Anonymous
Post 04/12/2025 08:47     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:Curious about the 1:1 iPad program. What is the pedagogical philosophy behind this idea? Doesn’t it feel a bit…antithetical to Catholic education to hand every kid an iPad…especially in a world that is already so screen-saturated?


They’re doing it at most other Catholic schools. The question to ask is which schools, and in which divisions, are they monitoring those devices during the school day? I’m at a school that only monitors at the MS. It’s a free for all in the US and kids use their school devices the same way they would use their cell phone
Anonymous
Post 04/11/2025 23:31     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:My son went there for baseball several years ago. He was good player but not excellent enough. It was clear he didn’t have a path forward on the team. Also, the baseball team, and I assume other sports there, is an all life-encompassing, high pressure thing for the kid and the family. He transferred back to our DCPS high school after freshman year and loved his last 3 years of high school. Now at a great college. However, the study habits and organizational skills he learned at SJC helped him succeed so it’s a mixed bag.

My DD does another sport, and has a completely different experience. It was not at all encompassing or stressful. The team had weekly meets during the season and practices were “required”, but the coaches were very relaxed about the requirements. Kids missed practices or meets for various reasons, and it was not a big deal at all. All kids who wanted to be on the team and compete, were given the opportunity whether they were varsity or JV. Once the season was over and after the banquet, then the kids were free from that sport. My DD had so much fun, and loved the team and the coaches. She loved how close the girls on the teams became despite different ages.
Anonymous
Post 04/11/2025 22:59     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
My son went there for baseball several years ago. He was good player but not excellent enough. It was clear he didn’t have a path forward on the team. Also, the baseball team, and I assume other sports there, is an all life-encompassing, high pressure thing for the kid and the family. He transferred back to our DCPS high school after freshman year and loved his last 3 years of high school. Now at a great college. However, the study habits and organizational skills he learned at SJC helped him succeed so it’s a mixed bag.
Anonymous
Post 04/11/2025 22:46     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:Curious about the 1:1 iPad program. What is the pedagogical philosophy behind this idea? Doesn’t it feel a bit…antithetical to Catholic education to hand every kid an iPad…especially in a world that is already so screen-saturated?

I had reservations about the iPad initially for my freshman, but after almost 8 months now with it, it’s worked out very well. The school has limitations that it’s only for schoolwork, there are consequences if they use it for anything else. Most textbooks are accessed on the iPad so the kids aren’t carrying around heavy loads of textbooks to and from school. They use an Apple Pencil and certain apps the school provides to take notes and do homework, and submit directly to the teachers from the iPad. If my kid happens to be sick and stayed home, there’s no worries that the textbooks and notebooks were left at school. They can email teachers and classmates for notes and assignments, and get the work done just, and submitted, just with the iPad. It’s convenient for commutes to/from school and to/from after school activities or long rides to sport events. My kid only has to carry that iPad and the Pencil, and makes the most of commuting times to check emails and get homework done. My kid LOVES being able to do this.
Anonymous
Post 04/11/2025 21:31     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Curious about the 1:1 iPad program. What is the pedagogical philosophy behind this idea? Doesn’t it feel a bit…antithetical to Catholic education to hand every kid an iPad…especially in a world that is already so screen-saturated?
Anonymous
Post 04/11/2025 21:02     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
OMG so glad we didn't choose this school! I love how the tour shows you the athletic facilities that the non d1 kids will never use!
Anonymous
Post 04/11/2025 20:27     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is a sophomore this year and likes SJC pretty well. I wanted to comment on the requirements for honors/Ap English and also math if your 9th grader takes (or has to repeat from 8th grade) Algebra 1.

A B+ in non honors 9th grade English gets you grade level 10th grade English. You have to have an A in 9th to move into honors in 10th. (I think its a B if you start in honors) Then in 10th, you need an A to move into 11th honors, and a 95 or above, which is near impossible, to move to AP.

In math if you don't start in honors you need to be in the top 5% of all Algebra 1 students (last year that grade was about a 95) to qualify for summer Geometry and then be on track for honors Algebra II as a sophomore.

All a bit frustrating esp since teacher difficulty and grading policies vary depending on who you get.


THIS!!!! My kid is a Senior. We made a massive mistake choosing SJC and it is going to impact his options for college. I have an A student who struggled as a Freshman due to two back to back death the first month of his freshman year at SJC. SJC never allowed him to recover academically. Please parents realize that it they gate keep their classes for honors kids and it WILL impact your child’s future! My son was in accelerated math going into SJC. SJC forced (and I mean forced) him off of it. He wasn’t allowed into Honors classes with a B plus (about .7 point away from an A). He was not allowed to take more than two APs his Junior year. He is now is pre calc because he was forced out of the accelerated program. The college he wants so badly’s rep told him he didn’t have a shot and they won’t even look at him even though he is an A student because of his APs and Math over which he had no control because he had no control. The school is rigid, too big and doesn’t care about each kid wholelistically. They care about sports. Period. The resentment I have towards what this school has done to my kids future is deep. If they take your kid off the honors/college math path, get out!!!!! I have so much regret for my hard working good kid. It is devastating!!!!


