Edmund Burke

[Anonymous]

It's not that any two schools have comparable matriculation lists – but rather that the same kid will (likely) have comparable college outcomes at both places. A smart, challenge-seeking kid could go to any number of high schools in the DC area and have strong college options. To me, the high school matters more for the experience you have while you're there rather than some advantage it may or may not provide four years from now.

I'd also keep in mind:

- D1 athletic recruitment can really affect these matriculation lists. Some private schools have dozens of recruited athletes, while others may have 0-2. I went to a large private HS known for competitive sports, and many top-tier college outcomes were tied to recruiting.
- Private school classes are small, sometimes very small. You're not going to get a real sense of where graduates go to college from one small senior class. Just a few different decisions can change the picture. I'd look at 4-5 years combined to get a more representative sample.

[Anonymous]

Right so this is saying that if you’re a top student at Burke, you might end up at NEU or Wesleyan?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:New to Burke this year and my child absolutely loves it. He LOVES middle school. How rare is this? He is free to try new things and to be himself. He like the kids in his class and the school does an incredible job at truly teaching social skills and sex Ed (he has learned so much about healthy relationships consent and boundaries). We turned down a big 3 school for Burke bc our child loved it during the tour and shadow day. Best choice we ever made. He is excited for school, challenged and makes great friends. There are some cliques and bullying/meanness but the faculty was incredibly thoughtful in handling these situations from what I have heard. My wife and I went to pressure cooker private schools and Burke is a gem. I wish I could trade my years at Sidwell for a Burke experience

I also went to Sidwell and I am also so glad my kids got to go to Burke. We have been parents there for many years and are so glad to be part of the community. The school has been great for both our kids.

Fun fact - there are several teachers are Burke who are Sidwell alums.

Most parents with kids at Big 3 and Burke seem to prefer Burke. I met someone with a child who went to Sidwell, transferred to Burke, and graduated from Burke. According to this person, Burke was a huge improvement socially. The child then went to a selective college (college admissions results basically the same as for friends from Sidwell).

Burke and Sidwell do not have similar college admissions results. Take a look at their Instagram accounts—night and day.

It’s better to look at Burke’s college admissions list on its website. Only one c/o 2023 student was admitted to an Ivy (Cornell).

https://www.burkeschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-at-burke#

Burke may offer a kinder, gentler high school experience than Sidwell, but the college admissions results are not even close.

Berklee College of Music and St. Andrew's are both at or above Cornell's level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's not that any two schools have comparable matriculation lists – but rather that the same kid will (likely) have comparable college outcomes at both places. A smart, challenge-seeking kid could go to any number of high schools in the DC area and have strong college options. To me, the high school matters more for the experience you have while you're there rather than some advantage it may or may not provide four years from now.

I'd also keep in mind:

- D1 athletic recruitment can really affect these matriculation lists. Some private schools have dozens of recruited athletes, while others may have 0-2. I went to a large private HS known for competitive sports, and many top-tier college outcomes were tied to recruiting.
- Private school classes are small, sometimes very small. You're not going to get a real sense of where graduates go to college from one small senior class. Just a few different decisions can change the picture. I'd look at 4-5 years combined to get a more representative sample.

The T3/T5 DC privates usually have less than a dozen D1 recruits per year.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:New to Burke this year and my child absolutely loves it. He LOVES middle school. How rare is this? He is free to try new things and to be himself. He like the kids in his class and the school does an incredible job at truly teaching social skills and sex Ed (he has learned so much about healthy relationships consent and boundaries). We turned down a big 3 school for Burke bc our child loved it during the tour and shadow day. Best choice we ever made. He is excited for school, challenged and makes great friends. There are some cliques and bullying/meanness but the faculty was incredibly thoughtful in handling these situations from what I have heard. My wife and I went to pressure cooker private schools and Burke is a gem. I wish I could trade my years at Sidwell for a Burke experience

I also went to Sidwell and I am also so glad my kids got to go to Burke. We have been parents there for many years and are so glad to be part of the community. The school has been great for both our kids.

