OT: St. John Vianney for high school - any recommendations?

[vkj91]

So you want to say that a private institution that takes only the best hardest working students from all of the schools around it is better than the public schools that have to teach and educate everyone that shows up. College acceptance data is complete BS for the same reason. I know of a private school student who went to a prestigious Northern NJ Private school who took multiple AP’s and got 1’s on them while my public school child took the same ones and got 5’s. The reality is that you can skew the numbers any way you want but the numbers you are using are the worst. Why don’t you compare bestto best. Because if you did that you would see that all the money you are spending on private school is being wasted, but it is your money so go ahead. And the kids in the district have plenty of access to schools as witnessed by the slew of ED acceptances in the past couple of weeks.

You answered the question in your own post. Public schools have to try to educate anyone who shows up. Why would anyone who could afford private schools want to deal with “anyone who shows up”. You are correct that intelligent kids can get a great education anywhere. In fact, the could do it on their own with the internet. Kids get away with all types of crap they cant get away with at better privates. They are like zoos.

 

[T2Kplus10]

You answered the question in your own post. Public schools have to try to educate anyone who shows up. Why would anyone who could afford private schools want to deal with “anyone who shows up”. You are correct that intelligent kids can get a great education anywhere. In fact, the could do it on their own with the internet. Kids get away with all types of crap they cant get away with at better privates. They are like zoos.

+1
Hits the nail on the head. Peer group is a powerful benefit with privates.

 

[rufamily]

You answered the question in your own post. Public schools have to try to educate anyone who shows up. Why would anyone who could afford private schools want to deal with “anyone who shows up”. You are correct that intelligent kids can get a great education anywhere. In fact, the could do it on their own with the internet. Kids get away with all types of crap they cant get away with at better privates. They are like zoos.

Actually, the publics that I would compare to private’s are not zoo’snot by a stretch. I would add that there are plenty of things that kids get away with at privates that they would not be able to get away with at pu luv schools. While you do not see the ludicrous grade inflation at public schools that you see at privates

 

[RU4Real]

Actually, the public’s that I would compare to private’s are not zoo’snot by a stretch. I would add that there are plenty of things that kids get away with at private’s that they would not be able to get away with at pu luv schools. While you do not see the ludicrous grade inflation at public schools that you see at private’s.

Apostrophes do not indicate plurality.

 

[rufamily]

Apostrophes do not indicate plurality.

Thanks

 

[RU4Real]

Thanks

Just... ya know... irony and all.

 

[asgot]

Just... ya know... irony and all.

There is also a lot of irony in the fact that you are now being an ***hole. Thanks for that example

 

[asgot]

Wait, 10 years?

I have a 3yo boy and 18month girl.
Do we already need to worry about high schools already?

My wife and I were hoping they would be implanting chips in skulls by then and uploading data like the matrix.

No, maybe depending on where you live

 

[RU4Real]

There is also a lot of irony in the fact that you are now being an ***hole. Thanks for that example

Hundred bucks says you can't accurately explain this statement.

 

[asgot]

There is also a lot of irony in the fact that you are now being an ***hole. Thanks for that example

It’s ok, this is what happens when people can not reply reasonably to things they simply resort to petty insults.

 

[vkj91]

Actually, the publics that I would compare to private’s are not zoo’snot by a stretch. I would add that there are plenty of things that kids get away with at privates that they would not be able to get away with at pu luv schools. While you do not see the ludicrous grade inflation at public schools that you see at privates

They are all zoos. It’s Just to what extent...they have to be because the administration is afraid of the parents. How many Public schools drug test? Kick kids how for behavior and or grade performance?

 

[Zachary.Peril]

They are all zoos. It’s Just to what extent...they have to be because the administration is afraid of the parents. How many Public schools drug test? Kick kids how for behavior and or grade performance?

You would be surprised then at the info I hear from parents as to what goes on now at Mater Dei and Donovan now that they went the football factory route.

