St Albans vs Sidwell

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

NP. They are different though. Even socially the kids at STA and Sidwell do not mix at all socially. Single sex schools tend to know each their and mix at parties more. My kids are at one of these schools and these schools do not mix socially and do not know each other. Different social worlds, communities etc…

How different could the social worlds and communities possibly be at these two schools??

Night and day. They don't mix. STA tends to be more club related and more conservative and preppy overall and Sidwell is not. We are at one of these schools and we do not ever see any parents at the other school but see parents and many other schools in DC. These two communities have zero overlap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

NP. They are different though. Even socially the kids at STA and Sidwell do not mix at all socially. Single sex schools tend to know each their and mix at parties more. My kids are at one of these schools and these schools do not mix socially and do not know each other. Different social worlds, communities etc…

How different could the social worlds and communities possibly be at these two schools??

Night and day. They don't mix. STA tends to be more club related and more conservative and preppy overall and Sidwell is not. We are at one of these schools and we do not ever see any parents at the other school but see parents and many other schools in DC. These two communities have zero overlap.

Sidwell is more diverse racially and religiously for one. Our class at STA only had one practicing Jewish family. Sidwell is about 30 percent Jewish and I believe a majority minority was what they advertised at admissions tours. Just very different communities. Sidwell is much more liberal and progressive STA is more conservative - even democrats at STA are more moderate and still tend to be more preppy or traditional. As said very different and zero overlap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

NP. They are different though. Even socially the kids at STA and Sidwell do not mix at all socially. Single sex schools tend to know each their and mix at parties more. My kids are at one of these schools and these schools do not mix socially and do not know each other. Different social worlds, communities etc…

How different could the social worlds and communities possibly be at these two schools??

Night and day. They don't mix. STA tends to be more club related and more conservative and preppy overall and Sidwell is not. We are at one of these schools and we do not ever see any parents at the other school but see parents and many other schools in DC. These two communities have zero overlap.

Sidwell is more diverse racially and religiously for one. Our class at STA only had one practicing Jewish family. Sidwell is about 30 percent Jewish and I believe a majority minority was what they advertised at admissions tours. Just very different communities. Sidwell is much more liberal and progressive STA is more conservative - even democrats at STA are more moderate and still tend to be more preppy or traditional. As said very different and zero overlap.

I am the pp and I will add it is OKAY to be different. The previous poster seems to have an issue with saying they are different. Too bad they are diffent and that is okay and nothing wrong with pointing out the differences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a daughter at Sidwell and two boys at STA.

Both schools are high pressure and extremely rigorous but STA has a more supportive, tight-knit vibe. The boys compete but the ethos is to acknowledge and appreciate each others’ strengths. Teachers are generally warmer and more engaged. This is a godsend during the high school years because the supportive environment helps mitigate the extreme demands kids face.

Sidwell has the extreme pressure but without as much supportive bonds. Students are competitive with one another. There are pockets of kids who support each other and are good friends. However, there’s more free form anxiety. Teachers are less warm. It’s up to students to find them if they need help.

I know my STA boys have been told countless times by teachers,”Come see me and we can talk about that some more” or something to that effect. Teachers invite you to engage with them. At Sidwell the teachers seem more distant and you have to be more entrepreneurial about getting help.

Sidwell has an edge in the sciences. STA has the edge in sports with the notable exception of basketball.

For a boy, I think STA is better. Our daughter chose Sidwell over NCS because Sidwell is less of a pressure cooker than NCS. She’s still in touch with Beauvoir friends who went to NCS, and she is happy that she did not go there.

Interesting. Friends at Sidwell have left because it is a pressure cooker. Friends at NCS actually are happy and do not have the same amount of homework as Sidwell by a long shot.

My daughter was accepted to Sidwell and NCS and chose NCS and is very happy at NCS. Much happier than her peers at Sidwell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a daughter at Sidwell and two boys at STA.

