Norwood v. Sidwell's Lower School

[Anonymous]

I've heard from a few people that Norwood is comparable or perhaps even more highly regarded than Sidwell's lower school. I thought this was curious, considering Sidwell's national reputation, but I thought I would ask just in case. Does anyone have any feedback on this?

[Anonymous]

We chose Norwood over Sidwell. We are very happy there. The K-8 experience appealed to us. The academics and facility are outstanding. There is less "patting one's self on the back" at Norwood. Sidwell culture was just too much for us. It lacked sincerity. Norwood has excellent art, music, reading instruction, outdoor space, ethics education, etc. We are extremely pleased.

[Anonymous]

Some say that the K-12 model tends to distract the school's attention away from the lower grades, and pushes more resources towards the upper grades. That is one reason we went with Norwood, we were also accepted to Sidwell. Also, we have three kids, and Norwood has a strong sibling policy. The hardest part is getting the first child in. At Sidwell, we were not so sure.

I have spoken to some teachers, who teach at other private HSs in the area, and they say that hands down, Norwood kids are best prepared for HS. Some, on DCUM, have implied that the lifers at Sidwell do not do as well as those who come in in 9th grade.

BTW, we will probably be looking at Holton after Norwood only b/c of location, Bethesda. though we like Sidwells upper school.

[Anonymous]

We did not apply to Sidwell, but I can't really imagine a better lower school experience than the one we have had at Norwood. It's not perfect, of couse, but it really is a gem. We are approaching middle school now and parents tell us that if we have liked the lower school, we will be blown away by the middle school experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did not apply to Sidwell, but I can't really imagine a better lower school experience than the one we have had at Norwood. It's not perfect, of couse, but it really is a gem. We are approaching middle school now and parents tell us that if we have liked the lower school, we will be blown away by the middle school experience.

I hear this too. One thing I really like about Norwood is that the families seem happy to be there and are happy with the school. That isn't always the case, even at these top tier schools. Of course there are issues, but the general feel is very postitive and up beat. I think that really translates to the teachers, adminstration, and our children.

[Anonymous]

OP, we got one into Sidwell, and decided to go to Norwood. We did not apply to GDS or any other biggies. Sidwell put me off so much that I thought that I would never be happy with it, and that could translate to my kids. I must point out that I think my child could have been happy there, but my attitude might have shown. So for us, it was my decision.
Norwood also caught my eye from the perspective of the physical plant. Sidwell felt a bit tight.

[Anonymous]

Seems like no one can really compare them without engaging in assumptions and speculation. And I can't see much basis for objective comparison. It really seems like a personal decision each family needs to make for itself.

I have a child at Sidwell, and I've never found it "tight" or "too much" or "patting one's self on the back." It's just a great school. The kids are bright, the other parents are nice, the teachers are really good at everything they do, and the administration runs things well. I don't have any first-hand experience with Norwood, but I suspect it's a great place too.

OP, you don't actually say you're trying to make a decision between the two. I assume that's what you're doing, and you're not just trying to start an abstract debate. If you're trying to make a decision between the two, you can be comforted that you're choosing between two great options, so there's really no "wrong" answer. I'd definitely do what feels right to you personally, and not put much stock in what anonymous strangers tell you.

Good luck and keep warm.

[Anonymous]

Including the anonymous PP I presume.

[Anonymous]

OP, both schools are fine. Go look and then make an assessment. Ask lots of questions. You can't go wrong with either school.

[Anonymous]

Seriously -- are you kidding? Sidwell is much better regarded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seems like no one can really compare them without engaging in assumptions and speculation. And I can't see much basis for objective comparison. It really seems like a personal decision each family needs to make for itself.

I have a child at Sidwell, and I've never found it "tight" or "too much" or "patting one's self on the back." It's just a great school. The kids are bright, the other parents are nice, the teachers are really good at everything they do, and the administration runs things well. I don't have any first-hand experience with Norwood, but I suspect it's a great place too.

OP, you don't actually say you're trying to make a decision between the two. I assume that's what you're doing, and you're not just trying to start an abstract debate. If you're trying to make a decision between the two, you can be comforted that you're choosing between two great options, so there's really no "wrong" answer. I'd definitely do what feels right to you personally, and not put much stock in what anonymous strangers tell you.

Good luck and keep warm.

I'd also wait and see where DC is admitted, then think about the decision!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seriously -- are you kidding? Sidwell is much better regarded.

Nope you need to talk to highschools in the area. Norwood students are extremely well prepared.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, we got one into Sidwell, and decided to go to Norwood. We did not apply to GDS or any other biggies. Sidwell put me off so much that I thought that I would never be happy with it, and that could translate to my kids. I must point out that I think my child could have been happy there, but my attitude might have shown. So for us, it was my decision.
Norwood also caught my eye from the perspective of the physical plant. Sidwell felt a bit tight.

PP, what exactly put you "off" Sidwell?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, we got one into Sidwell, and decided to go to Norwood. We did not apply to GDS or any other biggies. Sidwell put me off so much that I thought that I would never be happy with it, and that could translate to my kids. I must point out that I think my child could have been happy there, but my attitude might have shown. So for us, it was my decision.
Norwood also caught my eye from the perspective of the physical plant. Sidwell felt a bit tight.

PP, what exactly put you "off" Sidwell?

It started when they implied that we would not get in, during the application process. They told everyone this kind of thing. They also seemed to brag about things that seemed frivilous. I heard about wonderful food and so on. I did not think we would get in, but we did, but by then, I was interested in Norwood. Norwood talked about nurturing more than Sidwell, as far as I can remember. I also liked the fact that Norwood has more variation in academic ability because of the sibling policy, which to me was more realistic.
BTW, Sidwell works very well for most people, and I could have made it work for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously -- are you kidding? Sidwell is much better regarded.

Nope you need to talk to highschools in the area. Norwood students are extremely well prepared.

Both schools are excellent. Both are very well regarded. Both prepare their students for high school. Both have very happy parents and students, and, no doubt, both have people who don't like them.

The biggest advantage of Sidwell is that (if your child goes for the K-12 thing) you're already set for an outstanding high school. Biggest advantage of Norwood is the converse: you can assess where your child is at the end of middle school and choose the best fit for high school.