GDS versus Holton

[Anonymous]

Holton is a great school but somehow perceived as a backup option compared to DC private schools. Classes of 24 and 25 from both schools suggest GDS has the upper hand when it comes to college placement, Ivys and what not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Holton is a great school but somehow perceived as a backup option compared to DC private schools. Classes of 24 and 25 from both schools suggest GDS has the upper hand when it comes to college placement, Ivys and what not.

Comparing Ivy placements is not necessarily accurate where you have athletes and legacy admission in the
Mix (could make a school look better than in reality). Having said that I think Holton and gds are good schools, although Holton has a better campus and cafeteria.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holton is a great school but somehow perceived as a backup option compared to DC private schools. Classes of 24 and 25 from both schools suggest GDS has the upper hand when it comes to college placement, Ivys and what not.

Comparing Ivy placements is not necessarily accurate where you have athletes and legacy admission in the
Mix (could make a school look better than in reality). Having said that I think Holton and gds are good schools, although Holton has a better campus and cafeteria.

Athletes and legacy applies to all schools.

[Anonymous]

It is also significantly harder for qualified girls to be accepted than for qualified boys. It's just a numbers game, but you can't compare co-ed stats with all-girls stats for that reason.

[Anonymous]

They’re both great schools. We have a daughter at Holton but my niece and nephew are at GDS. our Holton daughter is very happy, not sporty and we are not super wealthy. The GDS kids are happy too. Go with whichever one felt more comfortable for your family when you visited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holton is a great school but somehow perceived as a backup option compared to DC private schools. Classes of 24 and 25 from both schools suggest GDS has the upper hand when it comes to college placement, Ivys and what not.

Comparing Ivy placements is not necessarily accurate where you have athletes and legacy admission in the
Mix (could make a school look better than in reality). Having said that I think Holton and gds are good schools, although Holton has a better campus and cafeteria.

Athletes and legacy applies to all schools.

Not really. Some schools definitely place a premium on these factors, especially legacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I’ve also had kids at both schools, in the grades you are looking at.

This has been discussed ad nauseam on this board but Holton has really changed in the past several years. A lot of amazing faculty have left, the school is enrolling a lot more girls so the classes aren’t as close. The school is actively catering to a certain type of wealth/class/culture that values sports over academics.

I think if your family belongs to a country club and regularly associates in high income circles, you’ll feel very comfortable at Holton. If you don’t, you (and your daughter) might feel very out of place.

I know the Holton army will come after me for this post (as they always do) but I’m always hoping that families for whom 60k is a financial stretch, don’t commit to a school that caters to the needs of the uber wealthy.

We are a prospective family and this is exactly what I worry about at Holton. I absolutely got the uber wealthy country club vibe, and although I’m sure there are plenty of outliers, we know this isn’t our scene.

In terms of rich families I don’t see much difference between GDS and Holton. Given the cost of tuition, the majority are upper class famiiies. So far my experience in Holton in terms of academics, sports, and diversity has been fantastic. I am a middle class parent of a 6th grader at Holton.

I’ve had kids at both schools. GDS has more class/wealth diversity and doesn’t appear to favor wealthy families. Holton admin is increasingly catering to the ultra-wealthy. This means that your concerns as a non-ultra wealthy parent are not heard from the admin. This is shift from the past Holton admin.

Also re racial diversity, they ask the non-white kids to do all the admissions events but the actual classes are far less diverse, especially the new admits in the past several years.

The statement about catering increasingly to the ultra-wealthy resonates with me.

These schools are 60-70k a year…. Yes. They are for rich people only. Sure, they give aid, but if being in the in crowd is important you better go to a country club and have a house on Nantucket.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They’re both great schools. We have a daughter at Holton but my niece and nephew are at GDS. our Holton daughter is very happy, not sporty and we are not super wealthy. The GDS kids are happy too. Go with whichever one felt more comfortable for your family when you visited.

Thank you. I just wish for a school that offers a safe environment for my daugher where she can thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically where she find her friends for preteen and teen years. College placements are much less a concern for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Had kids attend both high schools recently. There are pros and cons to both. AMA!

Can you elaborate on the pros and cons? Thanks.

Both schools offer great teaching and rigor, boost students confidence through personal attention, encourage student engagement in their school and surrounding communities, have solid college matriculation and successful alumni. The feel of the schools is very different. Holton is much more steeped in tradition/history and generational legacy. Beyond the uniform, there are more rules and less independence for the students. There is often a Holton way of doing things. This Holton way does result in strong programs/clubs year over year. English writing is especially strong in this regard. The curriculum prepares students for college, but due to the smaller size of the student body, does not offer as many course options or activities. Holton gate keeps which level math, history, etc. students can take. Advanced core course offerings are strong across the board, but don't have much variety. Holton has some interesting single trimester electives to help students try out potential interests. The schedule has seven 50 minute periods/day so there are classes multiple days in a row--this results in little control over when homework needs to be done and there is a lot of homework. This may be good for students with attention or executive functioning challenges. Holton has a Global scholars program with summer travel abroad opportunities. They also have a summer science research internship, where 8-10 students get to participate each year. Sports are a bigger part of Holton and school spirit abounds. There are many themed sprit days. Girls figure out early to create strong resumes for college so it can get competitive in classes and for leadership opportunities starting even Freshman year. College counseling is strong--they are decisive and transparent with feedback which helps families a ton during the process.

