St Albans vs Sidwell

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't speak to Sidwell, as I have one child in STA and another in another DC private that is considered on par with Sidwell, so I can speak to that perspective. The schools really are night and day... anyone telling you that they are similar and probably only speaking in huge generalities. We are so happy with STA but I think it fits my child well. Kids that do well there are already self-motivated, like to compete, have another skill (chorus, sports, etc). But with all that competition they also really do nurture the boys and have so many amazing traditions. It's a true prep school. Other schools with their commitment to inclusivity and higher staff turnover don't seem to have a true culture to them. My kid likes the school but it's just not the same. It's the way I felt about my public HS. Enjoyable but the school was not a big part of my childhood. Just a place to go and learn and play sports but not a school spirit within me. It's just a place to get an education. STA is more "all-in" if you will...

A commitment to inclusivity means a school has no “culture”? Of course, expensive privates are elitist but what do you mean that STA culture isn’t inclusive?

I meant that it holds everyone to high standards. The thinking isn't necessarily to meet everyone where they're at... it's more so to set the bar high and expect those to reach it. Rules are rules and expectations are set high. I do think that they will give extra support when needed to help get your child where they need to be but my point is not that you are allowed to just be laissez se faire about grades and be considered successful there.

That’s not how most people define inclusive.

Good thing it's my post . Perhaps that wasn't the best word choice but I meant that putting in the work isn't optional at STA. So I was using the word in the context of inclusivity of different learning styles and commitment to academics. We've attended other schools where assignments were optional, or progressive grading allowed for much ambiguity in determining the actual performance of the student. That's not the culture of STA.

NP. If you want to communicate clearly, you should use words in the manner that they are most commonly understood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a daughter at Sidwell and two boys at STA.

Both schools are high pressure and extremely rigorous but STA has a more supportive, tight-knit vibe. The boys compete but the ethos is to acknowledge and appreciate each others’ strengths. Teachers are generally warmer and more engaged. This is a godsend during the high school years because the supportive environment helps mitigate the extreme demands kids face.

Sidwell has the extreme pressure but without as much supportive bonds. Students are competitive with one another. There are pockets of kids who support each other and are good friends. However, there’s more free form anxiety. Teachers are less warm. It’s up to students to find them if they need help.

I know my STA boys have been told countless times by teachers,”Come see me and we can talk about that some more” or something to that effect. Teachers invite you to engage with them. At Sidwell the teachers seem more distant and you have to be more entrepreneurial about getting help.

Sidwell has an edge in the sciences. STA has the edge in sports with the notable exception of basketball.

For a boy, I think STA is better. Our daughter chose Sidwell over NCS because Sidwell is less of a pressure cooker than NCS. She’s still in touch with Beauvoir friends who went to NCS, and she is happy that she did not go there.

You have posted this before. Are your sons STILL at STA or graduated?

I have not posted on this topic this before. Could there possibly be more than one family that has a girl who attends Sidwell and boys who attend STA?

OMG, not possible, right?

Not many have one daughter at Sidwell and 2 at STA. It is unusual.

Statistically probably not that rare given that of the families who circle the Big 3, those who are good with STA are not likely to also fit in at GDS. A Sidwell/STA or Sidwell/NCS combo is more likely than a GDS/STA or GDS/NCS combo.

Not many families have kids at STA and Sidwell - a few families but certainly not a family of three with2 boys at STA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a daughter at Sidwell and two boys at STA.

Both schools are high pressure and extremely rigorous but STA has a more supportive, tight-knit vibe. The boys compete but the ethos is to acknowledge and appreciate each others’ strengths. Teachers are generally warmer and more engaged. This is a godsend during the high school years because the supportive environment helps mitigate the extreme demands kids face.

Sidwell has the extreme pressure but without as much supportive bonds. Students are competitive with one another. There are pockets of kids who support each other and are good friends. However, there’s more free form anxiety. Teachers are less warm. It’s up to students to find them if they need help.

