St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School in Alexandria

Posted: April 16, 2024

It SSSA receiving money from the State? If so, state is dictating curriculum. Is SSSA a private school? Difficult to distinquish. Too much emphasis on sports and DEI.

Posted: April 16, 2024

Posted: December 31, 2023

I would NOT recommend this school. Bullying issues that the staff does NOT care about and does NOTHING about.

Posted: May 15, 2023

We were a new family this year in middle school, and have had an incredible experience at SSSAS this year. My daughter is genuinely loving middle school - which isn't a common occurrence from what my friends who have kids at other schools tell me. There are about 100 kids in each of the middle school grades, but the class sizes are fairly small, about 15 each. Girls and boys are in separate sections for math and science in middle school, which boosts engagement. The work has been challenging for sure, but manageable - even with travel sports after school. I see a huge improvement in her analytical and problem solving skills, especially from the beginning to end of the year. She's also very aware of other world religions and asking questions and critically thinking from a global perspective. As a new family, I also appreciate the interaction the school has fostered between families. We've been invited to (no joke) 40 social and educational events for parents and families this year, and we truly feel like we've become a part of the community - this community feel is very different from the other private school we transferred from. My only complaint is the size of the backpacks - they weigh a ton! But if that's the only complaint we have, we're in good shape. Lol.

Posted: May 15, 2023

Posted: May 1, 2023

Both of my children graduated from SSSAS and have since graduated college (one with an advanced degree). The school not only provided them with a great education, it made learning challenging yet fun. They were exposed to many diverse cultures, international travel and foreign language & cultures studies. The school was well equipped and provided necessary resources for academic growth and learning. Most importantly, as students of color, it better prepared them for how to navigate future challenges. Theyre both gainfully employed and have made our family very proud. I highly recommend SSSAS for academic excellence.

Posted: May 1, 2023

Posted: February 22, 2022

All they want is your money. Poor facilities, weak teachers, and totally WOKE. If you are conservative this is not the school for you or your children. The hand is always out looking for donations. My advice is its not even close to worth the money!

Posted: February 22, 2022

Posted: October 19, 2021

Love the teachers really nice everyone is friendly the kids include people really great School

Posted: September 15, 2021

One of the best private schools in Virginia. Top education, teachers and activities!

Posted: September 15, 2021

Posted: May 27, 2021

Our second child just graduated after 13 years at SSSAS. I regret the decision to send our kids there because of the economic trade-off the decision inflicted on our family. Our careers did not move in a straight line over the years, and the stress, meager funds for retirement, and the student loans our kids have to take to obtain a college education are profound problems.

Posted: May 27, 2021

Posted: September 14, 2020

$504,970 = cost of sending a child to SSSAS K-12, plus technology costs, plus expected annual donations, plus activities, etc.

Posted: September 14, 2020

Posted: May 28, 2020

Amazing school. The focus is rigorous academics and helping to shape well-rounded children.

Posted: May 28, 2020

Top notch, helped me grow academically and spiritually

Posted: May 28, 2020

Homework stresses critical thinking and writing skills.

Posted: May 28, 2020

Teachers want to help but they will not lower the academic standards.

Posted: May 28, 2020

Posted: September 19, 2019

It is amazing to be at this school, the only negative thing are some students that feel bullied over not being invited to events that aren't even school related or just because they didnt get away with something and just blame the school for literally everything, which is extremely annoying

Posted: September 19, 2019

Posted: April 30, 2019

Think about where you want your student to attend college. Many SSSAS graduates are channeled into regional small private schools. Fewer graduates matriculate into at UVA, W&M, VA Tech or other national universities.

Posted: August 6, 2018

This is based on my experience with the summer program which was completely disjointed and disappointing. I will not have my kids apply to this uncaring and unwelcoming place.

Posted: August 6, 2018

So far very poor in dealing with the summer program. Staff at various levels just dont care.

Posted: June 18, 2018

I went to SSSAS from Kindergarten (2001) until the winter of my Sophomore year of high school (2012). I can say that my parents definitely got their money's worth in education, college preparedness, curriculum, opportunities, extracurriculars, facilities, etc. From the perspective of a parent, this is the school to choose if you want your child to succeed. However, there is a reason I transferred to a different private school MID-YEAR during my sophomore year: after a decade of trying, I realized I was never going to fit in. I was shy as a child and I was always the most average player on my sports teams. This school is great for those that excel at sports (you won't make most of the high school teams if you're not one of the top players) and are extroverted from the first day of kindergarten. For a child like me, who was relatively fitting of the "mold" that these students have set but a late bloomer, I got left behind socially and never caught up. The school was so divided socially and exclusive that I didn't have a single friend and I packed up and left one day at the end of the fall of my sophomore year. I want to save you and your child from my school experience: do not pick this school if your child does not excel in sports and is not extremely extroverted from day one, because he or she will be made to feel inadequate.