Fun fact - there are several teachers are Burke who are Sidwell alums.

Most parents with kids at Big 3 and Burke seem to prefer Burke. I met someone with a child who went to Sidwell, transferred to Burke, and graduated from Burke. According to this person, Burke was a huge improvement socially. The child then went to a selective college (college admissions results basically the same as for friends from Sidwell).

Burke and Sidwell do not have similar college admissions results. Take a look at their Instagram accounts—night and day.

It’s better to look at Burke’s college admissions list on its website. Only one c/o 2023 student was admitted to an Ivy (Cornell).

https://www.burkeschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-at-burke#

Burke may offer a kinder, gentler high school experience than Sidwell, but the college admissions results are not even close.

Berklee College of Music and St. Andrew's are both at or above Cornell's level.

Based on what? Your feelings?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:New to Burke this year and my child absolutely loves it. He LOVES middle school. How rare is this? He is free to try new things and to be himself. He like the kids in his class and the school does an incredible job at truly teaching social skills and sex Ed (he has learned so much about healthy relationships consent and boundaries). We turned down a big 3 school for Burke bc our child loved it during the tour and shadow day. Best choice we ever made. He is excited for school, challenged and makes great friends. There are some cliques and bullying/meanness but the faculty was incredibly thoughtful in handling these situations from what I have heard. My wife and I went to pressure cooker private schools and Burke is a gem. I wish I could trade my years at Sidwell for a Burke experience

I also went to Sidwell and I am also so glad my kids got to go to Burke. We have been parents there for many years and are so glad to be part of the community. The school has been great for both our kids.

Fun fact - there are several teachers are Burke who are Sidwell alums.

Most parents with kids at Big 3 and Burke seem to prefer Burke. I met someone with a child who went to Sidwell, transferred to Burke, and graduated from Burke. According to this person, Burke was a huge improvement socially. The child then went to a selective college (college admissions results basically the same as for friends from Sidwell).

Burke and Sidwell do not have similar college admissions results. Take a look at their Instagram accounts—night and day.

It’s better to look at Burke’s college admissions list on its website. Only one c/o 2023 student was admitted to an Ivy (Cornell).

https://www.burkeschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-at-burke#

Burke may offer a kinder, gentler high school experience than Sidwell, but the college admissions results are not even close.

Berklee College of Music and St. Andrew's are both at or above Cornell's level.

Based on what? Your feelings?

Ha ha! Good response. My thoughts exactly

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:One thing I love about Burke is that it has encouraged and propelled my high school kid to try new things. Just this year, they picked up two new instruments in one of their music classes. They also tried two new sports for the first time. And my kid just participated in the school musical (Mean Girls), which was fabulous! I love that in addition to the focus on challenging them educationally, students are encouraged to expand their horizons in other ways. They really have the formula down for stretching teens in a manner that is unique to Burke. It’s one of the things I most appreciate about the school!

My kid is also at Burke, but in MS.
Mean Girls was SO GOOD! Congrats to your kid for being part of something so fun and fabulous. What a great show. Our family thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

Are there lots of non-quirky kids there in your experience?

Yes. Lots of non-quirky.

Note: I don’t equate “quirky” to stigmatize a kid with learning (or other) differences or ADHD; I mean the kids that - by outward appearances - are visibly enjoying marching to the beat of their own drum.

I’d say, percentage wise, the amount of non-quirky to quirky is not that much different than most schools. But at Burke kids don’t seem to be teased and/or pushed to attempt to conform by other kids, coaches, or teachers, which may make the “quirky” kids more noticeable — they don’t hide or feel like they must keep to the corners. And I love that — all of the kids are free to be themselves and all groups seem to mix well together. My kid is somewhere in the middle, fwiw, and is comfortable being there and having friends of all kinds and ages.

