Anonymous wrote:While I'm not really in a position to compare PVI to GNZ (and I live in ARL), I will note that my son graduated from GNZ two years ago, and is now at UVA. It is a special place - candidly, I never really "got" Catholic education, let alone single sex education, until he went there. So fair warning, I'm a fanboy if you will, but I come by it honestly.

1. Academics were very solid. Wide range of elective courses. Solid writing instruction. He had to work pretty hard. And he came out thinking for himself, and working with others well.
2. What others say about lacrosse and other major stick-and-ball sports is true. You have to be good to play varsity. Sometimes really good. That said, the no-cut sports (eg, XC, hockey, rugby) always suggested to me that they "get" the proper role of sports in the educational experience, and in some cases, they turn kids into pretty good athletes in sports they might not have otherwise tried.
3. Outside of sports, there are plenty of other well supported extracurriculars. (My son was also heavily into tech/stage crew.) And in an era where many Catholic schools can be very dogma-focused, GNZ had an excellent balance between the dogmatic and the social justice doctrine, which is after all part of our faith. (I say this as a relatively conservative Catholic, and I also note that PVI, through its disabilities program, has an excellent reputation for this as well.)
4. I/he really liked the urban aspect of it, much more than I expected. Kids grow up and experience the joy of independence taking the metro to school. And, notwithstanding the increasing gentrification in the area, I think it reinforces the service-related elements of the experience. Obviously FFX is not ARL in terms of access, but if you are close to or pass near a Metro in your morning commute, don't let it dissuade you.
5. Regarding the single sex aspects , my son enjoyed it because he could be himself. And I do believe that translated to a better educational experience -- there are fewer social barriers to trying things that he might not have in a coed environment, and the boys support each other regardless of the activity. Also, though, I shouldn't have to say this, but I never witnessed any disrespectful behavior towards women or girls in his time there.
6. In a related vein, DO NOT underestimate or pooh-pooh the whole "brotherhood" concept that is often spoken of. At least not in this town. There are very strong bonds that are formed. And I do not have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times older gentlemen around town have come up to my son and introduced themselves out-of-the-blue when he was wearing GNZ logo stuff. He's too young to be "networking," but it's an added bonus I had not considered, that I will know will be there if he ever does need it.

Good luck. Both PVI and GNZ are fine schools.

Anonymous wrote:Thinking about Paul VI and Gonzaga for DS high school in two years.

We live in Fairfax County so there will be a commute involved in either one.

Comparing them on www.niche.com they seem almost identical academically.

DS really likes sports, especially lacrosse.

Thoughts about choosing between them?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While I'm not really in a position to compare PVI to GNZ (and I live in ARL), I will note that my son graduated from GNZ two years ago, and is now at UVA. It is a special place - candidly, I never really "got" Catholic education, let alone single sex education, until he went there. So fair warning, I'm a fanboy if you will, but I come by it honestly.

1. Academics were very solid. Wide range of elective courses. Solid writing instruction. He had to work pretty hard. And he came out thinking for himself, and working with others well.
2. What others say about lacrosse and other major stick-and-ball sports is true. You have to be good to play varsity. Sometimes really good. That said, the no-cut sports (eg, XC, hockey, rugby) always suggested to me that they "get" the proper role of sports in the educational experience, and in some cases, they turn kids into pretty good athletes in sports they might not have otherwise tried.
3. Outside of sports, there are plenty of other well supported extracurriculars. (My son was also heavily into tech/stage crew.) And in an era where many Catholic schools can be very dogma-focused, GNZ had an excellent balance between the dogmatic and the social justice doctrine, which is after all part of our faith. (I say this as a relatively conservative Catholic, and I also note that PVI, through its disabilities program, has an excellent reputation for this as well.)
4. I/he really liked the urban aspect of it, much more than I expected. Kids grow up and experience the joy of independence taking the metro to school. And, notwithstanding the increasing gentrification in the area, I think it reinforces the service-related elements of the experience. Obviously FFX is not ARL in terms of access, but if you are close to or pass near a Metro in your morning commute, don't let it dissuade you.
5. Regarding the single sex aspects , my son enjoyed it because he could be himself. And I do believe that translated to a better educational experience -- there are fewer social barriers to trying things that he might not have in a coed environment, and the boys support each other regardless of the activity. Also, though, I shouldn't have to say this, but I never witnessed any disrespectful behavior towards women or girls in his time there.
6. In a related vein, DO NOT underestimate or pooh-pooh the whole "brotherhood" concept that is often spoken of. At least not in this town. There are very strong bonds that are formed. And I do not have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times older gentlemen around town have come up to my son and introduced themselves out-of-the-blue when he was wearing GNZ logo stuff. He's too young to be "networking," but it's an added bonus I had not considered, that I will know will be there if he ever does need it.

