Bullis or Sidwell?

[Anonymous]

Can you successfully negotiate aid amounts at this point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

That's an excellent idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you successfully negotiate aid amounts at this point?

I would. They wouldn't reduce what was offered. They may be compelled to give you more if warranted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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?

K

[Anonymous]

A black student who does well at Sidwell will be accepted into almost any college. Definitely not the same for Bullis.

I recognize that college admission is not the sole (or even close) reason for choosing an independent school. You should consider, however, that Sidwell comes with a respect and prestige that Bullis does not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A black student who does well at Sidwell will be accepted into almost any college. Definitely not the same for Bullis.

I recognize that college admission is not the sole (or even close) reason for choosing an independent school. You should consider, however, that Sidwell comes with a respect and prestige that Bullis does not.

+1

[Anonymous]

That may have been the case some time ago, but things have changed - dramatically. This is Bullis' matriculation list last year (and they are not all athletes by any stretch of the imagination). I can't find Sidwell's list from last year. Can someone post it, please?

https://www.bullis.org/academics/college-counseling/college-matriculation

Moreover, they say they don't want to be a hothouse. Pretty good list for not being a pressure cooker. We are not looking at K, but reading all the posts about the schools we are interested in.

[Anonymous]

I think Bullis is great but not as academic. How academically inclined is your kid? Congratulations

[Anonymous]

im torn

i know bullis doesnt have the prestige but wondering if that should be the focus in K

[Anonymous]

Forgot to say Sidwell is fantastic

[Anonymous]

Prestige can be highly overrated. What is the right school for the child, and are the desired outcomes possible given the likely educational experience? These seem to be the right questions to consider.

[Anonymous]

I think one can go from Sidwell to Bulkis easily but not the other way

[Anonymous]

Sidwell and Bullis are in the same genuine conversation. Things are changing around here.

I'd like to see the Sidwell list too. Is it on the website?

[Anonymous]

They shouldn't be? This is for early elementary. Most of the ratings are because of the middle and high school years.

Im curious how the lifers fair as they move up at sidwell. I know several students that started in elementary but transferred middle school.

[Anonymous]

That's true about the ratings (whatever they are!). Bullis is building a new Lower School I have heard. Does anyone know when it will be finished?