I’d say that’s largely true but let’s not pretend it’s a utopia without cliques or mean kids. My child’s grade has both for sure. (They have not been the subject of or involved in any bullying incidents, but I have heard of some incidents.)

I'm really sorry to hear this.

My kid hasn't mentioned anything and I haven't head anything from the parents that I know (which, I'll admit, is not that many).

I hope the school is handling things well?

Our friends' DC started this year in US and has had a terrible time; says kids are cliquey and insincere.

My kid is having some trouble in the MS thanks to the cliques. We’re frustrated. And sad for our kid.

IMO they need a bit less focus on DEI and more focus on what’s actually happening around them in order for the school to live up to its desired reputation of inclusivity.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:New to Burke this year and my child absolutely loves it. He LOVES middle school. How rare is this? He is free to try new things and to be himself. He like the kids in his class and the school does an incredible job at truly teaching social skills and sex Ed (he has learned so much about healthy relationships consent and boundaries). We turned down a big 3 school for Burke bc our child loved it during the tour and shadow day. Best choice we ever made. He is excited for school, challenged and makes great friends. There are some cliques and bullying/meanness but the faculty was incredibly thoughtful in handling these situations from what I have heard. My wife and I went to pressure cooker private schools and Burke is a gem. I wish I could trade my years at Sidwell for a Burke experience

I also went to Sidwell and I am also so glad my kids got to go to Burke. We have been parents there for many years and are so glad to be part of the community. The school has been great for both our kids.

Fun fact - there are several teachers are Burke who are Sidwell alums.

Most parents with kids at Big 3 and Burke seem to prefer Burke. I met someone with a child who went to Sidwell, transferred to Burke, and graduated from Burke. According to this person, Burke was a huge improvement socially. The child then went to a selective college (college admissions results basically the same as for friends from Sidwell).

Burke and Sidwell do not have similar college admissions results. Take a look at their Instagram accounts—night and day.

It’s better to look at Burke’s college admissions list on its website. Only one c/o 2023 student was admitted to an Ivy (Cornell).

https://www.burkeschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-at-burke#

Burke may offer a kinder, gentler high school experience than Sidwell, but the college admissions results are not even close.

Berklee College of Music and St. Andrew's are both at or above Cornell's level.

Based on what? Your feelings?

Reality. Berklee College of Music is one of, if not, the best music schools in the world. St. Andrew's in Scotland is also one of the best universities in the world. It's not my fault that you've never heard of them. Neither are easy to get into.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One thing I love about Burke is that it has encouraged and propelled my high school kid to try new things. Just this year, they picked up two new instruments in one of their music classes. They also tried two new sports for the first time. And my kid just participated in the school musical (Mean Girls), which was fabulous! I love that in addition to the focus on challenging them educationally, students are encouraged to expand their horizons in other ways. They really have the formula down for stretching teens in a manner that is unique to Burke. It’s one of the things I most appreciate about the school!

My kid is also at Burke, but in MS.
Mean Girls was SO GOOD! Congrats to your kid for being part of something so fun and fabulous. What a great show. Our family thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

Are there lots of non-quirky kids there in your experience?

Yes. Lots of non-quirky.

Note: I don’t equate “quirky” to stigmatize a kid with learning (or other) differences or ADHD; I mean the kids that - by outward appearances - are visibly enjoying marching to the beat of their own drum.

I’d say, percentage wise, the amount of non-quirky to quirky is not that much different than most schools. But at Burke kids don’t seem to be teased and/or pushed to attempt to conform by other kids, coaches, or teachers, which may make the “quirky” kids more noticeable — they don’t hide or feel like they must keep to the corners. And I love that — all of the kids are free to be themselves and all groups seem to mix well together. My kid is somewhere in the middle, fwiw, and is comfortable being there and having friends of all kinds and ages.

I’d say that’s largely true but let’s not pretend it’s a utopia without cliques or mean kids. My child’s grade has both for sure. (They have not been the subject of or involved in any bullying incidents, but I have heard of some incidents.)

