How hard is it to get into 6th grade?

[Anonymous]

We’re applying for our DD for 6th grade to GDS, Sidwell, WIS, and Sandy Spring. Wondering how hard it is to get in for middle school? We’re full pay. I figured GDS & Sidwell weren’t guaranteed but WIS & SSFS seem likely. I went to the top private school in my Midwestern metro starting in 6th grade and it didn’t seem competitive to get in. Not sure what expect.

[Anonymous]

During our interview, we were told that GDS will only be taking 8-10 students for 6th Grade, which is slightly less than usual. GDS and Sidwell are always oversubscribed, but with COVID many more people are applying to private schools than normal.

We didn't apply to WIS or SSFS, so I don't know anything about them. I'd guess that SSFS wouldn't have as much competition since it's so far out in Maryland (from DC and VA), but that's pure speculation on my part.

Good luck, you just never know. I think it helps tremendously that you are a full pay family because that's one less hurdle you have to clear.

[Anonymous]

You won't have trouble at WIS.

Your issue is whether its an entry year or not for GDS and SFS-- its not for SFS but may be for GDS?

[Anonymous]

7th is easier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You won't have trouble at WIS.

Your issue is whether its an entry year or not for GDS and SFS-- its not for SFS but may be for GDS?

6th is an expansion year at both GDS & SFS.

100% the kid will be admitted to SSFS and WIS. Seems odd to apply to both, honestly.

[Anonymous]

My friend applied to Maret 2 years ago and they said they had 125 applications or 6th. They take about 10 kids as well. I would imagine that GDS and Sidwell application numbers are similar but there is some overlap in applicants.

When my kid was applying to schools in 6th from DCPS (3 years ago) his friends (about 5 kids) who applied to GDS and Sidwell did not get in. They were great kids from full-pay families. A few applied again for 7th and got in then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:7th is easier.

Not necessarily. At our k-8, 6th grade breaks off for middle school and they add seats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You won't have trouble at WIS.

Your issue is whether its an entry year or not for GDS and SFS-- its not for SFS but may be for GDS?

6th is an expansion year at both GDS & SFS.

100% the kid will be admitted to SSFS and WIS. Seems odd to apply to both, honestly.

Given you know nothing about how many applications WIS and SSFS have gotten this year or anything about this particular applicant and what the schools in question may be looking for to fill gaps in those current grades (gender, diversity, specific skills like music or sports)I think your prediction is very arrogant.

[Anonymous]

6th is an expansion year at Holton goes from about 40 girls to 60.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You won't have trouble at WIS.

Your issue is whether its an entry year or not for GDS and SFS-- its not for SFS but may be for GDS?

6th is an expansion year at both GDS & SFS.

100% the kid will be admitted to SSFS and WIS. Seems odd to apply to both, honestly.

Given you know nothing about how many applications WIS and SSFS have gotten this year or anything about this particular applicant and what the schools in question may be looking for to fill gaps in those current grades (gender, diversity, specific skills like music or sports)I think your prediction is very arrogant.

This

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You won't have trouble at WIS.

Your issue is whether its an entry year or not for GDS and SFS-- its not for SFS but may be for GDS?

6th is an expansion year at both GDS & SFS.

100% the kid will be admitted to SSFS and WIS. Seems odd to apply to both, honestly.

Given you know nothing about how many applications WIS and SSFS have gotten this year or anything about this particular applicant and what the schools in question may be looking for to fill gaps in those current grades (gender, diversity, specific skills like music or sports)I think your prediction is very arrogant.

Sure! Both schools traditionally have high acceptance rates. They are also an hour away from each other and feature very different pedagogies. So I stand by my statement. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:6th is an expansion year at Holton goes from about 40 girls to 60.

They typically don’t add 20 girls in 6th. Typically 15 - but sometimes fewer than that. My daughter was one of 12 joining sixth grade a few years ago. It depends on the overall size of the grade and Holton’s capacity in general.

[Anonymous]

Burke starts in 6th grade. Burke's 6th grade curriculum and teachers are amazing.

[Anonymous]

Fwiw- I know a lot of kids from our WOTP ES who left for private school for 6th. None got into Sidwell or GDS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:6th is an expansion year at Holton goes from about 40 girls to 60.

They typically don’t add 20 girls in 6th. Typically 15 - but sometimes fewer than that. My daughter was one of 12 joining sixth grade a few years ago. It depends on the overall size of the grade and Holton’s capacity in general.

That’s interesting info - what do you think accounted for the large number this year?