Posted: October 13, 2017

The moral compass of the School just always happens to point to Money! A rich student breaks the honor code, guess what happens...heads turn the other way.

Posted: October 13, 2017

Posted: August 5, 2017

While I have heard of instances of bullying, I haven't had an instance where I saw the school not address a situation.

Posted: August 5, 2017

Excellent. We wanted an academically rigorous and intellectually nurturing environment for our child.

Posted: August 5, 2017

Prior to moving to this area, my husband and I were faculty members at research intensive universities. The study skills and homework approach fostered by the school prepares students for an academically rigorous University.

Posted: August 5, 2017

Teachers foster analytical and critical thinking skills. Students learn to analyze material. This type of learning is much more effective than rote memorization and regurgitation of facts.

Posted: August 5, 2017

There is a honor code at the school which assists students in development of their character. Student challenges are addressed. The school develops these characteristics. So, if the student hasn't received a strong foundation at home, the character development at the school will not resonate with the student.

Posted: August 5, 2017

Administrators are heavily involved in all aspects of the school. They are also responsive to parents' commincation.

Posted: August 5, 2017

The teachers' instruction is geared toward different learning styles. The delivery of the curriculum is taught to encompass auditory, visual, or tactile learners. However, if a student has a learning disability or challenges with instruction, an environment with individual instruction vs. small class sizes may be more beneficial.

Posted: October 17, 2016

The school is very good at the administrative level. The teachers are very caring and helpful, and the academics are top notch. I would not have gotten into the college I did without the help from the college counselors or become the writer I have without the school's academic emphasis on it.

Socially, however, this was just a bad experience. Part of it was me dealing with my own issues, but the culture was extremely exclusive. The review that describes it as a "polite cold shoulder" is spot on. People were generally nice on the surface but it was clear I never fit in, and it destroyed my confidence for a while. The culture of drugs, alcohol and sex wasn't a problem in of itself. I believe I would be too judgmental if I concluded that. The problem was that you did not really have a place if you didn't participate in it. There was a huge sense of elitism, as I constantly heard students make fun of public schools. It was extremely uncomfortable given that my sister went to one. If you are extroverted and/or good at sports, you'll likely have no issues at this school from a social standpoint. Unfortunately, I was neither of these things.

Posted: June 2, 2016

Advice from the parent of a long term student: if you have a daughter who excels in field hockey or lacrosse, this is your school. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

Posted: October 28, 2014

Anyone who has writtena a bad review here has never attended a public school in VA. I have been to both. I graduated after 2 years at SssAS. I went my first 2 yrs to a public school in Fredericksburg VA which was worst experience of my life hands down. Sssas gave me a realscademic chance. I was new and hard to fit in with more wealthy students who have known each other a long time, but the academics finally gave a challenge I long needed. The stats say it all....if 100 percent of graduates go to college thay really means something...about the teachers amd curriculum... I loved it here and wish I could afford to send my own son here.

Posted: September 27, 2014

I am a senior at SSSAS and believe that many of the negative reviews here are from those that did not take chances in the SSSAS community, or had children that did try to pursue their interests. We are very open, I am no what you would consider a "popular" kid and I am still able to express myself without judgement. The best part of SSSAS is that everyone there is ready to help you. Teachers STRIVE to help you succeed and coaches push you to be your best. Academics are challenging but kids need to know that working hard now will prepare you for the future. There might be "rich" kids here, but many are on financial aid (such as myself). Not everyone is a brat. I went to Fairfax County Public Schools from K-8th and really saw a difference when I first attended SSSAS. THE MOST AMAZING PART FOR ME: students were not interrupting their teachers, instead they were eager to learn and were respectful. SSSAS is a great school for a 9-12 education that will allow you to learn that expressing yourself is good.

Posted: August 10, 2014

This Upper School is probably best for those that have found their passion. Most often at this school, that's sports. Lacrosse rules and it's populated by a fast crowd that parties with illicit items and loose sex. Some parents don't discourage it. Passion for non-sports geeks is sometimes drama or music. They have good programs in the performing arts. (Hoorah) We're disappointed with how few grads get into top colleges without being recruited for sports. Many other kids here (50%??) haven't found their place & seem to drift at this school. Not accepted by the cliques of cool kids and not willing to get labeled as a nerd or loser they are anonymous and fairly invisible. Those kids just try to hold on, get a decent education, and graduate. Most (not all) minority kids here are recruited to be sports stars. The culture of elitism and exclusion often starts with the parents, but the kids pick it up. There is pervasive sense of entitlement. Kids drive up in BMWs and Mercedes. Some positives: Most teachers here are committed and really know how your child is doing. Facilities are beautiful. A new headmaster is coming this fall, let's hope she can improve things.