I know my STA boys have been told countless times by teachers,”Come see me and we can talk about that some more” or something to that effect. Teachers invite you to engage with them. At Sidwell the teachers seem more distant and you have to be more entrepreneurial about getting help.

Sidwell has an edge in the sciences. STA has the edge in sports with the notable exception of basketball.

For a boy, I think STA is better. Our daughter chose Sidwell over NCS because Sidwell is less of a pressure cooker than NCS. She’s still in touch with Beauvoir friends who went to NCS, and she is happy that she did not go there.

Interesting. Friends at Sidwell have left because it is a pressure cooker. Friends at NCS actually are happy and do not have the same amount of homework as Sidwell by a long shot.

My daughter was accepted to Sidwell and NCS and chose NCS and is very happy at NCS. Much happier than her peers at Sidwell.

I suspect your daughter is not in high school? NCS starts off slow in 4th but ramps up in MS and by US is ridiculous. It's a school that makes very intelligent girls feel like they’re I dumb.

I love when people assume you don’t know what you’re talking about because our experience does not match yours.

My daughter is in highschool and is an A student. It is rigorous but manageable for HER. She loves NCS.

What a smug tone from someone who can't type high school correctly. The fact is NCS *IS* a pressure cooker that is not a happy place for many girls. If your daughter is doing great, good for her. You could use a little dial back on the hubris though.

DP. I would disagree. Your tone and anti-NCS bashing is actually more of concern than any other posters just merely expressing they do not share the same sentiment or experience as you do. I also have a daughter at NCS in upper school and she is happy, thriving, and is doing well at NCS. It appears that you do not want to admit that there are many girls that also are happy at NCS and are doing well. I know many of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a daughter at Sidwell and two boys at STA.

Both schools are high pressure and extremely rigorous but STA has a more supportive, tight-knit vibe. The boys compete but the ethos is to acknowledge and appreciate each others’ strengths. Teachers are generally warmer and more engaged. This is a godsend during the high school years because the supportive environment helps mitigate the extreme demands kids face.

Sidwell has the extreme pressure but without as much supportive bonds. Students are competitive with one another. There are pockets of kids who support each other and are good friends. However, there’s more free form anxiety. Teachers are less warm. It’s up to students to find them if they need help.

I know my STA boys have been told countless times by teachers,”Come see me and we can talk about that some more” or something to that effect. Teachers invite you to engage with them. At Sidwell the teachers seem more distant and you have to be more entrepreneurial about getting help.

Sidwell has an edge in the sciences. STA has the edge in sports with the notable exception of basketball.

For a boy, I think STA is better. Our daughter chose Sidwell over NCS because Sidwell is less of a pressure cooker than NCS. She’s still in touch with Beauvoir friends who went to NCS, and she is happy that she did not go there.

Interesting. Friends at Sidwell have left because it is a pressure cooker. Friends at NCS actually are happy and do not have the same amount of homework as Sidwell by a long shot.

My daughter was accepted to Sidwell and NCS and chose NCS and is very happy at NCS. Much happier than her peers at Sidwell.

I suspect your daughter is not in high school? NCS starts off slow in 4th but ramps up in MS and by US is ridiculous. It's a school that makes very intelligent girls feel like they’re I dumb.

I love when people assume you don’t know what you’re talking about because our experience does not match yours.

My daughter is in highschool and is an A student. It is rigorous but manageable for HER. She loves NCS.

What a smug tone from someone who can't type high school correctly. The fact is NCS *IS* a pressure cooker that is not a happy place for many girls. If your daughter is doing great, good for her. You could use a little dial back on the hubris though.

Maybe you are putting unnecessary pressure and expectations on your daughter and that could be part of the issue? Are you the parent that started posting about NCS college admissions when your daughter was only in 10th grade? That would most certainly cause any student stress. You may want to dial back your expectations and remember your daughter is a teenager and should be enjoying these years. If that means she needs to dial it back and get all B's so be it, she will still get into great colleges. Have friends that have daughters that graduated recently with Bs and high Bs and they were accepted into colleges I would not have gotten into with an A average from my school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a daughter at Sidwell and two boys at STA.

