PS - yeah no, memorization is not where it's at for MS tests to answer your question. My older kid is the good at memorization test kid - they can get an 96% of a chem final but not do well in the class because of their great memory hahaha - and they fared worse than my younger one in MS!

My straight A kid is strong in organizing and studying, horrible on standardized tests, but does really well in MS - so I am sure tests not focused on memorization!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent at SSSAS here. It's solid. It's prob not as rigorous as NCS, Sidwell, Potomac, et al. O mean, if you're looking to get your kid a top level academic education like doing 12th grade work and 3 hours of homework in 10th grade? Nope, SSSAS isn't it. Some people want their kids to function as an adult at 15 doing 3-4 hours of homework daily. SSSAS just is not a school that's pushing hours of work and only academics. But it does offer challenges and pretty much gives options to kids who really excel academically. The difference is that not all kids need to be that profile like you do at other top tier Pvt schools. Socially it's more oriented to balance weighing sports and community service heavily. The teachers really care about the kids not just academically but helping them succeed.

Is it worth the big cost v the other big probates that are tangibly academically rigorous? It depends on what your kid is like and your overall goal and intention for school is. Most at SSSAS like us value a more holistic approach - desire for a competitive college but not at expense of only academic success.

It's not a perfect school at all. I'd say we were happiest in LS and US less in MS but for location, academics, community, social aspects, culture, teachers - the overall option - it's worked out for us.

Why were you less happy in MS? Other than that MS is often hard for kids?

I’ve heard the tests are out of control in MS. Not because it’s too much work but because they only focus on memorizing information.

PP here.
They aren't out of control at all. If anything, I find HS to be more on pointe for rigor in the traditional sense - I find MS to be not very hard. And it aligns with what you should see I think, as a parent - HS is when it counts and the kids are older and should be more responsible to do more academically. DD is getting straight As now at 1/2 way mark of trimester and let me just say she's smart and doesn't do much lol! That's not to say the work is nothing because my other kid did not do as well as her and did do more work it seems lol

My point is the workload is totally manageable. My prob is more with admin as they recently changed leadership. It's not bad it's just that of the 3 campuses, it's my least favorite. MS is a hard time anyway though..

I am much happier with US admin and the MS teachers are stronger on the whole, in my eyes, in science and math v English.

One thing I like about SSSAS curriculum is a focus on public speaking, they are supportive for learning disabilities and very into community service. It's a well rounded program with plenty of religion as a class v specific religion ie Catholic school protocols.

US is block scheduling allowing for plenty of opportunity to organize and time to get work done. I mean the roadmap is there - if the kids follow through - they do well. From that perspective it's not a pressure cooker as I feel a lot of other top privates aspire to be. I don't need my kid going to Harvard to prove they are smart - I need them to be successful and happy at their career to have a healthy life.

I also like that 7th graders experience finals to prep for HS life. Honestly it's a good fit for a kid who wants a balance of social/academics. We had a friend of my older kid who left SSSSAS for TJ (the uber TJ in VA) only to return because it was a better balance is what the mom told me. I know other parents who struggled over leaving after MS for schools that seemed "better" but stayed because their kids insisted as they were so happy at SSSAS.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is definitely competitive with local schools like Flint Hill, Landon, St Andrews, Maret, Bullis. More competitive than PVI, Gonzaga, Bishop Ireton. Easier admit than Potomac, St. Albans and NCS, Sidwell and maybe GDS but on par with everything else. It tends to draw from Alexandria and points south in Virginia and some from Maryland over the Wilson bridge. I work in DC and see lots of magnets for it so it’s as popular as any. It has a ton of APs and excellent teachers. I went to a local private and it’s always been around. For all the newbies that just moved here, it’s not new and it is good.

It is not nearly as highly regarded as Maret. And “maybe” an easier admit than GDS? Try “definitely much easier.”

