Bullis or Sidwell?

[Anonymous]

Bullis or Sidwell Lower School PK/K?

[Anonymous]

Where do you live?

[Anonymous]

Bethesda

[Anonymous]

It's hard because you don't know what kind of student your 4 year old will turn out to be, but do you think they will do well in a very rigorous/competitive/largely above grade level environment? If yes, I would choose Sidwell. If not, Bullis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's hard because you don't know what kind of student your 4 year old will turn out to be, but do you think they will do well in a very rigorous/competitive/largely above grade level environment? If yes, I would choose Sidwell. If not, Bullis.

Exactly! It’s a tough choice. I was thinking I could change if Sidwell doesn’t work for dc with age. However, I really like Bullis.

[Anonymous]

Bullis doesn’t have PK. I think if you aren’t sure, and get into both (assuming K bc that’s the grade they both have) - safer would be to go with Sidwell. If the kid wants to switch to Bullis as they get older, it’s not as hard to get into. I’m not throwing shade at Bullis (I know they don’t accept everyone), but their acceptance rate isn’t like Sidwell.

[Anonymous]

I was thinking the same thing.

[Anonymous]

I would go with Sidwell. You can always apply out if it’s not working for your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bullis doesn’t have PK. I think if you aren’t sure, and get into both (assuming K bc that’s the grade they both have) - safer would be to go with Sidwell. If the kid wants to switch to Bullis as they get older, it’s not as hard to get into. I’m not throwing shade at Bullis (I know they don’t accept everyone), but their acceptance rate isn’t like Sidwell.

Great feedback.

[Anonymous]

Sidwell, hands down. The experience, academics aside, is far beyond what they would get at Bullis (been exposed to both). Also, way more interesting families at Sidwell than in Potomac.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's hard because you don't know what kind of student your 4 year old will turn out to be, but do you think they will do well in a very rigorous/competitive/largely above grade level environment? If yes, I would choose Sidwell. If not, Bullis.

Exactly! It’s a tough choice. I was thinking I could change if Sidwell doesn’t work for dc with age. However, I really like Bullis.

What is it about Bullis you really like?

[Anonymous]

I like the diversity, uniforms, athletics

[Anonymous]

Do you want your DC to start in pre k or K bc that can help you decide too. Are you happy to keep your child in their current school for another year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like the diversity, uniforms, athletics

This is just one perspective, so I get that this isn't everyone's experience...but we went to the accepted students night at Bullis and it was really uncomfortable. The Black families were all in one corner and the room wasn't mixing. Our family is Black and I decided to move to the center of the room with my daughter and try to chat with people. We both felt invisible with families literally awkwardly smiling before walking away.

In contrast, I've never felt that way at Sidwell. They made a point from the very beginning to pull us into the community and welcome us. Every morning at drop off, parents chat and say hello. It's a super friendly place and I just didn't feel that at Bullis. And diversity numbers at Bullis aren't actually all that different than Sidwell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like the diversity, uniforms, athletics

This is just one perspective, so I get that this isn't everyone's experience...but we went to the accepted students night at Bullis and it was really uncomfortable. The Black families were all in one corner and the room wasn't mixing. Our family is Black and I decided to move to the center of the room with my daughter and try to chat with people. We both felt invisible with families literally awkwardly smiling before walking away.

In contrast, I've never felt that way at Sidwell. They made a point from the very beginning to pull us into the community and welcome us. Every morning at drop off, parents chat and say hello. It's a super friendly place and I just didn't feel that at Bullis. And diversity numbers at Bullis aren't actually all that different than Sidwell.

We are also a black family and would like a school that feels inclusive and welcoming. I do plan to attend the accepted family night at both to feel the vibe.