GDS and Sidwell comparison?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, after you get into both, then ask the question. For most applicants, they're lucky if their kid gets into one, which is the one to which you will send your child.

This. If you are lucky to get into both, then use the time after to do the visit and see where your child vibes with better.

People say that now. And then, take a look at this message board in March and the responses from other people to anyone admitted to multiple schools and undecided between/among them will be "what!?! How can you not know where you're going to send your kid!!! How irresponsible of you!"

No one says that. Anyway, given that the small number of admits and high yields for the PK/K classes at Sidwell and GDS in particular, we're talking about a handful of families where their child gets accepted into both. They're both excellent schools with progressive curricula, liberal families and teachers, and draw from similar populations. Just see where you get in, then stress out about the relatively minor differences between the two schools.

Time to collect. See this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1042400.page. And here are some quotes from there:

Anonymous wrote:When you apply to schools you should have your preferred school and a back up. If you are accepted at your preferred school that is where you enroll. Simple!

Anonymous wrote:You have been considering these schools since September! Go with your gut. Absolutely unethical to pay two deposits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're applying for elementary school, but would like to keep DC at the school through 12th if they're thriving there. I've researched this board, but couldn't find a recent thread comparing these two schools. We liked what we saw virtually, but of course that's a far cry from actually visiting in person or having DC shadow a student. What are the major differences between them? Also, I realize they're both competitive.

Thank you!

Gds is pretty quirky and lets everyone do whatever they want - teachers, students, clubs. Lots of project based work, lots of social justice books, history, speakers, teachers. Wide mix of students and teachers. Pressure to dress down.

Sfs is professional. More structured curriculum, classroom time, same amount of talking in class. Expects a lot from its students and teachers. Narrower mix of students and teachers. Dress better.

+1

No matter what anyone tells you, OP, GDS is more "out there" on the progressive/ leftist side than is Sidwell. In fact, SFS appears almost conservative by comparison.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were going to apply for 9th to GDS and the admission officer pretty much told us there are 7 spots for new 9th grade boys. We crossed it off our list...

Maybe you are confusing GDS with Maret. GDS takes 35-50 new kids in 9th so at least 15-20 boys.

[Anonymous]

Good point, maybe we checked the wrong box there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell is more prestigious.

Honestly, only people who go there and some posters on an anonymous gossip site think this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell is more prestigious.

Honestly, only people who go there and some posters on an anonymous gossip site think this.

+2 yep.