Help me figure out the best school for my daughter

[Anonymous]

We are contemplating a move in 2025 to DC. I know we still have time, but I am starting to do some research on the schools.

I have 2 daughters that are currently in 2nd and 4th grade (private school). We know someone whose daughters went to NCS and we think that would be a great option for my eldest in 6th. She is very strong academically, great teachers rec, athletic, etc. She is also shy around boys, not super confident, etc. I think she would benefit from strong academic in an all girls environment.

My youngest would be entering 4th grade. She is a smart, confident, passionate kid who prefers to play with boys (I know this might change in middle school since this is what happened to me).
She is very strong academically, very athletic (plays several sports and will start competing in one). She is confident, assertive, a leader in the class who stands up for others. We have heard from multiple teachers and other parents that she is extremely intelligent (emotional intelligence) and very self aware. Her teachers would say something like “we love all our children, but XX is special” or “XX is just so smart and self aware… it surprises us” “XX has more grit and passion than any children we have taught”.

We would like to find a school that will allow her to be herself. I don’t know if a very rigid, strict environment will suit her, but she definitely needs to be challenged academically (I even considered trying to have her skip a year).

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

You have to tell us where you plan to live and how much you're willing to pay... it could be anything from Sidwell to Oak Crest.

[Anonymous]

Consider Madeira for both girls

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Consider Madeira for both girls

Her kids are in 4th and 6th!

[Anonymous]

Thank you. We would like to live in the city, a good/safe neighborhood. Money is not a huge concern and we are ok spending 50+ for each kid.

[Anonymous]

Assuming you can get into these schools for 6th, try NCS, Holton Arms (also 6th) and go with NCS and Holton Arms for your other daughter too (4th is an entry year). Not sure you know inconvenient two drop offs would be in the city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are contemplating a move in 2025 to DC. I know we still have time, but I am starting to do some research on the schools.

I have 2 daughters that are currently in 2nd and 4th grade (private school). We know someone whose daughters went to NCS and we think that would be a great option for my eldest in 6th. She is very strong academically, great teachers rec, athletic, etc. She is also shy around boys, not super confident, etc. I think she would benefit from strong academic in an all girls environment.

My youngest would be entering 4th grade. She is a smart, confident, passionate kid who prefers to play with boys (I know this might change in middle school since this is what happened to me).
She is very strong academically, very athletic (plays several sports and will start competing in one). She is confident, assertive, a leader in the class who stands up for others. We have heard from multiple teachers and other parents that she is extremely intelligent (emotional intelligence) and very self aware. Her teachers would say something like “we love all our children, but XX is special” or “XX is just so smart and self aware… it surprises us” “XX has more grit and passion than any children we have taught”.

We would like to find a school that will allow her to be herself. I don’t know if a very rigid, strict environment will suit her, but she definitely needs to be challenged academically (I even considered trying to have her skip a year).

Thanks!

God I love private school parents!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Assuming you can get into these schools for 6th, try NCS, Holton Arms (also 6th) and go with NCS and Holton Arms for your other daughter too (4th is an entry year). Not sure you know inconvenient two drop offs would be in the city.

Thanks. We are aware. I am just not sure an all-girl school is a good environment for my second. She does not connect to girls much and prefers the company of boys.

From what I could see on their website and speaking to a friend from DC, Sidwell has very strong academics, but seems to be rigid like NCS.
GDS on the other hand seems to give more power to the students and the ability to be creative and express themselves, but I am not sure how good the academics are…
I an leaning toward sigle sex for my eldest and coed for my youngest.

[Anonymous]

I moved here from a small city and my kid was treated like trash by the Big name DC private admissions staff. It’s pretty terrible. Maret admissions is the only class act.

[Anonymous]

Are your DCs currently in private? All I can say is start working the connects next year. Have the HOS reach out and get some emails for admissions from those teachers who love your kids. Many special, brilliant kids with parents who can full pay. Do the prep work.

[Anonymous]

If you live around Georgetown (Burleith), Washington International School is probably your best bet for top academic private school.

[Anonymous]

I'd suggest looking at Holton and NCS for your older daughter, though you also need to remember that the social dynamics of all-girls schools are intense, and can be better or worse depending on the class.

GDS or Maret may be a good fit for your younger daughter; the academics are strong, but they take the pressure cooker element down a bit. By that, I mean that you still need to take academics seriously, but these schools have a slightly wider range of academic performance. You'll find brilliant kids at both schools, as well as others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you live around Georgetown (Burleith), Washington International School is probably your best bet for top academic private school.

Best bet for “top” academic? Lol

[Anonymous]

I would consider co-ed for the oldest too--best way to become less shy around boys is to be around boys not avoid them INMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider Madeira for both girls

Her kids are in 4th and 6th!

Never too early to start considering.