Seton School

I am a graduate from the class of '98. Among my classmates, we have professionals in fields as diverse as law enforcement, education, business, and theatre; several post-graduate students studying in excellent schools; married folks managing their homes and children; and one cloistered nun...and that's from my class alone. The combination of the fine education centered on the virtuous, sacramental life, and athletic teams and clubs of all sorts formed us so that we could mature into happy adults, well-equipped to engage culture and society.

As a parent of two Seton high graduates I am compelled to respond to the April 24,2011 review. It's true that not all teachers are certified, but the results speak for themselves. The SAT score average for the 2010 graduating class was over 300 points higher than any Prince William Co school, and 50 points above any diocese school. In fact, Seton was the only metropolitan-area Catholic school selected as a Top 50 Catholic secondary school in the nation. Students do take AP exams without taking AP classes - because they are smart enough to not require the course and still receive a "3" or better score. Students do receive teacher consultation on any self guided exam prep studies. Yes grading scales are higher at Seton, but college admissions offices and scholarship committees recognize the school's higher standards and reward its students. As for any "limited selection of classes" there are 7 different English courses; 5 social studies courses; 6 different math courses; 6 different science courses; 4 foreign languages offered in all levels; a religion course for each year, and electives available like Computers, Art, Theatre Arts, and Communications. What more could you want?
--Submitted by a parent

I would not trust anyone but the Seton family to teach my children! How many schools could a student leave a band instument or purse in the hallway and it still be there in the morning? Yes the school does have a higher grading scale than the surrounding schools and a much tougher disciplinary focus but I feel this has only prepared my children to excel in their adult life!
--Submitted by a parent

Any parent considering sending their child to seton should consider the following flaws about the school. First off, almost none of the teachers hold certification to teach. Secondly, the school has students take AP exams without having taken an AP class. Thirdly, the school has a decidedly higher grading scale than the public schools in Prince William County, puting the students at a disadvantage when applying to college and for scholarships. The school also offers an extremely limited selection of classes compared to the other high school it is adjacent to. There seems to be no sense of urgency to fix any of these problems, stemming from a lack of leadership. Some people have a good experience at Seton, some have a terrible experience. Any parent who considers it should consider the above problems and ask them if this is really the best place for their child.

This is our daughter's first year at Seton and we cannot express how impressed we are with the changes we have seen in her. We fully understand how Seton earned its place in the top 50 Catholic High Schools in the nation. Even though she was a straight A middle school student, our daughter has been challenged by the curriculum, and very impressed with the teaching staff. Despite Seton's relatively small size, she has found that it offers more constructive social events than many of the larger high schools that her elementary school friends now attend. If you seek a school that will give your child a true Catholic identity and an outstanding education, you should consider Seton.
--Submitted by a parent