Good luck. Both PVI and GNZ are fine schools.

These statements are basically true...

But for PVI
1. Ditto
2. Ditto
3. Ditto except GZ kids often have to travel 30-1 hr for sports practice
4. True, just like some kids love a suburban school with sprawling grounds and practice on campus.
5. Mom's of some Visi/etc girls would disagree.. but boys are disrespectful sometimes everywhere. To say it never happens ever at GZ in your experience is either disingenuous or head in the sand. (which is a little typical of GZ)
6. GZ has strong bonds, it's has more alum due to being around longer and more students, but all schools have the same bonds but are a little less cultist about it. Besides kids went to grade school together and you don't just stop being friends because you went to GZ, or at least I would hope not, and if that is the case that might be a negative.

This poster is super defensive about PVI -- which tells me that PP is clearly insecure. The first PP, although very pro GZ, had nothing negative to say about PVI (in fact was complimentary about it), but latter poster just had to take the opportunity to get the digs in about GZ. Definitely some inferiority complex issues going on here.

And FWIW, PVI doesn't seem to be transparent about its college admissions/matriculations. Gonzaga much more transparent because they have a great story to tell. My gut tells me that PVI students aren't getting in the same level of colleges as GZ.

Haha! So GZ.

My family goes to GZ and PVI and Visi and a host of other schools. Op has no experience with PVI and was neither positive nor negative. My responses were not negative just realistic. Your gut is delusional.

Why is GZ so defensive about having to travel for practices and kids from all
Schools have bonds which is essentially what my comparison says.

Nobody is being defensive about the travel to practices? Not sure where you got that. You are the one who brought it up.

And what is your response to college admissions and matriculations. Their vague list on the school profile only lists a bunch of colleges kids were admitted to over the years...no time span, no number of kids for each school, nothing. Any school can have a list like that. Anyone care to share naviance data for PVI for the top 20 USNWR universities? I'll bet it's not nearly as strong as GZ.

Oh, and what about National Merit Semifinalists? I did a little research and it seems PVI has none this year. https://www.catholicherald.com/news/local_news/schools/diocesan_students_reach_national_merit_semifinals,_achieve_ap_scholar_awards/

Gonzaga has two students who made National Merit Semifinalist.

And just for the record (because I just saw the DC list) SJC had none as well.

Just sayin'.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While I'm not really in a position to compare PVI to GNZ (and I live in ARL), I will note that my son graduated from GNZ two years ago, and is now at UVA. It is a special place - candidly, I never really "got" Catholic education, let alone single sex education, until he went there. So fair warning, I'm a fanboy if you will, but I come by it honestly.

