Hypothetically speaking, would you choose Sidwell or NCS?

[Anonymous]

Daughter has 97 in each section of ISEE, stellar grades, well rounded, excellent recommendations, hard working and lots of leadership and activism that will shine through in references. Had excellent interviews at both Sidwell and NCS. So hopefully one will come through, if not both. Already a feminist, and very keen on expanding conversations on women's rights etc.,

A little boy crazy, so surprised that she liked all girls so much.

[Anonymous]

I went to a Quaker school and I don't want to send my children to Quaker schools so Sidwell is an automatic no-go for me even if I still recognize it as an excellent school. I would pick NCS because perception is that academics are a bit more grounded in reality and not so keen to be so open minded that your brain falls out.

Who cares about national prestige? They're both regional day schools and cannot be seen as having national prestige as the only kids who can attend are those who live within reasonable commuting distance. Andover and Exeter have national prestige as they attract students from all over the country as well as overseas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Daughter has 97 in each section of ISEE, stellar grades, well rounded, excellent recommendations, hard working and lots of leadership and activism that will shine through in references. Had excellent interviews at both Sidwell and NCS. So hopefully one will come through, if not both. Already a feminist, and very keen on expanding conversations on women's rights etc.,

A little boy crazy, so surprised that she liked all girls so much.

Why not just skip high school?

[Anonymous]

My DD started at NCS in middle school, and is now in her 6th year there. Loved it from the beginning, and still loves it. It's not conservative at all. The parents might be, but the girls aren't.

Wouldn't worry about mean girls. For one thing, they exist at all schools. For another, that depends almost exclusively on the cohort, and some classes have minimal drama (including my daughter's).

Have many friends at Sidwell, too, however, and they have been very happy with it. They are both wonderful schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to a Quaker school and I don't want to send my children to Quaker schools so Sidwell is an automatic no-go for me even if I still recognize it as an excellent school. I would pick NCS because perception is that academics are a bit more grounded in reality and not so keen to be so open minded that your brain falls out.

Who cares about national prestige? They're both regional day schools and cannot be seen as having national prestige as the only kids who can attend are those who live within reasonable commuting distance. Andover and Exeter have national prestige as they attract students from all over the country as well as overseas.

NP. May I ask why you don’t want to send your child to a Quaker school?

[Anonymous]

Both are good schools, as are many others in the area. Because any difference in quality is negligible, neither is a bad choice. Let your daughter choose so she won’t resent you later.

I do know several (5-6) girls who left NCS for Sidwell, none that left Sidwell for NCS. Not determinative, but a data point to consider.

[Anonymous]

NCS but I am biased because my daughter is already a student there. Both are obviously really great schools. We have not experienced any issues with other girls. Most of the parents really want to encourage a kind school and are trying to be inclusive. One class in the lower school all just went ice skating together and ALL were invited. The level of academics and programs available are so amazing and for us the religious/spiritual component is really special. It is inclusive of all religions. For us I feel this is the best choice we have made for our daughter. She loves NCS and is really thriving there. Best of luck to you and your daughter. Both are great schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to a Quaker school and I don't want to send my children to Quaker schools so Sidwell is an automatic no-go for me even if I still recognize it as an excellent school. I would pick NCS because perception is that academics are a bit more grounded in reality and not so keen to be so open minded that your brain falls out.

Who cares about national prestige? They're both regional day schools and cannot be seen as having national prestige as the only kids who can attend are those who live within reasonable commuting distance. Andover and Exeter have national prestige as they attract students from all over the country as well as overseas.

NP. May I ask why you don’t want to send your child to a Quaker school?

There was always an inconsistency, even hypocrisy, in being a Quaker school and a very expensive private school. I am not opposed to either but it didn't mesh well together. I did not go to Sidwell, by the way, but a prominent Quaker school in another city. My siblings went to more traditional prep schools and these schools were more honest about who they were and the ethos they preached. Quaker schools are also very liberal places and I prefer an environment that is more pragmatic and balanced.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I do know several (5-6) girls who left NCS for Sidwell, none that left Sidwell for NCS. Not determinative, but a data point to consider.

I know one who left Sidwell for NCS (not the 5-6 you've seen go the other way but it does still happen).

[Anonymous]

Op, NCS. Women empowerment is key especially at this time in our country. Daughter has really come into her own academically at NCS. The social component was always good for her and continues to be great at NCS. All the girls in her grade are friends. Its not what some say it is on here. I am so glad we didn't listen to these posts. I am not saying that some have not had bad experiences. I believe them and feel badly for them. I can only say that our daughter is thriving and I can't imagine her anywhere else. I hear this across the board in the lower school. Lots of happy girls and parents.