I'm really sorry to hear this.

My kid hasn't mentioned anything and I haven't head anything from the parents that I know (which, I'll admit, is not that many).

I hope the school is handling things well?

Our friends' DC started this year in US and has had a terrible time; says kids are cliquey and insincere.

My kid is having some trouble in the MS thanks to the cliques. We’re frustrated. And sad for our kid.

IMO they need a bit less focus on DEI and more focus on what’s actually happening around them in order for the school to live up to its desired reputation of inclusivity.

I’m not 100% sure what the school can do to force kids to befriend a kid who doesn’t have many friends. This isn’t like Kindergarten. Of course, there should be zero tolerance for bullying.

Yes, there are definitely issues in my child’s MS class and they have been ongoing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:New to Burke this year and my child absolutely loves it. He LOVES middle school. How rare is this? He is free to try new things and to be himself. He like the kids in his class and the school does an incredible job at truly teaching social skills and sex Ed (he has learned so much about healthy relationships consent and boundaries). We turned down a big 3 school for Burke bc our child loved it during the tour and shadow day. Best choice we ever made. He is excited for school, challenged and makes great friends. There are some cliques and bullying/meanness but the faculty was incredibly thoughtful in handling these situations from what I have heard. My wife and I went to pressure cooker private schools and Burke is a gem. I wish I could trade my years at Sidwell for a Burke experience

I also went to Sidwell and I am also so glad my kids got to go to Burke. We have been parents there for many years and are so glad to be part of the community. The school has been great for both our kids.

Fun fact - there are several teachers are Burke who are Sidwell alums.

Most parents with kids at Big 3 and Burke seem to prefer Burke. I met someone with a child who went to Sidwell, transferred to Burke, and graduated from Burke. According to this person, Burke was a huge improvement socially. The child then went to a selective college (college admissions results basically the same as for friends from Sidwell).

Burke and Sidwell do not have similar college admissions results. Take a look at their Instagram accounts—night and day.

It’s better to look at Burke’s college admissions list on its website. Only one c/o 2023 student was admitted to an Ivy (Cornell).

https://www.burkeschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-at-burke#

Burke may offer a kinder, gentler high school experience than Sidwell, but the college admissions results are not even close.

Berklee College of Music and St. Andrew's are both at or above Cornell's level.

Based on what? Your feelings?

Reality. Berklee College of Music is one of, if not, the best music schools in the world. St. Andrew's in Scotland is also one of the best universities in the world. It's not my fault that you've never heard of them. Neither are easy to get into.

Sure. So if you’re not a future world class musician and want to stay in the US for college, if you attend Burke and are a top student, are you limiting your child’s college choices?

Put that same kid in JRHS, I assume she or he would do better in terms of college admissions. (Again, not talking about athletes or musicians. Not talking about kids with learning challenges who need Burke’s small classes and hand holding to succeed.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New to Burke this year and my child absolutely loves it. He LOVES middle school. How rare is this? He is free to try new things and to be himself. He like the kids in his class and the school does an incredible job at truly teaching social skills and sex Ed (he has learned so much about healthy relationships consent and boundaries). We turned down a big 3 school for Burke bc our child loved it during the tour and shadow day. Best choice we ever made. He is excited for school, challenged and makes great friends. There are some cliques and bullying/meanness but the faculty was incredibly thoughtful in handling these situations from what I have heard. My wife and I went to pressure cooker private schools and Burke is a gem. I wish I could trade my years at Sidwell for a Burke experience

I also went to Sidwell and I am also so glad my kids got to go to Burke. We have been parents there for many years and are so glad to be part of the community. The school has been great for both our kids.

Fun fact - there are several teachers are Burke who are Sidwell alums.

Most parents with kids at Big 3 and Burke seem to prefer Burke. I met someone with a child who went to Sidwell, transferred to Burke, and graduated from Burke. According to this person, Burke was a huge improvement socially. The child then went to a selective college (college admissions results basically the same as for friends from Sidwell).

