accepted by GDS and rejected by Sidwell (pre-k)--seeking advice

[Anonymous]

New to the forum. I think GDS is a great school but I still like sidwell better. Honestly I don't have GDS's after-school program. I would appreciate a lot some advices on what to do next. If we accept GDS and want to apply for k or first grade in sidwell next year, will it be hard to get good teacher recommendation? As I assume teachers might not like students who want to transfer to other school.
My daughter has exceptionally good concentration noted by everybody and very enthusiatic about learning. She is very independent and creative. I am very sure that she can perform well academically later. She didn't have preschool experience which might have put her at disadvantage in this year's application. And she is bilingal with very limited English. So her WIPSI test ranked 99.9% in nonverbal and 60% in verbal. If we apply for k in sidwell next year, will the chance be better after one year in English spoken school? Thanks a lot!

[Anonymous]

I think if you go to GDS planning to transfer out for K, you are better off putting your daughter in preschool somewhere else and reapplying next year. I think the likelihood of getting into Sidwell in K will still be a long shot (a really long shot) but if you aren't in love with GDS, it probably isn't the right school for you. I say this as a parent of a GDS kid for whom GDS is a great fit. we adore the school. Don't use the afterschool program, though.

[Anonymous]

thanks a lot for your advice. I really have no experience with US schools. I just think a good after-school program can make parents' life easier as I like to spend the weekend with my kids somehow better than just changing from class to class. Except the after-school program, I think GDS is great. Could you please tell me more about GDS? Why you think your kids fit it? I just feel hard to find whether a school fit or not.

[Anonymous]

GDS has a great after school program, I'm not sure why you think it doesn't. My kids have been in ASP since K, and always beg to stay longer.

[Anonymous]

oh, it is good to hear that. Maybe I didn't have a complete picture of their after school program from their website. They didn't offer spanish or basketball or volleyball, ect. Could you please recommend some good after-school program your kids went to in K?

[Anonymous]

If you don't like GDS, don't send your child there. Trying to move a child between such similarly highly regarded programs may often be viewed by the schools as a sign that the parents are a pain. They won't take it out on your kid, but they are not likely to admit her.

When we talk about fit, we mean that the school's approach to education is similar to your child's learning style and your own preference. Some children need a highly structured program that focuses on basic skills rather than larger questions and ideas. And some parents prefer a culture that requires children use "sir/ma'am." You won't find that at GDS.

If your only problem is the after school program, consider the alternatives. What about a part-time nanny? Can you keep your current child care arrangement?

If you are unfamiliar with US schools and being fully bilingual is important, consider Washington International School.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New to the forum. I think GDS is a great school but I still like sidwell better. Honestly I don't have GDS's after-school program. I would appreciate a lot some advices on what to do next. If we accept GDS and want to apply for k or first grade in sidwell next year, will it be hard to get good teacher recommendation? As I assume teachers might not like students who want to transfer to other school.
My daughter has exceptionally good concentration noted by everybody and very enthusiatic about learning. She is very independent and creative. I am very sure that she can perform well academically later. She didn't have preschool experience which might have put her at disadvantage in this year's application. And she is bilingal with very limited English. So her WIPSI test ranked 99.9% in nonverbal and 60% in verbal. If we apply for k in sidwell next year, will the chance be better after one year in English spoken school? Thanks a lot!

What languages does she speak?

[Anonymous]

Spanish.

[Anonymous]

do you think GDS and sidwell are eqaually good in terms of education in writing, history, social interactions?

[Anonymous]

I'm a Sidwell parent. My advice is to accept GDS and move on. GDS is a great school and the admissions process works against your gamble that your daughter will get in next round even with a perfect score.

[Anonymous]

If your child was outright rejected by Sidwell, chances are not good for that he or she will get in for Kindergarten.

If you like GDS, accept and move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:oh, it is good to hear that. Maybe I didn't have a complete picture of their after school program from their website. They didn't offer spanish or basketball or volleyball, ect. Could you please recommend some good after-school program your kids went to in K?

You are ruling out GDS because they don't offer volleyball for a 4 y.o.?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your child was outright rejected by Sidwell, chances are not good for that he or she will get in for Kindergarten.

If you like GDS, accept and move on.

I second this rec. If you did not manage to make the W/L for preK, not clear how your DC will move to admit for the next round.

[Anonymous]

Bilingual with very limited english- does she know 2 languages fluently other than English?

If you mean she speaks your native language and doesn't know English, or another language, she is not bilingual. She is an ELL.

[Anonymous]

Definitely go to GDS ... If you just place DD in preschool and reapply next year, you might end up not getting in anywhere ... Very risky. Definitely go with GDS and decide next year whether you still want to apply again to Sidwell.