Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love the notion of "muscular Christianity" which the school promotes.

Is this for real? I find this creepy (after reading the Wikipedia entry). Can any other STA parents comment on this?

Not creepy at all. They refer to it throughout their website.

Attached is an interesting article which also touches on this idea.

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/assessment/2000/08/st_albans_school.single.html

Anonymous wrote:I love the notion of "muscular Christianity" which the school promotes.

Is this for real? I find this creepy (after reading the Wikipedia entry). Can any other STA parents comment on this?

Anonymous wrote:What is muscular Christianity?

See Wikipedia.

I loved the Christmas concert at the Cathedral when, along with NCS, various choral groups and the orchestra performed. There must have been several hundred kids performing. It was amazing.

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What is muscular Christianity?

I love the notion of "muscular Christianity" which the school promotes.

I love the fact choral music is such a big part of the school.

Very dedicated longtime teachers who really know the students. Like how they come watch sporting events, plays, concerts to cheer on their students.

anything else ?

I love the fact that each class is so small that you (the parents) really get to know the other boys and their families.

Your teachers and coaches truly care about your work and growth into a young man. The school's various activities like lunch and chapel are structured around developing this relationship.

No student flaunts his wealth and many come from fairly typical middle and upper middle class families (by DC standards).

The facilities were already among the best in the region and the renovated and expanded campus is nothing short of breathtaking--a modern architectural masterpiece that jibes well with the school's pedagogy.

Class-organized meetings could be quite candid. No school is perfect and students were encouraged to criticize the school, its policies, whatever.

Students are encouraged to express themselves within the dress code. You can come to school in plaid pants if that's your thing.

The St. Albans News back page used to be quite funny! NCS was on the receiving end of many of those jokes.

In conclusion, St. Albans is the only independent school in this city that I would ever consider for my future family. Either StA or a strong public high school. I do admire the sense of neighborhood pride at some of the local public high schools, but in terms of academics, athletics, community, and a strong sense of tradition St. Albans can't be beat.

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Good topic, but that's the extent of my contribution. Some of the topics and comments on this forum are a bit disconcerting. What's the deal with the "Getting into St. Albans thread?" There honestly is no secret to getting in. If you think you'd be a good fit based on what you know about the school, then apply, and good luck.

Anonymous wrote:I love the fact that boys seem to be very affectionate with one another, affection which I have every reason to believe would not be so readily displayed if girls were around.

Funny but true. When I'm on campus I'm struck by how many of the kids might be walking down the hall with their arm around their friend's shoulders. It is a funny mix of boisterous and sweet.

I love the fact that boys seem to be very affectionate with one another, affection which I have every reason to believe would not be so readily displayed if girls were around.

Interested in hearing form current and recent parents and/or students , recent alums on what they loved most about the school and or STA community. Please no negatives as school is named. Thanks.