1. Academics were very solid. Wide range of elective courses. Solid writing instruction. He had to work pretty hard. And he came out thinking for himself, and working with others well.
2. What others say about lacrosse and other major stick-and-ball sports is true. You have to be good to play varsity. Sometimes really good. That said, the no-cut sports (eg, XC, hockey, rugby) always suggested to me that they "get" the proper role of sports in the educational experience, and in some cases, they turn kids into pretty good athletes in sports they might not have otherwise tried.
3. Outside of sports, there are plenty of other well supported extracurriculars. (My son was also heavily into tech/stage crew.) And in an era where many Catholic schools can be very dogma-focused, GNZ had an excellent balance between the dogmatic and the social justice doctrine, which is after all part of our faith. (I say this as a relatively conservative Catholic, and I also note that PVI, through its disabilities program, has an excellent reputation for this as well.)
4. I/he really liked the urban aspect of it, much more than I expected. Kids grow up and experience the joy of independence taking the metro to school. And, notwithstanding the increasing gentrification in the area, I think it reinforces the service-related elements of the experience. Obviously FFX is not ARL in terms of access, but if you are close to or pass near a Metro in your morning commute, don't let it dissuade you.
5. Regarding the single sex aspects , my son enjoyed it because he could be himself. And I do believe that translated to a better educational experience -- there are fewer social barriers to trying things that he might not have in a coed environment, and the boys support each other regardless of the activity. Also, though, I shouldn't have to say this, but I never witnessed any disrespectful behavior towards women or girls in his time there.
6. In a related vein, DO NOT underestimate or pooh-pooh the whole "brotherhood" concept that is often spoken of. At least not in this town. There are very strong bonds that are formed. And I do not have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times older gentlemen around town have come up to my son and introduced themselves out-of-the-blue when he was wearing GNZ logo stuff. He's too young to be "networking," but it's an added bonus I had not considered, that I will know will be there if he ever does need it.

Good luck. Both PVI and GNZ are fine schools.

These statements are basically true...

But for PVI
1. Ditto
2. Ditto
3. Ditto except GZ kids often have to travel 30-1 hr for sports practice
4. True, just like some kids love a suburban school with sprawling grounds and practice on campus.
5. Mom's of some Visi/etc girls would disagree.. but boys are disrespectful sometimes everywhere. To say it never happens ever at GZ in your experience is either disingenuous or head in the sand. (which is a little typical of GZ)
6. GZ has strong bonds, it's has more alum due to being around longer and more students, but all schools have the same bonds but are a little less cultist about it. Besides kids went to grade school together and you don't just stop being friends because you went to GZ, or at least I would hope not, and if that is the case that might be a negative.

This poster is super defensive about PVI -- which tells me that PP is clearly insecure. The first PP, although very pro GZ, had nothing negative to say about PVI (in fact was complimentary about it), but latter poster just had to take the opportunity to get the digs in about GZ. Definitely some inferiority complex issues going on here.

And FWIW, PVI doesn't seem to be transparent about its college admissions/matriculations. Gonzaga much more transparent because they have a great story to tell. My gut tells me that PVI students aren't getting in the same level of colleges as GZ.

Haha! So GZ.

My family goes to GZ and PVI and Visi and a host of other schools. Op has no experience with PVI and was neither positive nor negative. My responses were not negative just realistic. Your gut is delusional.

Why is GZ so defensive about having to travel for practices and kids from all
Schools have bonds which is essentially what my comparison says.

Re#5...of course they would. But I am being neither disingenuous nor putting my head in the sand. I spent a fair amount of time around campus, much of it associated with activities that were coed, and did not see

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While I'm not really in a position to compare PVI to GNZ (and I live in ARL), I will note that my son graduated from GNZ two years ago, and is now at UVA. It is a special place - candidly, I never really "got" Catholic education, let alone single sex education, until he went there. So fair warning, I'm a fanboy if you will, but I come by it honestly.

