Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just don't choose O'Connell over the publics in ARL (well, at least YORKTOWN & W-L...). Money NOT well spent...

I disagree.


We were zoned for one of those great school. Our concerns around police involvement and the mortality rate of students the same age as my children brought us back to DJO.

I feel one of my kids would have been fine at APS vs. DJO but their bonds are so strong that I don't regret the $$$ spent. They also got a lot of merit aid from Catholic colleges.

What does DJO stand for? And what do you mean by police involvement?

Anonymous wrote:Just don't choose O'Connell over the publics in ARL (well, at least YORKTOWN & W-L...). Money NOT well spent...

I disagree.


We were zoned for one of those great school. Our concerns around police involvement and the mortality rate of students the same age as my children brought us back to DJO.

I feel one of my kids would have been fine at APS vs. DJO but their bonds are so strong that I don't regret the $$$ spent. They also got a lot of merit aid from Catholic colleges.

Our Savior Lutheran School is a hidden gem in Arlington.

Anonymous wrote:Why is no one saying Potomac? It's not STEM focused per se, but has a way more solid reputation than Basis.

+1 for Potomac.

I don't have a kid there but have been on campus many times for sports and events.

Great facility and I love the way the kids carry themselves. Good luck in your decision-making.

If you are open to a Reston commute, I would highly recommend checking out the Academy of Christian Education.

Why is no one saying Potomac? It's not STEM focused per se, but has a way more solid reputation than Basis.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We were in a similar position for DS in middle school and did not find any DC privates that worked logistically for transportation. We ended up sending him to SSSAS and he has loved it. There is a pretty good bus system, which is crucial for us due to work schedules. It's not Sidwell but completely fine academically and not a pressure cooker. The only big drawback is that most of his friends are in Alexandria so we spend much of our weekends driving there and back.

Both YHS and W&L are very comparable (and likely much better) academically than SSSAS. For math and science specifically, you are losing a lot with SSSAS over YHS or W&L; the AP offerings alone are not comparable. SSSAS had very few fast tracked math kids, like none. The facilities at both public schools are also, amazingly, much nicer than at SSSAS. I was a little shocked when I went there how dated it was. I do know kids who went there but it was usually a need—they weren’t “succeeding” at the north Arlington elementary or needed individual attention for some reason or another. It’s definitely a useful place to get out of ACPS, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t draw a ton from Arlington for these reasons. Not to say you shouldn’t look at it, but kids who transfer back in find APS more challenging which is a little scary.

The problem is not the high schools. The problem is the middle school system in APS. It is a weak link, both socially and academically. Private school is absolutely worth avoiding many of the APS middle schools.

And once you get to private you see the massive difference and end up staying there for HS.

That's just confirmation bias since you're paying tuition. The reality is the faculty and course offerings are superior at the publics. You don't even need teaching credentials to teach in private schools.

I think you are confusing independent schools with parochial schools. And by these “teaching credentials” did you mean passing the Praxis? As a former teacher, I took it and it’s…not hard (would be an understatement). Meanwhile at my kid’s school, more than 90% of faculty have advanced degrees. With a lot of them having their doctorate. So far this year, they have had three teachers with their doctorate. How many doctors of a subject are teaching at your kids public school?

Just don't choose O'Connell over the publics in ARL (well, at least YORKTOWN & W-L...). Money NOT well spent...

First and third grades-child who prompted this consideration is the older one. His year has had more spots at least in the past because it was the year schools finally reopened again. But anecdotally I hear that his class year has filled up/balanced out the last couple of years.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We were in a similar position for DS in middle school and did not find any DC privates that worked logistically for transportation. We ended up sending him to SSSAS and he has loved it. There is a pretty good bus system, which is crucial for us due to work schedules. It's not Sidwell but completely fine academically and not a pressure cooker. The only big drawback is that most of his friends are in Alexandria so we spend much of our weekends driving there and back.

Both YHS and W&L are very comparable (and likely much better) academically than SSSAS. For math and science specifically, you are losing a lot with SSSAS over YHS or W&L; the AP offerings alone are not comparable. SSSAS had very few fast tracked math kids, like none. The facilities at both public schools are also, amazingly, much nicer than at SSSAS. I was a little shocked when I went there how dated it was. I do know kids who went there but it was usually a need—they weren’t “succeeding” at the north Arlington elementary or needed individual attention for some reason or another. It’s definitely a useful place to get out of ACPS, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t draw a ton from Arlington for these reasons. Not to say you shouldn’t look at it, but kids who transfer back in find APS more challenging which is a little scary.

