Maret, Sidwell or GDS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have bright DD but she is not Super motivated. Do you think any of these schools would be a good fit or is it just really academically intense kids that thrive there?

I think if your child is going to go to one of the schools they would struggle if they’re not motivated. Maret may be a little more relaxed than the other two.

[Anonymous]

I'll take a different approach. I'd say if your kid can get into these schools--all of which are strong schools--then send your kid there. There is a good chance that your child will be motivated by the peer groups found at these schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How this devolved into a Maret / GDS bashing session and debate on which is the hardest to get into, I do not know.

I am a GDS parent with kids who love the school and we have dear friends with kids thriving at Maret and Sidwell so....to answer the OP's ORIGINAL QUESTION- I don't think a smart but not motivated child would thrive at any of these schools. All three schools have a high percentage of the cohort bringing it academically and competitively every day, especially in the high school.

All of these school are difficult to get into so if the OP's child has good scores but bad grades that would be a red flag at admissions. Moreover, an unmotivated child will not like the competitive atmosphere at all of these schools. The teachers do not coddle. They want kids who are excited to learn. At GDS, despite the more progressive "feel" there is not a lot of support for any learning differences. They very nicely counsel kids out who are not cutting it, and I know they do the same at Sidwell and Maret.

I wish the bashing would stop. All three schools are great places to learn if the fit is right. OP I would look into why your child is unmotivated- is it the school atmosphere they have been in? An undiagnosed LD? Just temperament? Maybe a meeting with an educational consultant to help find a good fit or some testing will shine light on why they are unmotivated. Best of luck.

Finally, a reasonable response!
PP, you should know that on DCUM, any discussion can and will devolve into a bashing session!