Field vs SSFS

[Anonymous]

Our kid is at Field. They love the school. They have made good friends, have engaged in interesting projects and are being challenged academically. It is a small and intimate feeling school, so not a good fit for a kid who is looking for a large school and/o a large robust athletics program. Paying for this is not easy for us at all and we worry about how long we can manage it. Field seems very stable to us. We also loved SSFS but Field’s location was more manageable for us.

[Anonymous]

We had a poor disappointing experience at Field. More than half the kids were needing accommodations and took up all the oxygen the faculty ( who were very young and gossipy) had. We also got hit with many more extra fees than we’d planned for making it way more money for the value …DC was bored. Unchallenged and unimpressed by any of the leadership.

[Anonymous]

We love SSFS and chose it over Field. Warm, inclusive school. Great teachers. Happy kid. Kids' BFF is at Field and loves it too.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SSFS is somewhat more diverse and more traditional (i.e. they have AP classes while Field does not). I don't think Field's academics are any stronger.

+1

Both are great but they have some real differences. SSFS is more racially and economically diverse. SSFS is more traditional in teaching style. SSFS takes sports more seriously. Both offer individual attention but Field seems more flexible.

[Anonymous]

Reviving this discussion because I think we will end up making a decision between the two.

If location is not a dealbreaker (one school is closer to home but the other is closer to work), and tuition is not a factor (with aid awards they come out similarly), which school would you choose?

What are extra costs at each school not included in the tuition?

[Anonymous]

Extra costs at Field are transportation and lunch (and Costa Rica trip for 8th grade). You also need to buy your kid a Mac Book at the start but that’s one and done, assuming your kid treats it well. If you don’t need transportation and you pack a lunch for your kid, then you won’t have those costs. There are some optional trips with Model UN, Intersession, etc., that are extra. If you’re on FA, those trips are typically discounted at your FA %, but ask the admissions office for confirmation.

[Anonymous]

The schools are similar and different at the same time. The student body is somewhat similar in terms of the kind of kids that thrive. Field is very much a “NW DC” private school in the sense that the families are largely wealthy, do things that wealthy families do (drive expensive cars, go on expensive trips, wear expensive clothes, play at country clubs) while SSFS is a bit more upper middle class. I know that sounds crass but I think others would agree.

If you dig the concept of being at a school that feels a bit like a fresh hotel surrounded by high-earning professionals that are part of the DC scene, go with Field. If you find that repulsive, go with SSFS. If you are somewhere in between, let your kid decide. The vibes are sufficiently different that a shadow day at each should be helpful.

[Anonymous]

This is very helpful, thanks! Can anyone speak to the differences in the theater program and classes at each? (Or strengths/weaknesses)

[Anonymous]

Can’t comment on SSFS but Field’s theater program is a major focus, well supported and well done.

[Anonymous]

I respect the diversity of perception and opinion, and it’s possible that SSFS is more middle class by some measurement, but my Field kids have had very middle class friend groups. Field gives almost $3 million in financial aid and that goes to families that are certainly not wealthy.
Although both schools might feel doable because one is near your home and one is near your work, a long commute does take a toll on your kid. At either school they may end up with a close friend that lives several miles away, but it seems like the closer you live to the school the easier it is to build and sustain friendships. So if you feel like everything else is equal, that could be an important decider.

[Anonymous]

Is this for middle school or high school? We are a middle school family at SSFS and I think they do a particularly good job of understanding middle school kids. They seem to know what to elevate vs what to help smooth over in the social stuff and academically the teachers are very thoughtful about building organization and executive function skills that build year by year. I hear good things about the high school but we aren’t there yet.

[Anonymous]

PS I also like that there are 50-60 kids per grade in middle school. Small middle schools can be dicey based in the cohort so a little larger seems better to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this for middle school or high school? We are a middle school family at SSFS and I think they do a particularly good job of understanding middle school kids. They seem to know what to elevate vs what to help smooth over in the social stuff and academically the teachers are very thoughtful about building organization and executive function skills that build year by year. I hear good things about the high school but we aren’t there yet.

For 9th grade

[Anonymous]

Do you wanna feel like you’re at a country club or a summer camp? 6 of one half dozen of the other as they say. In the end I would choose the shortest commute if these are your top 2 choices

[Anonymous]

We actually picked between these very two schools. We all ended up liking both and thought DS could be happy at either. Teachers at SSFS are a little more seasoned but otherwise I think both schools are warm, progressive, kind environments with SSFS being a little less progressive (educationally - socially it is very liberal) and more structured. We chose SSFS. But the folks above alluding to the different vibes are totally correct. Go to the accepted kids events and I think you will quickly know which is right for your child and family.