group and all the skills needed to succeed - and even became a decent athlete and developed a love of sports while there that has kept him busy in college. Friend group included an incredibly diverse group of smart kind kids - and these solid friendships made for a happy and wonderfully well rounded experience. Teachers were hands on with kids, hands off with parents, and they really push for self advocacy. Can’t say enough good things about this school. Parents were very welcoming as well.

Thank you! My son is very interested in SSSAS. However, after years living in Alexandria, I have heard such horror stories about how isolating and mean the social atmosphere is for non-athletic boys.

[Anonymous]

it's not worth $47K. There are cheaper options that provide a better academic product.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:stay away from the US. far away.

Why?

+2 We are strongly considering for our non-sporty boy. We have heard such great things in the last few years about the high school.

SSSAS parent here.

It’s a fabulous school. Really, really wonderful. Passionate, intelligent teachers, dedicated administration, kind and welcoming parents. It’s possibly the most organized school in the area (we have friends who didn’t leave the district like we did and send their kids to dc privates, and the organization and communication from St Stephens was clearly heads above others during the height of covid), and the head of school gets much of the credit for this. Obviously there are many good schools in the area, both public and private, but I have to say we could not be more pleased with St Stephens.

There are a handful of parents, especially on DCUM, who trash the school in vague terms. Search this forum and read what they have said. Most of the negative comments make it clear that these parents are anti BLM and so called critical race theory. They are, in other words, nuts, and I have never encountered these complaints IRL. The school administration and faculty lean left, and while there are many Republican families at the school they are by and large “establishment” types and not Trumpy. The few outraged Trumpy types apparently come to DCUM to complain anonymously.

way, way left. so anyone that does not agree with the Marxist theory of BLM is nuts? You clearly only associate with those who share your opinions, so of course you never encountered complaints. That doesn't mean they do not exist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:it's not worth $47K. There are cheaper options that provide a better academic product.

This would be my concern. For $47k you can send your kid to a brand name school. It’s a lot to pay for a school that is not well known outside of NOVA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:it's not worth $47K. There are cheaper options that provide a better academic product.

This would be my concern. For $47k you can send your kid to a brand name school. It’s a lot to pay for a school that is not well known outside of NOVA

Unless you go Catholic, all private high schools around here are around $50k. In Alexandria, it is either SSAS or Bishop Ireton. Should I assume you think Bishop Ireton provides a better academic product for half the price?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:it's not worth $47K. There are cheaper options that provide a better academic product.

This would be my concern. For $47k you can send your kid to a brand name school. It’s a lot to pay for a school that is not well known outside of NOVA

None are other than maybe 1 or 2

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:stay away from the US. far away.

Why?

+2 We are strongly considering for our non-sporty boy. We have heard such great things in the last few years about the high school.

SSSAS parent here.

It’s a fabulous school. Really, really wonderful. Passionate, intelligent teachers, dedicated administration, kind and welcoming parents. It’s possibly the most organized school in the area (we have friends who didn’t leave the district like we did and send their kids to dc privates, and the organization and communication from St Stephens was clearly heads above others during the height of covid), and the head of school gets much of the credit for this. Obviously there are many good schools in the area, both public and private, but I have to say we could not be more pleased with St Stephens.

There are a handful of parents, especially on DCUM, who trash the school in vague terms. Search this forum and read what they have said. Most of the negative comments make it clear that these parents are anti BLM and so called critical race theory. They are, in other words, nuts, and I have never encountered these complaints IRL. The school administration and faculty lean left, and while there are many Republican families at the school they are by and large “establishment” types and not Trumpy. The few outraged Trumpy types apparently come to DCUM to complain anonymously.

way, way left. so anyone that does not agree with the Marxist theory of BLM is nuts? You clearly only associate with those who share your opinions, so of course you never encountered complaints. That doesn't mean they do not exist.

In most cases when BLM is referred to, it’s just a code acronym meaning Black people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid entered freshman year as a non sporty geek that loved to learn. Needed help with organization and study habits. Graduated with a fantastic foundation for college, a wonderful friend group and all the skills needed to succeed - and even became a decent athlete and developed a love of sports while there that has kept him busy in college. Friend group included an incredibly diverse group of smart kind kids - and these solid friendships made for a happy and wonderfully well rounded experience. Teachers were hands on with kids, hands off with parents, and they really push for self advocacy. Can’t say enough good things about this school. Parents were very welcoming as well.