1. Academics were very solid. Wide range of elective courses. Solid writing instruction. He had to work pretty hard. And he came out thinking for himself, and working with others well.
2. What others say about lacrosse and other major stick-and-ball sports is true. You have to be good to play varsity. Sometimes really good. That said, the no-cut sports (eg, XC, hockey, rugby) always suggested to me that they "get" the proper role of sports in the educational experience, and in some cases, they turn kids into pretty good athletes in sports they might not have otherwise tried.
3. Outside of sports, there are plenty of other well supported extracurriculars. (My son was also heavily into tech/stage crew.) And in an era where many Catholic schools can be very dogma-focused, GNZ had an excellent balance between the dogmatic and the social justice doctrine, which is after all part of our faith. (I say this as a relatively conservative Catholic, and I also note that PVI, through its disabilities program, has an excellent reputation for this as well.)
4. I/he really liked the urban aspect of it, much more than I expected. Kids grow up and experience the joy of independence taking the metro to school. And, notwithstanding the increasing gentrification in the area, I think it reinforces the service-related elements of the experience. Obviously FFX is not ARL in terms of access, but if you are close to or pass near a Metro in your morning commute, don't let it dissuade you.
5. Regarding the single sex aspects , my son enjoyed it because he could be himself. And I do believe that translated to a better educational experience -- there are fewer social barriers to trying things that he might not have in a coed environment, and the boys support each other regardless of the activity. Also, though, I shouldn't have to say this, but I never witnessed any disrespectful behavior towards women or girls in his time there.
6. In a related vein, DO NOT underestimate or pooh-pooh the whole "brotherhood" concept that is often spoken of. At least not in this town. There are very strong bonds that are formed. And I do not have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times older gentlemen around town have come up to my son and introduced themselves out-of-the-blue when he was wearing GNZ logo stuff. He's too young to be "networking," but it's an added bonus I had not considered, that I will know will be there if he ever does need it.

Good luck. Both PVI and GNZ are fine schools.

These statements are basically true...

But for PVI
1. Ditto
2. Ditto
3. Ditto except GZ kids often have to travel 30-1 hr for sports practice
4. True, just like some kids love a suburban school with sprawling grounds and practice on campus.
5. Mom's of some Visi/etc girls would disagree.. but boys are disrespectful sometimes everywhere. To say it never happens ever at GZ in your experience is either disingenuous or head in the sand. (which is a little typical of GZ)
6. GZ has strong bonds, it's has more alum due to being around longer and more students, but all schools have the same bonds but are a little less cultist about it. Besides kids went to grade school together and you don't just stop being friends because you went to GZ, or at least I would hope not, and if that is the case that might be a negative.

This poster is super defensive about PVI -- which tells me that PP is clearly insecure. The first PP, although very pro GZ, had nothing negative to say about PVI (in fact was complimentary about it), but latter poster just had to take the opportunity to get the digs in about GZ. Definitely some inferiority complex issues going on here.

And FWIW, PVI doesn't seem to be transparent about its college admissions/matriculations. Gonzaga much more transparent because they have a great story to tell. My gut tells me that PVI students aren't getting in the same level of colleges as GZ.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While I'm not really in a position to compare PVI to GNZ (and I live in ARL), I will note that my son graduated from GNZ two years ago, and is now at UVA. It is a special place - candidly, I never really "got" Catholic education, let alone single sex education, until he went there. So fair warning, I'm a fanboy if you will, but I come by it honestly.

