What type of kid does Sidwell look for?

[Anonymous]

Yes. Each of these schools has many more applicants than they can accomodate. All of these schools are looking for the top kids in the area. They break the admits down by gender, race, sibling preference, where the children went to school previously, etc. The odds are never good.

[Anonymous]

As a former teacher and current SFS parents, I can say that sure, a kid who is inquisitive and comfortable speaking up will always make a good impression on adults, but, returning to OP's initial post, smirking and asking questions just for the sake of annoying adults -- parents or teachers -- are not synonymous with a genuine curiosity and passion to learn. Nor are those latter, desirable qualities inconsistent with being respectful and showing good manners.