Hoya Live! Online Admissions Discussion

Congratulations on your acceptance to Georgetown Prep!

Though we hope you can find answers to many of your questions on our Web site, we’d still like to have a chance to chat with you in person.

Join the admissions staff, day students, and resident students for the first ever Hoya Live! online admissions discussion on Wednesday, March  8thth from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Contributors

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Carl, 09 - Freshman (Leesburg, VA)        Dilshan, 09 - Freshman (Sri Lanka)

Fr. Galvin, S.J. - Math teacher for 38 years at Prep

Michael Horsey, '63 - Dean of Admissions

Michael Hoffman, '99 - Assistant Dean of Admissions

Welcome to the 2nd edition of our online admissions discussion! Congratulations on your acceptance and we look forward to receiving your enrollment papers. Tonight's session gives you another opportunity to ask any last minute questions before you make your decision.

Here we go...

To: Day Student
City: Silver Spring,
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
What is the tuition for the school year 2006/07 for Day Student?

Answer:

Next year Prep's tuition will be $21,210 (up 8% from current year). Like any other business the primary cost factor is related to labor and benefits. Prep's cost is not related to facilities. In order to be true our concept of cura personalis (care of the individual) Prep has chosen the route of relatively small "student load"  for our teachers. At Prep, teachers have 4 classes on average of 16 students, for a "student load" of 64. A typical Catholic school that might be less expensive but a "student load"  of 125 for teachers (5 classes x average class size of 25). A typical independent boys secondary school might be $4,000 to $5,000 more without substantially smaller class sizes. Prep is committed to raising teacher salaries 8% annually during the next five years in order to retain top quality teachers and approach public school salaries.+`

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Do Georgetown Prep students typically take the CLEP (College-level Entrance Program) tests to gain college credits?

Answer:

While this is certainly possible, most students earn college credit through the AP (Advanced Placement) test program. The average Prep graduate has taken 5 AP classes with 80% of test takers scoring 3 or higher (on a 5 point system).

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If I bring a big tennis bag to school for after school tennis training where can I store it during the day?

Answer:

You can store your tennis bag or any other bag in the hallway where your locker is located or you can store in one of the new locker rooms in the new athletic center. Either way, you can be assured your belongings are safe anywhere at Prep, which you probably noticed during your Hoya-for-a-Day.

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What courses will I be able to select for 9th grade and which ones are mandatory for 9th graders?

One can take placement test in math, modern languages, science and Latin.There are 5 different levels of math, for example. Everyone takes, the same English, world history, pe., art, and religion.

Families meet with the academic dean during the summer to plan schedules after the results of May placements test become available.

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To: Boarding Student
City: Bethesda
State: MD
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
What was the easiest and most difficult thing for you to get used to about boarding?

Answer:

The hardest thing to get used to is losing some privacy as you have a roommate, share a bathroom, and having a common lounge with one TV.

The easiest thing was getting used to is the food because you have something different everyday.

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To: Day Student
City: Gaithersburg
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
For non Christians, is there any type of discrimination by other students because you do not believe in the same faith?

Answer:

We freshman haven't seen that be an issue at all. It hasn't crossed our mind.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Gaithersburg
State: MD
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Is there an orientation for freshman? When do we register for classes?

Answer:

There is a day long orientation in mid-May.

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To: Admissions Office
City: clifton
State: va
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
How late can the day students stay on campus? We would want to carpool, do you offer a list of families also interested?

Answer:

You can stay as late as you want because of the boarding school (but you can't sleep here unless you have permission).

The admissions office will provide you with zip code lists to help with carpools. Also, the freshman networking group will be formed by the Parents' Club to help.

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To: Boarding Student
City: Kinnelon
State: New Jersey
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
What is the summer reading list for incoming freshman ?

Answer:

It will be posted on the bookstore website in May.

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Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
What are the AP classes offered for history and what years can you take them? What history classes can freshman take?
 

Answer:

One can take AP World History as a sophomore (all students scored a 5 last year!). As a junior AP US History. Then one can take AP Modern European, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP US Government, AP Art History. Freshman take intro to World History.

VIEW PRESENTATION ON PREP CURRICULUM

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Does Prep offer AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature? If a student takes four years of Spanish, does the student still have to complete two years of Latin?

Answer:

Yes to both questions.

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To: Day Student
City: Silver Spring
State: MD
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Do you know about how many kids usually try out for freshman soccer?
 

Answer:

There were no cuts for freshman soccer team this year (about 25 freshman went to camp).