1. Academics were very solid. Wide range of elective courses. Solid writing instruction. He had to work pretty hard. And he came out thinking for himself, and working with others well.
2. What others say about lacrosse and other major stick-and-ball sports is true. You have to be good to play varsity. Sometimes really good. That said, the no-cut sports (eg, XC, hockey, rugby) always suggested to me that they "get" the proper role of sports in the educational experience, and in some cases, they turn kids into pretty good athletes in sports they might not have otherwise tried.
3. Outside of sports, there are plenty of other well supported extracurriculars. (My son was also heavily into tech/stage crew.) And in an era where many Catholic schools can be very dogma-focused, GNZ had an excellent balance between the dogmatic and the social justice doctrine, which is after all part of our faith. (I say this as a relatively conservative Catholic, and I also note that PVI, through its disabilities program, has an excellent reputation for this as well.)
4. I/he really liked the urban aspect of it, much more than I expected. Kids grow up and experience the joy of independence taking the metro to school. And, notwithstanding the increasing gentrification in the area, I think it reinforces the service-related elements of the experience. Obviously FFX is not ARL in terms of access, but if you are close to or pass near a Metro in your morning commute, don't let it dissuade you.
5. Regarding the single sex aspects , my son enjoyed it because he could be himself. And I do believe that translated to a better educational experience -- there are fewer social barriers to trying things that he might not have in a coed environment, and the boys support each other regardless of the activity. Also, though, I shouldn't have to say this, but I never witnessed any disrespectful behavior towards women or girls in his time there.
6. In a related vein, DO NOT underestimate or pooh-pooh the whole "brotherhood" concept that is often spoken of. At least not in this town. There are very strong bonds that are formed. And I do not have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times older gentlemen around town have come up to my son and introduced themselves out-of-the-blue when he was wearing GNZ logo stuff. He's too young to be "networking," but it's an added bonus I had not considered, that I will know will be there if he ever does need it.

Good luck. Both PVI and GNZ are fine schools.

These statements are basically true...

But for PVI
1. Ditto
2. Ditto
3. Ditto except GZ kids often have to travel 30-1 hr for sports practice
4. True, just like some kids love a suburban school with sprawling grounds and practice on campus.
5. Mom's of some Visi/etc girls would disagree.. but boys are disrespectful sometimes everywhere. To say it never happens ever at GZ in your experience is either disingenuous or head in the sand. (which is a little typical of GZ)
6. GZ has strong bonds, it's has more alum due to being around longer and more students, but all schools have the same bonds but are a little less cultist about it. Besides kids went to grade school together and you don't just stop being friends because you went to GZ, or at least I would hope not, and if that is the case that might be a negative.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While I'm not really in a position to compare PVI to GNZ (and I live in ARL), I will note that my son graduated from GNZ two years ago, and is now at UVA. It is a special place - candidly, I never really "got" Catholic education, let alone single sex education, until he went there. So fair warning, I'm a fanboy if you will, but I come by it honestly.

1. Academics were very solid. Wide range of elective courses. Solid writing instruction. He had to work pretty hard. And he came out thinking for himself, and working with others well.
2. What others say about lacrosse and other major stick-and-ball sports is true. You have to be good to play varsity. Sometimes really good. That said, the no-cut sports (eg, XC, hockey, rugby) always suggested to me that they "get" the proper role of sports in the educational experience, and in some cases, they turn kids into pretty good athletes in sports they might not have otherwise tried.
3. Outside of sports, there are plenty of other well supported extracurriculars. (My son was also heavily into tech/stage crew.) And in an era where many Catholic schools can be very dogma-focused, GNZ had an excellent balance between the dogmatic and the social justice doctrine, which is after all part of our faith. (I say this as a relatively conservative Catholic, and I also note that PVI, through its disabilities program, has an excellent reputation for this as well.)
4. I/he really liked the urban aspect of it, much more than I expected. Kids grow up and experience the joy of independence taking the metro to school. And, notwithstanding the increasing gentrification in the area, I think it reinforces the service-related elements of the experience. Obviously FFX is not ARL in terms of access, but if you are close to or pass near a Metro in your morning commute, don't let it dissuade you.
5. Regarding the single sex aspects , my son enjoyed it because he could be himself. And I do believe that translated to a better educational experience -- there are fewer social barriers to trying things that he might not have in a coed environment, and the boys support each other regardless of the activity. Also, though, I shouldn't have to say this, but I never witnessed any disrespectful behavior towards women or girls in his time there.
6. In a related vein, DO NOT underestimate or pooh-pooh the whole "brotherhood" concept that is often spoken of. At least not in this town. There are very strong bonds that are formed. And I do not have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times older gentlemen around town have come up to my son and introduced themselves out-of-the-blue when he was wearing GNZ logo stuff. He's too young to be "networking," but it's an added bonus I had not considered, that I will know will be there if he ever does need it.

