Anonymous wrote:Bullying issues at this school. That the staff does NOT care about and does NOTHING about. I do NOT recommend this school.

This is not our experience. DS started in 9th grade last year and is very happy. He's found his friends and likes the sports he participates in, as well as playing an instrument. He may not love all of his teachers, says one or two are boring, but I don't expect him to like or connect with every teacher in his life, that's just not reality. He is engaged in all his classes and learning. I've asked about bullying and student issues and use of drugs etc. For him he just doesn't see it, probably his friend set and I'll be honest, as a teenage boy he's got a long way to go on awareness.

Bullying issues at this school. That the staff does NOT care about and does NOTHING about. I do NOT recommend this school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you play lax, live in Alexandria and are of average intelligence, your kid will fit right in.

Ugh. Ignore OP. Lots of different types of kids there, emphasis on individual talents and a strong culture of kindness and acceptance

Ugh. Why should I be ignored? Because I have a different opinion? Thought the school was about kindness and acceptance. if you're a parent there, then your comment suggests otherwise. As a SSSAS parent, I think my perspective is worth at least as much as yours.

No, the school is about "goodness and the pursuit of knowledge." If you were a current parent here, you would know that. If you are a current parent there, then I'm sorry your DS or DD isn't better at finding a niche and fitting in.

Just because the school espouses goodness doesn’t mean they manifest that in their culture.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you play lax, live in Alexandria and are of average intelligence, your kid will fit right in.

Ugh. Ignore OP. Lots of different types of kids there, emphasis on individual talents and a strong culture of kindness and acceptance

Ugh. Why should I be ignored? Because I have a different opinion? Thought the school was about kindness and acceptance. if you're a parent there, then your comment suggests otherwise. As a SSSAS parent, I think my perspective is worth at least as much as yours.

No, the school is about "goodness and the pursuit of knowledge." If you were a current parent here, you would know that. If you are a current parent there, then I'm sorry your DS or DD isn't better at finding a niche and fitting in.

Just be prepared that the school’s focus on talking about kindness does not manifest in the hallways and weekend parties. Theses kids are very sheltered and not taught to think for themselves or work for results. We are strong fly considering leaving but will wait until upper school tk avoid GWMS.

The school is a gem. The community is really kind and welcoming, and the school does A LOT to foster a sense of belonging for kids and parents alike. Every teacher my kids have had for six years has been truly phenomenal with the exception of one, who coincidentally (or not) has left the school. My kids are smart (based on testing, like 98th percentile or so - I know that’s average by DCUM standards but officially that’s smart!) and they are challenged but not pressured. And most importantly they love school and are super happy - each has a great group of friends with friendly parents and each has the opportunity to be fully “themselves”.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you play lax, live in Alexandria and are of average intelligence, your kid will fit right in.

Ugh. Ignore OP. Lots of different types of kids there, emphasis on individual talents and a strong culture of kindness and acceptance

Ugh. Why should I be ignored? Because I have a different opinion? Thought the school was about kindness and acceptance. if you're a parent there, then your comment suggests otherwise. As a SSSAS parent, I think my perspective is worth at least as much as yours.

Anonymous wrote:Seriously. As a current MS parent (and with a child who started in MS at SSSAS), it has been refreshing - there is a good mix, they actually celebrate individuals and their unique strengths, and just provide an overall good atmosphere in our experience. Yes, they have a good lax program, but they have so much more. As many options for sports and extracurriculars as can be expected for a (pretty small) school. Teachers care about their students and appear to be appreciated by both the administration and their students. Discipline is generally pretty thoughtful.

For the price tag, you'd hope their would be extra curriculars, teachers who cared and thoughtful discpluine

Seriously. As a current MS parent (and with a child who started in MS at SSSAS), it has been refreshing - there is a good mix, they actually celebrate individuals and their unique strengths, and just provide an overall good atmosphere in our experience. Yes, they have a good lax program, but they have so much more. As many options for sports and extracurriculars as can be expected for a (pretty small) school. Teachers care about their students and appear to be appreciated by both the administration and their students. Discipline is generally pretty thoughtful.

Anonymous wrote:Great place for a jock who may not be the sharpest tool in the shed

And smart kids who are creative but not sporty. The reality goes far beyond the stereotype.

Great place for a jock who may not be the sharpest tool in the shed

Anonymous wrote:If you play lax, live in Alexandria and are of average intelligence, your kid will fit right in.

Ugh. Ignore OP. Lots of different types of kids there, emphasis on individual talents and a strong culture of kindness and acceptance

If you play lax, live in Alexandria and are of average intelligence, your kid will fit right in.

There are quite a few threads on SSSAS if you search. Here’s one.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/956675.page

What is the culture like there. Looking for DD for lower school and DS Middle School.