Thank you! My son is very interested in SSSAS. However, after years living in Alexandria, I have heard such horror stories about how isolating and mean the social atmosphere is for non-athletic boys.

PP here - I heard the same things - not a country club mom, republican, or any of the other stereotypes. Really wanted Maret and was waitlisted. Can’t imagine dealing with that commute, or imagine a better outcome. There was a warmth from day one that made me feel good about the school and years later so glad it worked out as it did. Great place for all kinds of kids including one like mine who entered on the fringes- not popular, not athletic, not super driven, but bright and charismatic and boy did he thrive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid entered freshman year as a non sporty geek that loved to learn. Needed help with organization and study habits. Graduated with a fantastic foundation for college, a wonderful friend group and all the skills needed to succeed - and even became a decent athlete and developed a love of sports while there that has kept him busy in college. Friend group included an incredibly diverse group of smart kind kids - and these solid friendships made for a happy and wonderfully well rounded experience. Teachers were hands on with kids, hands off with parents, and they really push for self advocacy. Can’t say enough good things about this school. Parents were very welcoming as well.

The teachers are so hands-on that they are expected to handhold the students in completing assignments, provide passing grades even when students don’t deserve them, and not call the students out when they lie about their work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:stay away from the US. far away.

Why?

+2 We are strongly considering for our non-sporty boy. We have heard such great things in the last few years about the high school.

SSSAS parent here.

It’s a fabulous school. Really, really wonderful. Passionate, intelligent teachers, dedicated administration, kind and welcoming parents. It’s possibly the most organized school in the area (we have friends who didn’t leave the district like we did and send their kids to dc privates, and the organization and communication from St Stephens was clearly heads above others during the height of covid), and the head of school gets much of the credit for this. Obviously there are many good schools in the area, both public and private, but I have to say we could not be more pleased with St Stephens.

There are a handful of parents, especially on DCUM, who trash the school in vague terms. Search this forum and read what they have said. Most of the negative comments make it clear that these parents are anti BLM and so called critical race theory. They are, in other words, nuts, and I have never encountered these complaints IRL. The school administration and faculty lean left, and while there are many Republican families at the school they are by and large “establishment” types and not Trumpy. The few outraged Trumpy types apparently come to DCUM to complain anonymously.

way, way left. so anyone that does not agree with the Marxist theory of BLM is nuts? You clearly only associate with those who share your opinions, so of course you never encountered complaints. That doesn't mean they do not exist.

Um, serious question: do you actually think BLM is Marxist?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:stay away from the US. far away.

Why?

+2 We are strongly considering for our non-sporty boy. We have heard such great things in the last few years about the high school.

SSSAS parent here.

It’s a fabulous school. Really, really wonderful. Passionate, intelligent teachers, dedicated administration, kind and welcoming parents. It’s possibly the most organized school in the area (we have friends who didn’t leave the district like we did and send their kids to dc privates, and the organization and communication from St Stephens was clearly heads above others during the height of covid), and the head of school gets much of the credit for this. Obviously there are many good schools in the area, both public and private, but I have to say we could not be more pleased with St Stephens.

There are a handful of parents, especially on DCUM, who trash the school in vague terms. Search this forum and read what they have said. Most of the negative comments make it clear that these parents are anti BLM and so called critical race theory. They are, in other words, nuts, and I have never encountered these complaints IRL. The school administration and faculty lean left, and while there are many Republican families at the school they are by and large “establishment” types and not Trumpy. The few outraged Trumpy types apparently come to DCUM to complain anonymously.

way, way left. so anyone that does not agree with the Marxist theory of BLM is nuts? You clearly only associate with those who share your opinions, so of course you never encountered complaints. That doesn't mean they do not exist.

Um, serious question: do you actually think BLM is Marxist?

yes. you don't? https://www.politifact.com/article/2020/jul/21/black-lives-matter-marxist-movement/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:it's not worth $47K. There are cheaper options that provide a better academic product.

This would be my concern. For $47k you can send your kid to a brand name school. It’s a lot to pay for a school that is not well known outside of NOVA

Unless you go Catholic, all private high schools around here are around $50k. In Alexandria, it is either SSAS or Bishop Ireton. Should I assume you think Bishop Ireton provides a better academic product for half the price?

maybe not better. But close enough if you look at college placement. And you are saving close to $30K/year?