Don't overlook
St. Anselm's Abbey School just because it's an all-boys Catholic school. Religious academic institutions tend to get some flack for their devotion to their faith and their harsh and rigid educational systems. St. Anselm's Abbey School, arguably one of the best schools in Washington D.C., is not that! This school is more open to all kids, even those of different faiths. At the same time, the school focuses more on ensuring students' intellectual and intrinsic growth instead of just instilling Roman Catholic values in them. Overall, St. Anselm's Abbey School transcends the stereotypes such an institution usually faces.
Source: St. Anselm's Abbey School Facebook Page
History of St. Anselm's Abbey School
American psychiatrist and monk, Fr. Thomas Verner Moore, founded St. Anselm's Abbey School in
Washington D.C. in 1942. It was initially named the St. Anselm's Priory and started with only 18 students in total. Though the school was set up as a senior high school, it soon added 7th and 8th grades in 1955. In 1961, the monastery's status was elevated to that of an abbey, thereby changing the school's name to St. Anselm's Abbey School. The school then expanded even further over time, growing the campus to include academic and athletic facilities, adding new grades, and welcoming more and more students.
What is St. Anselm's Abbey School's Campus Like?
As you'd expect in an all-boys preparatory school in Washington D.C., St. Anselm's Abbey School's campus is fairly closed off from the rest of the city. Though it's located on South Dakota Avenue, which is fairly near many
central Washington D.C. neighborhoods, it's far to the edge of the area that's tucked away in a quiet corner. Since its 40-acre campus is also beside many green spaces, the campus even looks and feels like it's in the middle of nowhere. Naturally, the school boasts many great campuses, from big buildings with big classrooms or a spacious gym and well-manicured school grounds.
Source: St. Anselm's Abbey School Facebook Page
The St. Anselm's Abbey School Student Body
As mentioned previously, St. Anselm's Abbey School began as a small school of only 18 students. Over time, the academy expanded even further, culminating in the present day when it welcomes over 250 students per year. This is composed of both new enrollees and those returning who have yet to graduate. The school also has a fairly diverse student body, with about 58.2% of them are White students, 16% of them are Black students, 12.5% of them are Multiracial students, 5.9 of them Hispanic students, 3.9% of them are Asian students, and about 3.5% of them are International students.
What is St. Anselm's Abbey School's Curriculum?
St. Anselm's Abbey School operates as both a middle school and upper school, not to mention as a fairly religious Catholic school too. While the latter may seem that such an academic institution might be too rigid for different kinds of students, St. Anselm's Abbey School is definitively not that. The school remains open to teaching different points of view, perspectives, and even accepts students of different faiths. While Christian faith is still the foundation of the school, it's not the end-all and be-all of the entire system. Its Upper School, for example, serves as a preparatory school that focuses on academics.
Source: St. Anselm's Abbey School Facebook Page
How Much Does It Cost to Study at St. Anselm's Abbey School?
In the grand scheme of things, St. Anselm's Abbey School is expensive. While it's still pricey, especially when you consider the high
living costs in Washington D.C., it's far from the most expensive in the city alone. Its Middle School costs around $35,400.00 per year while its Upper School is about $36,400.00 per year. These cover the costs of required textbooks, athletics activities, uniforms, retreats, field trips, extracurricular activities, and more. On top of all that, there's an additional $50.00 application fee, a $300.00 senior fee, and a $1,000.00 non-refundable reservation deposit.
Where is St. Anselm's Abbey School in Washington D.C.?
St. Anselm's Abbey School is located on South Dakota Avenue in Washington D.C.'s northeastern quadrant. Though this part of the city is known for its fair share of hustle and bustle, the area surrounding the campus is mostly residential districts and big parks. It's a quiet part of town where the students will remain safe and secure as they go about their studies. At the same time, this part of the American capital is a great place to stay too. Some parts boast some of the finest
luxury homes in Washington D.C. and other parts with lively urban energy.
Source: St. Anselm's Abbey School Facebook Page
St. Anselm's Abbey School is a great school in Washington D.C., especially for a Catholic school. Despite what you may think about religious schools, this one grants more freedom to its students and lets them fly free with their studies and discoveries.