 

[vkj91]

You would be surprised then at the info I hear from parents as to what goes on now at Mater Dei and Donovan now that they went the football factory route.

No I wouldn’t. If that’s the route they decide to go it will be an issue real soon for their paying parents and it will change or kids will leave.

 

[Local Shill]

Just... ya know... irony and all.

You’re pretty smart for a guy who went to lowly Sayreville War Memorial High, no?

 

[Local Shill]

You pay for RU, so would you not consider Princeton if your child was able to get it?

Because I think my local public is just as good or even better than SJV or St. Joseph or BGA or whatever local example you want to use. I love RU but I’d be foolish not to admit Princeton is the best of the best.

 

[RU4Real]

You’re pretty smart for a guy who went to lowly Sayreville War Memorial High, no?

Sure. And no one is disputing the notion that smart people can succeed wherever they go. Also, Sayreville was, at the time, a pretty damn good public school if you were in their AP curriculum.

But in the 1970s, if you were really smart in the Sayreville school system the first thing you had to learn was how to defend yourself because some of those kids were pretty brutal. One possible argument in favor of private schools is that you don't have to put up with ridicule just because you know all the correct answers on the test.

Parenthetically, I would also argue that having to learn to defend yourself against people who seek to abuse you simply because of who you are isn't a bad thing, either, but that's probably off the topic.

It's true - smart kids can be successful anywhere. But, as @vkj91 has pointed out, if you have the means to send your smart kid to a school where there's nothing but other smart kids, why not do it?

 

[T2Kplus10]

Sure. And no one is disputing the notion that smart people can succeed wherever they go. Also, Sayreville was, at the time, a pretty damn good public school if you were in their AP curriculum.

But in the 1970s, if you were really smart in the Sayreville school system the first thing you had to learn was how to defend yourself because some of those kids were pretty brutal. One possible argument in favor of private schools is that you don't have to put up with ridicule just because you know all the correct answers on the test.

Parenthetically, I would also argue that having to learn to defend yourself against people who seek to abuse you simply because of who you are isn't a bad thing, either, but that's probably off the topic.

It's true - smart kids can be successful anywhere. But, as @vkj91 has pointed out, if you have the means to send your smart kid to a school where there's nothing but other smart kids, why not do it?

Did you see Chris Rock's new'ish Netflix's comedy special? He does a great bit on the importance of bullying. You would enjoy it!

 

[RU4Real]

Did you see Chris Rock's new'ish Netflix's comedy special? He does a great bit on the importance of bullying. You would enjoy it!

Haven't seen it yet. I may check it out.

Bullying is bad. But not knowing how to stand up to it is just as bad, if not worse, in the long run.

 

[T2Kplus10]

Haven't seen it yet. I may check it out.

Bullying is bad. But not knowing how to stand up to it is just as bad, if not worse, in the long run.

Check it out (early in the show, probably 10-15 mins in):
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/chris_rock_tamborine_2018
The lead in is that his girls go to a private school with absolutely no bullies and he is considering pulling them out!
:)

 

[NotInRHouse]

Pure, unadulterated bullshit.

I've been to MTHS on 100 EMS calls. The place is a f*ckin' zoo. It's Lord of the Flies.

Do you really think that if someone wanted to they could not get into same activities at any school in Monmouth Cty?

There are drugs in the area. In general in FRHSD knowing people that went to every HS if you are smart you will go to a good college and if you want to get in with the bad crowd the path will be open and you will go to Brookdale and either turn it around or not.

There were certain things I did not like about my HS, but the druggies never bothered anyone. My cousin is in school at Manalapan now and finds it safe.

 

[NotInRHouse]

Because I think my local public is just as good or even better than SJV or St. Joseph or BGA or whatever local example you want to use. I love RU but I’d be foolish not to admit Princeton is the best of the best.

And no NJ private HS is a Princeton, despite what their proponents think.

