Tell me about the Sheridan School
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Anonymous
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The HOS is a mix of party kooky & part cool. The kids love him though. I've heard of his personal commitment to philanthropy and how he's personally put kids through schools (Sheridan and others). From our standpoint, he seems like the real deal. But we've never had any problems or any real reason to interact with him since our child started, aside from the hellos and goodbyes when we see him in the halls. Our adult interactions are with the teachers there, who are again, fabulous, passionate, communicative and have an appreciation for each individual child. Kids do NOT get lost there.
We have a 4th grader at Sheridan and its been a wonderful experience. We are thinking about moving her someplace else for middle school, starting in grade 5 or 6. Not at all because we are unhappy, but because we think a larger school might serve her well for the middle years, provide broader opportunities in athletics and the arts. But its hard to think about leaving Sheridan, and she has not asked to leave. So, she may just stay where she is. It aint broke, so why try to fix it. We'll have to make a move for 9th anyway, at which time she'll get all the broader experiences I mentioned above anyway. |
Anonymous
| My child attended Sheridan K-8, and loved it. We continue to give to the annual fund. Her class went their different ways for high school, but many are still in touch, and will be lifelong friends. Some are still in touch with their K-8 teachers. Academics and arts are top-notch. At any school, especially a small one, I would advise parents to make a serious effort to ensure their children have a wide circle of friends outside of school, through the neighborhood, outside sports, religious community, etc. This would counter the 'claustrophobia' some fear. Many Sheridan kids play sports outside of school, so the lack of big playing fields is not an issue. Sheridan does have PE and several team sports. The Sheridan commitment to community is most impressive. Kids are paired up younger/older with buddies in other grades. They interact throughout the year and are truly kind to each other and enjoy each other's company. |
Anonymous
| I am the mother of color at Sheridan who has a son currently in 8th. I forgot to add one thing. It all depends on what you are looking for, but our son is an elite athlete (plays soccer at the National level and runs in the Junior Olympics). That said, we knew that Sheridan's athletics would not have matched his level so we kept the decision of the school separate to his athletic development program. We had him play soccer at a club outside of school and run track with a club as well. If you have a kid gifted in that area, club is the way to go and too it allows them the opportunity to bond and make other friends outside of school. We also wanted him to be able to focus on his academics during school hours and not have to be distracted leaving class early and have that pressure take away from his experience there or to be able to also have the choice to take part playing with a team if he felt to. This worked out really well for him. So don't let the aspect of a small school or level of athletics stand in the way of finding a good fit inclusive of an academic and nuturing environment for your child especially during the elementary and middle school years. Hope that is helpful as well. |
Anonymous
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What I love about the small classes and one of each class is that it taught my child that in this world there would be people that we love and those we find difficult to get along with. Not having an escape door of asking to be moved to another class would ultimately prolong and prevent this life lesson. The experience where we have to interact and deal with different characterics and personalities. Children eventually figure it out and Sheridan has the resources and encourages them to find ways to figure it out and to all get along.
Now I know for sure that my child could go anywhere and deal with issues. That no one is perfect because in the real world in a job you have to find ways to get along with your colleagues whether you love them or not. What better way to discover this journey through your elementary and middle school years and arm yourself with the confidence and tools to deal with the issues of life. |
Anonymous
| Great post! I am interested in Sheridan as well and this is helpful. As to diversity, yes, diversity to some may mean just african americans. And rightfully so. It is important for black children to go to school with children who look like them and see teachers who look like them teaching (even if it is one or two). A european from portugal simply does not, in my view, constitute diversity. |
Anonymous
| At Sheridan you will definitely see people of color inclusive of African Americans, Caribbean and African. A good sprinkle of the international mix. More teachers of color have been included both male and female as well and most importantly a Diversity position that focuses on all subject matter connected to diversity and it is an African American male hired in that job! Could not ask for more. |
Anonymous
My child's best friend at Sheridan is half Asian and half Hispanic [latin american]. His seatmate is 100% Asian. I wonder if they would agree with you that the only kids who are "rightfully" considered diverse are those children with black skin? In any case, I do agree with a pp that the school is a welcoming space for kids of every hue, from every definition of "a family" [MM, MF, FF, female-only etc]. Please come check it out and consider popping into the fall carnival later this month for some unscripted time! |
Anonymous
| What day is the fall carnival? This sounds like an awesome school and well worth visiting. |
Anonymous
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Fall Fair & Book Fair
When Sun, October 28, 1pm – 4pm It's held on the playground and parking lot, no tickets needed or anything. Interested families should stop by because it's an excellent way to gauge the broader community for yourself, all at once. |
Anonymous
| The thing about Sheridan is this - it was the second choice for almost every family enrolled. When GDS/Beauvoir acceptances did not come through, Sheridan was the safety. I think this is a great humbling experience for many. Maybe as a result, the families here seem nicer than many others I meet from other DC private schools. They also come in, I think, with the attitude that we're here, let's make the best of it, The other thing about Sheridan is this - all said families end up loving the place and years down the road believe being rejected/waitlisted at the likes of GDS/Beauvoir was a true blessing in disguise. |
Anonymous
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Anonymous
Totally disagree. 1st grade mom here and my child is in a class with other kids whose parents clearly had Sheridan as their #1 choice. And this year's new K class has about 15 sibling kids in it. Yes, its easier to make the choice for the 2nd kid when you are so happy with the 1st kid's positive experience. But it debunks the notion that Sheridan is folks' "second choice". I cannot tell you how many parents I have talked to who have said that upon coming to hear the HOS speak, that it was the ONLY school that they even applied to. Nevertheless, regardless of whether its your #1 choice or not, its an AMAZING school and it thoughtful and conscientious in everything it does. We are so proud to be a part of the wonderful community at Sheridan and that takes nothing at all away from the wonderful communities that also exist at other schools. |
Anonymous
| Sheridan was our first choice. We only applied to two schools, got into both and were thrilled that Sheridan accepted us. We are in the current K class and it is absolutely amazing. Some of the most incredibly down to earth and welcoming parents, and smartest & funniest kids we have ever met. The class in and of itself is diverse in EVERY way. The school has taken a deliberate approach to multicultural education and everything that Sheridan does is reinforced at every level. We are just in love with the school. Its a hidden gem for sure and is certainly everything it promises to be and then some. |
Anonymous
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We are in our third year at Sheridan now. Overall a sweet school with an interesting parent community, and quite diverse.
As for specific experiences, we very much liked kindergarden, were less impressed with 1st grade (but they moved a strong teacher there now, apparently realizing they had to do something), and love 2nd grade. We are also impressed with their science program. Another strong point is the fabulous school councellor. That doesn't mean that we wouldn't complain about some things - no school is perfect (and no parent) - but we're glad we have our children there. It also doesn't mean that there wouldn't be other equally good schools. When we applied we also liked GDS, for example, but didn't get in. And, yes, if your school district is Jeanny, Murch, Hirsch or Lafayette, your local public school isalso an excellent option. |
Anonymous
After having read through some posts, a couple of additions: we also wish elementary school math was stronger, but this seems a common problem in DC private schools. And one thing I could do without is Mountain Campus - while I love the outdoors, facilities there are very basic, the kind of stuff you put up with as a teenager but not necessarily in your 40s. Most kids and many parents love it though, hence we just make a straight face and go through the ordeal 
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