St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School

Our kids got half their schooling at SS/SA and half in Fairfax County; the public school half was much better. SS/SA is an ideal school for very social B level students, especially those with athletic talent. It is also ideal for parents who want an very nice looking school (the physical and especially sports facilities are quite impressive), who want (and are able) to be part of the Alexandria social scene, who want a school environment shielded from the real world, and who can give the school money. It is not a good school for individualistic kids, very bright or artistically talented students, or those with little athletic talent. The reports of cliques (among students and parents) are true, as are those of favoritism for the kids of big donors, prominent alumni, and important Alexandrians. There are some very fine teachers here and there in the school. The math and science curriculum does not match the better public schools.

As a graduate of SS/SA in the late1970's and as a person who for 12 years worked for the Census (Dept of Commerce) and traveled to over 26 counties in Northern part of Va and visited countless private and public schools in my job, I must say I did not visit very many schools as good as SS/SA. There were some excellent schools, but I think SS/SA was as good as any of them. People rant and rave about some schools and do not show the respect SS/SA really deserves. While a student there, I did have some excellent teachers and though all are gone, SS/SA has added some excellent teachers over the years. I know prices have gone up over the years but there are VERY few public or even private schools for that matter that match SS/SA.

I am a recent college graduate who attended St. Stephen's St. Agnes for nine years. During my time there, I became part of the community and recieved an incredible education, two of my most vaulable assets to date. My educational advantage was readily apparent in college, where I was able to transition smoothly and remain on top of my studies. In addition, I established a group of lifelong friends that I still see all the time. Though my friends came from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, SSSAS brought them together nonetheless. My college friends often note that they have never seen a high school group so close. SSSAS was one of the best experiences of my life and I cannot think of a better place for a student to spend his formative years.

I am about to enter my senior year at SSSAS and would not want to be anywhere else. I came in 7th grade from living overseas all my life, a hard thing to do. The students were open and welcoming so I made friends quickly. I came from a school with 66 different nationalities, so I was happy to see the student body was diverse. The teachers are caring and always there to help during and after class. I've tried new things at SSSAS, working on the lighting crew for a play and taking a ceramics class. If you are into sports and working out, there is every opportunity to play on a team or use the fitness room, and the trainer is fantastic. SSSAS is home to me, so it's hard to imagine leaving in a year. At the same time, I know I will be ready for college.

I have been a member of the St. Stephen's & St. Agnes community for several years. The students are kind, focused and engaged. The faculty are experts and the parents are welcoming and supportive. I cannot imagine being any happier.

I graduated from SSSAS in 2008. As a college student, I can honestly say that St. Stephen s & St. Agnes prepares its students well for going off into the real world. The college counseling office was very helpful in gauging what was the best college for me. Academics are top rate, with an especially strong English department. As an English major, I feel that the school prepared me well for any college-level English program. Many of the other grads that I ve talked to also say the adjustment to college academic life has been easy, because of the academic rigors we became accustomed to at SSSAS. Between all our classes we write about 100 essays during Upper School, which gives students the opportunity to radically improve their writing. Before attending SSSAS I was at a small-sized middle school where the administration couldn t even remember the names of their sparse students. At SSSAS, the Head of School takes the time to know every student by name, even though there are three separate campuses. If you want to attend an academically strong school where you are more than just a number to the administration, then St. Stephen s & St. Agnes School is the place for you.

I have 2 children at SSSAS, I struggle to pay the tuition, but I am extremely satisfied with my choice to so so. There is a place at SSSAS for every kind of child. The school supports and offers opportunities to be involved in many things. My children are not head's list, they play only one sport, and were very shy when they entered. The community is welcoming, the teachers very sensitive and dedicated, and they have blossomed at this school. The education is excellent, they are fit and healthy, and have made lifelong friendships in a safe and supportive environment. They have learned the value of being a 'good' and 'giving' person, and to use their knowledge with wisdom. I couldn't ask for more.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a current student at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School. I have read all of the reviews and strongly disagree with many things said. It is a wonderful school and I would not choose any other school over it. Yes there is a huge focus on sports but is that a problem. I mean don't you think that having and for some being a part of the #1 girls lacrosse team in the country is something to focus on and be proud of? Those girls who are given horrible tags have worked hundreds of hours to get to where they are and i do not think that people should speak so lowly of the school.
--Submitted by a student

I am a former student of SSSAS and I would like to tell all parents and children that SSSAS is not a good choice for anyone. For example, They have no discipline, and no consequences. The teachers are very nice but if a child (say in the Lower School) is picking on another child the teachers are prohibited from defending the picked on child by the administration and I speak from experience. At SSSAS there are some grades that have 'groups'. These groups are the 'popular' ones in the grade and all other children who have an interest in things they don't like they attack like tigers and by half-way through the year I felt that I had no more self-esteem and again I speak from experience. I had a good time at SSSAS from pre-kindergarten-kindergarten! It's a waste of money!

Arguably the most prestigeous school in the state and one of the best in the country.
--Submitted by a parent