Do many Sidwell families belong to the Chevy Chase Club?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I am from what would be considered an old money DC family. I graduated from sidwell in the mid 90s and can count on one hand the number of people who belonged to any country club. It is really disgusting what the school has become.

I always thought I would want my kids to go there, but I heard it had changed so we didn't apply. We don't want the country club set.

Same here (I'm pp). It used to be an interesting place. Now it's full of social climbing wannabes.

Can't speak for Sidwell, but as a legacy & member the club but whose family has NEVER made the "country club" set a priority, I appreciate the diversity at the Cathedral schools. My kids are in the lower school at NCS & STA (and they previously went to beauvoir), One recent trend which I find refreshing and the opposite of "social climbing," NOT ONE of ds & dd's classmates are enrolled in the "invitation only" Mrs. Simpson's, but instead opted for the all-inclusive Capital Cotillion. I know I chose Cotillion over Mrs. Simpson's. From what I've heard the stonewalling of Mrs. Simpson's is quite new. Even a few years back, there would be a handful of students in each grade who attended to Mrs. Simpson's... in this year's 4th grade there are none (ZERO) Cathedral students at Mrs. Simpsons. We felt uncomfortable with the idea of sending dc to a dancing school where not all of his/her classmates were welcome. Take that social climbers!

Ok - this made me laugh. (this is not meant to be a dig...but sort of a reality check) Making a "bold statement" by snubbing Mrs Simpson's in favor of Capital Cotillion. Yes, Mrs Simpson's has a dubious past - but give me a break - Capital Cotillion is still in the genre of things that scream old money, elitist, and country club set. I'm not knocking you for it - as we know wonder families with kids in both programs - but it's a very "private school", "social status", "money" sort of activity to enroll kids in. Which is kind of the opposite of the point (I think?) you were trying to make about being "not one of them".

No, I'm sorry, you're just wrong here. There is a huge difference between an activity that is open to anyone who signs up and one that picks and chooses from the "right families." I get that the whole dance/etiquette thing makes your eyes role, I had the same reaction. But my DD enjoyed it and it was perfectly harmless, precisely because it was open to everyone. Mrs. Simpson's is just toxic.

Yes, there is a world of difference, but nonetheless, the Capital Cotillion invitation that my child received actually described it as "elite," and it is clearly and openly a program to promote elitism and teach social mannerisms that create a barrier to entry to the upper class. Gag me with a spoon.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Why all the spewing on the country club? If people want to use this as a social avenue, or to play golf or tennis, what exactly is wrong with that?

I think that there is some general opinion here, shared by a lot of people who have never been inside this circle and make assumptions about what goes on - I can assure you, it is a lot like going to a restaurant or bar where everybody knows you and you feel comfortable while sharing common interests.

Let me correct that for you--it is a lot like going to a restaurant WHERE EVERYBODY IS WHITE, PRIVILEGED, AND CAN'T BE BOTHERED TO THINK TOO DEEPLY ABOUT RACISM.

I'll be sure to share this observation with all of our black and Jewish friends at our club. Are you in some sort of time warp??

The person was commenting specifically about the Chevy Chase Club which has a history of exclusion to blacks and to Jews. One of the posters stated how nice it was to walk into the club isl ike walking into a restaurant and everyone shares common interests, meaning they share the same views regarding exclusion. Chevy may not openly discriminate but it is not the place you think of with a wide and varied type of membership.

Why is it assumed that the common interests are about exclusion? How about golf? tennis? kids involvement in swim team? This is what is meant by common interests.

Yes, racism is part of this club's history...but keep in mind it is part of our country's history. There are racists everywhere...you don't have to go to CCC to find it.

But why would you choose to spend a significant amount of your money (and time) on a institution that not only has a recent history of racial discrimination and anti-semitism, and that in practice, continues to support a membership that is largely white and Christian? You are supporting an institution that is racist, whether you choose to think of it that way or not.[i]

There are clubs, golf courses, tennis courts, and swim teams that are not exclusively white and Christian. Especially in the DC metro area, which is one of the most diverse in the country. You are choosing to raise your children in an environment that doesn't consider discrimination an important social justice issue.

BTW, if you don't comprehend the connections or the ethical arguments, I would suggest that you look at schools other than Sidwell. The best part of a Sidwell education may be lost on your family.

We just don't care PP, that's the long and short of it.

[Anonymous]

This is the funniest thread. Does anyone really believe this is from whose kids are supposedly at Beauvoir and are years from applying out, and who strongly prefers Sidwell but won't join a particular country club if there aren't many Sidwell families there? OP is yanking the collective DCUM chain, hitting all the hot-button topics (Sidwell, Beauvoir, privilege, money, status, race, religion).

[Anonymous]

There are black families at CCC and Jewish families. I don't see any current racism going on. Women are members too.

It's not racism per SW but money/privilege.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am from what would be considered an old money DC family. I graduated from sidwell in the mid 90s and can count on one hand the number of people who belonged to any country club. It is really disgusting what the school has become.

I always thought I would want my kids to go there, but I heard it had changed so we didn't apply. We don't want the country club set.

Same here (I'm pp). It used to be an interesting place. Now it's full of social climbing wannabes.

Can't speak for Sidwell, but as a legacy & member the club but whose family has NEVER made the "country club" set a priority, I appreciate the diversity at the Cathedral schools. My kids are in the lower school at NCS & STA (and they previously went to beauvoir), One recent trend which I find refreshing and the opposite of "social climbing," NOT ONE of ds & dd's classmates are enrolled in the "invitation only" Mrs. Simpson's, but instead opted for the all-inclusive Capital Cotillion. I know I chose Cotillion over Mrs. Simpson's. From what I've heard the stonewalling of Mrs. Simpson's is quite new. Even a few years back, there would be a handful of students in each grade who attended to Mrs. Simpson's... in this year's 4th grade there are none (ZERO) Cathedral students at Mrs. Simpsons. We felt uncomfortable with the idea of sending dc to a dancing school where not all of his/her classmates were welcome. Take that social climbers!

