Anonymous
Post 03/17/2014 14:29     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
NP: Bugundy parents: are kindergarteners challenged at all academically, or is it all fun and games?
Anonymous
Post 03/17/2014 10:58     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
PP, if you haven't been to ACDS in a few years, you might want to check it out one more time. I was really impressed by the middle school teachers and the curriculum. They also have a beautiful art studio and the music teacher is awesome. I agree that the outside area isn't great. I also liked Browne too and I bet there will be good things happening there with the new head. Our DC will actually be starting at BF next year in the upper elementary grades. We are really excited. I know it's a great fit for her personality and learning style.
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2014 18:58     Subject: Re:SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
I'm a Burgundy parent. I looked at all four larger Alexandria private schools -- including SSSAS, ACDS, and Browne -- and saw a lot to like in all of them. Browne's MS seemed especially strong, and I have to say that Burgundy's MS has had it ups and downs! We fell in love with Burgundy, though, and it has been a perfect fit for my bright, artsy kid. Paying has not been an issue for us, so I don't struggle with the "is it worth it" question -- we were very disappointed with three years in FCPS so we knew we were moving the kid to private school.

Younger sibling will eventually go to Burgundy or Browne. SSSAS isn't in the running -- NOT because we don't like it, but because we narrowed our preferences down and a religious-based education isn't what we want. ACDS isn't a good location for us, and the outdoor space just isn't great.

I really see ACDS, Browne, and Burgundy are pretty comparable in the level and quality of education. I see SSSAS as a bit more rigorous academically ON AVERAGE, but also more intense/competitive, which is good for some kids but definitely not for all. (I say on average because there are kids at Burgundy who work at a very high level, because they are driven.) I think most people would agree that Burgundy is the most relaxed of the bunch, and that is what we needed for our kid who already struggles with perfectionism.

I know everyone likes to be convinced that their school is ABSOLUTELY the best, but what really matters is how the school fits your kid.
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2014 17:06     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
Anonymous wrote:My daughter went to SSSAS through middle school. The academics are great, especially in the middle school. Unfortunately, we found the emphasis on excelling in Sports to detract from the academics. There were numerous occasions when the A team was recognized but never the B team. Popularity can be based on sports performance. If your child excels at sports, however, they will be recruited by very good schools for college.


My DCs (US) are on no athletic teams and have been recognized for the activities which are their strengths. And they're quite happy and challenged. Sports get a lot of press, but there is a lot more going on at SSSAS in many, many other areas.
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2014 16:56     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
My daughter went to SSSAS through middle school. The academics are great, especially in the middle school. Unfortunately, we found the emphasis on excelling in Sports to detract from the academics. There were numerous occasions when the A team was recognized but never the B team. Popularity can be based on sports performance. If your child excels at sports, however, they will be recruited by very good schools for college.
Anonymous
Post 02/11/2014 10:17     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
Anonymous wrote:"Browne is a lovely newer school but lacks an identity"

Browne Academy is getting a new head-of-school this summer. I wonder how the school will change under her leadership. http://www.browneacademy.org/about_browne/head-of-school-announcement/index.aspx
With any new leader there is bound to be some changes and new energy. (Side note: It looks like they have a new website.) I would definitely look into this school again next Fall after she has started.

Anonymous wrote:Burgundy seems to have a much looser curriculum than others and no uniform"

Here's an interview with Jeff Snidler, head of BF, where he talks about the stereotypes of progressive education...
I asked Jeff what stereotypes he has encountered about progressive education. We had a fun moment as he recounted the usual suspects: "tree-hugging, unstructured, not data driven, disorganized." Jeff knew them all. Parents are dazzled though, when they see the serious-minded approach the faculty at BFCDS takes to program development. Subject-by-subject, the teachers have illustrated how the students are developing literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and problem solving skills. This is how the stereotypes vaporize - with a real demonstration of the learning environment, and engaged students growing more and more skillful. (Full article here: http://parkdaytom.blogspot.com/2013/04/burgundy-farm-country-day-school.html)

Anonymous wrote:ACDS seems to be relaxing some of its academic standards with the new head."

An ACDS parent recently said this about admissions... "In a 'town hall' type meeting with parents this past week, the headmaster explained that the acceptance rate has been deliberately lowered to maintain the kind of learning environment we expect from a small, private school."
(http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/15/333548.page#4535538) My children don't go here (or to any of these schools) but when I attended the Open House, I did not get the feeling that they were relaxing their academic standards at all.

I visited all of these schools and was impressed by all of them. They all have something to offer. It just has to be the right fit for your child.