So here is the thing. GDS is tough lately. But it’s also a flavor many won’t like so it just doesn’t get the same number of applicants as a place like Potomac or Sidwell. Maret is smaller. Not really in the same zone in terms of size. It’s more like SAES size but Maret is and feels less traditional. Academically it’s fine. It is not as amazing as it wants to be considered. It’s a very try hard place filled with try hards who just missed their first choice. That vibe isn’t great. Lots of people actually choose SSSAS first.

Choose SSSAS first over what other schools?

Good question. Because the only reason anyone is choosing SSSAS first is due to closer proximity as compared to much better schools.

I know people who chose it over Flint Hill, SAES, Bullis, Madiera and Maret. I know one left NCS for SSSAS.

I struggle with the idea that anyone would seriously consider Bullis/SAES who is also considering SSSAS based on geography.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is definitely competitive with local schools like Flint Hill, Landon, St Andrews, Maret, Bullis. More competitive than PVI, Gonzaga, Bishop Ireton. Easier admit than Potomac, St. Albans and NCS, Sidwell and maybe GDS but on par with everything else. It tends to draw from Alexandria and points south in Virginia and some from Maryland over the Wilson bridge. I work in DC and see lots of magnets for it so it’s as popular as any. It has a ton of APs and excellent teachers. I went to a local private and it’s always been around. For all the newbies that just moved here, it’s not new and it is good.

It is not nearly as highly regarded as Maret. And “maybe” an easier admit than GDS? Try “definitely much easier.”

So here is the thing. GDS is tough lately. But it’s also a flavor many won’t like so it just doesn’t get the same number of applicants as a place like Potomac or Sidwell. Maret is smaller. Not really in the same zone in terms of size. It’s more like SAES size but Maret is and feels less traditional. Academically it’s fine. It is not as amazing as it wants to be considered. It’s a very try hard place filled with try hards who just missed their first choice. That vibe isn’t great. Lots of people actually choose SSSAS first.

Choose SSSAS first over what other schools?

Good question. Because the only reason anyone is choosing SSSAS first is due to closer proximity as compared to much better schools.

I know people who chose it over Flint Hill, SAES, Bullis, Madiera and Maret. I know one left NCS for SSSAS.

There aren’t as many choices in VA if you don’t want to cross the river every day. SSSAS Potomac, Flint Hill, Madeira. That’s about it.

Of these, only Potomac matches the rigor of top DC privates- but that’s only one factor in choosing a school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is definitely competitive with local schools like Flint Hill, Landon, St Andrews, Maret, Bullis. More competitive than PVI, Gonzaga, Bishop Ireton. Easier admit than Potomac, St. Albans and NCS, Sidwell and maybe GDS but on par with everything else. It tends to draw from Alexandria and points south in Virginia and some from Maryland over the Wilson bridge. I work in DC and see lots of magnets for it so it’s as popular as any. It has a ton of APs and excellent teachers. I went to a local private and it’s always been around. For all the newbies that just moved here, it’s not new and it is good.

It is not nearly as highly regarded as Maret. And “maybe” an easier admit than GDS? Try “definitely much easier.”

So here is the thing. GDS is tough lately. But it’s also a flavor many won’t like so it just doesn’t get the same number of applicants as a place like Potomac or Sidwell. Maret is smaller. Not really in the same zone in terms of size. It’s more like SAES size but Maret is and feels less traditional. Academically it’s fine. It is not as amazing as it wants to be considered. It’s a very try hard place filled with try hards who just missed their first choice. That vibe isn’t great. Lots of people actually choose SSSAS first.

Choose SSSAS first over what other schools?

Good question. Because the only reason anyone is choosing SSSAS first is due to closer proximity as compared to much better schools.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is definitely competitive with local schools like Flint Hill, Landon, St Andrews, Maret, Bullis. More competitive than PVI, Gonzaga, Bishop Ireton. Easier admit than Potomac, St. Albans and NCS, Sidwell and maybe GDS but on par with everything else. It tends to draw from Alexandria and points south in Virginia and some from Maryland over the Wilson bridge. I work in DC and see lots of magnets for it so it’s as popular as any. It has a ton of APs and excellent teachers. I went to a local private and it’s always been around. For all the newbies that just moved here, it’s not new and it is good.