I would love an update on how your kid did with college acceptances this year. Hopefully he made it to the school he wanted or somewhere he will be as happy? We are in a similar position, and it would be so helpful to hear how things ended up working out.
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2024 16:24     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:BTSN was in person for freshman parents. It was good to be able to walk the space and meet the teachers. Perhaps parents should voice concerns about the other grades having theirs virtual to see if there’s an appetite to change.


Parents have complained for years and yet this year was still Zoom. Other private schools have a separate Back to school nights for Freshman. Sophomores Juniors and Seniors parents would like to see the space and meet their kids teachers too. Public schools pull it off with thousands of kids. SJC can too.


Speak for yourself. I vastly prefer zoom after the freshman year.


I think a Zoom back to school night four years post Covid is lazy and shows a lack of respect to the parents and doesn’t build any sense of community. It says a lot about how much the admin values parental input. Even public schools have pulled off in person Back to school nights. For some parents it might be the only time they ever come to the school. I also want to meet in person at least once the people who teach my kids all year long and see their classroom. If you don’t want to go because you have other things to do, I’m sure the teacher can email you their resume and syllabus.



Seriously? At what point do you think your kid might be responsible for these type of issues. I get freshman year to learn more about the school, etc. But, after that, what are you going to learn from a BTSN for kid in High school. Go over a syllabus? Do you need to go to BTSN to get that? High school is about learning to grow up and not have your parents around to watch over you every minute of the day. If you respond that your kid isn't responsible and you need to be constant vigilent, than that is a you problem because you have failed to set expectations for your children (and reprecusions when they haven't.) A BTSN isn't going to solve that problem.


Really? Wanting to to actually meet your kids teachers in person for one night out if how many in a school year is being over vigilant and failing to let my kid grow up? Lol tell that to the public school parents who had in person back to school nights.

For the hands off parents like you, just stay home then. Let your kid run his own life at the ripe age of 14-17. I’m sure your kids are perfect and already know everything. But for parents who are interested in the people teaching their kids who are influencing them every single day deserve a chance to see them in person. I am surprised you don’t expect more from a school where you actually PAY TUITION.

If there are issues, I go to the admin, not the teacher.

As for being perfect. Nope. Not in the least. But, I also understand that part of the process of growing up is learning to make mistakes, learning to fail, and how to deal and what to do when you make a mistake or fail. But, hey, helicopter away.
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2024 10:48     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
I LOVE virtual BTSN. It was great to go in person freshman year but I really appreciated it not taking the entire night (we do not live very close) especially with multiple kids and sports, etc its great.

Over the course of the year I met with several of my kids teachers in person to discuss various issues. All I had to do was ask and it wasn't a problem at all. Not the same I know but its not as if BTSN is the only opportunity to meet teachers. Sounds like next year I will be making the BTSN trek!
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2024 10:41     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:BTSN was in person for freshman parents. It was good to be able to walk the space and meet the teachers. Perhaps parents should voice concerns about the other grades having theirs virtual to see if there’s an appetite to change.


Parents have complained for years and yet this year was still Zoom. Other private schools have a separate Back to school nights for Freshman. Sophomores Juniors and Seniors parents would like to see the space and meet their kids teachers too. Public schools pull it off with thousands of kids. SJC can too.


Speak for yourself. I vastly prefer zoom after the freshman year.

Speaking for myself, I’d be very disappointed with a Zoomed BTSN. I didn’t even know that was a thing anywhere at this point. So glad our school doesn’t do that.


+1


SJC has families from all over the region and a virtual BTSN makes it possible for those parents who live and work far away to participate. We live close and in-person mtgs are no problem for us. But we recognize that this is a reflection of something we value at the school - diversity and inclusion in action.

You likely have a different view and so you are at a different school.





I see the SJC admin has entered the room to try to explain away the embarrassing Zoom situation with some DEI nonsense.



PP, why are you so hateful? Please note that at the mother’s club meeting held 9/4, Mr. Themistos announced that the next back to school night would be in person, not virtual. So you can stop spreading misinformation.
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2024 10:16     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:BTSN was in person for freshman parents. It was good to be able to walk the space and meet the teachers. Perhaps parents should voice concerns about the other grades having theirs virtual to see if there’s an appetite to change.


Parents have complained for years and yet this year was still Zoom. Other private schools have a separate Back to school nights for Freshman. Sophomores Juniors and Seniors parents would like to see the space and meet their kids teachers too. Public schools pull it off with thousands of kids. SJC can too.


