Sidwell - why don't many families in nw dc apply to sidwell, even though it is one of the top 2?

[Anonymous]

Just curious, as Sidwell is considered to be one of the top 2 schools in the city but i a know many families who aren't even giving it a look but are applying to beauvoir instead and others? These people tend to be rather preppy and I think conservative, but not completely sure of their politics. Is that the reason?

[Anonymous]

Maybe it is b/c it would most likely be a waste of their time and money to apply since there are very few spots open anyway.

[Anonymous]

Is this not the case at other schools such as Beauvoir?

[Anonymous]

nw dc resident here - some folks, myself included, have a decent public school to send their kids to - also if you read a lot of the posts on this board you might be afraid to apply

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just curious, as Sidwell is considered to be one of the top 2 schools in the city but i a know many families who aren't even giving it a look but are applying to beauvoir instead and others? These people tend to be rather preppy and I think conservative, but not completely sure of their politics. Is that the reason?

I think many families from NWDC (and elsewhere) apply to Sidwell. However, your observation is probably true among those NWDC families at my DC's preschool. Not many are interested in Sidwell. Beauvoir and St. Patrick's seem to be the schools of choice.

[Anonymous]

While most of my NW neighbors are liberal, there is a part of them that seeks and old school, stodgy, and yes conservative education. Call them hypocrites, limousine liberals, or WASP wannabes. Thus, the popularity of Beauvoir, St. Pats, NPS and the like.

[Anonymous]

Yep, you got it PP. I actually think you've described people like me very well. While Sidwell might fit my politics, I think it's too liberal an environment for my young kids. (Plus, lower school is really inconvenient, wherever in the 'burbs it's located).

[Anonymous]

Spot on. In my case, most of my neighbors are Bush conservatives and quite openly state that Sidwell is too progressive and not WASPy enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spot on. In my case, most of my neighbors are Bush conservatives and quite openly state that Sidwell is too progressive and not WASPy enough.

The Bush conservatives who flock to Beauvoir/NPS, I get. It's the families at the other end of the political spectrum who also flock there that I find a bit disingenous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spot on. In my case, most of my neighbors are Bush conservatives and quite openly state that Sidwell is too progressive and not WASPy enough.

The Bush conservatives who flock to Beauvoir/NPS, I get. It's the families at the other end of the political spectrum who also flock there that I find a bit disingenous.

Are you saying that only Republicans should apply to Beauvoir???? Are Democrats too liberal for Beauvoir this is silly??? Beauvoir's mock election should tell you how the school feels about Republicans. I am positive the students political views are swayed by their parents.

[Anonymous]

Yes, this poster sounds like they want only their own kind at Beauvoir/NPS, exactly the reason many of those people do not want Sidwell, which is significantly more heterogeneous. Unfortunately, admissions are so competitive that even if those of us who would prefer Sidwell on all counts will also apply to Beauvoir & NPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spot on. In my case, most of my neighbors are Bush conservatives and quite openly state that Sidwell is too progressive and not WASPy enough.

The Bush conservatives who flock to Beauvoir/NPS, I get. It's the families at the other end of the political spectrum who also flock there that I find a bit disingenous.

What's your point? This topic is about Sidwell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spot on. In my case, most of my neighbors are Bush conservatives and quite openly state that Sidwell is too progressive and not WASPy enough.

The Bush conservatives who flock to Beauvoir/NPS, I get. It's the families at the other end of the political spectrum who also flock there that I find a bit disingenous.

I am a current Beauvoir Parent it seems to me that the school is just as liberal as Sidwell if you are referring to liberal in terms of politics. Beauvoir is structured but I think it is a great balance of both liberal and conservative teaching methodologies. Just my thoughts . . .

But like someone else stated this thread is about Sidwell not Beauvoir (Sorry)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yep, you got it PP. I actually think you've described people like me very well. While Sidwell might fit my politics, I think it's too liberal an environment for my young kids. (Plus, lower school is really inconvenient, wherever in the 'burbs it's located).

Sidwell's lower school is in Bethesda, just a bit over the D.C. line. Hardly, sniff, the 'burbs.

[Anonymous]

I think we are not applying b/c NO ONE GETS IN. Save the app. fee.