Question for Sidwell Parents

[Anonymous]

Why did you choose SFS over other schools?

[Anonymous]

For us, it was Sidwell or our local DCPS. Wasn't interested in other independent schools. Quality of the overall program, the vibe from both the parent and student communities and the richness of the athletics and extracurriculars. It was simply the right fit and weren't interested in shopping for other private schools.

[Anonymous]

Only chose it over public and GDS. I will admit I was swayed a bit by the reputation and was new to the area and impressionable. But it ended up being a great choice for my kids. That was lucky, because I think Sidwell is one of those places that’s the right school for the right kid, but not all kids. Now that I’ve lived in the area for a while, I probably would have seriously considered some of the K-8s if I were applying now. I like the model and the idea that kids can have some choice in pickling their high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Only chose it over public and GDS. I will admit I was swayed a bit by the reputation and was new to the area and impressionable. But it ended up being a great choice for my kids. That was lucky, because I think Sidwell is one of those places that’s the right school for the right kid, but not all kids. Now that I’ve lived in the area for a while, I probably would have seriously considered some of the K-8s if I were applying now. I like the model and the idea that kids can have some choice in pickling their high school.

Not that I'm assuming my dc will have the choice, what is your sense of the right/wrong kid for Sidwell?

[Anonymous]

Chose at pk/k level. Public not a good option because of location and work schedule, and also because I felt private options offered more. All other private schools were great options in terms of academics and other aspects they offer. Mostly just came down to us as parents feeling most comfortable and welcome at Sidwell, and to best commute. Could totally see others making different choice because different people feel comfortable in different environments. Very happy with choice.

Good luck to all.

[Anonymous]

It was the only school that offered DC a spot coming from a K-8. Rejected/waitlisted at STA, GDS, WIS and Maret

[Anonymous]

Are you asking why we chose for any particular grade?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It was the only school that offered DC a spot coming from a K-8. Rejected/waitlisted at STA, GDS, WIS and Maret

This was for 9th? Wow.

[Anonymous]

We chose SFS for 7th with oldest; for 9th with younger. We didn't want a single-sex school for our kids -- though our son did prefer STA, we persuaded him otherwise (not so sure about this now, TBH. ) We wanted a school that would encourage questioning -- we were not disappointed in this respect and it was a great match for our kids. Quaker values resonated with us (though we are not Quakers) -- in this respect, we were disappointed -- the school gives lip service to Quakerism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It was the only school that offered DC a spot coming from a K-8. Rejected/waitlisted at STA, GDS, WIS and Maret

Rejected/waitlisted at WIS and accepted at Sidwell...amazing! Didn’t know WIS was that competitive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only chose it over public and GDS. I will admit I was swayed a bit by the reputation and was new to the area and impressionable. But it ended up being a great choice for my kids. That was lucky, because I think Sidwell is one of those places that’s the right school for the right kid, but not all kids. Now that I’ve lived in the area for a while, I probably would have seriously considered some of the K-8s if I were applying now. I like the model and the idea that kids can have some choice in pickling their high school.

Not that I'm assuming my dc will have the choice, what is your sense of the right/wrong kid for Sidwell?

+1 In your experience, what kind of kid have you seen be happy and do well at Sidwell? And what kind would be less likely to be happy and do well?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only chose it over public and GDS. I will admit I was swayed a bit by the reputation and was new to the area and impressionable. But it ended up being a great choice for my kids. That was lucky, because I think Sidwell is one of those places that’s the right school for the right kid, but not all kids. Now that I’ve lived in the area for a while, I probably would have seriously considered some of the K-8s if I were applying now. I like the model and the idea that kids can have some choice in pickling their high school.

Not that I'm assuming my dc will have the choice, what is your sense of the right/wrong kid for Sidwell?

+1 In your experience, what kind of kid have you seen be happy and do well at Sidwell? And what kind would be less likely to be happy and do well?

NP. We chose SFS for DC due to 1) proximity (don't kid yourself; that's a big issue) and 2) reputation and 3) because during tours, interviews and the whole process, it seemed like the best school for DC. DC also shadow dayed and definitely preferred SFS to our single gender alternative choice.

To answer your other question, IMO SFS is best for kids who are bright in a lot of areas but not superstars in any one area (e.g. sports, arts, math, science, etc.) They do have those kids, but the ones who seem to do best socially and academically are more well rounded. Kids need to be committed to academics -- the work really is hard -- but there are plenty of supports and understanding that this is something that most kids grow into. My DC has loved it and has found a great group of friends. Parent community is great and becomes closer as the kids get older, which is nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We chose SFS for 7th with oldest; for 9th with younger. We didn't want a single-sex school for our kids -- though our son did prefer STA, we persuaded him otherwise (not so sure about this now, TBH. ) We wanted a school that would encourage questioning -- we were not disappointed in this respect and it was a great match for our kids. Quaker values resonated with us (though we are not Quakers) -- in this respect, we were disappointed -- the school gives lip service to Quakerism.

In our Sidwell interview the admissions officer had to Google what the Quaker values are

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It was the only school that offered DC a spot coming from a K-8. Rejected/waitlisted at STA, GDS, WIS and Maret

Rejected/waitlisted at WIS and accepted at Sidwell...amazing! Didn’t know WIS was that competitive.

WIS has become competitive recently!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

To answer your other question, IMO SFS is best for kids who are bright in a lot of areas but not superstars in any one area (e.g. sports, arts, math, science, etc.) They do have those kids, but the ones who seem to do best socially and academically are more well rounded. Kids need to be committed to academics -- the work really is hard -- but there are plenty of supports and understanding that this is something that most kids grow into. My DC has loved it and has found a great group of friends. Parent community is great and becomes closer as the kids get older, which is nice.

I would agree with much of this, but I would add that there are outstanding athletes, outstanding singers, outstanding muscal talent etc. - not everyone, but there is plenty of opportunity for the kids to shine in their selected venue(s) of choice, but ultimately, the kids have to want to take on the academic challenge, because it is very hard to skate through the high school.