Both schools are high pressure and extremely rigorous but STA has a more supportive, tight-knit vibe. The boys compete but the ethos is to acknowledge and appreciate each others’ strengths. Teachers are generally warmer and more engaged. This is a godsend during the high school years because the supportive environment helps mitigate the extreme demands kids face.

Sidwell has the extreme pressure but without as much supportive bonds. Students are competitive with one another. There are pockets of kids who support each other and are good friends. However, there’s more free form anxiety. Teachers are less warm. It’s up to students to find them if they need help.

I know my STA boys have been told countless times by teachers,”Come see me and we can talk about that some more” or something to that effect. Teachers invite you to engage with them. At Sidwell the teachers seem more distant and you have to be more entrepreneurial about getting help.

Sidwell has an edge in the sciences. STA has the edge in sports with the notable exception of basketball.

For a boy, I think STA is better. Our daughter chose Sidwell over NCS because Sidwell is less of a pressure cooker than NCS. She’s still in touch with Beauvoir friends who went to NCS, and she is happy that she did not go there.

You have posted this before. Are your sons STILL at STA or graduated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a daughter at Sidwell and two boys at STA.

Both schools are high pressure and extremely rigorous but STA has a more supportive, tight-knit vibe. The boys compete but the ethos is to acknowledge and appreciate each others’ strengths. Teachers are generally warmer and more engaged. This is a godsend during the high school years because the supportive environment helps mitigate the extreme demands kids face.

Sidwell has the extreme pressure but without as much supportive bonds. Students are competitive with one another. There are pockets of kids who support each other and are good friends. However, there’s more free form anxiety. Teachers are less warm. It’s up to students to find them if they need help.

I know my STA boys have been told countless times by teachers,”Come see me and we can talk about that some more” or something to that effect. Teachers invite you to engage with them. At Sidwell the teachers seem more distant and you have to be more entrepreneurial about getting help.

Sidwell has an edge in the sciences. STA has the edge in sports with the notable exception of basketball.

For a boy, I think STA is better. Our daughter chose Sidwell over NCS because Sidwell is less of a pressure cooker than NCS. She’s still in touch with Beauvoir friends who went to NCS, and she is happy that she did not go there.

You have posted this before. Are your sons STILL at STA or graduated?

NP. It’s 4-12. Unless her posts are over 8 years old, probably not. And what do you care?

[Anonymous]

This post is so stupid. Stanford or Yale which is better? They are vastly different and yet the same. Wait until your “bright” kid is actually admitted to both for 9th. I mean, fit Sidwell, that’s like what 15 boys? And what 20 at STA? Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

Actually no, in this case, the entire tone and texture of each institution is VERY different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

NP. They are different though. Even socially the kids at STA and Sidwell do not mix at all socially. Single sex schools tend to know each their and mix at parties more. My kids are at one of these schools and these schools do not mix socially and do not know each other. Different social worlds, communities etc…

How different could the social worlds and communities possibly be at these two schools??

STA is more "country club" in feeling, vibe and practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This post is so stupid. Stanford or Yale which is better? They are vastly different and yet the same. Wait until your “bright” kid is actually admitted to both for 9th. I mean, fit Sidwell, that’s like what 15 boys? And what 20 at STA? Good luck.

Sidwell has around 128 per grade, so logic would dictate that there are around 74 per grade, which means, yes, around 15 new boys in 19th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post is so stupid. Stanford or Yale which is better? They are vastly different and yet the same. Wait until your “bright” kid is actually admitted to both for 9th. I mean, fit Sidwell, that’s like what 15 boys? And what 20 at STA? Good luck.

Sidwell has around 128 per grade, so logic would dictate that there are around 74 per grade, which means, yes, around 15 new boys in 19th grade.

Sidwell aims to have 125/grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

NP. They are different though. Even socially the kids at STA and Sidwell do not mix at all socially. Single sex schools tend to know each their and mix at parties more. My kids are at one of these schools and these schools do not mix socially and do not know each other. Different social worlds, communities etc…

How different could the social worlds and communities possibly be at these two schools??

