Maret doesn't offer many classes that they label "AP" because they don't believe in teaching to the test, unless they happen to like that particular test's curriculum. They offer many "AP" level classes that just aren't labeled as such. The academics can be very rigorous but not everyone has to be on that uber-intense track at Maret.

Ninth grade is a big entry year for Maret, so it's definitely worth applying.

Like which other places? Sidwell?

It's about as competitive as they come. It's academically rigorous, but doesn't have the reputation of not burning kids out like other places.

Very competitive

fairly intense. Not quite at the st albans or sidwell level.

Always tough to get into -- academic atmosphere is fairly intense but I don't think they have AP classes.

How competitive is high admission? And, once there, how "intense" is the academic atmosphere?