I would echo some of this. We are a Christian but not Catholic family, with a son who identifies as atheist, and think it's a very welcoming place. It is, however, a place that expects respect an thoughtfulness for religious belief, which we are also glad for. But it's definitely a place that emphasizes intellectual and spiritual commitments, and where you'd be expected to do the same or your son could have a hard time. That isn't to say that there aren't SAAS boys who are wonderful athletes, but it's definitely a place that expects the boys to prioritize schoolwork first.

You will likely be absolutely fine in the admissions process and at the school. The only religion "requirement" in the admissions process is that you talk about how you are fine with the mass attendance and Catholicism as taught and practiced in the school. The students are not required to profess that they believe in Catholic tenets and Benedictines are not interested in conversions. In the history of the school, 1 student became a monk and 1 student to my knowledge converted from Protestant to Catholic.

I would be more concerned about making sure that your son can balance a serious sports travel team with the homework at SAAS. It's designed not to be overwhelming, but there is a balance and it can be hard to be away all weekend or more than maybe 1 evening a week. That would be of more concern to the admissions team. They want to make sure that the boys are happy and well-balanced at the school.

As long as you think that 1 1/2-2 hours/night of non-busy work with some studying and project work on the weekends can also do the travel sports and get together with friends/chill out/get enough sleep, that's most important. And, of course, that he loves to learn and does well in school now.

It's a very welcoming community!

What have you seen of the school, OP? These are perfect questions to ask on a tour or a meeting with the admissions people.

We have liked almost everything we have heard and seen about SAAS so far. We have a rising 5th grader, who we think the school will be a good fit for academically and socially. He is very athletic but plays on travel teams outside school.

Our family is extremely non-religious, verging on atheist in our home life. Our son currently attends a small private christian school and we have had no issues with their influence on him or the impact on our family life. We are generally easy going about this.

Are their other similar families at SAAS? Will our laid back, agnostic approach to religion work against us in the admissions process? We have no issues with our son attending mass or learning about Catholicism in school -at least that has been the case so far. I wonder if there are any non Catholic /Christian families that have felt uncomfortable with the Catholic emphasis?

Our background is lapsed Hindu FWIW