 

[NotInRHouse]

Our daughter is scheduled to attend Colts Neck in 10 years, or possibly Howell or Freehold Twp. if our area gets re-districted. However, we know someone who attended SJV and raved about it (education, friends, athletics, school spirit, etc.).

Obviously the price tag has me hesitant. Almost 13 k, so figure 15 k or north when it's time. Our property taxes are north of 10 k, so I feel like it'd be a waste not to take advantage of a great public school system like the FTRHS system.

My wife and I are both public school educated, wife teaches in Manalapan, and we know about the students being able to choose which high school they attend based on what they'd like to study. However, we're only having 1 child and obviously want the best for her.

But with undergrad college costs, possible grad school, wedding, and us liking to retire in our mid 50's - early 60's, the thought of dropping 60 k on private school has me concerned. Few questions:

1. Does SJV offer tuition assistance or athletic / academic scholarships ?
2. Was what the experience like going there ?
3. I prefer SJV to RBC b/c of the country setting - any advantages to RBC or any other parochial schools ?
4. Colts Neck, FTHS or Howell - any experiences?
5. Busing - do they offer it for SJV ?

It looks like they have a strong athletics program all around, as well as a high academic and college placement ranking.

The other thing I am weighing is my daughter can attend Brookdale for free since I work there. With the thought of possibly 4 years of college after that (2 years under grad and 2 years grad school), do i want to spend 60 k on high school for my child to attend Brookdale for 2 years?

My wife and I are both public school educated, but I've always been intrigued by private / parochial school education / student life. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

You are paying taxes for your kid to go to CNHS which is a top 100 school. This is why Northern Howell costs more than the southern part. That said, Howell HS and FT are in my view still better than SJV.

My sister, who is not academically inclined, had a friend whose parents were very afraid that their kid would slip through the chasm that is stereotyped in the district which kids end up on an AP/college track or in the bad crowd. The friend went to SJV. My sister went to CNHS. They both went to comparable colleges. My view is if you want to go to private HS do not live in an area known for schools. You could probably move to another town and lower your taxes and buy a bigger home.

 

[RU4Real]

Do you really think that if someone wanted to they could not get into same activities at any school in Monmouth Cty?

There are drugs in the area. In general in FRHSD knowing people that went to every HS if you are smart you will go to a good college and if you want to get in with the bad crowd the path will be open and you will go to Brookdale and either turn it around or not.

There were certain things I did not like about my HS, but the druggies never bothered anyone. My cousin is in school at Manalapan now and finds it safe.

In 8 consecutive years as an SJV parent, I observed:

Zero girls pregnant.

Zero weapons charges.

1 student expelled for violation of SJV's zero tolerance drug policy.

It's a cleaner environment. Period, end.

 

[NotInRHouse]

In 8 consecutive years as an SJV parent, I observed:

Zero girls pregnant.

Zero weapons charges.

1 student expelled for violation of SJV's zero tolerance drug policy.

It's a cleaner environment. Period, end.

I did not hear of any of that next door in HS. Only rumors of bat mitzvah money going to Planned Parenthood, ha.

 

[RU4Real]

I did not hear of any of that next door in HS. Only rumors of bat mitzvah money going to Planned Parenthood, ha.

Plenty of it at MTHS.

All this really comes down to a pretty simple analogy, I think.

I could play golf (if I still played) at a county course. Or I could join a decent private club and play there. Is the private club going to make me a better golfer? No, probably not. But where would I rather spend my time?

My wife and I both went to very large public high schools - me to Sayreville, her to East Brunswick. Neither of us had a bad experience. But it wasn't "outstanding". Both of our girls had outstanding personal experiences at SJV. The smaller, more personal environment, the overall engagement level of students, parents and faculty... all these things added up too something that, to them, was an extraordinarily positive thing and so, for us, was a total no-brainer.

 

[T2Kplus10]

Plenty of it at MTHS.

All this really comes down to a pretty simple analogy, I think.

I could play golf (if I still played) at a county course. Or I could join a decent private club and play there. Is the private club going to make me a better golfer? No, probably not. But where would I rather spend my time?