Posted: May 4, 2014

The academic programs are both smart and useful. The teachers are kind and caring and don't put stress on students to earn the best grades, but the caring shoulder automatically brings the students' grades up. A far cry from Westminster School in Annandale where my daughter started school in kindergarten a couple years ago. Discipline was rule one two and three I found it to be a little much. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School hands down is the place to be!

Posted: April 8, 2014

Hated St. Agnes (St. Agony). Mean, entitled, little rich girls. Need I say more? Who cares how excellent the academics when all you do is worry about being bullied by the class right ahead of you? This is their main "sport". Literally THE most damaging experience of my young years. My parents spent lots of money to send me to St. Agnes, and I spent even more in psychotherapy recovering from the experience. Unless you want to scar your child, don't sent them for life!

Posted: September 8, 2013

My child has attended SSSAS since Jr. Kindergarten and has enjoyed school and grown each year. SSSAS focuses not only on academics, but also development of the individual. The school community is like a family and promotes lifelong relationships.

Posted: June 28, 2013

I am in going into my 8th grade year at sssas. I came in 6th grade and parents, teachers, and students were great. Many people are saying that sssas are having problems with student groups, drugs, and the "hooking up" culture but open your eyes, there will be all of these problems if not worse at any other public/private school. Others say the tuition is to high, but what we are learning the price is worth it. I went to a public school for six years and the biggest overall difference between the schools is that at sssas you are set up for success, where at public school your are on your own

Posted: October 5, 2012

The teachers work really hard and the school itself REALLY runs well. The problem we have with it is that the drug, alcohol, and hook up culture dominates the school. There is bullying, but cleverly done so as to not be obvious. Diversity is there, but there is a polite cold shoulder. If parents think their child will be sheltered from all this at SSSAS, that is a fool hardy idea. The more likely scenario is that the student can either be drawn into the a fore mentioned culture, or be sidelined for not participating in it. There is a huge amount of pressure on students to "have it all", imposed by the parent and student culture????, not so much by the school. Even so, SSSAS is a great choice for, no doubt, but how can the faculty win if parents don't teach their kids good values, or feel hopeless in the face of the culture, (and the Priests are afraid to teach it)? I would give the school a '5' , but because of the issues I mentioned, I would rate different parts of the school in different ways, some very high and some low.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Cameron Station	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	1.5 mi
2	Burgundy Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	1.5 mi
3	Shirlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	1.8 mi
4	Midtown Alexandria Station	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	2.1 mi
5	Beverly Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	2.3 mi
6	Wilton Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	2.3 mi
7	Twenty400	Apartment Complex	Arlington	VA	2.4 mi
8	Henry	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	2.7 mi
9	Reserve at Potomac Yard	Apartment Complex	Alexandria	VA	2.9 mi
10	Rivergate	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	3.4 mi
11	Fords Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	3.6 mi
12	Hayfield Farms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria/Kingstowne	VA	3.7 mi
13	Belle View	Condominium/Townhouse	Alexandria	VA	3.9 mi
14	Huntley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	4.1 mi
15	Kingstowne	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	4.2 mi
16	Greenwood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Springfield	VA	4.4 mi
17	Grove at Huntley Meadow	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	4.4 mi
18	Hollin Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	4.6 mi
19	Leeway Overlee - N Arlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	5 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Old Town Alexandria	Alexandria	VA	2.3 mi
2	Pentagon City	Arlington	VA	3.3 mi
3	Kingstowne	Alexandria	VA	3.9 mi
4	Fairfax County	Springfield	VA	5 mi
5	National Harbor	Fort Washington	MD	5.1 mi
6	Springfield	Springfield	VA	5.2 mi

Base	Distance
Mark Center Alexandria	1.2 mi.
Henderson Hall	3.9 mi.
Pentagon	4.4 mi.
Fort Myer	4.6 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	4.8 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	5.8 mi.
Fort McNair	5.8 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	6.7 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	6.9 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	7.2 mi.
Fort Belvoir	7.8 mi.
Andrews AFB	11.5 mi.
Walter Reed Medical Center	12.8 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	16.3 mi.
NRO Chantilly	19.3 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	27 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	27.3 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	33 mi.
US Naval Academy	35 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	36 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	38.9 mi.
Fort Detrick	46.3 mi.

St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School

Alexandria, VA 22304

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St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School

Alexandria, VA 22304

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