Anonymous wrote:We're a Heights family.
We are a solidly "middle class" family for the DC Metro area (although I recognize that, at least in dollar terms, we are "upper" middle class compared to the country as a whole); we are single-income, but very comparable to e.g., a professional couple where both husband and wife work for the federal government.
While it's clear that many Heights families have more wealth/income than we do (just from attending parent gathers and kid birthday parties), we've never felt judged or out-of-place at all. Everyone has always been kind and respectful of one another, both the kids and the parents.
We feel blessed with what we have, and most of all blessed that we have opportunities for our children like sending our boys to the Heights.
I wouldn't let it trouble you. Heights families are more about our shared values and faith rather than keeping up with the Jones'.
Anonymous wrote:I'm no fan of the Heights but know several families there and if you're devout Catholics and like the school, you won't be out of place just because you live modestly. You won't be alone. There's wealth but there are plenty of families who either choose to live modestly despite their wealth, choose 1 income or are just not wealthy. I would consider it a non-issue.
Anonymous wrote:Recent alumnus here. Would love to settle the air on some things posted above.
The Heights is filled with families who have modest lifestyles. Over 50% of students get need based aid. Several kids who graduated in my year had to chose far lesser of academic colleges because of money. Further, the teachers at The Heights live very modest lifestyles and make far less than those at any other private or MCPS public.
Like any other DMV Private, there are also SOME ultra wealthy, including a Billionaire's sons.
As far as "racist" goes thats ludicorous. The school is of Hispanic descent and has a large portion of black students. The class above mine was 25% black. Sure an incident pops up every few years, but its nothing like what we see at Gonzaga, Landon...etc.
Please feel free to fire away with any other questions!
Anonymous wrote:DS's friend went there. He said a lot of the kids were racist.
Anonymous wrote:I'm no fan of the Heights but know several families there and if you're devout Catholics and like the school, you won't be out of place just because you live modestly. You won't be alone. There's wealth but there are plenty of families who either choose to live modestly despite their wealth, choose 1 income or are just not wealthy. I would consider it a non-issue.