Dematha Catholic High School

There are 38,000 high schools in America, but there is only One DeMatha. I'm an alumnus as well as a parent of two current students. We're not a sports family. It's great and fun to see your school's name prominently featured in national publications, but it isn't what's been important for our family. For those who are thinking about where to send their sons to high school, DeMatha's most important attribute is that it is a school for 950 individual students. Each student's needs - academic, social, psychological - are considered on an individual basis. Teachers, counselors - and the principal - often take significant amounts of time to work out the curricular and other needs of the individual student. The individual needs of our sons have often been considered and factored into their curricular opportunities, including permission to take classes normally reserved for higher grade levels and independent study courses. We homeschooled our sons through eighth grade, and the thing that we like most about DeMatha is how it retains much of the spirit of homeschooling - making the school fit the student rather than the student being made to fit the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am currently enrolled at DeMatha and love it. The all boys was the biggest drawback for me when deciding. I quickly realize how much more learning you get done here then a co ed school.Also the tution easily the best for the Catholic schools in the D.C area. It is about 13,000 wich sounds like alot until you look at the other which seem to be 20,000+ to go to. Dematha also Is the best Acadimicly Athletics Community service and religon.Don't belive me go ask someone who goes there or someone who has heard of it. It is a Catholic school so The who "gay" thing was silly considering what catholics belive. Also I have yet to see the same sex relationship here. Another thing I noticed was how well the teachers taught and helped. Before Dematha I went to A public school wich was great but was a joke compared to the acadimics to DeMmtha.Another Drawback was that it was a religon school. I also realized that long as your christan and follow simalir belifs they dont care what religon you are. The last thing that i will add is that the kids in the school are not rich spoiled kids but gentelman who will help you out anytime.Overall Dematha is Excellent and helps when you go to college/job.
--Submitted by a student

Dematha is horrible. Very Very racist. They just want your money. Black kids do not get the same educational opportunities as white students. You don't see this until you have to pay full tution and try to switch your son's clases. Two sons attended the school. The one weaker academically did the best at DM, but he was good at sports and was put into classes with easier teachers. If you are not in honors clases you are bette off in public school. The oldest one still had to go to prep school because he was not academically prpeared for college.
--Submitted by a parent

DeMatha is an academically rigorous school with a top music program and strong athletics. My bright, artsy senior has enjoyed excellent teachers and a very accepting environment where racism isn't a problem and gay students are fully accepted. The academics are tailored to your son's abilities-top students here are comparable with any in the country. Less academically gifted kids are valued but are not given such challenging work. These boys are proud of their school and smile so warmly when they win another gold medal at a music festival or WCAC championship or an Ivy league acceptance letter.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband is a graduate and our son will graduate in 2011. We have thoroughly appreciated the academic and co-curricular exposure that our son has received at DeMatha. The principal is outstanding. The facilities are expanding. The academic program provides options for students to excel academically and prepare for college. If your son is a sports enthusiast, DeMatha offers so much as an athelete and a 'fan'. Great school spirit. Great relationships with colleges and universities. We wouldn't change a thing.
--Submitted by a parent

The value of a DeMatha education goes well beyond the 4 years spent there. I would highly suggest shadowing a current student for all prospective students, as DeMatha is not for everyone. As an alumnus, I feel particularly guarded of DeMatha's reputation beyond school walls. What many people fail to realize about our athletic reputation is the amount of work, dedication, commitment, discipline, and team building that goes into each championship banner that hangs in Wooten Gymnasium. One would be foolish to think that these skills do not translate to the classroom and later on in life. Even for students that do no participate in athletics you are challenged in the classroom by teachers and are given opportunities to pursue other interests through student clubs- same pursuit of excellence. The school's motto, 'Gentlemen and Scholars' is a lifetime commitment. Consider it carefully before stepping through those doors.
--Submitted by a student

DeMatha has been an amazing school for our sophomore son. He has teachers who have come from Georgetown, Harvard, Oxford and the like to teach there. They are not concerned about next weekend's game. They want their students to perform in the classroom. We attended Back to School night and wished we could attend the classes taught by some of these fascinating professors ourselves! They were amazing. DeMatha is also a brotherhood that's nurtured in the classroom, in clubs, in band, and on teams. Nearly 1/2 of all DeMatha students are in DeMatha's band/chorus. Many DM athletes are also musicians. My son's coaches expect a higher GPA from his players than the Archdiocese standards. They pray as a team and support each other tremendously. It's been a great fit for our son who is an honors student.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with excellent programs!
--Submitted by a parent

My son went to DeMatha for his freshman year. I have to say that I was highly disappointed. The academics were below average for the amount of money you're paying. The school is focused more on sports than academics. We transferred him to a public school in Charles County and it's unbelievable how much of difference there is. We're offered a variety classes that Dematha didn't offer and the teachers care and communicate a lot more. Only send your son to DeMatha if you want them to get sports scholarship, not for academics. Its a glorified public school.
--Submitted by a parent

incredibly dedicated teachers who expect a lot, but give plenty of support
--Submitted by a parent