Speak for yourself. I vastly prefer zoom after the freshman year.

Speaking for myself, I’d be very disappointed with a Zoomed BTSN. I didn’t even know that was a thing anywhere at this point. So glad our school doesn’t do that.


+1


SJC has families from all over the region and a virtual BTSN makes it possible for those parents who live and work far away to participate. We live close and in-person mtgs are no problem for us. But we recognize that this is a reflection of something we value at the school - diversity and inclusion in action.

You likely have a different view and so you are at a different school.





I see the SJC admin has entered the room to try to explain away the embarrassing Zoom situation with some DEI nonsense.



That’s your response? Embarrassing.
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2024 10:09     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:BTSN was in person for freshman parents. It was good to be able to walk the space and meet the teachers. Perhaps parents should voice concerns about the other grades having theirs virtual to see if there’s an appetite to change.


Parents have complained for years and yet this year was still Zoom. Other private schools have a separate Back to school nights for Freshman. Sophomores Juniors and Seniors parents would like to see the space and meet their kids teachers too. Public schools pull it off with thousands of kids. SJC can too.


Speak for yourself. I vastly prefer zoom after the freshman year.

Speaking for myself, I’d be very disappointed with a Zoomed BTSN. I didn’t even know that was a thing anywhere at this point. So glad our school doesn’t do that.


+1


SJC has families from all over the region and a virtual BTSN makes it possible for those parents who live and work far away to participate. We live close and in-person mtgs are no problem for us. But we recognize that this is a reflection of something we value at the school - diversity and inclusion in action.

You likely have a different view and so you are at a different school.





I see the SJC admin has entered the room to try to explain away the embarrassing Zoom situation with some DEI nonsense.

Anonymous
Post 09/19/2024 09:51     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:BTSN was in person for freshman parents. It was good to be able to walk the space and meet the teachers. Perhaps parents should voice concerns about the other grades having theirs virtual to see if there’s an appetite to change.


Parents have complained for years and yet this year was still Zoom. Other private schools have a separate Back to school nights for Freshman. Sophomores Juniors and Seniors parents would like to see the space and meet their kids teachers too. Public schools pull it off with thousands of kids. SJC can too.


Speak for yourself. I vastly prefer zoom after the freshman year.

Speaking for myself, I’d be very disappointed with a Zoomed BTSN. I didn’t even know that was a thing anywhere at this point. So glad our school doesn’t do that.


+1


SJC has families from all over the region and a virtual BTSN makes it possible for those parents who live and work far away to participate. We live close and in-person mtgs are no problem for us. But we recognize that this is a reflection of something we value at the school - diversity and inclusion in action.

You likely have a different view and so you are at a different school.


Anonymous
Post 09/19/2024 09:31     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:BTSN was in person for freshman parents. It was good to be able to walk the space and meet the teachers. Perhaps parents should voice concerns about the other grades having theirs virtual to see if there’s an appetite to change.


Parents have complained for years and yet this year was still Zoom. Other private schools have a separate Back to school nights for Freshman. Sophomores Juniors and Seniors parents would like to see the space and meet their kids teachers too. Public schools pull it off with thousands of kids. SJC can too.


Speak for yourself. I vastly prefer zoom after the freshman year.

Speaking for myself, I’d be very disappointed with a Zoomed BTSN. I didn’t even know that was a thing anywhere at this point. So glad our school doesn’t do that.


+1
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2024 09:14     Subject: SJC not work for a kid
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:SJC robotics team performs well in competitions. I am surprised there are any requirements to join. I haven’t heard that’s the case. However during the main season (January to April), it’s like a varsity sport time wise.

Regarding sports, you can walk on to freshman teams and get playing time, but it gets less at JV and then nonexistent at varsity (unless you turn out to be a superstar…I am sure that has happened though I never witnessed with my own eyeballs).

You still have to practice just as hard as everyone else, so you need to decide if it is worth it to be on the varsity team junior and senior year and get almost zero playing time.

Teams like XCountry, rugby and crew are no cut or nearly no cut.



The freshman teams are not walk on. This is misinformation except for running. Not even golf or tennis took any freshman boys. Baseball took 1 non-recruited freshman from tryouts.




That’s a change for baseball…my kid graduated three years ago and the freshman team at that time had 7-8 freshman walkons. It was a large team.

That was the tail end of a bit of a debacle with kids like James Wood and like 6 others leaving SJC, so it’s possible that thinned the upper ranks and artificially created openings down the line.


There would never be that many walkons for the baseball team. What your son probably saw were recruited baseball players who were allowed to play freshman football and did not participate with the fall travel team. Then they participated in the spring baseball tryouts and made the team, but they were not “walkons.”