STA is more "country club" in feeling, vibe and practice.

We go to STA and we do not belong to a country club anywhere, so I’m uncertain what that feeling, vibe and practice is?

I think there are some who might accuse Sidwell of being snobbish, given the fact that many presidential children go there and thus its name recognition. I did not find it so but dumb name calling goes both ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

NP. They are different though. Even socially the kids at STA and Sidwell do not mix at all socially. Single sex schools tend to know each their and mix at parties more. My kids are at one of these schools and these schools do not mix socially and do not know each other. Different social worlds, communities etc…

How different could the social worlds and communities possibly be at these two schools??

Night and day. They don't mix. STA tends to be more club related and more conservative and preppy overall and Sidwell is not. We are at one of these schools and we do not ever see any parents at the other school but see parents and many other schools in DC. These two communities have zero overlap.

Another poster who says this is absolutely not our experience. My sons at one of these schools have lots of friends at the other and we have many parent friends at both.

Those of you who seem so adamant that there is “zero overlap” either don’t know who your kids’ friends are and who they are hanging out with, or your kids are outliers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

NP. They are different though. Even socially the kids at STA and Sidwell do not mix at all socially. Single sex schools tend to know each their and mix at parties more. My kids are at one of these schools and these schools do not mix socially and do not know each other. Different social worlds, communities etc…

How different could the social worlds and communities possibly be at these two schools??

Night and day. They don't mix. STA tends to be more club related and more conservative and preppy overall and Sidwell is not. We are at one of these schools and we do not ever see any parents at the other school but see parents and many other schools in DC. These two communities have zero overlap.

Another poster who says this is absolutely not our experience. My sons at one of these schools have lots of friends at the other and we have many parent friends at both.

Those of you who seem so adamant that there is “zero overlap” either don’t know who your kids’ friends are and who they are hanging out with, or your kids are outliers.

Maybe in your case but have two kids and have actually asked flat out about Sidwell and GDS and they said they do not hang out with any kids from there and they do not attend any of their parties and vice versa. I know who my kids hang out with and it is not Sidwell, GDS, or Maret.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different schools. Either would be good for a “bright” boy, so you’re going to have to figure out the best fit on your own. As a pp said, start with co-ed vs single-sex, it’s a blatant differentiator.

Can we once and for all put a rest to the redundant term “very different,” especially when describing two $50,000 a year private schools located a mile apart in leafy NW DC?

They are not “very different.” They may be somewhat different, but they are more alike than people who want to sing the praises of the plethora of schools in this area want to concede. OP don’t be an idiot. They are both full of “bright boys,” another meaningless term.

NP. They are different though. Even socially the kids at STA and Sidwell do not mix at all socially. Single sex schools tend to know each their and mix at parties more. My kids are at one of these schools and these schools do not mix socially and do not know each other. Different social worlds, communities etc…

How different could the social worlds and communities possibly be at these two schools??

Night and day. They don't mix. STA tends to be more club related and more conservative and preppy overall and Sidwell is not. We are at one of these schools and we do not ever see any parents at the other school but see parents and many other schools in DC. These two communities have zero overlap.

Another poster who says this is absolutely not our experience. My sons at one of these schools have lots of friends at the other and we have many parent friends at both.

Those of you who seem so adamant that there is “zero overlap” either don’t know who your kids’ friends are and who they are hanging out with, or your kids are outliers.

Maybe in your case but have two kids and have actually asked flat out about Sidwell and GDS and they said they do not hang out with any kids from there and they do not attend any of their parties and vice versa. I know who my kids hang out with and it is not Sidwell, GDS, or Maret.

That’s not true for my Sidwell children. They have friends at most of the DC privates, including STA and NCS. But that’s probably because they’re outgoing, pleasant, athletic, and sociable.