Anonymous
Post 02/10/2014 10:05     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
SSSAS may not be for everyone, but some of the "myths" out there seem to be nothing more than that. Kids are not unhappy there, sports is not the only focus, and the attitude may be unpleasant in some, I'm here to tell you, that exists everywhere in this area. We recently started a child there and we are very happy with the teachers and structured education he is receiving. When comparing the Alexandria privates, you need to look at the whole picture and what fits your family best -- Browne is a lovely newer school but lacks an identity, Burgundy seems to have a much looser curriculum than others and no uniform, and ACDS seems to be relaxing some of its academic standards with the new head. It's all subjective.
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2014 09:46     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So, at a minimum, please take with many grains of salt anything that is posted on this forum about any school.


+1

I've been on this forum a lot lately trying to gather information about the different schools in NOVA and the school bashing and the heir of superiority that some posters have is asinine. I think (hope) most people are savvy enough to look at the schools for themselves. I do appreciate the positive and even the not-so-positive information that parents of students and former students share; but it's only helpful when there are specifics and not just vague generalizations and blanket statements. In addition, while a school may not be right for one child, it might just be right for your child and you aren't going to know unless you visit to the school.
Anonymous
Post 02/09/2014 22:35     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
I don't read this forum very often, but have been following it lately as we wait to hear from SSSAS. We are very much hoping to become a part of what we have found to be an amazing community. It is fine to disagree with our assessment, of course, but why take the time to absolutely bash what it so obviously a loving, welcoming place?
Anonymous
Post 02/09/2014 22:13     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
Anonymous wrote:The head and others struck me as somewhat pretentious and haughty in their attitude - patting themselves on the back at how smug and self satisfied they were


This sentence fragment doesn't even make any sense. I do hope those who are interested in these schools will go look for themselves and talk to those who actually have children at the schools. There is someone who has anger issues who periodically appears here to bash Alexandria privates. Fortunately, the tone of the comments discredits them immediately. I had begun to ignore these threads, as I didn't want to "feed the troll." However, the poster does seem intent on shutting down any civilized discussion regarding these schools, and that is unfortunate and unfair to those who are looking for serious information. So, at a minimum, please take with many grains of salt anything that is posted on this forum about any school.
Anonymous
Post 02/09/2014 18:34     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
The head and others struck me as somewhat pretentious and haughty in their attitude - patting themselves on the back at how smug and self satisfied they were
Anonymous
Post 01/24/2014 15:15     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
Anonymous wrote:I am the person who heard the head of school describe the student as a golfer. I am not opposed to mentioning this fact, however it came across as though this were her entire identity -- i.e., that this was the most important thing about her. That was what bothered me.


Not very many girls play golf. For example, SSSAS is in the Independent School Sports League -- they don't have a league in golf. Talented female golfers at ISL schools will often play on what is normally the boys' team. So it is very possible the young woman plays golf on an otherwise all-boys' team, making it a cool thing and probably evidencing her interest and talent in the sport.

But style is style. They like sports at SSSAS and it's part of the school culture. If what you saw in that interaction turned you off it may be a sign that you want a school with less interweaving of sports into the school culture.
Anonymous
Post 01/24/2014 11:27     Subject: Re:SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
Anonymous wrote:We are at SSSAS currently - our child transferred from another of the schools mentioned. If I had to do it all over again I would have gone SSSAS all the way. The lower math classes at SSSAS are filled with ACDS, Browne and other transfer students - many have to repeat algebra even with straight A's at the other schools. I would NOT have chosen DC's k-8 school had I known what SSSAS is really like-DC loves it and it is really far superior to the others. Don't wait for HS to realize that your tier 2 school delivered a tier 2 education - go for SSSAS, make one of the others your back up, and transfer in as soon as you can (trust me - that is what the smart ACPS parents do - they DON"T wait for HS unless there is a real problem with academics.


Maybe that's because the better students from the other Alexandria privates choose not to go to St. Stephens for high school so SSSAS is left with taking in the kids who are behind academically.
Anonymous
Post 01/24/2014 11:06     Subject: SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
I don't think that poster sounds like an idiot ... Just voicing an opinion with which you don't happen to agree.
Anonymous
Post 01/24/2014 08:28     Subject: Re:SSSAS, ACDS, BF etc.
Anonymous wrote:We are at SSSAS currently - our child transferred from another of the schools mentioned. If I had to do it all over again I would have gone SSSAS all the way. The lower math classes at SSSAS are filled with ACDS, Browne and other transfer students - many have to repeat algebra even with straight A's at the other schools. I would NOT have chosen DC's k-8 school had I known what SSSAS is really like-DC loves it and it is really far superior to the others. Don't wait for HS to realize that your tier 2 school delivered a tier 2 education - go for SSSAS, make one of the others your back up, and transfer in as soon as you can (trust me - that is what the smart ACPS parents do - they DON"T wait for HS unless there is a real problem with academics.

OMG - you sound (and write) like an idiot. Hope you're not the typical SSSA parent!