Reply to St Albans vs St Anselm's

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[quote=Anonymous]I'm a current parent at SAAS, and my husband went to STA. We are long time Washingtonians, and we know both schools well. It's distressing to read some of these posts, as both schools are wonderful in their own ways, and it is the ethos of neither to go on the offensive. The Abbey is a unique place. My sense is that it is a little bit like STA was in the 80s or 90s (or earlier)...more old-school, a bit more steeped in traditional pedagogy, with older teachers who have been at the school for decades and more emphasis on academic experience than the "packaging" than many of its peer schools. (Those who have been around for a while might remember that STA wasn't necessarily known for cutting-edge classrooms pre-Marriott Hall.) That said, the one-dimensional nerd stereotype simply hasn't proven true in our experience. Yes, there are quirky boys at St. Anselm's, and yes, the vibe is certainly intellectual. However, the good majority of students have great social skills, are kind, polite, and outgoing, enjoy the sorts of antics boys in all-boys schools enjoy, and are very well-rounded...they have to be, because they are tasked with filling out rosters on soccer teams (PVAC champions this past fall) and basketball teams (the varsity team made the D.C. city single-A semifinals at Georgetown) and cast lists in musicals, leadership positions in clubs and student government, etc. In other words, many, if not most, boys at St. Anselm's would not seem out of place at STA, too. The combination of high academic and intellectual standards with a wonderfully diverse and down-to-earth student and parent body has been refreshing and inspiring for us and our son. It doesn't have the same social brand that STA does, of course, but it doesn't seem preoccupied with that. STA is a fantastic school in its own right...few will doubt that, I'm sure. But I wanted to throw a few words in support of its Catholic cousin on the other side of town... [/quote]

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