Burke and Sidwell do not have similar college admissions results. Take a look at their Instagram accounts—night and day.

It’s better to look at Burke’s college admissions list on its website. Only one c/o 2023 student was admitted to an Ivy (Cornell).

https://www.burkeschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-at-burke#

Burke may offer a kinder, gentler high school experience than Sidwell, but the college admissions results are not even close.

Berklee College of Music and St. Andrew's are both at or above Cornell's level.

Based on what? Your feelings?

Reality. Berklee College of Music is one of, if not, the best music schools in the world. St. Andrew's in Scotland is also one of the best universities in the world. It's not my fault that you've never heard of them. Neither are easy to get into.

No, the reality is that Juilliard is the best music school. Before Berklee enters the chat, the Curtis Institute, the Manhattan School of Music, and the New England Conservatory of Music would probably be next.

St. Andrews is a fine university, but it’s not even the best in the UK.

Btw, why are you comparing a music school and a Scottish university to Cornell? You are really reaching here, and it still doesn’t help Burke’s middling to mediocre college matriculations. Listen, Burke is not the school to choose for your competitive, academically gifted child. That’s not Burke’s lane, and that’s perfectly fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:New to Burke this year and my child absolutely loves it. He LOVES middle school. How rare is this? He is free to try new things and to be himself. He like the kids in his class and the school does an incredible job at truly teaching social skills and sex Ed (he has learned so much about healthy relationships consent and boundaries). We turned down a big 3 school for Burke bc our child loved it during the tour and shadow day. Best choice we ever made. He is excited for school, challenged and makes great friends. There are some cliques and bullying/meanness but the faculty was incredibly thoughtful in handling these situations from what I have heard. My wife and I went to pressure cooker private schools and Burke is a gem. I wish I could trade my years at Sidwell for a Burke experience

I also went to Sidwell and I am also so glad my kids got to go to Burke. We have been parents there for many years and are so glad to be part of the community. The school has been great for both our kids.

Fun fact - there are several teachers are Burke who are Sidwell alums.

Most parents with kids at Big 3 and Burke seem to prefer Burke. I met someone with a child who went to Sidwell, transferred to Burke, and graduated from Burke. According to this person, Burke was a huge improvement socially. The child then went to a selective college (college admissions results basically the same as for friends from Sidwell).

Burke and Sidwell do not have similar college admissions results. Take a look at their Instagram accounts—night and day.

It’s better to look at Burke’s college admissions list on its website. Only one c/o 2023 student was admitted to an Ivy (Cornell).

https://www.burkeschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-at-burke#

Burke may offer a kinder, gentler high school experience than Sidwell, but the college admissions results are not even close.

Berklee College of Music and St. Andrew's are both at or above Cornell's level.

Based on what? Your feelings?

Reality. Berklee College of Music is one of, if not, the best music schools in the world. St. Andrew's in Scotland is also one of the best universities in the world. It's not my fault that you've never heard of them. Neither are easy to get into.

No, the reality is that Juilliard is the best music school. Before Berklee enters the chat, the Curtis Institute, the Manhattan School of Music, and the New England Conservatory of Music would probably be next.

St. Andrews is a fine university, but it’s not even the best in the UK.

Btw, why are you comparing a music school and a Scottish university to Cornell? You are really reaching here, and it still doesn’t help Burke’s middling to mediocre college matriculations. Listen, Burke is not the school to choose for your competitive, academically gifted child. That’s not Burke’s lane, and that’s perfectly fine.

It's Julliard and Berklee at the top.

Those better UK universities, Oxford and Cambridge, are much better than Cornell. I think it's fair to say that St. Andrew's, the LSE and Edinburgh are equal to Cornell, Brown, Dartmouth and Penn.

