By Ann M. Augherton
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 8/26/04)

Remnants of cobblestone streets and streetcar tracks are just a stone’s throw from the main gate at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, D.C. A mixture of historic buildings and state-of-the-art new construction make the all-girls high school in the heart of Georgetown a unique choice for young women throughout the area.

Nearly one-third of the school’s 476 students make the daily trek from Virginia across the Potomac River to attend the 205-year-old Catholic high school.

"The school has a good reputation," said Billie McSeveney, director of communications. Founded in 1799 by the Sisters of the Visitation, the school emphasizes values and a solid Catholic education, which is, according to McSeveney, "a good combination of things that works really well for most girls.

"They are happy to be here."

With no school buses and no convenient public transportation routes, the majority of Virginia students are dropped off by their parents, arrange carpools, or by junior and senior year, drive themselves to school.

The trip to Visitation is no tougher than any other commute in the D.C. area, McSeveney said, adding that the girls must arrive before 8 a.m. Sometimes parents comment on traffic problems getting to the school for a meeting.

The Heights School in Potomac, Md., is a draw for Virginia students for one main reason — its Opus Dei connection. The all-boys school, with grades 3-12, is known for its "intensive liberal arts education" and an average class size of 19 students. Following in the tradition of Opus Dei founder, St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, the school helps students "follow Christ closely through their ordinary life and work."

According to Communications Director Linda Maher, one-third of the student body comes from Virginia. So many come from Great Falls that a bus picks them up in the center of the quaint Virginia suburb and drives them to and from the Potomac school. A school shuttle picks up other students at the Grovesnor metro.

Gonzaga College High School in downtown Washington is just a short walk from Union Station, a red line stop on the subway system. Of the 35 percent of the school’s 900 students who come from Virginia, Dean of Admissions Jesuit Father Robert Mattingly estimates that one-third use the metro system. He said another third carpool, and the remaining third drives in with family or friends who work downtown.

Father Mattingly believes the students are drawn by the Jesuit identity of the single-sex school, as well as the excellent academic reputation and athletic challenges available. The school boasts that with its inner-city location it is able to work community service into the school’s routine. With the proximity to Capitol Hill and the D.C. government, some classes are able to spend time in local courtrooms, observing trials and meeting with judges, as well as visiting the local art galleries. The 183-year-old school is a D.C. institution and sons of alumni are able to carry on a family tradition at Gonzaga.

St. John’s College High School in Northwest Washington is a draw for Virginia students, often for the Junior ROTC military program, according to Bro. Thomas Gerrow, F.S.C., school president. He estimates that about 50 students come from Virginia. The 153-year-old school, which began admitting girls in 1991, is run by the De La Salle Christian brothers. The 30-acre campus, which borders Rock Creek Park, is one of many things that sets St. John’s apart, and another is what Bro. Gerrow calls "a different education program than diocesan high schools," including smaller class sizes. Some students are children of alumni.

Diocesan students could be making an even longer trip, about four hours from the metro area, to Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy in Wheeling, W. Va., but not for a daily commute. The 156-year-old girls boarding school is a sister school of Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School. Students live in a two-story house adjacent to the school. Students have an opportunity to study at the nearby Wheeling Jesuit University to earn college credit.

The trip across the river doesn’t seem to be a problem for the families that are drawn to Maryland or D.C. schools. They are willing to make the sacrifice of a longer commute to take advantage of historic settings, military training and family ties.