Both schools are high pressure and extremely rigorous but STA has a more supportive, tight-knit vibe. The boys compete but the ethos is to acknowledge and appreciate each others’ strengths. Teachers are generally warmer and more engaged. This is a godsend during the high school years because the supportive environment helps mitigate the extreme demands kids face.

Sidwell has the extreme pressure but without as much supportive bonds. Students are competitive with one another. There are pockets of kids who support each other and are good friends. However, there’s more free form anxiety. Teachers are less warm. It’s up to students to find them if they need help.

I know my STA boys have been told countless times by teachers,”Come see me and we can talk about that some more” or something to that effect. Teachers invite you to engage with them. At Sidwell the teachers seem more distant and you have to be more entrepreneurial about getting help.

Sidwell has an edge in the sciences. STA has the edge in sports with the notable exception of basketball.

For a boy, I think STA is better. Our daughter chose Sidwell over NCS because Sidwell is less of a pressure cooker than NCS. She’s still in touch with Beauvoir friends who went to NCS, and she is happy that she did not go there.

You have posted this before. Are your sons STILL at STA or graduated?

I have not posted on this topic this before. Could there possibly be more than one family that has a girl who attends Sidwell and boys who attend STA?

OMG, not possible, right?

Not many have one daughter at Sidwell and 2 at STA. It is unusual.

Statistically probably not that rare given that of the families who circle the Big 3, those who are good with STA are not likely to also fit in at GDS. A Sidwell/STA or Sidwell/NCS combo is more likely than a GDS/STA or GDS/NCS combo.

I can name at least 15 families off the top of my head in this position, including staff members at these schools. very common. Also, we've had 3 kids go through bvr, and for two of them, the bvr outplacement person or team (it's switched) suggested both the cathedral schools and sidwell for our kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

A few differences beyond the single gender vs co-ed:

1) STA has more diversity of political orientation and civility in debate at school is expected as is civility and even friendship " across the isle" as it were among parents in the parent community. Whereas, at pretty much every other NW DC Private such as, GDS, Sidwell and Maret, there is a strong virtue signally L and silencing of debate. I've always voted Dem, but I think educational institutions should return to the more rigorous mission of insisting their enrolled learn how to think and how to debate civilly rather than produce Sophomoric conformists to one political viewpoint.

2) STA doesn't tolerate whiner parents. You will be shown the door. If you are the type of parent who hovers and tries to exert influence on the grades your kid is given or influence the college placement office to favor your child, you will self destruct if you try this at STA. Whereas, at Sidwell, that seems to be so ingrained of a way of parent behavior that Admin has quit over it: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/06/sidwell-friends-college-admissions-varsity-blues/591124/

3) STA believes publicly rewarding academic achievement . They have Prize Day and the students acknowledged are genuinely admired for their achievements as is achievement itself. Sidwell, does not believe is giving awards and refuses to do so even to the consternation of many of it's parent community who themselves are high achievers and want their kids to be able to be recognized . Its a Quaker value not to single out achievement. Lot's of applicant parents of 4 year olds pretend they are fine with that, but then when HS roles around, it turns out they actually really do want Larla to be acknowledged ..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

A few differences beyond the single gender vs co-ed:

1) STA has more diversity of political orientation and civility in debate at school is expected as is civility and even friendship " across the isle" as it were among parents in the parent community. Whereas, at pretty much every other NW DC Private such as, GDS, Sidwell and Maret, there is a strong virtue signally L and silencing of debate. I've always voted Dem, but I think educational institutions should return to the more rigorous mission of insisting their enrolled learn how to think and how to debate civilly rather than produce Sophomoric conformists to one political viewpoint.