GDS is more casual in feel and students play a bigger role in molding the school so it's more ever evolving. GDS students are allowed a higher degree of independence being able to leave campus as freshmen. Students often hang out before and after school for sports, clubs or just to spend time with friends as campus stays open every evening. GDS adds in spirited fun throughout the school year to mitigate stress. The course catalog is large with more offerings in every subject area which really helps students find their passion and differentiate their college applications. STEM is very well developed and diverse at GDS. Teaching is fantastic and they have three levels for each math, let students select their course level and offer classes through multi, diff EQ and linear algebra. GDS also has more true upper level offerings in science, computer science, etc. GDS has more offerings in history, English and world language as well. The block schedule with 75 minute classes every other day gives students some control over which night they are going to do homework as it can be a lot and challenging. GDS also has a well developed large summer internship program across many areas of interest and a strong summer Policy Institute. Because GDS offers so many course pathways, clubs and activities, there is more of a "you do you" attitude. College counseling focuses a lot on fit and students tend to pursue a wider range of colleges.

Hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dad had the choice between Holton + GDS + chose Holton because it had both of her sports (while GDS had just one of the two). While she did graduate from HYP after Holton she said the " mean girl problem" was so severe, it made her hate the place. She said she wouldn't go back to a Holton reunion if someone paid her. Her friends at GDS had much more fun.

A single story from years ago hardly gives a sense of the school today. But I understand the desire to do experience research for those that went through the school. We did a similar survey though when we were picking between NCS and Holton back in the day (yes, got in at both) and Holton won hands down. From what I see about the difference in GDS and Holton today, GDS is ultra liberal “self directed” learning style. Holton is down the middle, more structured curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dad had the choice between Holton + GDS + chose Holton because it had both of her sports (while GDS had just one of the two). While she did graduate from HYP after Holton she said the " mean girl problem" was so severe, it made her hate the place. She said she wouldn't go back to a Holton reunion if someone paid her. Her friends at GDS had much more fun.

A single story from years ago hardly gives a sense of the school today. But I understand the desire to do experience research for those that went through the school. We did a similar survey though when we were picking between NCS and Holton back in the day (yes, got in at both) and Holton won hands down. From what I see about the difference in GDS and Holton today, GDS is ultra liberal “self directed” learning style. Holton is down the middle, more structured curriculum.

What about the commute? Is the school bus a reliable way of transportation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Had kids attend both high schools recently. There are pros and cons to both. AMA!

Can you elaborate on the pros and cons? Thanks.

Both schools offer great teaching and rigor, boost students confidence through personal attention, encourage student engagement in their school and surrounding communities, have solid college matriculation and successful alumni. The feel of the schools is very different. Holton is much more steeped in tradition/history and generational legacy. Beyond the uniform, there are more rules and less independence for the students. There is often a Holton way of doing things. This Holton way does result in strong programs/clubs year over year. English writing is especially strong in this regard. The curriculum prepares students for college, but due to the smaller size of the student body, does not offer as many course options or activities. Holton gate keeps which level math, history, etc. students can take. Advanced core course offerings are strong across the board, but don't have much variety. Holton has some interesting single trimester electives to help students try out potential interests. The schedule has seven 50 minute periods/day so there are classes multiple days in a row--this results in little control over when homework needs to be done and there is a lot of homework. This may be good for students with attention or executive functioning challenges. Holton has a Global scholars program with summer travel abroad opportunities. They also have a summer science research internship, where 8-10 students get to participate each year. Sports are a bigger part of Holton and school spirit abounds. There are many themed sprit days. Girls figure out early to create strong resumes for college so it can get competitive in classes and for leadership opportunities starting even Freshman year. College counseling is strong--they are decisive and transparent with feedback which helps families a ton during the process.

