Anonymous
10/22/2025 20:53
Subject: Mid range public or mid range private? More info below.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What religion are you? Is a Catholic school consistent with your beliefs?
I would choose public school over Catholic because of my family's religious beliefs.
This is a good point. Of the three, I'd say Avalon is the most conservative Catholic. GC is more mainstream but has a mix of semi-regular practicing Catholics, conservative MAGA and non-Catholics. DeMatha has a strong commitment to Christian service and community, but feels more Catholic light. That said, theology class is a requirement and there are regular masses.
I think both GC and DM are about 2/3 Catholic. I believe Avalon is way more Catholic.
This is based on my dated knowledge and impressions though, OP. You're better off inquiring directly with these schools. Visiting them for yourself.
The Avalon (and Brookewood, sister school) family I know well are sectarian, borderline cult MAHA preppers. They reluctantly allowed the kids to go to these schools only because homeschooling so many kids got to be too much for them. Avalon/Brookewood offers them the "shut out the broader world" brand of conservative religion that is acceptable in a way traditional parish Catholic schools are not.
Proceed carefully if parent body matters to you.
We looked at Avalon as a back up option. Our experience while applying was quite pleasant. The admissions director was helpful, and our son enjoyed his shadow day there. However, ultimately it was just not for us. The school did seem to cater to a very specific niche, and it lacked some of the appeal of a more traditional Catholic school (eg. SJC, DM, GC, etc.) so we opted out.
Anonymous
10/22/2025 18:31
Subject: Mid range public or mid range private? More info below.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What religion are you? Is a Catholic school consistent with your beliefs?
I would choose public school over Catholic because of my family's religious beliefs.
This is a good point. Of the three, I'd say Avalon is the most conservative Catholic. GC is more mainstream but has a mix of semi-regular practicing Catholics, conservative MAGA and non-Catholics. DeMatha has a strong commitment to Christian service and community, but feels more Catholic light. That said, theology class is a requirement and there are regular masses.
I think both GC and DM are about 2/3 Catholic. I believe Avalon is way more Catholic.
This is based on my dated knowledge and impressions though, OP. You're better off inquiring directly with these schools. Visiting them for yourself.
The Avalon (and Brookewood, sister school) family I know well are sectarian, borderline cult MAHA preppers. They reluctantly allowed the kids to go to these schools only because homeschooling so many kids got to be too much for them. Avalon/Brookewood offers them the "shut out the broader world" brand of conservative religion that is acceptable in a way traditional parish Catholic schools are not.
Proceed carefully if parent body matters to you.