Good luck. Both PVI and GNZ are fine schools.

These statements are basically true...

But for PVI
1. Ditto
2. Ditto
3. Ditto except GZ kids often have to travel 30-1 hr for sports practice
4. True, just like some kids love a suburban school with sprawling grounds and practice on campus.
5. Mom's of some Visi/etc girls would disagree.. but boys are disrespectful sometimes everywhere. To say it never happens ever at GZ in your experience is either disingenuous or head in the sand. (which is a little typical of GZ)
6. GZ has strong bonds, it's has more alum due to being around longer and more students, but all schools have the same bonds but are a little less cultist about it. Besides kids went to grade school together and you don't just stop being friends because you went to GZ, or at least I would hope not, and if that is the case that might be a negative.

Anonymous wrote:While I'm not really in a position to compare PVI to GNZ (and I live in ARL), I will note that my son graduated from GNZ two years ago, and is now at UVA. It is a special place - candidly, I never really "got" Catholic education, let alone single sex education, until he went there. So fair warning, I'm a fanboy if you will, but I come by it honestly.

1. Academics were very solid. Wide range of elective courses. Solid writing instruction. He had to work pretty hard. And he came out thinking for himself, and working with others well.
2. What others say about lacrosse and other major stick-and-ball sports is true. You have to be good to play varsity. Sometimes really good. That said, the no-cut sports (eg, XC, hockey, rugby) always suggested to me that they "get" the proper role of sports in the educational experience, and in some cases, they turn kids into pretty good athletes in sports they might not have otherwise tried.
3. Outside of sports, there are plenty of other well supported extracurriculars. (My son was also heavily into tech/stage crew.) And in an era where many Catholic schools can be very dogma-focused, GNZ had an excellent balance between the dogmatic and the social justice doctrine, which is after all part of our faith. (I say this as a relatively conservative Catholic, and I also note that PVI, through its disabilities program, has an excellent reputation for this as well.)
4. I/he really liked the urban aspect of it, much more than I expected. Kids grow up and experience the joy of independence taking the metro to school. And, notwithstanding the increasing gentrification in the area, I think it reinforces the service-related elements of the experience. Obviously FFX is not ARL in terms of access, but if you are close to or pass near a Metro in your morning commute, don't let it dissuade you.
5. Regarding the single sex aspects , my son enjoyed it because he could be himself. And I do believe that translated to a better educational experience -- there are fewer social barriers to trying things that he might not have in a coed environment, and the boys support each other regardless of the activity. Also, though, I shouldn't have to say this, but I never witnessed any disrespectful behavior towards women or girls in his time there.
6. In a related vein, DO NOT underestimate or pooh-pooh the whole "brotherhood" concept that is often spoken of. At least not in this town. There are very strong bonds that are formed. And I do not have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times older gentlemen around town have come up to my son and introduced themselves out-of-the-blue when he was wearing GNZ logo stuff. He's too young to be "networking," but it's an added bonus I had not considered, that I will know will be there if he ever does need it.

Good luck. Both PVI and GNZ are fine schools.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PVI is coed, in the burbs and has a program for children with disabilities.
Gonzaga is all boys, in the city and has a soup kitchen on campus.

Both lax teams are excellent/hard to make.

Academics are the same.

Prep guy here. Academics are NOT the same. GZ is far superior. It’s like comparing Bullis with Prep.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PVI is coed, in the burbs and has a program for children with disabilities.
Gonzaga is all boys, in the city and has a soup kitchen on campus.

Both lax teams are excellent/hard to make.

Academics are the same.

Prep guy here. Academics are NOT the same. GZ is far superior. It’s like comparing Bullis with Prep.