so called "top 3/4" vs others

[Anonymous]

Nonny,

PP here...do not have children at these schools (I have two kids). While I understand the convenience of having all the kids at the same school, the fact of the matter is that every child is different, which means that every child may thrive in different learning environments. I do not believe that all kids (siblings) ought to have automatic entry into some of these schools if the admissions side doesn't feel that they will thrive. Why put a child in a position of chronic frustration? Further, it is better for the lifeblood of an institution to have a larger pool of family volunteers/perspectives etc. in a community. If it is so insular, then it isn't doing anyone any good, IMO.

On the other, it is my sense that the different lower grade facilities have different atmospheres and learning environments. Just because you felt that the Sidwell lower school was a "chaotic mess" doesn't mean that it isn't a fantastic learning environment. It is clear that as a parent, it isn't the right fit for you, but to make sweeping statements on the quality of the education based on a small sample pool and relatively subjective measures is a disservice to those reading these messages.

[Anonymous]

[quote=nonny]Frankly, we were so underwhelmed by Sidwell's lower school as opposed to many others that we did not apply there. I think its a chaotic mess. I just dont get the whole Siodwell lower school fervor on these boards.[/quote]

FWIW, I also found the lower school rather chaotic--given the school's enormous popularity, I thought perhaps I was exaggerating or I was the only one. I was very impressed with Lodish, though.