Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you go into the school with the notion that there are "secrets" or "inside tracks" you are doing yourself in for a lot of unnecessary drama. That is the wrong attitude to have.

I think OP just meant "tricks" - some guidance about adjusting to a new community. Perfectly reasonable question.

Seriously? For an adult who presumably has had many new adjustments throughout life? Is this really so, so different and special?

Yes, seriously. Every new community comes with its own quirks, be it in the carpool line or the cocktail party. It is a question worth answering.

Always go to events like curriculum night and PTA type events. You'll learn a lot about the school's strengths and weaknesses.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a new SSSAS parent with a DD entering JK but I felt this was a good general question to post via this forum in order to get the inside track on what secrets or need-to-know advice current parents would pass on to newly accepted parents. Feel free to post about SSSAS or any other school. Inquiring and newly accepted minds are eager to hear your answers!!

I am an Alexandria parent who does not send their kid to SSSAS but another Alexandria private and my advice to you is to make sure your child is going to Lacrosse clinics and learning how to play. You will find out why later on. Just trust me on this.

I would not buy into this, unless YOU think YOUR CHILD would enjoy lacrosse (which is a lot of fun for boys or girls). By the time your child gets to the Upper School almost a decade from now, the school might not have the same emphasis on lacrosse either as a boys sport (their recent success is closely tied to the coach who heads the Blackwolf club program) or as a girls sport (the ageless head coach has had a lot to do with their phenomenal record). Among other things, as lacrosse gets more popular as a youth league option and more kids who have played lacrosse at a young age are in the public school systems in VA and MD, the bell curve may kick in with large student bodies producing very good lacrosse teams.

I love lacrosse. I played it in college and have coached at independent schools in this area. But it shouldn't be the "tail that wags the dog" for choosing or shaping your child's school experience.

If you have an athletic girl, you might also consider getting her into field hockey. Because of Title IX, there are lots of field hockey spots at colleges, and soccer so dominates youth sports for girls that there are good opportunities in field hockey at the high school and college level. If your daughter wants to play lacrosse and is fearless and has great hand/eye coordination, consider seeing if she wants to play goalie -- lots of opportunities there.

OP here ...indeed I only meant need-to-know tidbits from a parents' point of view be that carpool management or where to buy uniforms or any other helpful advice. Thanks to all for posting.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you go into the school with the notion that there are "secrets" or "inside tracks" you are doing yourself in for a lot of unnecessary drama. That is the wrong attitude to have.

I think OP just meant "tricks" - some guidance about adjusting to a new community. Perfectly reasonable question.

Seriously? For an adult who presumably has had many new adjustments throughout life? Is this really so, so different and special?

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you go into the school with the notion that there are "secrets" or "inside tracks" you are doing yourself in for a lot of unnecessary drama. That is the wrong attitude to have.

I think OP just meant "tricks" - some guidance about adjusting to a new community. Perfectly reasonable question.

OP, if you go into the school with the notion that there are "secrets" or "inside tracks" you are doing yourself in for a lot of unnecessary drama. That is the wrong attitude to have.