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GDS or Maret?
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Anonymous
| GDS! For people who don't get what it's all about, it's too bad... an amazing, AMAZING place... caters to all types of kids, makes/allows them to be themselves and teaches kids how to be confident, well-adjusted individuals, critical thinkers and problem solvers... not to mention GDS is never self-satisfied as a school... the community is always pushing to do more, be even better... just a great school! |
Anonymous
How so? |
Anonymous
I just went to Sidwell's site and looked at their upper school curriculum guide, PDF. It actually looks about the same, if not less compared to what Maret offers, which speaks volumes to the opportunities that are available at Maret academically in addition to the added bonus of small class size. |
Anonymous
And now, I just went to GDS's website and looked at their PDF of courses in the Upper School, and for humanities, it actually looks very similar to what Maret offers, if not less again. Before people post nonsense on here about which school provides what, perhaps they should look at very public information listed on all of the websites of these schools. |
Anonymous
|
I just went to Sidwell's site and looked at their upper school curriculum guide, PDF. It actually looks about the same, if not less compared to what Maret offers, which speaks volumes to the opportunities that are available at Maret academically in addition to the added bonus of small class size.
Um.... the materials on the websites are general and not overly specific... I agree with the PPs -- how can a school that is SO small have the same number of classes and charge the same tuition?!?!? No way! |
Anonymous
Um.... the materials on the websites are general and not overly specific... I agree with the PPs -- how can a school that is SO small have the same number of classes and charge the same tuition?!?!? No way! No, the websites have the CURRICULUM GUIDES posted--in other words, ALL of the classes offered to upper/middle/lower schoolers. Really. it is all there. You just need to look at it. It tells you all of the classes that kids can take. Honest. It is completely specific, in every way, about each of the classes that are offered in every department, which ones are one semester or all year long, years they are offered, etc. It amazes me that people post on here without even checking on the websites of these schools. IT IS ALL ON THEIR WEBSITES. |
Anonymous
| We choose GDS over Maret. Liked them both, but felt that GDS was a better fit for our child (not based on any quantifiable characteristics, it was more a visceral/gut reaction). Turns out that DC loves GDS and we are thrilled with our decision, but have a feeling that results would have been the same had we chosen Maret. I don't think you can go wrong with either - would advise parents to follow their instincts, chose based on what they think is best for their child and then cross your fingers and hope for the best. |
Anonymous
| Keep in mind we are talking about high school, not college. Kids still need to take the basics including 4 years of English/Lit, Bio, Chem, Physics, language, 3-4 years of math, World History, US history, etc, and that fills pretty much 75-80% of their schedule over 4 years. So how many of these fabulous offerings at any of these schools can the kids realistically take? |
Anonymous
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Had the choice, ran the risk, waited an additional year, and took Maret. Have two completely different kids, and both are having their needs met completely.
As for looking at senior-level course, that is BS. If you are applying for Kindergarten, can you honestly say that you know where you will be in 13 years? You go with the hope that the kids will be there for 13 years, but any good parent should reassess their kid's needs on an ongoing basis. Best bet, go with your gut. We walked into both schools, impressed with both, but there was "something" with Maret for us. Can't go wrong with either, though. The junk above is just pride and ego getting in the way of good advice. |
Anonymous
| Both are great schools. Pick the one that feels right. |
Anonymous
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GDS's middle school is amazing. Everyone there thinks middle schoolers are the coolest people. (How often have you heard that?!) The assignments are challenging, well-supported, and creative. My metaphor for it is a solid floor and no ceiling. And the kids themselves are a delight to teach. I've been guest-lecturing in the 8th grade for a number of years now and it's always a pleasure.
Not to slight the lower school (which my daughter attends) or the high school -- just to point out that middle school is a part of GDS I wouldn't want my kid to miss. |
Anonymous
completely agree with PP's comments... My child loved her experience in middle school... GDS does a fantastic job of supporting the kids during the tough teen years... teaching them respect and confidence... self-esteem and smarts... great place! |
Anonymous
Well. It just pails and pails and pails in buckets it's just...literary genius not withstanding, it's just pail, man. |
Anonymous
| Beyond the pail, in fact! |
Anonymous
| DS admitted to both for 4th grade next year. We feel incredibly lucky to have this choice, but are struggling with the decision. This thread is pretty old, so I'd love to hear from current parents about which they chose and why. TIA. |