Bullis, St. Andrews and SSFS for non-traditional families

[Anonymous]

I'm looking at these 3 schools for my 7th grader. I think they're probably all a good fit for him (haven't actually seen St. A's yet) in terms of academic challenge, level of structure, arts and sports programming etc . . .

My question is, we're not a "traditional" family, both in terms of composition, and the fact that we're an interracial family. Does anyone have a sense of what we'd find at these schools? Would my son be the only one without two, opposite sex, married to each other parents? Would he be made to feel different or uncomfortable in any way or given unfortunate messages about the value of his family?

If you think these aren't a good fit -- are there other schools we should be looking at?

[Anonymous]

Check out Field.

[Anonymous]

Ooops sorry, Field's on my list too. I just already knew the answer to this question with respect to them, so I didn't put them on the list.

That's the sum of the list: Bullis, St. A's, SSFS, and Field. Anywhere else I should add?

[Anonymous]

My kids are at other school but I know of several families at SSFS with non-traditional families: same-sex parents, biracial, or both! Field also is in that category.

St. Andrew's strikes me as more traditional (e.g., white and suburban), but I could be wrong.

[Anonymous]

My DC attends SSFS and I can assure you that your DS would be very welcomed and not judged. Not only do the Quaker values support acceptance, but SSFS takes that to heart and truly implements those values in their community.
Your question wasn’t clear if you are a single parent, gay, or have some other family composition. Regardless, every situation is accepted at SSFS. If you are in a same sex relationship: the school is comprised of parents, teachers, and kids who have same sex partners and it’s not judged. In regards to your bi-racial status: SSFS is very racially diverse and there are a lot of bi-racial families. The inclusion of boarders in HS, most from outside the US, a lot who take ESL, broadens the student diversity and acceptance awareness.
I understand your concern. My Caucasian daughter (at another school) had an AA boyfriend. Several mothers from her school called and told me that the boy was AA.
I highly recommend SSFS for your son and BTW the academics are great.

[Anonymous]

Our family has been at Bulllis for nine years so I can tell you will a great degree of comfort that your family would be welcomed by the Bullis community. Diversity is accepted on myriad levels and is one of reasons we value the community. Definitely keep Bullis on your list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our family has been at Bulllis for nine years so I can tell you will a great degree of comfort that your family would be welcomed by the Bullis community. Diversity is accepted on myriad levels and is one of reasons we value the community. Definitely keep Bullis on your list.

Great! I have now heard the exact same thing from a number of people who know Bullis well, so I'm glad to have it confirmed by a parent.

[Anonymous]

I can honestly say that I don't know a lot of diverse families in the sense of two daddies or two mommies at St. Andrews, but there are many diverse families in terms of ethnicity. I find the community at the upper levels to be very inclusive and welcoming. So the short answer is that there may be few like yourselves, but the community is warm and open. I guess if I was in your situation, I might prefer a school with a little more family composition diversity, but at the same time, I would love for you to check St. Andrews out as it is a great place.

[Anonymous]

What about Georgetown Day? It's very diverse and great academics. What else is your son into? I like Quaker schools, so Sidwell of SSFS makes sense too.

[Anonymous]

Sandy Spring definitely

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the good feedback on each of the schools!

[Anonymous]

I knew a same-sex couple at GDS and they sent their child their and she was very welcomed...one parent was white and one was Asian...nobody ever blinked...there are all kinds of diverse people at GDS including many of the staff/faculty. It's not the biggest school on sports though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

My DC attends SSFS and I can assure you that your DS would be very welcomed and not judged. Not only do the Quaker values support acceptance, but SSFS takes that to heart and truly implements those values in their community.
Your question wasn’t clear if you are a single parent, gay, or have some other family composition. Regardless, every situation is accepted at SSFS. If you are in a same sex relationship: the school is comprised of parents, teachers, and kids who have same sex partners and it’s not judged. In regards to your bi-racial status: SSFS is very racially diverse and there are a lot of bi-racial families. The inclusion of boarders in HS, most from outside the US, a lot who take ESL, broadens the student diversity and acceptance awareness.
I understand your concern. My Caucasian daughter (at another school) had an AA boyfriend. Several mothers from her school called and told me that the boy was AA.
I highly recommend SSFS for your son and BTW the academics are great.

All these schools are fine. You can apply to others too and be content. Just remember that your child is going there not the parents and there are jerky parents at all schools. Not saying the schools but my DD has had AA boyfriend and parents never said 1 thing to me. Most moms I know could care less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our family has been at Bulllis for nine years so I can tell you will a great degree of comfort that your family would be welcomed by the Bullis community. Diversity is accepted on myriad levels and is one of reasons we value the community. Definitely keep Bullis on your list.

Great! I have now heard the exact same thing from a number of people who know Bullis well, so I'm glad to have it confirmed by a parent.

Former Bullis teacher and I agree with the parent wholeheartedly.