Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is not all that it's cracked up to be. We are a current family, and while we are generally happy, the school has disappointed in multiple respects.

What grade is your son? Or can you say just upper or lower school? Roughly how long have you been there? And please specify the "multiple respects" in which you have been disappointed.

Different poster but with similar sentiment. Rather than a brotherhood, St Albans can be like a frat, where the sporty kids rule. And do not get me started on the parents...let me just say that it is like high school all over again where if you are not attractive,you might as well be invisible.

I disagree. STA is an amazing school and it does all it can do to encourage community among the boys. The boys seem to get along and all be friends on some level at school. STA can't control what happens outside of school, although it would be nice if they gave parents the same lecture on kindness and creating a community that the boys receive because while most are nice, a few could be reminded. Regarding the parents, it really depends on the grade. We have two children and one grade the parents are nice and inclusive and the other has a few gossipy cliquey moms that are creating a very divided class with their actions. So, this is not a STA problem but rather a parent problem.

NP. We are seriously looking at STA for our son and, as much as I hate to ask this, I'm wondering if someone would be brave enough to comment on this further. We're at another independent school now and know exactly how this works -- some grades just click better than others with the parents and the kids too. Would anyone offer an opinion as to the "nicest" classes of parents and/or boys in STA lower division?

Stir pot, much ?

Really, you " just want to know which STA class is nice and which not so nice" and want that posted on a public forum because, heaven help your DC, if you don't pre-sceen his potential friends ( all of them ) he might not have a perfect childhood. Oops, STA is a MS/HS. Correction, you wish to steam roll the path for his adolescence....

Good grief !

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is not all that it's cracked up to be. We are a current family, and while we are generally happy, the school has disappointed in multiple respects.

What grade is your son? Or can you say just upper or lower school? Roughly how long have you been there? And please specify the "multiple respects" in which you have been disappointed.

Different poster but with similar sentiment. Rather than a brotherhood, St Albans can be like a frat, where the sporty kids rule. And do not get me started on the parents...let me just say that it is like high school all over again where if you are not attractive,you might as well be invisible.

I disagree. STA is an amazing school and it does all it can do to encourage community among the boys. The boys seem to get along and all be friends on some level at school. STA can't control what happens outside of school, although it would be nice if they gave parents the same lecture on kindness and creating a community that the boys receive because while most are nice, a few could be reminded. Regarding the parents, it really depends on the grade. We have two children and one grade the parents are nice and inclusive and the other has a few gossipy cliquey moms that are creating a very divided class with their actions. So, this is not a STA problem but rather a parent problem.

NP. We are seriously looking at STA for our son and, as much as I hate to ask this, I'm wondering if someone would be brave enough to comment on this further. We're at another independent school now and know exactly how this works -- some grades just click better than others with the parents and the kids too. Would anyone offer an opinion as to the "nicest" classes of parents and/or boys in STA lower division?

Agree, as a general matter the parents are awful. They think their political connections or government titles mean something outside the beltway, or they believe that their bank accounts make them rich when by NY standards they are essentially paupers, or they think their pretty for DC looks means anything more than semi-attractive barista at your standard Hollywood Starbucks. The surprising and truly sublime thing is that despite all of this, STA does something to counteract all of this shallowness, and develops wonderful, compassionate, and decent men.

The parents are awful. The boys are stressed. For some in DC, there is a perceived cache to the place that makes all of that worth it, but for others the shine tarnishes quickly. Different strokes for different folks, but, go in with your eyes open.

Are your boys in lower or upper school? I have younger boys and I was hoping boys school might avoid some of the cliquish stuff that goes on at other schools, but that may be a stereotype. I hate hearing that the parents are spurring it on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is not all that it's cracked up to be. We are a current family, and while we are generally happy, the school has disappointed in multiple respects.

What grade is your son? Or can you say just upper or lower school? Roughly how long have you been there? And please specify the "multiple respects" in which you have been disappointed.

Different poster but with similar sentiment. Rather than a brotherhood, St Albans can be like a frat, where the sporty kids rule. And do not get me started on the parents...let me just say that it is like high school all over again where if you are not attractive,you might as well be invisible.

I disagree. STA is an amazing school and it does all it can do to encourage community among the boys. The boys seem to get along and all be friends on some level at school. STA can't control what happens outside of school, although it would be nice if they gave parents the same lecture on kindness and creating a community that the boys receive because while most are nice, a few could be reminded. Regarding the parents, it really depends on the grade. We have two children and one grade the parents are nice and inclusive and the other has a few gossipy cliquey moms that are creating a very divided class with their actions. So, this is not a STA problem but rather a parent problem.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is not all that it's cracked up to be. We are a current family, and while we are generally happy, the school has disappointed in multiple respects.

What grade is your son? Or can you say just upper or lower school? Roughly how long have you been there? And please specify the "multiple respects" in which you have been disappointed.

Different poster but with similar sentiment. Rather than a brotherhood, St Albans can be like a frat, where the sporty kids rule. And do not get me started on the parents...let me just say that it is like high school all over again where if you are not attractive,you might as well be invisible.

absolute nonsense ! The average Washington parent is in their mid 50's when their kid is in HS. No one is that "attractive" really, anymore. Its more like who is the least bald, the least fat and the lowest level prescription glasses.

I call troll.

You may be describing the "average Washington parent," but are hardly describing the "average" ST Albans parent. If you have ever been to one of the back to school nights, an afternoon sporting event, or paren cocktail party, you would know what I mean. Not saying it is exclusively a St Albans thing. Have noticed this generally about the private school parent pool.