This is the exact opposite of our experience with public vs private. If you have not experienced both you cannot pass judgement on which is academically more sound. We have a child at SSSAS and children in APS. It's 100% different. Here are a few quotes from private school child "I've learned more in 3 months than I did in 2 years at my last school (APS MS)." "People are actually happy here. The teachers aren't in a rush to leave." "The teacher actually came over just to see how I was doing. I didn't even ask for help."
The tests are more difficult because it's not rote memory, they have to apply concepts. There's accountability for turning assignments in on time. The teachers provide meaningful feedback because they have the time to do so. And for the record, my child soared through APS with ease and had no difficulty with the coursework, has no IEP, etc. We just felt she needed more. And now she's getting it. Did I move to Arlington for the exceptional schools? Absolutely. Do I want to pay for exceptional education at this age? No. I am though, because guess what? Arlington is not exceptional. It seems clear that if you are doing well enough you will get zero attention at APS. They don't have the time to put resources in to your middle to above average kid. They have to focus on those with the most need and that's ok. That's the system, but teachers are overworked and under appreciated so there's no time left for the rest. Can you get a good education in APS? Of course, but it won't ever compare to a private college prep school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, that all makes sense. We are actually Catholic so the context wouldn't be foreign (and the child in question attends RE at one of these schools which is why I'm considering it, as a familiar environment). The point about sticking with through HS makes sense to me--I am also drawn to the catholic high schools, but not certain.

More than likely your kid will be behind and not used to the work load. Can speak to SAS and St. Anns as has several kids come in to school in 5tn and 6th grade. All the parents said it took several months for their kids to catch up and get acclimated to the work. Some parents are shocked kids have work to do over the summer. HW is a part of all the school's circuluum. And there are no hand in work whenever you feel like it. It is expected on time.

The other thing that many don't appreciate is that penmanship is still taught in the lower grades and expected in the middle school.

All of this is done to get the kids ready for the workload in the catholic high schools and real life

Love it. That's all exactly why I'm interested. I'm shocked to see how little they expect in the way of EF skills--I want my kids to learn time and task management. Regarding work, I've been giving my kids more hw and more practice in penmanship, etc. for the past two years precisely because I don't think APS does enough. And I keep them in all their activities (including the enrichment program that includes hw) over summers, so summer work would be welcome. I also have bright kids who aren't being challenged enough. This makes me think that switching in 5th grade may be a better idea.

Thank you for the context and info on your experience!

What grades are your kids in now? I don’t believe SAS has any spots available in the current 4th (rising 5th) grade class. Those kids were in preK4 in March 2020 and has had the largest class size in the school ever since. There may be spots available in the younger grades.

I moved one child to Saint Ann in 3rd grade and the other child followed when I saw what the structure and kindness did for him (not that APS is unkind, they just had a lot to deal with and many policies that made it hard to keep kids accountable for behavior).

I really liked the Science Curriculum (my kids had different teachers because there was turn over).

One child met the criteria for advanced math (Algebra) and the other was close but didn't make it. In retrospect, that was a good call. When they got to HS some students who were pushed too soon had to drop down or chose transfer to other schools. If you can make it work, give it a try. Better to develop those skills while the stakes are low and won't impact college admissions. If you don't like it, public school will still be there. One child really needed a Catholic school. The other would have been fine anywhere, but has expressed gratitude to us for a wonderful experience (especially the friendships) overall.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, that all makes sense. We are actually Catholic so the context wouldn't be foreign (and the child in question attends RE at one of these schools which is why I'm considering it, as a familiar environment). The point about sticking with through HS makes sense to me--I am also drawn to the catholic high schools, but not certain.

More than likely your kid will be behind and not used to the work load. Can speak to SAS and St. Anns as has several kids come in to school in 5tn and 6th grade. All the parents said it took several months for their kids to catch up and get acclimated to the work. Some parents are shocked kids have work to do over the summer. HW is a part of all the school's circuluum. And there are no hand in work whenever you feel like it. It is expected on time.

The other thing that many don't appreciate is that penmanship is still taught in the lower grades and expected in the middle school.

All of this is done to get the kids ready for the workload in the catholic high schools and real life

Love it. That's all exactly why I'm interested. I'm shocked to see how little they expect in the way of EF skills--I want my kids to learn time and task management. Regarding work, I've been giving my kids more hw and more practice in penmanship, etc. for the past two years precisely because I don't think APS does enough. And I keep them in all their activities (including the enrichment program that includes hw) over summers, so summer work would be welcome. I also have bright kids who aren't being challenged enough. This makes me think that switching in 5th grade may be a better idea.

Thank you for the context and info on your experience!

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, that all makes sense. We are actually Catholic so the context wouldn't be foreign (and the child in question attends RE at one of these schools which is why I'm considering it, as a familiar environment). The point about sticking with through HS makes sense to me--I am also drawn to the catholic high schools, but not certain.

More than likely your kid will be behind and not used to the work load. Can speak to SAS and St. Anns as has several kids come in to school in 5tn and 6th grade. All the parents said it took several months for their kids to catch up and get acclimated to the work. Some parents are shocked kids have work to do over the summer. HW is a part of all the school's circuluum. And there are no hand in work whenever you feel like it. It is expected on time.

The other thing that many don't appreciate is that penmanship is still taught in the lower grades and expected in the middle school.

All of this is done to get the kids ready for the workload in the catholic high schools and real life

Thanks, that all makes sense. We are actually Catholic so the context wouldn't be foreign (and the child in question attends RE at one of these schools which is why I'm considering it, as a familiar environment). The point about sticking with through HS makes sense to me--I am also drawn to the catholic high schools, but not certain.