GDS v. Sidwell
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Anonymous
| Can any parents with personal experience[u] give me some insight into the major differences between GDS and Sidwell. Is one appreciably less intense? Homework load? Social problems (i.e. drug use in the US, rampant materialism, cliquishness, bullying)? I'd be grateful for any first-hand information about how the two schools differentiate themselves from each other. Please be nice and avoid hyperbole if possible. Thank you in advance for your help! |
Anonymous
| Biggest difference: GDS has cheaper tuition, and its capital campaign is essentially in the rear view mirror, whereas Sidwell's is coming soon. |
Anonymous
| There are plenty of families with kids at both schools. It mostly boils down to 1) which one you can gain admissions and if both 2) which one has a "feel" fit, because they feel different. They are both rigorous academic schools. |
Anonymous
| Whichever you get into. Then you decide (or not). |
Anonymous
| TBH, I didn't think the differences mattered much. Co-ed, larger student body, super strong academics, very bright diverse student body. DC only wanted to apply to one but we insisted that DC pick another school for options besides our local public. We thought DC might choose one easier to get into, but GDS & SFS were what DC decided on. But, DC had very strong feelings about the (small) differences - Quaker/secular, first name use, dining services etc. Being a teenager, DC's opinion also was heavily influenced by the personalities of the students DC knew at the two schools. |
Anonymous
| Thank you for the replies! I have a quick follow-up: we are a solidly middle-class family, very down to earth. Would either school be a better "fit" for us along that metric? Thanks again for the help. |
Anonymous
Both schools have plenty. |
Anonymous
| OP, have you already applied for fall 2020? If so, just wait and see what options you have on announcement day. The decision will likely be made for you. |
Anonymous
| Ten years ago, more families given the choice between Sidwell and GDS would choose Sidwell. Today, that has reversed. GDS is the more sought-after school. |
Anonymous
Other than your opinion, do you have any evidence to back up that statement? |
Anonymous
We have 1 in both and over the years, we have felt like we have “less than” in a $ standpoint from the GDS parent community than the Sidwell one. Academically, Sidwell is tougher, but we are finding GDS to be more thoughtful learning. |
Anonymous
Yeah, this. Feel lucky if your DC even gets into one. It's highly unlikely that you'll get to choose between both. |
Anonymous
| GDS is more liberal. |
Anonymous
Of course not, because there is none. I don't know anyone who would pick GDS over Sidwell. |
Anonymous
Maybe you should expand your circle of acquaintances. I know many kids who chose GDS over Sidwell. |