My wife and I both went to very large public high schools - me to Sayreville, her to East Brunswick. Neither of us had a bad experience. But it wasn't "outstanding". Both of our girls had outstanding personal experiences at SJV. The smaller, more personal environment, the overall engagement level of students, parents and faculty... all these things added up too something that, to them, was an extraordinarily positive thing and so, for us, was a total no-brainer.

Pretty simple logic. I guess some folks just can't grasp it.

 

[NotInRHouse]

Plenty of it at MTHS.

All this really comes down to a pretty simple analogy, I think.

I could play golf (if I still played) at a county course. Or I could join a decent private club and play there. Is the private club going to make me a better golfer? No, probably not. But where would I rather spend my time?

My wife and I both went to very large public high schools - me to Sayreville, her to East Brunswick. Neither of us had a bad experience. But it wasn't "outstanding". Both of our girls had outstanding personal experiences at SJV. The smaller, more personal environment, the overall engagement level of students, parents and faculty... all these things added up too something that, to them, was an extraordinarily positive thing and so, for us, was a total no-brainer.

That is all well and good. It would irritate me though to pay the property taxes to live in a town known for the schools and then pay tuition on top. If I stayed in JC it would make sense, but I would not want that in the burbs.

 

[Zachary.Peril]

In 8 consecutive years as an SJV parent, I observed:

Zero girls pregnant.

Zero weapons charges.

1 student expelled for violation of SJV's zero tolerance drug policy.

It's a cleaner environment. Period, end.

If you don’t think there is every sort of drug at SJV you’re nuts. As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time in Monmouth County schools I have seen families take children with drug issues to SJV for a “clean start” apart from the bad kids, I have also seen parents move their kids from SJV for a “clean start” apart from the “bad kids”. I’m sure the school was excellent for your children. And that is all that counts.

 

[Knight Shift]

.

Plenty of it at MTHS.

All this really comes down to a pretty simple analogy, I think.

I could play golf (if I still played) at a county course. Or I could join a decent private club and play there. Is the private club going to make me a better golfer? No, probably not. But where would I rather spend my time?

My wife and I both went to very large public high schools - me to Sayreville, her to East Brunswick. Neither of us had a bad experience. But it wasn't "outstanding". Both of our girls had outstanding personal experiences at SJV. The smaller, more personal environment, the overall engagement level of students, parents and faculty... all these things added up too something that, to them, was an extraordinarily positive thing and so, for us, was a total no-brainer.

And for those that don't mind a more one-dimensional experience (no athletics) that is FREE, they should have their kids apply to one of the Vocational-Technical Schools of Monmouth County. Our kids have had similarly great experiences at Biotech and Allied Health. Some of the smartest kids from the County go to these schools- and we have heard of zero bad behavior incidents. Not the best place to go if your child is an athlete, but they can still participate in athletics at the sending district.
https://www.mcvsd.org/

 

[RU4Real]

If you don’t think there is every sort of drug at SJV you’re nuts. As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time in Monmouth County schools I have seen families take children with drug issues to SJV for a “clean start” apart from the bad kids, I have also seen parents move their kids from SJV for a “clean start” apart from the “bad kids”. I’m sure the school was excellent for your children. And that is all that counts.

Are there kids at SJV who use recreational drugs, same as kids in every other school?

Yes.

Is there a car trunk flea market held every day in the parking lot at SJV? Are there kids in the school who are there for fundamentally no other reason than to deal in the bathrooms?

No.

 

[Zachary.Peril]

Is there a car trunk flea market held every day in the parking lot at SJV? Are there kids in the school who are there for fundamentally no other reason than to deal in the bathrooms?

No.

I will disagree there. There are students dealing or at least connecting kids to drugs at SJV. The difference between them and the ones at public schools is they have parents willing to pay their tuition.

Again- if this school was fantastic for your kids that is all that matters. You made the right decision as a family. I think your view of the school is a bit rosey though.