GDS is more casual in feel and students play a bigger role in molding the school so it's more ever evolving. GDS students are allowed a higher degree of independence being able to leave campus as freshmen. Students often hang out before and after school for sports, clubs or just to spend time with friends as campus stays open every evening. GDS adds in spirited fun throughout the school year to mitigate stress. The course catalog is large with more offerings in every subject area which really helps students find their passion and differentiate their college applications. STEM is very well developed and diverse at GDS. Teaching is fantastic and they have three levels for each math, let students select their course level and offer classes through multi, diff EQ and linear algebra. GDS also has more true upper level offerings in science, computer science, etc. GDS has more offerings in history, English and world language as well. The block schedule with 75 minute classes every other day gives students some control over which night they are going to do homework as it can be a lot and challenging. GDS also has a well developed large summer internship program across many areas of interest and a strong summer Policy Institute. Because GDS offers so many course pathways, clubs and activities, there is more of a "you do you" attitude. College counseling focuses a lot on fit and students tend to pursue a wider range of colleges.

Hope this helps!

Thank you for this very insightful summary. The question is, how do you know which of these learning styles or environments would be suitable for a kid when they are still in lower school? Would it be possible to switch again for high school if one style doesn't fit? It is so hard to decide in a few days.

[Anonymous]

2026 Best HS in America according to Niche

https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-high-schools/?page=6

GDS: #78
Holton: #113

Best in the DMV area:
https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-private-high-schools/m/washington-dc-metro-area/

GDS: #4
Holton: #9

Ivy League placements of 2024/2025 classes (IG pages).
GDS: 19/18
Holton: 5/11

There goes your answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Holton is a great school but somehow perceived as a backup option compared to DC private schools. Classes of 24 and 25 from both schools suggest GDS has the upper hand when it comes to college placement, Ivys and what not.

Class of 26 is a different story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Had kids attend both high schools recently. There are pros and cons to both. AMA!

Can you elaborate on the pros and cons? Thanks.

Both schools offer great teaching and rigor, boost students confidence through personal attention, encourage student engagement in their school and surrounding communities, have solid college matriculation and successful alumni. The feel of the schools is very different. Holton is much more steeped in tradition/history and generational legacy. Beyond the uniform, there are more rules and less independence for the students. There is often a Holton way of doing things. This Holton way does result in strong programs/clubs year over year. English writing is especially strong in this regard. The curriculum prepares students for college, but due to the smaller size of the student body, does not offer as many course options or activities. Holton gate keeps which level math, history, etc. students can take. Advanced core course offerings are strong across the board, but don't have much variety. Holton has some interesting single trimester electives to help students try out potential interests. The schedule has seven 50 minute periods/day so there are classes multiple days in a row--this results in little control over when homework needs to be done and there is a lot of homework. This may be good for students with attention or executive functioning challenges. Holton has a Global scholars program with summer travel abroad opportunities. They also have a summer science research internship, where 8-10 students get to participate each year. Sports are a bigger part of Holton and school spirit abounds. There are many themed sprit days. Girls figure out early to create strong resumes for college so it can get competitive in classes and for leadership opportunities starting even Freshman year. College counseling is strong--they are decisive and transparent with feedback which helps families a ton during the process.

GDS is more casual in feel and students play a bigger role in molding the school so it's more ever evolving. GDS students are allowed a higher degree of independence being able to leave campus as freshmen. Students often hang out before and after school for sports, clubs or just to spend time with friends as campus stays open every evening. GDS adds in spirited fun throughout the school year to mitigate stress. The course catalog is large with more offerings in every subject area which really helps students find their passion and differentiate their college applications. STEM is very well developed and diverse at GDS. Teaching is fantastic and they have three levels for each math, let students select their course level and offer classes through multi, diff EQ and linear algebra. GDS also has more true upper level offerings in science, computer science, etc. GDS has more offerings in history, English and world language as well. The block schedule with 75 minute classes every other day gives students some control over which night they are going to do homework as it can be a lot and challenging. GDS also has a well developed large summer internship program across many areas of interest and a strong summer Policy Institute. Because GDS offers so many course pathways, clubs and activities, there is more of a "you do you" attitude. College counseling focuses a lot on fit and students tend to pursue a wider range of colleges.

Hope this helps!

Thank you for this very insightful summary. The question is, how do you know which of these learning styles or environments would be suitable for a kid when they are still in lower school? Would it be possible to switch again for high school if one style doesn't fit? It is so hard to decide in a few days.

It is a hard decision. Definitely attend the admitted families event for both schools to see if that helps you get a better feeling about who else will be attending.

Yes it is possible to apply out to switch schools for middle or HS (IMHO 3rd-12th all girls is not enough real world experience collaborating with boys). Both schools are tough HS admits though. For lower school, you might just want to focus on which school feels like a better fit for your family. Holton is more structured/traditional and buttoned-up in feel. Socially it has a more country club vibe--people tend to dress up a little more at school functions and it can feel a bit like everyone knows each other (good if you're part of the in-crowd; otherwise can feel a bit exclusionary). GDS is definitely more progressive/less-structured, casual, intellectual and liberal in feel. GDS has more parent/family events so we found it easier to get to know other families there. YMMV