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To: Boarding Student
City: Kinnelon
State: New Jersey
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
What system is in place for providing boarding students with access to spending money/allowance funds on a weekly basis ? Some Boarding schools we have looked at have an account which the parents pay into that students can withdraw from on a weekly basis, up to a pre-set amount, with account activity visible on-line.

Answer:

Boarding students have a personal bank account, which parents deposit money into. Parents set the amount that can be withdrawn weekly.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Potomac
State: M.D
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Can you do drama and sports in the same season?

Answer:

Yes, you can, but it can be difficult and depends on what sport you are playing. You do not want to overload your schedule with extracurriculars.

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
I know that many students at Prep take summer geometry after they complete Algebra I in ninth grade. If I am taking an advanced Algebra I math class right now, would it be recommended that I take summer geometry before ninth grade?

Answer:

The better solution is to take Algebra II as a freshman and then take geometry in the summer.

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To: Day Student
City: Potomac
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
The fencing club, whats it like, how much time would you have to commit to it.

Answer:

The fencing club practices about 2 times per week and most people have never done it before but several fencers belong to an outside club where they can practice more often.

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To: Boarding Student
City: Kinnelon
State: New Jersey
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
Is there an intramural basketball club which students can participate in for students who enjoy the sport but may not make the team ?

Answer:

Yes, and next year there will be an expanded program in our new athletic center with 4 intramural basketball courts.

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To: Boarding Student
City: Fond du Lac
State: Wisconsin
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Do you participate in any sports? If so, I am particulary interested in football, and wonder if a sprint out quarterback would fit into your offensive scheme.

Answer:

Our varsity quarterback was a sprint out quarterback this past fall when we were #17 in the state. Whatever your strengths are, our coaches will find a way for you to fit in.

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Does Prep offer AP Computer Science? If so, what are the prerequisites?

Answer:

Yes, but with teacher approval. Usually based on strong math and science grades.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Sheffield
State: MA
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
How do incoming students from out of area take placement tests in May?

Answer:

We will mail it to you to take wherever you are located.

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To: Boarding Student
City: Kinnelon
State: New Jersey
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
How many students in total applied for the class of 2010 ? What percentage of the applicants were potential boarders ?How many in total were accepted to the school (both boarders and commuters) ?

Answer:

For both boarding and day 1 in 4 were accepted.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Silver Spring
State: MD
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
The list of admissions to Ivy League colleges is impressive. Do you think it is skewed by boys recruited for lacrosse or other athletics?

Answer:

Yes, that is definitely a factor, but for this year's seniors already accepted to Ivy's many are not athletes at all.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Potomac
State: M.D
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
How much time a night am I expected to spend on homework

Answer:

About 2 hours per night as a freshman, but more like 3 thereafter.

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
What is the difference between the Introduction to Calculus class and the Pre-Calculus class? Which is harder? Can a student take the Introduction to Calculus class or the Pre-Calculus class and take AP Calculus BC the next year?

Answer:

Pre-calculus is geared for more advanced sophomore who will move on to Calculus AB. Intro to Calculus is for juniors and is about a half-semester behind.

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To: Boarding Student
City: Kinnelon
State: New Jersey
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
When is freshman orientation for boarding students, in other words, when do incoming freshman boarding students need to report to campus ?

Answer:

Freshman boarding students must report the Saturday before school starts.

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To: Day Student
City: Vienna
State: VA
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
What time does band start in the morning and how long does it last?

Answer:

Band begins at 7:30 and you earn your music credit.

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To: Day Student
City: Bethesda
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Is there conditioning in the fall for basketball season?

Answer:

Yes, for those not participating in a fall sport.

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Why does Prep only require two years of science while most other high schools require at least three?

Answer:

Great question! We have just changed the requirement to three years beginning next fall.

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To: Day Student
City: Charlotte
State: NC
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Do most of the students go to Football games and Basketballl games.

Answer:

There is very strong student support for football and basketball. Go Hoyas!

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To: Day Student
City: Bethesda
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
What time does school start in the morning?

Answer:

You meet with your advisor at 8:15 every morning.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Silver Spring
State: MD
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
Aside from retreats and community service, how does the school instill the philosophy of being a man for others? Do you think most boys really incorporate that philosophy?

Answer:

Through the modeling of the adults and older students. Many continue to do service projects even after they have met their requirement. Assemblies and liturgies promote our philosophy as well.

