My child is going into Saint Matthias for kindergarten next year. Same curriculum as Pius (since it's Archdiocese of Washington) plus an immersion program

Has anyone experienced the admission process at Holy Trinity? We are trying to decide if we will go through it.
The registration fee ($800), student fee ($500) and early tuition payment plan of apr-jan got us really skeptical. Also, the fact that the withdrawal process is slim to none once you sign the contract. Admission Director stated that you will still be charged the tuition if you withdraw after 14 days.
Any comments?

Is it true that Excellence facilities not up to date?
But do the academics and teachers make up for it?
This stuff is *so* stressful...and my child is not even 3 yet :/

Anonymous wrote:OP: Thanks for your comments!

PP, I'm looking for Kindergarten. Thanks.

My kids attended New Hope. Academics are ok, but not anything to brag about. Some of the teachers are great. Others, you wonder how they keep their jobs.

I really disliked the kindergarten teacher. She seemed frazzled and disorganized, even though she has an aide. She's forgetful and slow to answer messages. Also, she's very loud, which was hard for my youngest to deal with.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For what age? We did New Hope through elementary school

How is New Hope Academy? I'm considering sending my child there if she doesn't get into one of the lottery schools.

My kids left elem school a few years ago so I am not that up to date on the current state of the school.

PK was great. K was iffy - it was fine, but not amazing. The first grade teacher is wonderful. Everyone else we had, has since left so I can't comment on the new teachers.

It is a nice little school. everyone knows everyone else. The art and music teachers are great - and get a lot of good work from the kids. Because classes are small, teachers can be flexible (going outside to teach a lesson) or letting my active son stand at his desk vs sitting. The principal is approachable and knows each kid by name and parents.

Cons - the classes are really small. And while it is nice for the kids to know everyone, it also can pigeon hole them. Facilities are ok - but most of the school doesn't have a/c.

We went there because we didn't have good elementary school options and were generally happy with it. We would do it again under the same circumstances.

Anonymous wrote:For what age? We did New Hope through elementary school

How is New Hope Academy? I'm considering sending my child there if she doesn't get into one of the lottery schools.

OP: Thanks for your comments!

PP, I'm looking for Kindergarten. Thanks.

For what age? We did New Hope through elementary school

I would not recommend Woodstream. Curriculum is outdated. Activities and resources available to kids are lacking, especially for upper grades. Communication about student's progress is lacking. Its also one of the most expensive schools in this area.

I can't imagine that many people have experience with more than one or two. My kids are in public school, but I know parents who are very pleased with Holy Trinity and St. Pius X, although for each they only have experience with one school.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for your response. Do you mind sharing why not send to Reid? Thanks so much!

Sure - they are very strict with respect to discipline. I also think they are unrealistic with expectations for younger children (preschool aged children).

Also, they skip the basics in order to have an "advanced" curriculum.

Thanks for your response. Do you mind sharing why not send to Reid? Thanks so much!

Holy Trinity or St Pius.

I know people who have been pleased with Grace Christian, St. Mary's and Woodstream.

Do not send your child to Reid.

Pius

Hello:

From your experience, which of the following schools have the best academic program?

1. Holy Trinity
2. Reid Temple Christian Academy
3. Riverdale Baptist
4. Grace Christian School
5. St. Pius X
6. St. Mary of the Assumption
7. New Hope Academy
8. Excellence Christian School
9. Woodstream Christian Academy

Thanks for your input.