It is not nearly as highly regarded as Maret. And “maybe” an easier admit than GDS? Try “definitely much easier.”

So here is the thing. GDS is tough lately. But it’s also a flavor many won’t like so it just doesn’t get the same number of applicants as a place like Potomac or Sidwell. Maret is smaller. Not really in the same zone in terms of size. It’s more like SAES size but Maret is and feels less traditional. Academically it’s fine. It is not as amazing as it wants to be considered. It’s a very try hard place filled with try hards who just missed their first choice. That vibe isn’t great. Lots of people actually choose SSSAS first.

Choose SSSAS first over what other schools?

Anonymous wrote:Parent at SSSAS here. It's solid. It's prob not as rigorous as NCS, Sidwell, Potomac, et al. O mean, if you're looking to get your kid a top level academic education like doing 12th grade work and 3 hours of homework in 10th grade? Nope, SSSAS isn't it. Some people want their kids to function as an adult at 15 doing 3-4 hours of homework daily. SSSAS just is not a school that's pushing hours of work and only academics. But it does offer challenges and pretty much gives options to kids who really excel academically. The difference is that not all kids need to be that profile like you do at other top tier Pvt schools. Socially it's more oriented to balance weighing sports and community service heavily. The teachers really care about the kids not just academically but helping them succeed.

Is it worth the big cost v the other big probates that are tangibly academically rigorous? It depends on what your kid is like and your overall goal and intention for school is. Most at SSSAS like us value a more holistic approach - desire for a competitive college but not at expense of only academic success.

It's not a perfect school at all. I'd say we were happiest in LS and US less in MS but for location, academics, community, social aspects, culture, teachers - the overall option - it's worked out for us.

Why were you less happy in MS? Other than that MS is often hard for kids?

I’ve heard the tests are out of control in MS. Not because it’s too much work but because they only focus on memorizing information.

Parent at SSSAS here. It's solid. It's prob not as rigorous as NCS, Sidwell, Potomac, et al. O mean, if you're looking to get your kid a top level academic education like doing 12th grade work and 3 hours of homework in 10th grade? Nope, SSSAS isn't it. Some people want their kids to function as an adult at 15 doing 3-4 hours of homework daily. SSSAS just is not a school that's pushing hours of work and only academics. But it does offer challenges and pretty much gives options to kids who really excel academically. The difference is that not all kids need to be that profile like you do at other top tier Pvt schools. Socially it's more oriented to balance weighing sports and community service heavily. The teachers really care about the kids not just academically but helping them succeed.

Is it worth the big cost v the other big probates that are tangibly academically rigorous? It depends on what your kid is like and your overall goal and intention for school is. Most at SSSAS like us value a more holistic approach - desire for a competitive college but not at expense of only academic success.

It's not a perfect school at all. I'd say we were happiest in LS and US less in MS but for location, academics, community, social aspects, culture, teachers - the overall option - it's worked out for us.

DC is a senior this year. We almost didn't look at it, but the location, it was hard not to.

Ended up being DC's favorite.

Yes, it has been academically rigorous. DC has taken mostly honors and APs. Definitely been challenged and happy with almost all their teachers. It's been the right fit and a good experience, academically, socially, and athletically (more a sports kid than arts or robotics).

We completely agree with prior posters comment "It’s a school that can be more or less rigorous to meet a student’s needs depending on course selection."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not entirely true. One of the aforementioned released that they had a 12% upper school admit rate (on their school profile).

That school was not Maret. It accepts way more than Sidwell or GDS.

Not sure where you get your info, but Maret is around 15%. It's also a lot smaller than the other two, enrolling only 25 or so students in 9th.