Yes, I am describing the average NW, DC parent:
* under grad and professional degree form HYP
* medi elite, big law partner or POTUS administration
* hobbies are running marathons, skiing in Sun Valley and serving on the Federal City Council
* might be 4th or 5th generation Washingtonian
* or just the owner of a tech start up
* both husband and wife fit and trim , but still 50 years old, balding, glasses wearing and in their 3rd decode of working 60-90 hours a week

Yes my fellow parents are smart, interesting, well travelled and fun to hang out with, but they are not perfect or perfect looking , nor do they need to be

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is not all that it's cracked up to be. We are a current family, and while we are generally happy, the school has disappointed in multiple respects.

What grade is your son? Or can you say just upper or lower school? Roughly how long have you been there? And please specify the "multiple respects" in which you have been disappointed.

Different poster but with similar sentiment. Rather than a brotherhood, St Albans can be like a frat, where the sporty kids rule. And do not get me started on the parents...let me just say that it is like high school all over again where if you are not attractive,you might as well be invisible.

absolute nonsense ! The average Washington parent is in their mid 50's when their kid is in HS. No one is that "attractive" really, anymore. Its more like who is the least bald, the least fat and the lowest level prescription glasses.

I call troll.

You may be describing the "average Washington parent," but are hardly describing the "average" ST Albans parent. If you have ever been to one of the back to school nights, an afternoon sporting event, or paren cocktail party, you would know what I mean. Not saying it is exclusively a St Albans thing. Have noticed this generally about the private school parent pool.

It's the same at public McLean schools and privates like Potomac. Not an STA trend alone.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is not all that it's cracked up to be. We are a current family, and while we are generally happy, the school has disappointed in multiple respects.

What grade is your son? Or can you say just upper or lower school? Roughly how long have you been there? And please specify the "multiple respects" in which you have been disappointed.

Different poster but with similar sentiment. Rather than a brotherhood, St Albans can be like a frat, where the sporty kids rule. And do not get me started on the parents...let me just say that it is like high school all over again where if you are not attractive,you might as well be invisible.

I'm not buying this. I'm a public school parent, but have a few friends who attend and aren't particularly attractive. They are very well respected, successful and "popular."

Anonymous wrote:In primary school, I had solid friendships with a few parents in my son's classes. After he was admitted to STA the pattern continued. I was not there for adult friendships. Please don't project your social unworthiness on your son. For the most part, boys won't have any hang ups at STA if the parents don't.

I will go further. Boys do not have hangups at STA even when their parents do. And most parents do!

In primary school, I had solid friendships with a few parents in my son's classes. After he was admitted to STA the pattern continued. I was not there for adult friendships. Please don't project your social unworthiness on your son. For the most part, boys won't have any hang ups at STA if the parents don't.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is not all that it's cracked up to be. We are a current family, and while we are generally happy, the school has disappointed in multiple respects.

What grade is your son? Or can you say just upper or lower school? Roughly how long have you been there? And please specify the "multiple respects" in which you have been disappointed.

Different poster but with similar sentiment. Rather than a brotherhood, St Albans can be like a frat, where the sporty kids rule. And do not get me started on the parents...let me just say that it is like high school all over again where if you are not attractive,you might as well be invisible.

absolute nonsense ! The average Washington parent is in their mid 50's when their kid is in HS. No one is that "attractive" really, anymore. Its more like who is the least bald, the least fat and the lowest level prescription glasses.

I call troll.

You may be describing the "average Washington parent," but are hardly describing the "average" ST Albans parent. If you have ever been to one of the back to school nights, an afternoon sporting event, or paren cocktail party, you would know what I mean. Not saying it is exclusively a St Albans thing. Have noticed this generally about the private school parent pool.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is not all that it's cracked up to be. We are a current family, and while we are generally happy, the school has disappointed in multiple respects.

What grade is your son? Or can you say just upper or lower school? Roughly how long have you been there? And please specify the "multiple respects" in which you have been disappointed.

Different poster but with similar sentiment. Rather than a brotherhood, St Albans can be like a frat, where the sporty kids rule. And do not get me started on the parents...let me just say that it is like high school all over again where if you are not attractive,you might as well be invisible.

absolute nonsense ! The average Washington parent is in their mid 50's when their kid is in HS. No one is that "attractive" really, anymore. Its more like who is the least bald, the least fat and the lowest level prescription glasses.

I call troll.

Clearly you drank the Kool Aid!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is not all that it's cracked up to be. We are a current family, and while we are generally happy, the school has disappointed in multiple respects.

What grade is your son? Or can you say just upper or lower school? Roughly how long have you been there? And please specify the "multiple respects" in which you have been disappointed.

Different poster but with similar sentiment. Rather than a brotherhood, St Albans can be like a frat, where the sporty kids rule. And do not get me started on the parents...let me just say that it is like high school all over again where if you are not attractive,you might as well be invisible.

absolute nonsense ! The average Washington parent is in their mid 50's when their kid is in HS. No one is that "attractive" really, anymore. Its more like who is the least bald, the least fat and the lowest level prescription glasses.

I call troll.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is not all that it's cracked up to be. We are a current family, and while we are generally happy, the school has disappointed in multiple respects.

What grade is your son? Or can you say just upper or lower school? Roughly how long have you been there? And please specify the "multiple respects" in which you have been disappointed.

Different poster but with similar sentiment. Rather than a brotherhood, St Albans can be like a frat, where the sporty kids rule. And do not get me started on the parents...let me just say that it is like high school all over again where if you are not attractive,you might as well be invisible.