Anonymous
10/16/2025 14:47
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Is the "all you have to do is apply and write a check" a relic of the 80s and 90s?
Most, but not all, were Catholic schools. That's not meant to be a dig, as I attended one of them (not in the DC area).
I mean this sincerely, as I'm looking for non-competitive middle-school options that aren't too religious. Options seem limited.
What? "aren't too religious." There has never been a "Catholic school" in this country that was not "too religious"
It is that by definition it is their job to spew the Catholic religion over and over again. The definition of indoctrination.
What the hell is a "non-competitive middle school" do you not want your kid to get the best education they can?
Please see a therapist you need help or get parenting classes. This is ridiculous.
Catholic schools are for people that want a Catholic education first, academics second there is no other relality.
You really need to stop posting about things you are clueless about.
Anonymous
10/16/2025 13:24
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Sandy Springs Friends School would be my rec for a place likely to work both for an ADHD kid and a neurotypical sibling.
Anonymous
10/16/2025 04:54
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Best for you is Norwood. As others have said K-8s may be more competitive at younger ages to get in but by middle school they are just looking to fill classes as many leave. Works well for those looking for a smaller middle school environment and excellent preparation for high school. WES too but that’s likely too small for you. Are you looking at private high school? These will be geared to applying to high school.
Anonymous
09/09/2025 09:27
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
The all-boys schools are often good with ADHD because they build more physical activity into the day. Worth visiting. They have different characteristics. In the Bethesda area look at Landon, Mater Dei, and The Heights.
Alternatively, Washington Waldorf will be a very non-competitive environment. Same for Oneness. (Totally different vibe than the boys schools!)
Look at WES and Norwood too. They are K-8 but will help you with high school placement when it’s time.
In the DMV there are no schools where you just cut a check.
Alternatively, Washington Waldorf will be a very non-competitive environment. Same for Oneness. (Totally different vibe than the boys schools!)
Look at WES and Norwood too. They are K-8 but will help you with high school placement when it’s time.
In the DMV there are no schools where you just cut a check.
Anonymous
09/09/2025 07:09
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Is the "all you have to do is apply and write a check" a relic of the 80s and 90s?
Most, but not all, were Catholic schools. That's not meant to be a dig, as I attended one of them (not in the DC area).
I mean this sincerely, as I'm looking for non-competitive middle-school options that aren't too religious. Options seem limited.
CES in Rockville is non-competitive and not religious. If you’re fine with your kid likely going to Good Counsel for high school, then you’ll manage there. Just beware if the tiny class sizes which can be difficult socially.
From their website: "In Chapel, we use biblical stories, liturgical services, and inspired music to help students understand the value of spiritual practice in modern life in a way that is inclusive and respectful of each family’s unique faith journey. While we leave doctrinal teachings to parents and faith institutions of the students, we do use the Episcopal faith as normative for our community. Our liturgical services are from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and reflect Anglican traditions, including the Lord’s Prayer, the Creeds, and the lighting of candles by acolytes."
It might be a great school, but it is proudly religious.
Well, most religious schools have actual religion class daily. This school has absolutely no religion classes at all - only academic. You just have to be willing to accept the tiny classes (i.e., 4-6 kids in a class) and understand you may suffer socially.
Anonymous
09/07/2025 13:51
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Is the "all you have to do is apply and write a check" a relic of the 80s and 90s?
Most, but not all, were Catholic schools. That's not meant to be a dig, as I attended one of them (not in the DC area).
I mean this sincerely, as I'm looking for non-competitive middle-school options that aren't too religious. Options seem limited.
CES in Rockville is non-competitive and not religious. If you’re fine with your kid likely going to Good Counsel for high school, then you’ll manage there. Just beware if the tiny class sizes which can be difficult socially.
From their website: "In Chapel, we use biblical stories, liturgical services, and inspired music to help students understand the value of spiritual practice in modern life in a way that is inclusive and respectful of each family’s unique faith journey. While we leave doctrinal teachings to parents and faith institutions of the students, we do use the Episcopal faith as normative for our community. Our liturgical services are from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and reflect Anglican traditions, including the Lord’s Prayer, the Creeds, and the lighting of candles by acolytes."
It might be a great school, but it is proudly religious.
Anonymous
09/07/2025 11:41
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
If your child has an IEP (not just a 504) they are receiving more than accommodations. Make sure you are very honest with potential schools about what your child needs so you don't inadvertently send them somewhere they can't get the necessary supports.
Admissions isn't guaranteed anywhere, but look at St. Andrews, Field, Burke, McLean, Bullis, and the K-8s.
Admissions isn't guaranteed anywhere, but look at St. Andrews, Field, Burke, McLean, Bullis, and the K-8s.
Anonymous
09/07/2025 11:03
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
K-8’s pretend to have admissions but post covid it’s clear they take anyone. We left our Washington DC K-8 for this very reason. claim to be elite but it became a school for children with learning issues and behavioral issues. Do your research.
Anonymous
09/07/2025 10:11
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Bullis would be a good fit. They have a bus from close in MOCO.
They have a new lower school building which is amazing. It’s probably easier to get into in the younger grades.
They have a new lower school building which is amazing. It’s probably easier to get into in the younger grades.
Anonymous
09/06/2025 15:30
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Anonymous wrote:Is the "all you have to do is apply and write a check" a relic of the 80s and 90s?
Most, but not all, were Catholic schools. That's not meant to be a dig, as I attended one of them (not in the DC area).
I mean this sincerely, as I'm looking for non-competitive middle-school options that aren't too religious. Options seem limited.
CES in Rockville is non-competitive and not religious. If you’re fine with your kid likely going to Good Counsel for high school, then you’ll manage there. Just beware if the tiny class sizes which can be difficult socially.
Anonymous
09/06/2025 11:43
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Second recommendation for Woods Academy. Not particularly selective, but not a bad choice either. Lovely school, tends to send kids off to Catholic High Schools, not a pressure cooker. Does tend to skew more boy heavy in the later grades.
Anonymous
09/06/2025 10:28
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Check out Oneness-Family School, their middle school program is amazing- great academics and teachers who truly care about the kids
Anonymous
09/06/2025 08:56
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Anonymous wrote:There are a lot: Lowell, WES, St. Patrick’s, NPS, Sheridan etc. if you can pay full boat you in.
Hahaha. Not Sheridan
Anonymous
09/06/2025 08:39
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Lots of schools desperate for people. Especially so in these uncertain times.
For upper school - SSASS. Sandy Spring Friends, St Andrew’s, Bullis, Landon. None are overly religious or even religious at all.
Your options are even wider if you consider lower tier DC Catholics like Archbishop Carroll.
Lol SSSAS, Bullis, and Landon are not desperate; all have more applicants they can take. SSSAS underestimated their yield this year and the incoming freshman class is about 10% bigger than target. It’s a pain. Likely they will try to resize next year so expect it to be more competitive than typical. All three of these schools reject many applicants.
SSFS, yes, desperate, obviously, since it was pulled back from the brink of closure due to lack of enrollment and funds and may still not survive more than two or three years. I expect they will take any warm body with a checkbook.
I don’t know anything about St. Andrews.
St. Andrew's definitely does not take everyone, especially for upper school.
Anonymous
09/05/2025 21:01
Subject: Do schools like this exist anymore?
K-8’s like some other posters mentioned. Washington Episcopal, St. Pat’s, Sheridan, Woods, NPS, Green Acres, Congressional School, Lowell, Westminster School, Browne Academy etc etc