Best post ever' author here A couple of items
to note...

It's indisputable that the Beauvoir boys get an advantage entering in 4th grade. That said, several of the absolute top students in our grade -- very, very gifted kids -- are from Beauvoir. On the other hand, we have a few laggards from that original Beauvoir group. My son is very mid-pack in classroom and sports...academics are demanding for all the boys and there is a lot of work.

I think the school is successful in the big picture, and maintains its elite status, through a more multi-faceted group of factors driven by its very strong culture. I think it would be difficult to find a school in the area with STA's tradition, heritage and bone-deep commitment to transmitting a certain kind of culture. It's the mix of factors -- smart boys + strong teachers, sports, arts, religion and 'Cathedral effect' -- all steeped in the school's unique culture and tradition that produces the 'end result' of impressive graduates. They aren't fixated on admitting only Mensa-level intellects: there's more to the recipe.

And re: overrated... The elite college criteria is all-consuming on these boards, and I think it reflects accurately the zeitgeist among upper-middle class Washingtonians; we're all about getting kids in fancy colleges. Using that criteria, STA's matriculation really speaks for itself -- more than 1/2 (probably more like 2/3) of the '09 class went to Ivies, fancy LACs, UVA or other 'name' institutions you'd be happy to stick onto your car's back window. Is that a shallow, reductionist way of viewing your child's education, absolutely. But that's how we all seem to be keeping score...we're not shelling out $35k a year to wear a JMU sweatshirt in five years...

Anonymous wrote:'Best post ever' author here A couple of items to note...

It's indisputable that the Beauvoir boys get an advantage entering in 4th grade. That said, several of the absolute top students in our grade -- very, very gifted kids -- are from Beauvoir. On the other hand, we have a few laggards from that original Beauvoir group. My son is very mid-pack in classroom and sports...academics are demanding for all the boys and there is a lot of work.

I think the school is successful in the big picture, and maintains its elite status, through a more multi-faceted group of factors driven by its very strong culture. I think it would be difficult to find a school in the area with STA's tradition, heritage and bone-deep commitment to transmitting a certain kind of culture. It's the mix of factors -- smart boys + strong teachers, sports, arts, religion and 'Cathedral effect' -- all steeped in the school's unique culture and tradition that produces the 'end result' of impressive graduates. They aren't fixated on admitting only Mensa-level intellects: there's more to the recipe.

And re: overrated... The elite college criteria is all-consuming on these boards, and I think it reflects accurately the zeitgeist among upper-middle class Washingtonians; we're all about getting kids in fancy colleges. Using that criteria, STA's matriculation really speaks for itself -- more than 1/2 (probably more like 2/3) of the '09 class went to Ivies, fancy LACs, UVA or other 'name' institutions you'd be happy to stick onto your car's back window. Is that a shallow, reductionist way of viewing your child's education, absolutely. But that's how we all seem to be keeping score...we're not shelling out $35k a year to wear a JMU sweatshirt in five years...

Well, this thread is pretty interesting. I am the person who posted the post above. Does anybody else have any insight? Are we necessarily sunk because his score was below 80%? Again, the Princeton Review book showed that he was testing around 93% national percentile, so we thought we were in good shape. Had no idea that would translate into a 70% percentile for test takers.

Thanks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi.

We are applying for 7th grade and just got his SSAT scores. He had taken practice tests which indicated he was around 93% of the national percentile, so we thought we were in good shape. He scored similarly on the actual test, but while his national percentile is around 93%, his SSAT percentile was 70%. I've read that STA's average SSAT is about 80%, so we are pretty bummed.

He is a very good athlete who attends a good school. Does he even have a chance with this kind of SSAT? Thanks.

Well, this thread is pretty interesting. I am the person who posted the post above. Does anybody else have any insight? Are we necessarily sunk because his score was below 80%? Again, the Princeton Review book showed that he was testing around 93% national percentile, so we thought we were in good shape. Had no idea that would translate into a 70% percentile for test takers.

Thanks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I gather STA does its own testing. The 120 number, however, looks like a WISC number. I am not really interested in the STA number since our son has not taked that test and we have no ability to compare it with anything. But my son just took the WISC test, and we are thinking of possibly applying to STA. What does STA expect in terms of WISC? What range? How about the ERBs? My son scored 118 on WISC and mostly 7 to 8s one the ERBs. Otherwise, an above average kid in all areas, of course.

It's not a WISC score, it's from the Otis Lemon Intelligence Test. STA uses the OLIT as their admission test.

From Beauvoir apps they expect to see at least a 120, but will accept a lower score depending on other criteria.

Question for St. Albans parents out there with an average or above average child (strictly meaning less than 120 WISC) - does your child struggle with the work required by St. Albans? I know motivation factors into what kids (and people in general) are capable of accomplishing. But I'm wondering (if DS is fortunate to get accepted) if we're setting him up for failure or creating a situation where he may be stressed out or lacking in confidence. Any thoughts?

1) Smart

2) Athletic

3) Good looking

4) From money

5) Powerful/connected parent(s).

These are the ingredients for success at STA. If your DS only has one of the above, he will likely find it hard to succeed at STA. Two or more, and DS will be just fine.