2) STA doesn't tolerate whiner parents. You will be shown the door. If you are the type of parent who hovers and tries to exert influence on the grades your kid is given or influence the college placement office to favor your child, you will self destruct if you try this at STA. Whereas, at Sidwell, that seems to be so ingrained of a way of parent behavior that Admin has quit over it: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/06/sidwell-friends-college-admissions-varsity-blues/591124/

3) STA believes publicly rewarding academic achievement . They have Prize Day and the students acknowledged are genuinely admired for their achievements as is achievement itself. Sidwell, does not believe is giving awards and refuses to do so even to the consternation of many of it's parent community who themselves are high achievers and want their kids to be able to be recognized . Its a Quaker value not to single out achievement. Lot's of applicant parents of 4 year olds pretend they are fine with that, but then when HS roles around, it turns out they actually really do want Larla to be acknowledged ..

This is a very thoughtful post and articulates why we really like the school. They really do seem to consistently "do the right and just thing" which can't be easy when you're educating some of the most elite in DC (and others who think of themselves as elite.) The school is very solid: strong administration, communication, tradition. They are kind and don't take themselves too seriously while also never bending in the wind (or to a parent's whim).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't speak to Sidwell, as I have one child in STA and another in another DC private that is considered on par with Sidwell, so I can speak to that perspective. The schools really are night and day... anyone telling you that they are similar and probably only speaking in huge generalities. We are so happy with STA but I think it fits my child well. Kids that do well there are already self-motivated, like to compete, have another skill (chorus, sports, etc). But with all that competition they also really do nurture the boys and have so many amazing traditions. It's a true prep school. Other schools with their commitment to inclusivity and higher staff turnover don't seem to have a true culture to them. My kid likes the school but it's just not the same. It's the way I felt about my public HS. Enjoyable but the school was not a big part of my childhood. Just a place to go and learn and play sports but not a school spirit within me. It's just a place to get an education. STA is more "all-in" if you will...

There is no DC private that is considered on par with Sidwell.

STA is, and, academically, so is NCS.

NP. No DC private’s national reputation is on par with Sidwell’s reputation. None.

Sidwell is not known nationally. Newspapers may mention Sidwell because of the Obama girls and other presidents, dignitaries kids, but it doesn't have a national reputation

Reread your post—you have proven my point. Sidwell has a national reputation. This isn’t up for debate, and you will deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a daughter at Sidwell and two boys at STA.

Both schools are high pressure and extremely rigorous but STA has a more supportive, tight-knit vibe. The boys compete but the ethos is to acknowledge and appreciate each others’ strengths. Teachers are generally warmer and more engaged. This is a godsend during the high school years because the supportive environment helps mitigate the extreme demands kids face.

Sidwell has the extreme pressure but without as much supportive bonds. Students are competitive with one another. There are pockets of kids who support each other and are good friends. However, there’s more free form anxiety. Teachers are less warm. It’s up to students to find them if they need help.

I know my STA boys have been told countless times by teachers,”Come see me and we can talk about that some more” or something to that effect. Teachers invite you to engage with them. At Sidwell the teachers seem more distant and you have to be more entrepreneurial about getting help.

Sidwell has an edge in the sciences. STA has the edge in sports with the notable exception of basketball.

For a boy, I think STA is better. Our daughter chose Sidwell over NCS because Sidwell is less of a pressure cooker than NCS. She’s still in touch with Beauvoir friends who went to NCS, and she is happy that she did not go there.

You have posted this before. Are your sons STILL at STA or graduated?

I have not posted on this topic this before. Could there possibly be more than one family that has a girl who attends Sidwell and boys who attend STA?

OMG, not possible, right?

Not many have one daughter at Sidwell and 2 at STA. It is unusual.

Statistically probably not that rare given that of the families who circle the Big 3, those who are good with STA are not likely to also fit in at GDS. A Sidwell/STA or Sidwell/NCS combo is more likely than a GDS/STA or GDS/NCS combo.

I can name at least 15 families off the top of my head in this position, including staff members at these schools. very common. Also, we've had 3 kids go through bvr, and for two of them, the bvr outplacement person or team (it's switched) suggested both the cathedral schools and sidwell for our kids.

