St. Albans School

Mount St Alban

Washington, DC 20016

12 Reviews

School District
Grade

4-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 08, 2019

I have had one son graduate from the school, and another who is a current student, and have had a truly amazing experience.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2017

Exceptional School. They educate boys to become exceptional men. My son has been there since 4th grade, and it has been a "home-away-from-home" for him. They learn at the top level of academics, but they also learn at the top level of character education to be men of integrity and goodwill. St. Albans forms the whole person. My son will have friends for life from StAlbans, many of whom have been his teachers or coaches.
Submitted by student on December 08, 2015

Great teachers and experiences. My 1/2 year at St. Albans was the best I have ever had
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2015

My son had his choice among all the best private schools in the area, including TJ, as he not only was accepted at all of them but was also awarded multiple scholarships to these schools. We chose STA and it was best decision we ever made. Not only has it given him the best in academics but, more importantly, his mentors at the school (teachers, faculty and coaches) have helped him develop into a young man with high moral character with a thirst to learn and achieve but also a strong leader with the desire to serve.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2015

What to say about St. Albans? It is a truly exceptional academic environment for young men. Our son graduated several years ago. He was not one of the "best and brightest," which can be a challenge, but, he had a strong sense of himself in in a highly competitive environment filled with accomplished young men. St. Albans is not for everyone. It requires an odd combination of personal intensity, steadiness, capacity and tranquility. The school possesses one of the most gifted and engaging group of teachers within it's lower and upper schools - ready to assist and ready to acknowledge the individual talents in all. We found that the school lives its credo, unlike others. Although St. Albans is not immune to many of the shenanigans of many city schools, there is honor, wisdom, kindness and integrity at the school that is unique. They work hard to develop young men of character and, in our son's case, they assisted us in instilling and evoking those important values.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2014

This is a school that knows who it is, what it values, and how to produce a top-notch citizen. St. Albans is highly academic, fun, supportive and puts a HUGE emphasis on character. My son struggled, succeeded, persevered, and grew into a young man who knows how to "take the hard right over the easy wrong." He's a hard worker, generous, empathetic, and eager to fight injustice. Thank you Saint Albans teachers and staff!
Submitted by teacher on February 01, 2013

Greatest school i've ever taught at excellent academics and good athletics like i said best school i've taught at
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2013

St. Albans takes ordinary boys and makes them extraordinary. The teaching is top notch, and the schools academic reputation precedes them. In Washington D.C. (the most competitive district when it comes to national academic honors), 21 of the 48 presidential scholars (the most prestigious academic award in the country) have graduated from STA. Unlike what other reviews have said, the school will not bend on a whim to the demands of the richer students or parents. The administration focuses solely on providing the best education, both physical and intellectual for its students. If your son is willing to buy into the values that STA is trying to teach him, such as: hard work, brotherhood, an appreciation for religion and excellence in all endeavors, then this is the place for your son. Because STA will take your son and push him until he achieves his maximum potential. And then some more. The relationship between the boys is also one that you will not find anywhere else in the world. The moment you cross the threshold, you are surrounded by brothers, brothers who you will remain close to for the rest of your life.
Submitted by teacher on September 29, 2012

Like many elite private school in the metro area SA is a WASP stronghold where social connections, family status and grade grubbing rule the day. The school suffers from a toxic level of conformity and preppiness. As a former teacher, I truly fear for students who don't fit the elite mold. The psychological damage rendered to them by their peer group borders on the immoral and is a perennial problem the administration does its best to ignore.
Submitted by student on June 29, 2011

St. Albans is a great school. The teachers are wonderful, but the community is its greatest asset.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2011

St. Albans' great reputation and past history unfortunately do not match up with the current school. The campus and new buildings are very impressive. However, this is a school for the very studious self-learner or for the very wealthy family who can afford tutoring. The emphasis on money and competition (both social and academic) is both stressful and destructive. For the top 10% of the class, the school provides copious praise and support. For the remaining 90% of students, you just have to cope with the heirarchy. It is not an enviromnet that fosters self confidence or outward thinking for most of its students.
Submitted by other on August 04, 2010

I graduated from St. Albans in "68, and was grateful for the good education and the small group of faculty who chose to be open minded in a time of social change. I watched things closely for a time, with much dismay when I saw wealth and status take over the school's value system to a much greater degree than I ever experienced. Things may have improved under the current headmaster, but I still cringe when I meet an obvious social climber who suddenly becomes more "interested" in what I say and do on those rare occasions I admit to being and alum.