 

[T2Kplus10]

I will disagree there. There are students dealing or at least connecting kids to drugs at SJV. The difference between them and the ones at public schools is they have parents willing to pay their tuition.

Again- if this school was fantastic for your kids that is all that matters. You made the right decision as a family. I think your view of the school is a bit rosey though.

Sorry, I trust Real's info over yours.

 

[ruready4somefootball]

Our daughter is scheduled to attend Colts Neck in 10 years, or possibly Howell or Freehold Twp. if our area gets re-districted. However, we know someone who attended SJV and raved about it (education, friends, athletics, school spirit, etc.).

Obviously the price tag has me hesitant. Almost 13 k, so figure 15 k or north when it's time. Our property taxes are north of 10 k, so I feel like it'd be a waste not to take advantage of a great public school system like the FTRHS system.

My wife and I are both public school educated, wife teaches in Manalapan, and we know about the students being able to choose which high school they attend based on what they'd like to study. However, we're only having 1 child and obviously want the best for her.

But with undergrad college costs, possible grad school, wedding, and us liking to retire in our mid 50's - early 60's, the thought of dropping 60 k on private school has me concerned. Few questions:

1. Does SJV offer tuition assistance or athletic / academic scholarships ?
2. Was what the experience like going there ?
3. I prefer SJV to RBC b/c of the country setting - any advantages to RBC or any other parochial schools ?
4. Colts Neck, FTHS or Howell - any experiences?
5. Busing - do they offer it for SJV ?

It looks like they have a strong athletics program all around, as well as a high academic and college placement ranking.

The other thing I am weighing is my daughter can attend Brookdale for free since I work there. With the thought of possibly 4 years of college after that (2 years under grad and 2 years grad school), do i want to spend 60 k on high school for my child to attend Brookdale for 2 years?

My wife and I are both public school educated, but I've always been intrigued by private / parochial school education / student life. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

You should ask current Rutgers Basketball announcer and WFAN radio sidekick about SJV, since he's a graduate.

 

[rutgers0423]

This thread has become a joke so quickly lol. The amount of nonsense posters are spewing about public high schools is beyond hysterical.

Have them go to Colts Neck and save money. It’s a great public school system.

 

[RU4Real]

This thread has become a joke so quickly lol. The amount of nonsense posters are spewing about public high schools is beyond hysterical.

Have them go to Colts Neck and save money. It’s a great public school system.

Colts Neck High School isn't part of the Colts Neck public school system.

If you're going to accuse others of spewing nonsense, then you have to be more exact.

 

[rutgers0423]

Colts Neck High School isn't part of the Colts Neck public school system.

If you're going to accuse others of spewing nonsense, then you have to be more exact.

Great public high school *
Does that make you feel better?

 

[rutgers0423]

In 8 consecutive years as an SJV parent, I observed:

Zero girls pregnant.

Zero weapons charges.

1 student expelled for violation of SJV's zero tolerance drug policy.

It's a cleaner environment. Period, end.

I had the same experience at my public high school in nearby northern ocean county.

 

[RU4Real]

Great public high school *
Does that make you feel better?

Yep. That's fine.

And in reality, it's pretty much the same as the other high schools in the FRHSD. Graduation rate is a bit low, at 93% (MTHS has a 97% rate) and it has roughly the same average SAT score (1220 vs. 1240).

 

[Local Shill]

Anyone else having a hard time believing that schools like St. John Vianney are as pure as the driven snow as a couple of posters purport?

 

[e5fdny]

@JayDogSmooth,

If you’re a Monmouth County resident who lives in the Freehold Regional School District you have lots to choose from in publics and private/Catholic.

- The 6 HSs that make up the FRSD
- The 5 MCVSD academies
- Red Bank Regional High School for the arts
- RBC, SJV, CBA for boys, Trinity Hall for girls
- And even St. Rose or Donovan Catholic for some

That’s a lot of options.