Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know these posts are supposed to be positive but you're making this school sound terrible. Yelling shows a loss of control by the teacher and that is not the only way to get the attention of boys. Making them run in circles as punishment? Not taking the best and most qualified students in favor of legacies, relatives of legacies and athletes? Parents are afraid to call and complain for fear of repurcussions for their kid? Insular? How are these things good?

They care about the boys but they don't treat them like babies. The boys like it and respond to it. It's funny how kids like boundaries and to know exactly what's expected. They also get the humor that can even come from yelling, having to run around a field or being sent home in a cab. It's not for shrinking violets but people deserve to be able to choose a school that strengthens resiliency.

Sure and I hope the school is up front about these things because this kind of environment is not for everyone.

Anonymous wrote:I know these posts are supposed to be positive but you're making this school sound terrible. Yelling shows a loss of control by the teacher and that is not the only way to get the attention of boys. Making them run in circles as punishment? Not taking the best and most qualified students in favor of legacies, relatives of legacies and athletes? Parents are afraid to call and complain for fear of repurcussions for their kid? Insular? How are these things good?

They care about the boys but they don't treat them like babies. The boys like it and respond to it. It's funny how kids like boundaries and to know exactly what's expected. They also get the humor that can even come from yelling, having to run around a field or being sent home in a cab. It's not for shrinking violets but people deserve to be able to choose a school that strengthens resiliency.

I know these posts are supposed to be positive but you're making this school sound terrible. Yelling shows a loss of control by the teacher and that is not the only way to get the attention of boys. Making them run in circles as punishment? Not taking the best and most qualified students in favor of legacies, relatives of legacies and athletes? Parents are afraid to call and complain for fear of repurcussions for their kid? Insular? How are these things good?

Anonymous wrote:Mater Dei doesn't offer any type of the art or foreign language (other than Latin)...... this sums up the school.

They do have art class. And music class. But they are pretty basic and for the price that's fine. Not sure what you mean by sums up the school. But the administrators will probably tell you that their education is meat and potatoes. If you want something more please look elsewhere. That being said they have a great product. And it's very hard to get in there unless you are a legacy, or related to legacy, or friends with admin or board members or an exceptional athlete in the upper grades. They "get" boys better than Landon or STA in my opinion and they do it for MUCH less money. As someone said their emphasis on character starting in the first grade is very strong. Some of The proudest moments for me as a parent involve my son getting recognized for character awards.



The boys are well prepared for high schools. They don't normally go on to Landon because that school is one of their biggest rivals, but it's not unheard of. Just not normal. Kids do get into St Alban's from Mater Dei every year. But they don't normally choose to go there. Prep is a more comfortable place in the IAC. Mainly because it's Catholic, suburban (where most of the Mater Dei kids are from) and has a long history with families at Mater Dei. Gonzaga is the same but there seem to be more boys going to Prep than Gonzaga in the last few years.

The majority of families are Catholic, and Catholic education is important to them. But they teach to boys first, Catholics second. If you hang around the upper school you will hear teachers yelling very loudly at the kids. That is how you get boys attention. It works. My son knows to respect teachers and coaches. And he loves them. And he works hard for them because they recognize and reward hard work. They have laid a foundation for him that will carry him through life. He knows how to take a hit on the football field and get back up as well as get an incomplete for forgetting his homework and working doubly hard to get his grade back up to an A.

They are famous for not letting parents bring things that their kids forgot. Even lunch. It's the core of their philosophy in some respects. The boys learn personal responsibility, and how to regain their footing after a misstep. Great life lessons.

Mater Dei doesn't offer any type of the art or foreign language (other than Latin)...... this sums up the school.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the many comments both positive and negative. We are also looking at The Heights and wondering what are the differences? Our family is not from MD and we do not have school contacts there but do not want that to be a barrier if people are inclusive. We have work in MD so the drive is okay. Our son is pretty sporty but is also into art so a mix. How does that work? He is on track with academics but we are fine with classes together with a variety of learners. We always hope for inclusion and tend to do harder math problems at home etc etc. The experience is what we are looking for. FYI I really impressed with the eighth grade video--it was really nice and to see such a sweet mix of kids so happy. They really do look happy and you can't make that stuff up so well done whoever made it.

40% of the kids at the Heights are from VA and there is bus service to the Heights from VA.

The lower school 3-5 is amazing. The kids do lots of out door education, class size 12-15. Boys are not just allowed but encouraged to get dirty, climb a tree and work out their own problems. If a kid is not integrating well with the crowd, the teacher will advise him and help him in that area.

in 6th the academics are very hard and kids are more than prepared for HS. There is an added benefit that you don't have to apply out for HS if you don't want to but if you do apply out most kids are accepted where ever they apply.

Since there is a high school, kids that are capable can take HS math. They will not accept a kid into HS math because his parents are pushing him but they will if they see he is advanced in that area.

The Heights and Mater Dei are very different in feel.

Like most schools, there are some strong teachers at mater dei and some weak ones. Relative to most other independent private schools (excluding the Big 3), the strongest teachers line up to other privates. The weaker teachers seem to get a ride which can be frustrating. At the end of the day, your boys leave with a strong foundation in the key areas because over the course of the middle school, they have had strong teachers in key areas and that's why they transition fairly well to the high schools.

There have been some changes in the past few years - including less redshirting, which is a big positive - the impact of all the redshirting is really seen in 7th/8th grade. Yes the size issues, but probably more challenging is what some kids start getting into socially earlier. The insular community and cliques - are challenging, not just amongst the kids/families, but some of the teachers seem to also reinforce- making public comments showing they are more comfortable with kids in certain sports, families, parishes, etc. - though we have never seen that from the top quality teachers. Agree with another poster that none of this seems intentional, but a blind spot.

