GDS, Field, or Burke--which would you choose?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really think it depends on the kid! A kid who does best in very small classes and a fairly sheltered environment would probably like Field. A kid whose sense of him/herself is as an urbanite would probably be happier at Burke, with its open campus. A kid who is very self-confident and academically ambitious would find more opportunities at Burke. They are all excellent schools, and it is clear that very bright kids can succeed and go to fine colleges from any of these schools. But the "vibe" is quite different at each.

+1

Excellent description of Burke. My kid knew in 5 minutes that he wanted to go to Burke. He loves it.

[Anonymous]

My child at Field currently sounds like your child. Very smart, but does not do well in the pressure cooker scenario, and we thought the small classes would be helpful for our kid who is curious and likes to learn in different ways (no LDs). We have found that the academics are not as lax as some on this board would have you believe. There is plenty of homework and challenging assignments. Some classes are more creative than others. All are small, allowing curious kids to thrive and learn in their own way. No AP classes, and the small school means less choice, but the choice in arts classes is great, as well as the various activities which occur during the day so kids become joiners and engaged in school activities. Same for sports-- everyone participates. Unlike others on this board, I am not worried about college-- I have a bright kid who will go to college-- probably not an Ivy, because that does not interest us--but if my child wanted to, it could happen from any of these schools.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP that if you have a DC who tends to push him/herself too hard and if you want to avoid a pressure cooker environment, then GDS would be the wrong choice.

[Anonymous]

In at all 3 and very confused (though a good confusion, we recognize). We'll decide soon and free up 2 spots!

[Anonymous]

Another thing to consider is that GDS is bigger than Field or Burke. Socially, if you feel your child will benefit being in a bigger environment, GDS has that advantage. If your child will thrive in a smaller environment Field and Burke are both better choices.

Also, think about what kind of structure/scaffolding your child needs. For a kid that thrives with more, Field is probably better, for a kid who thrives in a less structured environment, GDS is probably better. Burke probably falls in between.

You and your child have great schools to choose from! Congratulations!

[Anonymous]

my very academically inclined kid is likely to go to burke, at least for middle school. will see if a bigger high school makes sense at that point.

[Anonymous]

I think GDS or Field, depending on what environment you want. Burke just is not as strong as the other two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think GDS or Field, depending on what environment you want. Burke just is not as strong as the other two.

Why do you say this? Did not have the impression Field was stronger academically than Burke.

[Anonymous]

FWIW Burke certainly offers more course choices, incl. AP classes.

[Anonymous]

OP, see the other thread called something like "what is a typical field student." There is also a recent thread on Field, Burke & St Andrews which may have some relevant info too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really think it depends on the kid! A kid who does best in very small classes and a fairly sheltered environment would probably like Field. A kid whose sense of him/herself is as an urbanite would probably be happier at Burke, with its open campus. A kid who is very self-confident and academically ambitious would find more opportunities at Burke. They are all excellent schools, and it is clear that very bright kids can succeed and go to fine colleges from any of these schools. But the "vibe" is quite different at each.

+1

Excellent description of Burke. My kid knew in 5 minutes that he wanted to go to Burke. He loves it.

My kid was the same. Loves Burke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think GDS or Field, depending on what environment you want. Burke just is not as strong as the other two.

Based on?
I would say - based on first hand experience - that Field is not as strong academically as Burke or GDS. The "best" school depends on your kid, and what you are looking for in a school.