GDS or Sidwell for HS

[Anonymous]

For a bright, sensitive, quiet, and not-good-at-sport girl, which would be a better fit? Academically she is strong at both STEM and humanities.

[Anonymous]

Did she just get into both? If so, do a visit day at both and let her decide. We had DDs at both schools for HS, and really much much more similar than they are different (in terms of academics, opportunities, college matriculation) but have quite different feels socially, and that actually can vary class to class since the schools are quite small, so she should make the choice based on what feels right to her. What does she like to do outside academics? GDS has an incredible theater program, and also strong visual arts and dance. Sidwell has a great chorus program, the Quaker focus which some kids really like and resonate with.

[Anonymous]

Actually, GDS has a really good vocal music program as well.

[Anonymous]

Actually, GDS has an equally strong Quaker focus, which really, really resonates with some kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Actually, GDS has an equally strong Quaker focus, which really, really resonates with some kids.

Love the dry wit. You made me laugh out loud.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations from a GDS parent. You can't go wrong with either school from an academic perspective, so the most important thing is for your DD to be happy about the choice. So have her visit again and let her make the decision herself so she can own it herself.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks everyone for the advice. Yes we have scheduled visits. I think culturally GDS might be a better fit as she is not as well rounded as most Sidwell kids; but she is afraid that GDS academics is not as rigorous as Sidwell.

[Anonymous]

My DD holds an offer from GDS and based on my research you can excel academically. I remember the AD pointing out in the tour that they specially design classes to challenge top kids academically. I was very impressed with that.

Love Love this school. Now just need to persuade DD to take the offer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Actually, GDS has an equally strong Quaker focus, which really, really resonates with some kids.

And it was the Obamas' first choice, but then the Secret Service had questions about the traffic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Actually, GDS has an equally strong Quaker focus, which really, really resonates with some kids.

Love the dry wit. You made me laugh out loud.

Don't forget the pipeline to Harvard.

[Anonymous]

Happy Sidwell parent here. Trust your instincts re which is culturally best for your daughter -- those things matter. Am sure GDS can meet her academic needs.

[Anonymous]

Academically, history/social science is the weak link at GDS. If her academic interests are in STEM and language/literature, then challenge should be no issue.

[Anonymous]

Congrats - What a great place to be - see where she feels best? Does she have friends at either one?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Academically, history/social science is the weak link at GDS. If her academic interests are in STEM and language/literature, then challenge should be no issue.

I've had 2 at SFS and I'd say the English and history departments are by far the strongest at the school, followed by math. Science is ok, but nothing special. If your DD is STEM oriented then maybe take a close look at the GDS science dept.

My kids never did computer science at Sidwell but by all accounts that teacher (a woman) is fantastic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Academically, history/social science is the weak link at GDS. If her academic interests are in STEM and language/literature, then challenge should be no issue.

Actually, I think history is a strength at GDS HS. Some of the best teachers are in the history department, and lots of kids do original research. Both my kids did independent studies through the history department, and one expects to publish their work.