I heard they are making some faculty adjustments next year. Mater Dei has a lot of positives, so hopefully can keep and build on those the next few years.

I have 2 sons that went there. Neither redshirted. One was very strong in math so we added a tutor outside of school to keep him challenged. I consider it THE best deal in town for the education, character development and work ethic they instill relative to the cost. STA is at least 40k for middle school grades while Mater Dei is now 17. For that price difference you can add whatever is lacking for you and then some. I LOVE that they didn't cater to parents. Not only did they not want or need your input, parents are afraid to call and complain about a grade or playing time for fear of repercussions for their kid. They don't care how much money you make or who you are. They don't change a thing for anyone. And they don't need to. I also loved how they celebrate character above everything. They also don't say the are educating "the future leaders of tomorrow" like other privates like to espouse. They are raising hard working young men who know if they work hard enough they can accomplish difficult math or shoot a 3 pointer.

They also don't play your kid at a sport because they believe in equal playing time. They don't. They play your kid based on their ability. They believe in winning. So if that mentally bothers you don't apply.

Lower grades have 1 hour of PE a day as well as a good long recess.

Upper grades have sports from 1:30-3.

If your child misbehaves they don't call you, they make them run what's called "a turkey trot" around the property. And the keep doing it until he gets the message.

They have been known to send upper school kids home in a cab if they do something really bad, but I never saw it in 10 years there.

They do not redshirt as a given anymore. So the previous poster is incorrect. But they do accept some (1-2) really good athletes in 8th grade just so they can reclass and go on to top athletic schools like DeMatha and Gonzaga.

Anonymous wrote:Not a good fit if you have a kid that is advanced in math. The don't even teach Algebra in 8th grade and since your kid will absolutely be redshirted they will be 15 before they ever take algebra.

Not true - my son just finished 8th grade at MD this year - the entire 8th grade takes algebra.

Please understand that MD is very hard to get in. They will only take your son if they have room in a class and feel like you will be a good fit. So, unless you are applying in first or sixth grade, it is unlikely that your child will even get in, although it can happen (due to a family moving or other rare circumstances).

The Heights is about 50% Opus Dei. My understanding is that you don't have to be Opus Dei to fit in, but it may be a bit more religious there. I think both schools are great....that being said, we will probably apply to the Heights for our son who is not as naturally athletic but very academic because we are not sure MD would be the right fit. I would definitely consider it if he were a different child though.

Mater Dei clientele are pretty much from Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac. Lots off wealthy parents at the school and a very insular community.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the many comments both positive and negative. We are also looking at The Heights and wondering what are the differences? Our family is not from MD and we do not have school contacts there but do not want that to be a barrier if people are inclusive. We have work in MD so the drive is okay. Our son is pretty sporty but is also into art so a mix. How does that work? He is on track with academics but we are fine with classes together with a variety of learners. We always hope for inclusion and tend to do harder math problems at home etc etc. The experience is what we are looking for. FYI I really impressed with the eighth grade video--it was really nice and to see such a sweet mix of kids so happy. They really do look happy and you can't make that stuff up so well done whoever made it.

We don't attend The Heights, but when DS shadowed there, he did say there were quite a few kids from VA. I believe this school draws a specific crowd and thus pulls from all over the DC metro area. My sense is that most MD kids are from Potomac/Bethesda area.

Yes, the Heights is very conservative Catholic so strict Catholics (like Opus Dei) will drive a long way. Not the case with Mater Dei. From Arlington, OP's best bet is probably a parish school then Gonzaga for High School.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the many comments both positive and negative. We are also looking at The Heights and wondering what are the differences? Our family is not from MD and we do not have school contacts there but do not want that to be a barrier if people are inclusive. We have work in MD so the drive is okay. Our son is pretty sporty but is also into art so a mix. How does that work? He is on track with academics but we are fine with classes together with a variety of learners. We always hope for inclusion and tend to do harder math problems at home etc etc. The experience is what we are looking for. FYI I really impressed with the eighth grade video--it was really nice and to see such a sweet mix of kids so happy. They really do look happy and you can't make that stuff up so well done whoever made it.

We don't attend The Heights, but when DS shadowed there, he did say there were quite a few kids from VA. I believe this school draws a specific crowd and thus pulls from all over the DC metro area. My sense is that most MD kids are from Potomac/Bethesda area.

Anonymous wrote:One of the downsides of Mater dei is that everybody already knows everybody else and it is sometimes hard to fit in...the boys often have older brothers at the school, Dads went there and the cliques are already set in...I don't think it's intentional, but they are already fixed into their social groups and often go to the same church, etc. Many have known each other for a lifetime and are family friends. And...personal opionion, the current rising 3rd grade class are filled with some "Lord of the Flies" bully type kids.

I agree and think a newcomer from Arlington would have a hard time fitting in. There used to be more Great Falls and McLean families but traffic has become so bad it's a huge deterrent. Who wants their kid sitting in beltway traffic every day?

Thanks for the many comments both positive and negative. We are also looking at The Heights and wondering what are the differences? Our family is not from MD and we do not have school contacts there but do not want that to be a barrier if people are inclusive. We have work in MD so the drive is okay. Our son is pretty sporty but is also into art so a mix. How does that work? He is on track with academics but we are fine with classes together with a variety of learners. We always hope for inclusion and tend to do harder math problems at home etc etc. The experience is what we are looking for. FYI I really impressed with the eighth grade video--it was really nice and to see such a sweet mix of kids so happy. They really do look happy and you can't make that stuff up so well done whoever made it.