Because it’s the same people at all these schools. The same people apply to all of them and go where they are admitted and then that becomes their school, for better or worse. The bestest school they are willing to repeatedly get into pissing matches on DCUM.

It really doesn’t matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a daughter at Sidwell and two boys at STA.

Both schools are high pressure and extremely rigorous but STA has a more supportive, tight-knit vibe. The boys compete but the ethos is to acknowledge and appreciate each others’ strengths. Teachers are generally warmer and more engaged. This is a godsend during the high school years because the supportive environment helps mitigate the extreme demands kids face.

Sidwell has the extreme pressure but without as much supportive bonds. Students are competitive with one another. There are pockets of kids who support each other and are good friends. However, there’s more free form anxiety. Teachers are less warm. It’s up to students to find them if they need help.

I know my STA boys have been told countless times by teachers,”Come see me and we can talk about that some more” or something to that effect. Teachers invite you to engage with them. At Sidwell the teachers seem more distant and you have to be more entrepreneurial about getting help.

Sidwell has an edge in the sciences. STA has the edge in sports with the notable exception of basketball.

For a boy, I think STA is better. Our daughter chose Sidwell over NCS because Sidwell is less of a pressure cooker than NCS. She’s still in touch with Beauvoir friends who went to NCS, and she is happy that she did not go there.

Interesting. Friends at Sidwell have left because it is a pressure cooker. Friends at NCS actually are happy and do not have the same amount of homework as Sidwell by a long shot.

My daughter was accepted to Sidwell and NCS and chose NCS and is very happy at NCS. Much happier than her peers at Sidwell.

I suspect your daughter is not in high school? NCS starts off slow in 4th but ramps up in MS and by US is ridiculous. It's a school that makes very intelligent girls feel like they’re I dumb.

I love when people assume you don’t know what you’re talking about because our experience does not match yours.

My daughter is in highschool and is an A student. It is rigorous but manageable for HER. She loves NCS.

What a smug tone from someone who can't type high school correctly. The fact is NCS *IS* a pressure cooker that is not a happy place for many girls. If your daughter is doing great, good for her. You could use a little dial back on the hubris though.

Oh there you are again! Not every girl is having the same experience that you describe, no matter how many threads you high jack. My daughter says she has challenging classes, but would not use the words "pressure cooker". She's an upperclassman and says that her teachers and her advisor are highly supportive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

A few differences beyond the single gender vs co-ed:

1) STA has more diversity of political orientation and civility in debate at school is expected as is civility and even friendship " across the isle" as it were among parents in the parent community. Whereas, at pretty much every other NW DC Private such as, GDS, Sidwell and Maret, there is a strong virtue signally L and silencing of debate. I've always voted Dem, but I think educational institutions should return to the more rigorous mission of insisting their enrolled learn how to think and how to debate civilly rather than produce Sophomoric conformists to one political viewpoint.

2) STA doesn't tolerate whiner parents. You will be shown the door. If you are the type of parent who hovers and tries to exert influence on the grades your kid is given or influence the college placement office to favor your child, you will self destruct if you try this at STA. Whereas, at Sidwell, that seems to be so ingrained of a way of parent behavior that Admin has quit over it: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/06/sidwell-friends-college-admissions-varsity-blues/591124/

3) STA believes publicly rewarding academic achievement . They have Prize Day and the students acknowledged are genuinely admired for their achievements as is achievement itself. Sidwell, does not believe is giving awards and refuses to do so even to the consternation of many of it's parent community who themselves are high achievers and want their kids to be able to be recognized . Its a Quaker value not to single out achievement. Lot's of applicant parents of 4 year olds pretend they are fine with that, but then when HS roles around, it turns out they actually really do want Larla to be acknowledged ..

1) There are republicans at Sidwell. No MAGAs, but there is diversity of opinion there, from traditional conservatives to center-left liberals very progressive.
2) Sidwell ignores whiner parents as well. Parents who try to get involved in things past about 6th grade are totally ignored. I am not sure why you think they are given oxygen at Sidwell.
3) Sidwell had senior awards back in the 1980's but the school realized that they were generally subjective and not part of the Quaker value system, so they were discontinued.

