if you had to choose between sidwell, beauvoir, and gds, where would you accept?

[Anonymous]

Maret.

[Anonymous]

First of all, congrats on having the choice@! My daughter is in her second year at GDS--currently in First Grade. We chose GDS for many reasons and we and our daughter are very happy there. I mention our being happy because that should probably be something you think about. Family involvement is pretty significant at all of these schools and part of your decision-making process should probably involve just how comfortable you feel as part of the overall community. GDS, for the most part, is a very happy place--the kids feel it and so do the parents. When we were the 'new' family last year, we were sincerely and warmly welcomed by the school and the parents and quickly became part of the community. As for the first-name basis with the teachers and administrators, I can assure you that the children are respectful and understand the structure of authority. As for the academics, I wish I could have gone to a school like GDS! The teachers really engage the students and teach them the love of learning which is a great beginning approach to life in general.

When we were visitng schools and going through the god-awful admissions process, we felt most comfortable at GDS and Sidwell. Our daughter liked all three and actually goes to the summer camp at Beauvoir (she really liked the school). Wherever you end up, I wish your family the same great fit ours has found.

[Anonymous]

GDS or Sidwell.

[Anonymous]

We did and we chose St. Patrick's.

[Anonymous]

We ultimately chose GDS. Can't go wrong with any of these schools, but decided that GDS was the right fit for our DD (although I have to say that figuring out which school provides the best "fit" for your child felt a lot like stumbling around in the dark - don't think we'll know whether we chose correctly until she starts school and is hopefully happy, excited, challenged, etc.).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it is fair to say that GDS is the most liberal of the three schools mentioned (and probably among the most liberal in all of DC). It doesn't have to do with the academics - all these schools teach the essentially the same curriculum... In the lower grades: Chicago Math, Responsive Classroom, Writers' Workshop, etc. But the liberalism is seen in things both large and small. At GDS, the students call all teachers by their first names. This isn't a lack of respect for teachers, but a sense that respect does not come from titles alone. The kids (except the youngest) walk un-escorted through the halls from class to class... Because kids can be quiet in the halls, even if they aren't single file. At Beauvoir, the teachers teach the students how to be responsible, respectful, and kind - it can feel very didactic. At GDS the kids are encouraged to figure things out of their own - with guidance from the teachers, of course - but the learning is much more self-guided.

There's no religion at GDS, as there is at Beauvoir and Sidwell. GDS was founded to be a racially integrated school - the first in DC, public or private, and that tradition is still strong. The gay parents' and gay students' organizations at GDS are very strong - GDS is one of the first schools in the country to celebrate Gay Pride Day/Week at all levels and in all grades (age appropriately, of course). GDS students have traditionally been "artsy" and not "athletic" and those differences were and are respected and encouraged.

(Can you tell we've accepted a pre-K spot at GDS for next year?)

Good luck!

How is it working out so far at GDS?

[Anonymous]

Harvard, no question...

[Anonymous]

We had that choice and chose Sidwell. We are very happy.

[Anonymous]

We chose GDS and our son is having a great year so far. The academics are top notch, he is socially very happy and we have begun to make some great new friends among the other parents. Its just a great school.

[Anonymous]

Beauvoir...all of the resources go toward the young child. The kids are not competing with the football team, the Model UN or the crew team for resources. All of the energy is placed on those foundational years, which is "the most important part of the work." They really focus on and know how to do early childhood education. All decision concerning the school have that one focus. That is truly what makes Beauvoir such a wonderful place. (Yes, I am a biased current Beauvoir parent.)

[Anonymous]

GDS. We didn't get in last year, but we loved the school and are giving it a try again this year. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it is fair to say that GDS is the most liberal of the three schools mentioned (and probably among the most liberal in all of DC). It doesn't have to do with the academics - all these schools teach the essentially the same curriculum... In the lower grades: Chicago Math, Responsive Classroom, Writers' Workshop, etc. But the liberalism is seen in things both large and small. At GDS, the students call all teachers by their first names. This isn't a lack of respect for teachers, but a sense that respect does not come from titles alone. The kids (except the youngest) walk un-escorted through the halls from class to class... Because kids can be quiet in the halls, even if they aren't single file. At Beauvoir, the teachers teach the students how to be responsible, respectful, and kind - it can feel very didactic. At GDS the kids are encouraged to figure things out of their own - with guidance from the teachers, of course - but the learning is much more self-guided.

There's no religion at GDS, as there is at Beauvoir and Sidwell. GDS was founded to be a racially integrated school - the first in DC, public or private, and that tradition is still strong. The gay parents' and gay students' organizations at GDS are very strong - GDS is one of the first schools in the country to celebrate Gay Pride Day/Week at all levels and in all grades (age appropriately, of course). GDS students have traditionally been "artsy" and not "athletic" and those differences were and are respected and encouraged.

(Can you tell we've accepted a pre-K spot at GDS for next year?)

Good luck!

GDS has some "artsy" students and lots of urban sophisticates whose social life is larger than their school life. Very cool teens with a lot of time. At NCS-STA a student can be artsy and/or athletic. The two are not mutually exclusive. There is a lot more opportunity at NCS-STA.

[Anonymous]

What happened to being artsy AND athletic?

[Anonymous]

GDS also has great athletics, its just not as huge as NCS/St-A. Our daughter plays soccer with an amazing group of other young girls. They are very dedicated and have a great team. The arts there are also strong. The 2 aren't exclusive of one another and no 1 school has a hold on either or both (arts/sports).

[Anonymous]

DC lifer here. GDS does NOT have a strong athletics program, but some people prefer that. Everyone who wants to play gets to play, and the school does not tend to attract kids who are serious athletes. So it works out fine.