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To: Day Student
City: Silver Spring
State: MD
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
What adjectives best describe your fellow classmates?

Answer:

Fun, intelligent, creative and diverse and finally athletic are the best words that describe our fellow classmates.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Darnestown
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Is there a freshman golf team and What do most students on the junior varsity golf team shoot?
 

Answer: We have 3 JV teams and no one is cut. The winning scores are usually in the 40's. Our new course will be open in the spring of 2007. Tournaments are played every Saturday morning in the spring.

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The following question or comment has been posted:

To: Day Student
City: Bethesda
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
How can you start a new club

Answer: New clubs are started every year by students. For example the Political Review started last year by 2 students without a moderator and now they publish 4 times a year.

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
What are the math options for a student who has completed AP Calculus BC after his junior year?
 

Answer: Multivariable Calculus.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Silver Spring
State: MD
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
What kind of intramurals are expected with the new athletic facility?

Answer: Primarily we will have an expanded basketball program and the institution of volleyball, water-polo, and indoor soccer are being considered.

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To: Day Student
City: dc
State: dc
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
hows the food
 

Answer: Its amazing. Right now we are eating steak burgers, potato wedges, and corn on the cob.

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City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Are the English classes at Prep based more on literature and analyzing it or grammar, proper mechanics, and vocabulary? What books do the English classes read and study?
 

Answer: All of the above are covered. You can view the book lists on the online course descriptions.

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To: Day Student
City: Silver Spring
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
What 2 years do you take Latin?

Answer: Normally either 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th

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To: Admissions Office
City: Brookeville
State: MD
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Does Prep offer summer lacrosse and football camps?

Answer: Yes to both.

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To: Day Student
City: Spencerville
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
If I have taken both Algebra and Geometry in middle school, what type of math would I be taking each year?

Answer: Usually you would enter Algebra II or Pre-Calculus if you score high on the placement test.

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To: Day Student
City: Darnestown
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
What time is the service that you have I the morning?

Answer: Optional weekday Mass is at 7:45 A.M.

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To: Day Student
City: McLean
State: VA
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
Is there a ploace where day students can do homework at school after classes are over for the day?

Answer: They have many places such as the library or the pit or the Haas Lounge.

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To: Day Student
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
I know that the lacrosse team has been nationally ranked for a few years running. Why is Prep's lacrosse team so good? Are there other sports that Prep excells at?
 

Answer: It has to do with the schools tradition and strong coaching staff.

In addition we have the top cross country and swimming teams in the state, wrestling, ice hockey, and basketball won league titles. Football Basketball and Soccer were ranked in the top 20 in the Washington Post.

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Could you list the top ten colleges that student from Prep have gone to in the past five years in order from most students to least?
 

Answer:

We don't have the stats on the last 5 years in front of us tonight, but we have updated college acceptance list for this year at http://www.gprep.org/admissions/colleges.cfm

The majority of college acceptances do not come until April.

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To: Day Student
City: Gaithersburg
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
If you are on a sports team such as football, do you have to purchase your own equipment of is it covered through the tuition?

Answer:

The only thing you have to pay for are things like shoes, mouth guards and optional team jackets.

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To: Boarding Student
City: Salisbury
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
What do you do on weekends?

Answer:

Their are a wide variety of fun options to chose from. In the past 2 weeks we have had activities such a paintball, laser tag, group mixers (dances). Food runs, where they take you out to eat. This spring we plan to attend numerous Nationals and Orioles games. Oh yea, we also had a ski-trip and watch bull-riding.

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
About how many students go on to play college athletics on an interscholastic level each year from Prep?

Answer: About 15 lacrosse players each year go on to play Division 1 and some football players. Numerous swimmers, runners, golfers, wrestlers and basketball players such as Roy Hibbert at Georgetown University.

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To: Day Student
City: silver spring
State: md
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
About how many students are in the orchestra? Do they play at some of the school plays?
 

Answer: About 35 members play in our talented orchestra. They play at numerous school and outside functions. For example they played at NIH and the National Shrine.

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Correct me if I am wrong: The new athletic center is supposed to be finished in fall 2006, the golf course is supposed to be finished in fall 2007, and the high-tech learning center is supposed to be finished in fall 2007.
 

Answer: Athletic Center - Fall 2006. Golf Course - Spring 2007. Learning Center - Mid 2007.

http://www.gprep.org/construction

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To: Admissions Office
City: Silver Spring
State: MD
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
For day students, approximately how many different schools are represented in your admissions offers, and what is the largest number of admissions offered to any one school?

