Transferring to Sidwell at Grade 3

[Anonymous]

Please share your experiences as it relates to integrating into the community and your child's readiness for the environment. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We found it to be incredibly welcoming, for integration into the school community and inclusion on a number of rec sports teams, etc. DC were ready and moved nicely into both the academic and community sides.

[Anonymous]

I would second that, and now, in hindsight, it is as if he had been there all along. The other kids were ready for the new kids, and the play dates over the summer really helped. In terms of academic readiness, there was no problem at all. The admissions committee has some information to help guide them as to whether the school is a good fit, including teacher references and testing and grades. I will add though that it helps if you jump in as well, volunteering, arranging play times for your child, and urging your son or daughter to join a team or two. But the school is welcoming, and the parent community welcomed our family as well. It also really helps to get your child together a few times over the summer with some of the other entering third graders--they tend to bond because they are in the same boat.

[Anonymous]

Is 3rd grade a major entry year at Sidwell? Is that a big grade for sibling applicants?

[Anonymous]

Yes, it is a major entry year. I believe about 16 new kids are accepted for third grade. Not an especially big year for siblings, though I imagine they would be given at least some special consideration. Kids come from a mix of schools at third--other privates, privates that end at 2, publics, and several from out of state, new to the area.