I don't think you know anything at all about Sidwell, PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

A few differences beyond the single gender vs co-ed:

1) STA has more diversity of political orientation and civility in debate at school is expected as is civility and even friendship " across the isle" as it were among parents in the parent community. Whereas, at pretty much every other NW DC Private such as, GDS, Sidwell and Maret, there is a strong virtue signally L and silencing of debate. I've always voted Dem, but I think educational institutions should return to the more rigorous mission of insisting their enrolled learn how to think and how to debate civilly rather than produce Sophomoric conformists to one political viewpoint.

2) STA doesn't tolerate whiner parents. You will be shown the door. If you are the type of parent who hovers and tries to exert influence on the grades your kid is given or influence the college placement office to favor your child, you will self destruct if you try this at STA. Whereas, at Sidwell, that seems to be so ingrained of a way of parent behavior that Admin has quit over it: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/06/sidwell-friends-college-admissions-varsity-blues/591124/

3) STA believes publicly rewarding academic achievement . They have Prize Day and the students acknowledged are genuinely admired for their achievements as is achievement itself. Sidwell, does not believe is giving awards and refuses to do so even to the consternation of many of it's parent community who themselves are high achievers and want their kids to be able to be recognized . Its a Quaker value not to single out achievement. Lot's of applicant parents of 4 year olds pretend they are fine with that, but then when HS roles around, it turns out they actually really do want Larla to be acknowledged ..

This is a very thoughtful post and articulates why we really like the school. They really do seem to consistently "do the right and just thing" which can't be easy when you're educating some of the most elite in DC (and others who think of themselves as elite.) The school is very solid: strong administration, communication, tradition. They are kind and don't take themselves too seriously while also never bending in the wind (or to a parent's whim).

It may be a thoughtful post, but it has no basis of reality where Sidwell is concerned, but other than that, it is great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

A few differences beyond the single gender vs co-ed:

1) STA has more diversity of political orientation and civility in debate at school is expected as is civility and even friendship " across the isle" as it were among parents in the parent community. Whereas, at pretty much every other NW DC Private such as, GDS, Sidwell and Maret, there is a strong virtue signally L and silencing of debate. I've always voted Dem, but I think educational institutions should return to the more rigorous mission of insisting their enrolled learn how to think and how to debate civilly rather than produce Sophomoric conformists to one political viewpoint.

2) STA doesn't tolerate whiner parents. You will be shown the door. If you are the type of parent who hovers and tries to exert influence on the grades your kid is given or influence the college placement office to favor your child, you will self destruct if you try this at STA. Whereas, at Sidwell, that seems to be so ingrained of a way of parent behavior that Admin has quit over it: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/06/sidwell-friends-college-admissions-varsity-blues/591124/

3) STA believes publicly rewarding academic achievement . They have Prize Day and the students acknowledged are genuinely admired for their achievements as is achievement itself. Sidwell, does not believe is giving awards and refuses to do so even to the consternation of many of it's parent community who themselves are high achievers and want their kids to be able to be recognized . Its a Quaker value not to single out achievement. Lot's of applicant parents of 4 year olds pretend they are fine with that, but then when HS roles around, it turns out they actually really do want Larla to be acknowledged ..

1) There are republicans at Sidwell. No MAGAs, but there is diversity of opinion there, from traditional conservatives to center-left liberals very progressive.
2) Sidwell ignores whiner parents as well. Parents who try to get involved in things past about 6th grade are totally ignored. I am not sure why you think they are given oxygen at Sidwell.
3) Sidwell had senior awards back in the 1980's but the school realized that they were generally subjective and not part of the Quaker value system, so they were discontinued.

I don't think you know anything at all about Sidwell, PP.

+1. And I know trump voters with kids at Sidwell. Several families in fact. They may be quieter but they are there.

[Anonymous]

Half a dozen versus 6.

[Anonymous]

I have never had a conversation with a Sidwell parent who lamented the lack of awards.