Sidwell vs GDS -- specific examples of what differentiates the two

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We know kids/families at both and looked at both and have kids at one - and even knew one who switched from one to the other.

Gds is more free flowing - open campus, a little more artsy, a little disorganized. While they call teachers by their first name, don’t let it fool you into thinking everything is free to be- the academics in high school are no joke and the middle school isn’t exactly known for preparing anyone for it.

Sidwell - definitely more traditional way of teaching and curriculum. Also intense academically. A bit less flexibility in the curriculum until 12th. We felt the parents were more intense and the kids a bit more outwardly competitive. Gds is pushing a bit more joyfulness. How much that makes a difficult given intense academics is hard to say - but definitely a diff feel on the two campuses

This is a good summary for HS. People (at least those with a choice after admissions) may agonize over the differences, but I have a hard time believing that a kid who has spent a day at each would come away without a preference.

[Anonymous]

Sidwell is a much more traditional school. That it is rooted in Quakerism gives it the more "liberal" bent in terms of service, community etc.

GDs was founded out of the racism and anti-semitism of the time, and is thus rooted in a more progressive, than liberal outlook in terms of how it conducts its business and the curriculum.

Both fantastic schools, many families would find themselves happy at both, others will have a preference for one over the other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check out Basis in McLean too.

+1. Agree.

Here is some more info:

https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-private-high-schools/m/washington-dc-metro-area/

Why are so insecure about an OP asking about two specific schools that it was necessary to hijack the discussion by introducing another school and linking to Yelp-like "rankings"?

[Anonymous]

I always wonder when parents ask these questions if they realize what the odds of admission to both schools are. In the off chance that your kid gets into both, then ask the question. To do so now is premature.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check out Basis in McLean too.

+1. Agree.

Here is some more info:

https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-private-high-schools/m/washington-dc-metro-area/

Why are so insecure about an OP asking about two specific schools that it was necessary to hijack the discussion by introducing another school and linking to Yelp-like "rankings"?

There has to be somebody in Arizona that is paid to sit there and shamelessly pump Basis on listserves. The posts never sound lika a real parent, and they are embarrassingly attached to USN&WR and Niche rankings (which Basis also angles for). They do it on the public school board too.

[Anonymous]

Totally different parent vibe, too. Both "progressive" of course, but the GDS vibe is "we really are a public school family but [insert random excuse why they are now paying $55k a year for private school]" whereas Sidwell families don't even pretend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In what ways are Sidwell and GDS' approaches different and in which ways are the same? Clearly they are both great schools and I've read the comments on this forum where some say Sidwell is clearly a far better school, others say it's an unhealthy pressure cooker. Some say GDS meets kids where they are, others say it's chaotic.

I'm looking for specific examples of how these schools differ in their approach as opposed to your opinion about which one is better. One specific example is that GDS uses a progressive pedagogy in their teaching and Sidwell seems to use a more traditional approach. What else would you say are meaningful differences between the two schools?

TIA!

Take a tour and compare the student bodies, teachers, visible culture, what’s on the walls, noise levels, school layouts and uses of space YOURSELF.

[Anonymous]

Dress code
Course offerings
Sports vs gym requirements
Sex ed and other special projects and required courses
Ask for a list or examples of field trips, speak events, assemblies, traditions.

All basic school research and diligence. Get going Op. DCUM ain’t where it’s at.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In what ways are Sidwell and GDS' approaches different and in which ways are the same? Clearly they are both great schools and I've read the comments on this forum where some say Sidwell is clearly a far better school, others say it's an unhealthy pressure cooker. Some say GDS meets kids where they are, others say it's chaotic.

I'm looking for specific examples of how these schools differ in their approach as opposed to your opinion about which one is better. One specific example is that GDS uses a progressive pedagogy in their teaching and Sidwell seems to use a more traditional approach. What else would you say are meaningful differences between the two schools?

TIA!

Same way you make any other major decision in your life Op.

Do your decision making Process. See what it turns up!

[Anonymous]

At the upper school level gds is run like a college. Your kid needs to structure and use their time wisely.

I’m not thrilled who much everyone dresses like slobs, but whatever.

Capstone classes weren’t anything to do with our major or future career and were all social justice themed. Just view them as group think, no time for real civil discourse.

Use the office hours.

K-8 days were fine. Do more math in the side and phonics in the side.

5th and 6th grade clock you over the head with more homework, tests, grades and executive functioning demands .

Nail those down before 7th & 8th grade Cranston plus intramural after school sports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dress code
Course offerings
Sports vs gym requirements
Sex ed and other special projects and required courses
Ask for a list or examples of field trips, speak events, assemblies, traditions.

All basic school research and diligence. Get going Op. DCUM ain’t where it’s at.

This isn’t helpful. What are the similarities and differences in the aforementioned areas?!?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:GDS - no football team - Sidwell -foot ball team:

GDS - students call teachers by first names, Sidwell - maybe a little more traditional?

GDS - reputation for meeting kid where they are/ "out of the box" thinkers; Sidwell - fits kid more into a mold (okay this is a stereotype)

GDS - not religious - maybe more quirky/social justice-y; Sidwell: quaker - more steeped in tradition

Both strong academics, etc., both probably equally great schools

This is correct but also GDS has newer (and nicer) facilities but Sidwell is working on a united campus that will have a new LS and US

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Similarities:
-Neither school offers AP classes

Differences:
-GDS: The AP exam is NOT proctored on campus (you will have to find a testing center on your own).
-Sidwell: The AP exam is administered on campus.

-GDS: There is no US cafeteria.
-Sidwell: There is an US cafeteria, and it gets pretty good reviews.

-GDS: Students are limited to applying to 10 colleges.
-Sidwell: There is no limit placed on the number of college applications.

What?? Is this true? How can they do that? For the record, I don’t think you need to apply to anymore than 10 but it seems intrusive

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GDS - no football team - Sidwell -foot ball team:

GDS - students call teachers by first names, Sidwell - maybe a little more traditional?

GDS - reputation for meeting kid where they are/ "out of the box" thinkers; Sidwell - fits kid more into a mold (okay this is a stereotype)

GDS - not religious - maybe more quirky/social justice-y; Sidwell: quaker - more steeped in tradition

Both strong academics, etc., both probably equally great schools

This is correct but also GDS has newer (and nicer) facilities but Sidwell is working on a united campus that will have a new LS and US

Sidwell's middle school is a pretty modern retrofit as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What?? Is this true? How can they do that? For the record, I don’t think you need to apply to anymore than 10 but it seems intrusive

The limit isn't 10. It's 12, and has the effect of making the students apply more strategically.