Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

Posted: January 12, 2023

If your daughter attended Visitation, she would go to one the most historic and beautiful campuses in the District. She would also be placed in the belly of the beast for DC politics and the culture wars. Far right community members push the strictest and non inclusive message of the Catholic Church, while the far left bangs the drum of social justice and diversity. But inherent in this place is a deep rooted classism that will make your daughter feel lesser if she receives financial aid. She will also be assigned a crippling amount of homework, while at the same time learning next to nothing from this outdated curriculum, which seems to be controlled by the administrative infighting and the communications department, which determines academic content to protect the school brand. Enrolling in honors and AP classes is competitive and determined by many incompetent faculty members. This disadvantages students in the college application process by forcing them to compete against students who had far more AP courses, thus inflating their GPA scores above that of a student taking a regular class. Don't let the slick marketing of this school fool you into sending your daughter there, especially if she is a person of color or receives funding.

Posted: January 12, 2023

Posted: October 15, 2021

We should have sent our daughter to Stone-Ridge where they value and respect military families. Staff and administrators at GVP do not. And for the record, we pay in full and out of pocket.
Be that as it may, it’s not all bad. However, it’s important to note that their style is to maintain an elitist, distant, cool and overly polite manner. Very aloof and surface. The teachers are nice, but in general, it is not a “warm” school.
More than that, GVP is a highly stressful environment for its students. Too much so for some. Beware. It can break some. Not a good fit for students that need a gentler or different learning environment. It’s grueling here. On the other hand, if your kid could make it in this jungle, then maybe they can make it at a college like Georgetown University (which is literally next door - so that’s another good thing). A true Ivy, however, like Yale for example, Is another story. There are other feeder schools for that. GVP feeds into Georgetown University. Aim high!
The next issue is religious education. That’s been the most disappointing aspect here. I don’t see Catholic morals or values being practiced here by the staff and/or administration. They practice elitist behavior here though and they do that very well. It is also worth noting that the school is run separately from the church, although they are co-located. The school is run by “money” people. However, the staff and administration talk a good game and send out religious e-mails that sound like the love of Jesus.
It’s only fair to point out that they treat their students very nicely. They speak to the students as if they are adults and even treat them as such in interactions. They model grown-up, polite, upper-crust, elitist behavior. And that is another good thing if that’s how you want your child to behave. If you prefer a humbler approach, go elsewhere.
The description above says that Public Transportation is available here. We aren’t aware of any girl that takes public transportation. This area is dangerous. The staff and administration here are highly vigilant about girls leaving campus and people coming on, as a result - and that’s a good thing. With that said, these girls do not generally take the Metrorail and walk. They are dropped off by drivers in luxury vehicles or by a few parents in humble family cars. Diversity!
The bottom line is that GVP is a finishing school with a strong academic focus, that feeds into Georgetown University.

Posted: October 15, 2021

Posted: October 15, 2021

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Posted: September 22, 2020

Posted: September 22, 2020

Posted: September 22, 2020

Posted: September 22, 2020

Very negative. This school talks a great game but is off the charts hypocritical. I am so so sorry we sent our daughter here. It is NOT the same Visitation from two to three generations ago.

Posted: September 22, 2020

Posted: September 22, 2020

Posted: February 19, 2019

Posted: February 19, 2019

Almost all of them have passion for their subject and it conveys to the students.

Posted: February 19, 2019

If you can conquer this workload you are ready for any college and any job!

Posted: February 19, 2019

There are a lot of changes going on at the moment. Time will tell but I am hopeful that it will head in an even better direction. It was good before.

Posted: February 19, 2019

I don’t know directly about these programs. We have not used them. I do know they exist.

Posted: February 19, 2019

Exceptional. We have to make a lot of financial sacrifices to afford Visi but they are well worth it. The school is NOT elitist. I found the community welcoming of even those with a more modest income like me.

Posted: February 19, 2019

There is so much homework. My daughters often worked on it for 4 hours a day. They took very challenging classes and the teachers are all very engaged in their subject. I have seen very few, although there are some, average to below average teachers.

Posted: February 5, 2018

I love this school and what it has done for my daughter. I am so grateful we were afforded the opportunity to attend Visitation. Though it is difficult for us to get to the school, there are a few other children who rely on public transportation too and many students show up in 'regular' cars. I can't say I've ever seen a limo. I see a lot of moms doing drop-off like any other school. My daughter has learned a lot of independence too, in part thanks to the location by a university, which is great as we get closer to graduation and college.

Posted: May 30, 2015

As a student at Visitation, I know that, yes, it is difficult but rewarding. The majority of teachers are amazing and the rest of the faculty and staff are very kind and helpful. The workload requires more time and energy than other schools but in the end I think it's worth it; to actually go to high school and LEARN. Intellectually I have grown so much more and it's evident when I see my former classmates struggling at other schools. The friends I have made are beyond words and I would never trade this school for any other.

Posted: May 30, 2015

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Posted: May 30, 2015

Posted: August 12, 2014

As a parent who has sent 3 daughters to Visitation, I have borne witness to some of the strengths and weaknesses of this institution. Strengths: rigorous education (your child will be prepared for college), interesting and talented teachers, strong sports programs, vibrant theater department, beloved traditions, beautiful campus. Weaknesses: strong alumni bias, poor administration/parent/teacher communication, stressful environment for students regardless of their academic/sports abilities, grade deflation, too little emphasis on non-performing arts. Overall, however, I have been impressed with the results - poised, analytical, well-informed, morally grounded young women. Prepare to be dazzled by your daughter and her classmates at a very moving graduation ceremony.

Posted: May 20, 2014

This school is the most stressful learning environment I know of. It is unnecessary to make teenage girls feel this horrible about themselves. I am crying over the workload almost every night, and my teachers do not help. I want to transfer every day, and I would if my parents weren't so heart set on this "fine academy." Do not come here, no matter how hard the faculty may try to lure you in. I am smart and highly capable, but this institution has made me feel anything but. Take this as a warning.

Posted: August 19, 2013

This is a dream school. The girls are bright, focused, and friendly. There is absolutely no bullying. Being intelligent is considered cool. Teachers are involved with the students. Classes are challenging and interesting. The girls bond like I've never seen. At the dances, all of the girls and their dates remain classy. There is no drinking or drugs.

Posted: August 4, 2013

No single child is taking public transportation to this school.All are being dropped off by a driver in their luxury cars or limos. If you are middle class family or cannot afford a house around the school forget about registering your child here. Your child will feel isolated. School atmosphere is not heathy at all. This school is only for rich kids who has no single dreams in their future. Absolutely pathetic.

Posted: April 18, 2013

Heinously elitist school culture. Absurd levels of parental involvement in academic and school life. GV does not make DC or America great.

Posted: October 13, 2012

We could not be happier with this school. The girls are poised and bright; the academic environment is challenging; the teachers care about their subjects and their students; and the leadership from the administration seems very sound.

Posted: December 25, 2011

My daughter really seemed to blossom at this school. However, I found that the Religious aspect was surprisingly unsatisfactory. A religion teacher was very inappropriate towards certain students. Cussing, speaking of drugs (in a jokingly way), and not preparing them well enough for exams and tests. Other than this, the teachers are great, and the girls are sweet.