St. Andrews Episcopal School

St. Andrew's is quietly leading a revolution in education by inspiring children to recognize their greatest potential -- academically, socially, and in pursuit of their extracurricular interests -- without requiring that they surrender their childhood or their happiness. Our two very different children are thriving in the middle and upper schools at St. Andrew s. The school's emphasis on service to others and its wide range of students from different backgrounds, talents and abilities gives the school an inclusive and "down to earth" quality. Teachers, students, parents and administrators know, respect and support one another. This school produces confident, happy, well-rounded young adults who are not only ready to excel in college, but to explore the joys of all life offers and to give back in service to others. It is little wonder that graduates of this relatively young school already include a leading philanthropist and entrepreneur, the valedictorian of an Ivy League college, a comedian with her own television show, an Olympic gold medal winner and, most importantly, classes full of other great kids. St. Andrew's is a very special place.
--Submitted by a parent

Best teachers, coaches, and most inclusive community you can find at any of the DC area private schools.

We have 2 children at St Andrews: a son in high school at the Postoak campus and a daughter in preschool at the Potomac Village campus, and both are thriving. The leadership & teaching at both campuses is exceptional -- visionary, loving, disciplined and balanced. The staff really know each child in a very personal way -- and bend over backwards to inspire them to learn, grow in social skills, participate meaningfully, serve others, and enjoy their school experience. The merger between the upper & lower schools only happened 2 years ago and there is still a long way to go in creating a one school vision and culture. The new lower school head is dynamic & moving in the right direction. The sports are not in the same league as some other prep schools but that is a positive - all can participate at different levels of competition.
--Submitted by a parent

Love St. Andrew's!! It is warm, nurturing and has the strongest teaching staff I have seen. My child had a poor experience in public school and is just thriving at St. Andrew's - her confidence is soaring...a testament to the respectful and sensitive way children are treated.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall I am unimpressed with this school. After attending an hour long meeting stressing diversity, I was disapointed to find out that my child had many classes completely devoid of minorities. Although the academics are great; the teachers are helpful and my child learns a lot, it is unclear to me what St. Andrews really offers other than that. The sports teams are wanting, the cafeteria doubles as a stage, and the student body is full of cliques. I feel that it is overpriced and overrated.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 children at SAES, one son, one daughter. Their college preparation has been excellent and conducted in a kind, nurturing manner. The faculty come from top schools themselves, the extra curricular opportunities are wide ranging, the parent community is warm and caring, the kids are nice to each other, and the college counseling program has done a wonderful job with our two kids. The students who seem to be the happiest are those that get actively involved in the community.
--Submitted by a parent

I am absolutely miserable. The teachers are generally fine, nice and easy on you (it's not hard to get away with things), some are either really boring or just never actually get to the lesson. We don't go out like ever, and just find it very constraining. Almost every student I've met here goes because their parents make them. I think adults don't have a very clear conception of this school, which isn't much of an improvement from my old public school. I am doing very well, I have all A's, but I think that's more of me actually bothering with school and not having anything to do. I don't have many friend there, most aren't nice and friendly. And all the kids seem to be into drugs, sex, and/or alcohol. All the A's in the world mean nothing as long as I'm this miserable.
--Submitted by a student

My children have attended several of the private schools in Suburban Maryland: The Newport School, The Norwood School, and Green Acres School for their elementary grades. For High School, Saint Andrew's combines the best of what we experienced in the early years. Its teachers are excellent. The school philosophy provides structure, without limiting individuality and creativity.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely fantastic. When looking for a school for my daughter, I immediately noticed the huge difference in SAES and other schools with regard to making us feel welcome. Having a person actually answer the phone, not being routed through a huge maze of voice or emails, was very reassuring. The admissions staff, teachers and current students were all friendly, knowlegable and kind and gave a great impression of the school. Now that my daughter attends, that impression was very accurate. This is the perfect fit for my daughter to receive a top notch education, an ability to experience quality extra curricular activities, and thoroughly enjoy her high school experience. Another big plus is St Andrew's has a very good music and art program.
--Submitted by a parent

As a student of St. Andrews, I know what a great school it is. It offers very challenging courses and the teachers are very friendly and willing to help. It also offers great extracurricular activities.
--Submitted by a student