I don’t have data but I do have experience. Last year they aggressively protected their yield. They did this by calling 3 families I personally know the night before decisions from most schools came out. They asked those families to commit on the spot. None did and all got waitlisted. All liked the school but wanted to see results from other schools. This is not rumor. It is an open secret that Maret aggressively protected its yield last year and frankly messed with a lot of families emotionally. One of those families ultimately went. The others went elsewhere. And Maret got to protect its yield by saying they never admitted those students. It’s not really competing with SSSAS anyway. Totally different schools and Maret and SSSAS are pretty far apart so not likely competing for too many of the same kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not entirely true. One of the aforementioned released that they had a 12% upper school admit rate (on their school profile).

That school was not Maret. It accepts way more than Sidwell or GDS.

Not sure where you get your info, but Maret is around 15%. It's also a lot smaller than the other two, enrolling only 25 or so students in 9th.

Anonymous wrote:We don’t have experience at the upper school yet but the lower school does a wonderful job with differentiation and meeting kids where they are. If they need extra support they receive it, and the extra challenges are there for kids who want that as well.

The middle school seems to be more traditional in terms of tests and memorizing as opposed to deep thinking. Kids who need extra support receive it but then there doesn’t seem to be the capacity to challenge the kids who are ready for more. It’s not my ideal but it seems like maybe that improves in the upper school. We’ll see.

Agree with others that it’s not in the same zip code as Sidwell or NCS or Holton-Arms, and I think for many that’s a feature not a bug. They care at least as much about kids having a joyful experience as they do about academics - possibly more. So if rigor is the main thing you want for your kids, it’s probably not the best fit.

We like it a lot and as others have said, the options are broad and deep. Kids can take a ton of AP if they are academically inclined, or none. Performing arts are treated on par with athletics for extracurricular activities. My child goes there and as a K-8 alum has connections and friendships with schools others claim are so rigorous. My child indicates they are all feeling the same… they all have a lot of homework. SSSAS is solid but not the brag of NCS or St. Albany or Sidwell. Really the only other schools that are as bragworthy as those are maybe GDS and Potomac. The braggiest of all is Potomac in that those parents tell you within seconds that is where the kids go. And no, Maret isn’t in the same class of brag. So if you need to brag about your school, those are your options. But as far as preparing kids for college, SSSAS is fantastic as are many others like Maret, FH, SAES and Bullis. And then tons of catholic options are excellent too. Depends what you are looking for.

We don’t have experience at the upper school yet but the lower school does a wonderful job with differentiation and meeting kids where they are. If they need extra support they receive it, and the extra challenges are there for kids who want that as well.

The middle school seems to be more traditional in terms of tests and memorizing as opposed to deep thinking. Kids who need extra support receive it but then there doesn’t seem to be the capacity to challenge the kids who are ready for more. It’s not my ideal but it seems like maybe that improves in the upper school. We’ll see.

Agree with others that it’s not in the same zip code as Sidwell or NCS or Holton-Arms, and I think for many that’s a feature not a bug. They care at least as much about kids having a joyful experience as they do about academics - possibly more. So if rigor is the main thing you want for your kids, it’s probably not the best fit.

Anonymous wrote:Our experience is with the US. It’s a school that can be more or less rigorous to meet a student’s needs depending on course selection. Almost all core classes have an honors section (a few don’t have honors offered in 9th) and there are a wide diet of AP classes. Most of the teachers are excellent. There are a lot of electives offered and the school doesn’t prioritize one area like athletics or arts—kids can really explore and figure out what they are interested in and pursue those interests. Academic certificate programs are available in world language, STEM, visual or performing arts, or service.

My DC has taken all honors and APs except for the couple of 9th grade classes that don’t have honors sections. It’s been very rigorous and a lot of time and effort, but it’s been very rewarding and DC loves it. Highly recommend.

+1 This has been my youngest child's experience as well. We always say that she will be well prepared for college! My oldest child, did not take more than four AP classes (all within the STEM curriculum; he got his STEM certificate) because he was not interested in the others and he had a lot more free time. Based on course selection, the kids really choose the level of rigor for themselves. We have been very pleased with the upper school, its fantastic teachers, and our children's education.