Answer:

Boys applied from 138 different elementary schools and we expect to enroll boys from 70-80 different schools. Normally we have only three or four schools which enroll more than 5 new students.

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To: Boarding Student
City: Salisbury
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Do you have a good relationship with your friends in your home town.

Answer: Yes. Thanks to things like AIM you can keep in touch. Also you can have a friend from home spend the night during the weekend.

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
How does Prep retain alumni connections? Are there any special events or traditions for alumni?

Answer: You can check www.gprep.org/alumni to see a list of events that alumni are involved with. Every spring, we have the Little Hoya Golf Classic where over 300 alumni participate and fill 3 golf courses.

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To: Day Student
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Are there any senior or upperclassmen privileges at Prep?
 

Answer: They have a senior lounge with video games and couches. They can also leave assemblies first and leave after their last class. They also provide most of the leadership at the school.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Bethesda
State: MD
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
What does a typical day look like in terms of number of periods a day and do the students take each course every day. I'd also be interested in whether there is a study period built into the daily schedule.
 

Answer: You have 8 periods, one for lunch and if you have a free period its at your disposal. Each period is 45 minutes with 5 minutes to change in-between. You have all your classes everyday.

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To: Admissions Office
City: silver spring
State: md
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
Is there a sister school associated with prep for community service and social activities?

Answer: Their isn't a particular sister school but numerous nearby girls schools are involved with our music, drama, service projects and clubs.

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To: Day Student
City: Potomac
State: MD
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
What's the oasis club? can a freshman join? when are the performances?

Answer: Oasis is open to all. It is an umbrella organization for student bands that play the music of their choice. There are 3 concerts and a couple of coffee houses each year. Proceeds are usually donated to charity.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Vienna
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
My son was accepted at both Georgetown Prep and [other school deleted by editor]. What is the fundamental difference between the two schools, and what factors should we consider in deciding which school would be the best fit?

Answer: The main difference between Prep and any other school is we are typically much smaller. That translates into smaller classes, individual attention, and more opportunity for leadership roles. For this reason, Prep often costs more money (see first question).

Also, since Prep is a boarding school it is not just another "neighborhood" school with students from all over the world, like Dilshan who is a contributor here tonight from Sri Lanka, and the 25 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces.

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To: Day Student
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
Prep is both a great academic and athletic high school. Do you think most students are talented both academically and athletically or are some talented athletically while others are talented academically?
 

Answer: The main thing at Prep is that every guy seeks excellence and is not just good at one thing. Your friends raise your game spiritually, intellectually, and athletically. Since Prep is a small school, you have to where many different hats so you end up with a variety of leadership opportunities.

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To: Day Student
City: Bethesda
State: MD
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
For Freshman Year (Form III) - Our son has already taken two years of French and Latin. What options are available? Will you meet with our son to help him decide what to pursue since he likes both?

Answer: Yes, the academic dean discusses curriculum opportunities with families.

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To: Admissions Office
City: Rockville
State: Maryland
From: Prospective Parent

Question, Comment:
What are some ways that parents are encouraged to be involved in the Prep Community? Is it difficult for parents to get to know the teachers? What kind of access do parents have to the faculty and teachers.

Answer: The first week of school there is an evening introduction to all of your sons teachers through sample class day. Parents are involved in lots of different ways especially through monthly grade parent networking meetings.

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To: Day Student
City: Falls Church
State: VA
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
When I was at Georgetown Prep for my Hoya for a Day, I remember that the schedule remains the same throughout the week except for the two classes after lunch which changed according to the day. Is this true?
 

Answer: You've got it! You are ready for next year.

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To: Admissions Office
City: McLean
State: Virginia
From: Prospective Student

Question, Comment:
How is technology used in the classroom? What types of technologies does Prep use in the classroom? How often do different classes use a computer in class? Does Prep have any goals for introducing new technologies in the future years?

Answer: Every classroom is equipped with SmartBoards, which are interactive touch screens where you can display internet sites, films, Power Points, essays, or use a dry erase board and the teacher can then print out the notes they wrote. You can also log in later to Blackboard, a web site where teachers post notes, assignments, and grades for each course.

The dorms are wireless and many students bring laptops to classrooms, some of which are wireless as well. In the next year, we will expand our wireless access to the entire campus.

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That concludes tonight's online discussion. We apologize if we didn't answer your question, but we were only able to answer half of the questions submitted.

We hope to see you soon!