Ok - this made me laugh. (this is not meant to be a dig...but sort of a reality check) Making a "bold statement" by snubbing Mrs Simpson's in favor of Capital Cotillion. Yes, Mrs Simpson's has a dubious past - but give me a break - Capital Cotillion is still in the genre of things that scream old money, elitist, and country club set. I'm not knocking you for it - as we know wonder families with kids in both programs - but it's a very "private school", "social status", "money" sort of activity to enroll kids in. Which is kind of the opposite of the point (I think?) you were trying to make about being "not one of them".

No, I'm sorry, you're just wrong here. There is a huge difference between an activity that is open to anyone who signs up and one that picks and chooses from the "right families." I get that the whole dance/etiquette thing makes your eyes role, I had the same reaction. But my DD enjoyed it and it was perfectly harmless, precisely because it was open to everyone. Mrs. Simpson's is just toxic.

Open to everyone...and expensive. Not everyone at private does this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do many families with kids at Sidwell belong to Chevy?

If so, does your family go to the club much? I'd be especially interested in knowing whether families with kids I'm middle and high school use the club. Is it mostly a summer thing, or do any kids at Sidwell play on their hockey team or play winter tennis?

We don't know if our kids will go to Sidwell, but it's our first choice by far and we're hesitant to move forward with joining Chevy if there really isn't anyone from Sidwell there. The bays we know from STA who go to Chevy seem to have a nice group of friends there. I'd hate to invest the time and money only to realize two years later that nobody from our kids' school goes there.

I know, very first world problem.

Thanks for your responses, even the funny snarky ones I'm guessing are on their way!

OP, you're not from Washington are you ?

[Anonymous]

Becoming a member at "Chevy" is very important, and very coveted status symbol to many families at St. Patrick's. These St. Patrick's families, of course, often filter in to St. Alban's, NCS, Landon, etc…. So, if you are looking for families who feel similarly, I would focus on those schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree with the PPs. Sidwell families don't tend to be the country club types. There are lots of families from NCS/STA, NPS, St. Patrick's, Landon and Holton at Chevy. Not so for Sidwell and GDS. If country clubs are your thing, you probably won't fit in, or even like, the Sidwell culture very much. The one somewhat conservative family I know who sent their kids to Sidwell hated it and transferred them out after two years.

Not so accurate, wealthy old money does not necessarily translate to Republican . You'd find many Dems at Chevy. and fwiw, Obama won the Beauvoir / STA/ NCS election vote 70% to 30 %.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do many families with kids at Sidwell belong to Chevy?

If so, does your family go to the club much? I'd be especially interested in knowing whether families with kids I'm middle and high school use the club. Is it mostly a summer thing, or do any kids at Sidwell play on their hockey team or play winter tennis?

We don't know if our kids will go to Sidwell, but it's our first choice by far and we're hesitant to move forward with joining Chevy if there really isn't anyone from Sidwell there. The bays we know from STA who go to Chevy seem to have a nice group of friends there. I'd hate to invest the time and money only to realize two years later that nobody from our kids' school goes there.

I know, very first world problem.

Thanks for your responses, even the funny snarky ones I'm guessing are on their way!

Do you hear that ? William Penn is coming out of his grave.

[Anonymous]

Your kids will make sports friends at the club- its good for kids to have several groups of friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is the funniest thread. Does anyone really believe this is from whose kids are supposedly at Beauvoir and are years from applying out, and who strongly prefers Sidwell but won't join a particular country club if there aren't many Sidwell families there? OP is yanking the collective DCUM chain, hitting all the hot-button topics (Sidwell, Beauvoir, privilege, money, status, race, religion).

I think you called it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why all the spewing on the country club? If people want to use this as a social avenue, or to play golf or tennis, what exactly is wrong with that?

I think that there is some general opinion here, shared by a lot of people who have never been inside this circle and make assumptions about what goes on - I can assure you, it is a lot like going to a restaurant or bar where everybody knows you and you feel comfortable while sharing common interests.

Let me correct that for you--it is a lot like going to a restaurant WHERE EVERYBODY IS WHITE, PRIVILEGED, AND CAN'T BE BOTHERED TO THINK TOO DEEPLY ABOUT RACISM.

I'll be sure to share this observation with all of our black and Jewish friends at our club. Are you in some sort of time warp??

According to a good friend of mine on the board at Chevy, there are only TWO black members! Can't speak to the number of Jews.

[Anonymous]

Every Chevy member I've met was incredibly vacuous and dull. So if that's you, join up! (And no, I don't have sour grapes. I prefer my very limited leisure time to be spent outdoors with just family and friends.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why all the spewing on the country club? If people want to use this as a social avenue, or to play golf or tennis, what exactly is wrong with that?

I think that there is some general opinion here, shared by a lot of people who have never been inside this circle and make assumptions about what goes on - I can assure you, it is a lot like going to a restaurant or bar where everybody knows you and you feel comfortable while sharing common interests.

Let me correct that for you--it is a lot like going to a restaurant WHERE EVERYBODY IS WHITE, PRIVILEGED, AND CAN'T BE BOTHERED TO THINK TOO DEEPLY ABOUT RACISM.

I'll be sure to share this observation with all of our black and Jewish friends at our club. Are you in some sort of time warp??

According to a good friend of mine on the board at Chevy, there are only TWO black members! Can't speak to the number of Jews.

Wow, Chevy has come a long way since the days of discrimination.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone else think that maybe OP is the woman who is selling her Georgetown manse because it is too small?