Music school and an overseas university may not be everyone's cup of tea but for those for which it is they are both very prestigious and difficult to get into which is the criteria you all seem to be judging things on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:New to Burke this year and my child absolutely loves it. He LOVES middle school. How rare is this? He is free to try new things and to be himself. He like the kids in his class and the school does an incredible job at truly teaching social skills and sex Ed (he has learned so much about healthy relationships consent and boundaries). We turned down a big 3 school for Burke bc our child loved it during the tour and shadow day. Best choice we ever made. He is excited for school, challenged and makes great friends. There are some cliques and bullying/meanness but the faculty was incredibly thoughtful in handling these situations from what I have heard. My wife and I went to pressure cooker private schools and Burke is a gem. I wish I could trade my years at Sidwell for a Burke experience

I also went to Sidwell and I am also so glad my kids got to go to Burke. We have been parents there for many years and are so glad to be part of the community. The school has been great for both our kids.

Fun fact - there are several teachers are Burke who are Sidwell alums.

Most parents with kids at Big 3 and Burke seem to prefer Burke. I met someone with a child who went to Sidwell, transferred to Burke, and graduated from Burke. According to this person, Burke was a huge improvement socially. The child then went to a selective college (college admissions results basically the same as for friends from Sidwell).

Burke and Sidwell do not have similar college admissions results. Take a look at their Instagram accounts—night and day.

It’s better to look at Burke’s college admissions list on its website. Only one c/o 2023 student was admitted to an Ivy (Cornell).

https://www.burkeschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-at-burke#

Burke may offer a kinder, gentler high school experience than Sidwell, but the college admissions results are not even close.

Berklee College of Music and St. Andrew's are both at or above Cornell's level.

Based on what? Your feelings?

Reality. Berklee College of Music is one of, if not, the best music schools in the world. St. Andrew's in Scotland is also one of the best universities in the world. It's not my fault that you've never heard of them. Neither are easy to get into.

Sure. So if you’re not a future world class musician and want to stay in the US for college, if you attend Burke and are a top student, are you limiting your child’s college choices?

Put that same kid in JRHS, I assume she or he would do better in terms of college admissions. (Again, not talking about athletes or musicians. Not talking about kids with learning challenges who need Burke’s small classes and hand holding to succeed.)

The honest answer is that the real top students will be competitive regardless of high school. For the average and above average, which is what most of our darling gifted children are, public school provides the most advantage for college admissions. JRHS is better for that than Sidwell, NCS, and whatever other private school you think is superior.

Al Gore got into Harvard because he was a Senator's son not because he went to St. Alban's.

[Anonymous]

Or to put it this way, 25% of last year's senior class matriculated at highly selective colleges and universities.

You may not like their choices, and their choices do skew towards small liberal arts schools, but you cannot claim that those schools are easy to get into.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:New to Burke this year and my child absolutely loves it. He LOVES middle school. How rare is this? He is free to try new things and to be himself. He like the kids in his class and the school does an incredible job at truly teaching social skills and sex Ed (he has learned so much about healthy relationships consent and boundaries). We turned down a big 3 school for Burke bc our child loved it during the tour and shadow day. Best choice we ever made. He is excited for school, challenged and makes great friends. There are some cliques and bullying/meanness but the faculty was incredibly thoughtful in handling these situations from what I have heard. My wife and I went to pressure cooker private schools and Burke is a gem. I wish I could trade my years at Sidwell for a Burke experience

I also went to Sidwell and I am also so glad my kids got to go to Burke. We have been parents there for many years and are so glad to be part of the community. The school has been great for both our kids.

Fun fact - there are several teachers are Burke who are Sidwell alums.

Most parents with kids at Big 3 and Burke seem to prefer Burke. I met someone with a child who went to Sidwell, transferred to Burke, and graduated from Burke. According to this person, Burke was a huge improvement socially. The child then went to a selective college (college admissions results basically the same as for friends from Sidwell).

Burke and Sidwell do not have similar college admissions results. Take a look at their Instagram accounts—night and day.

It’s better to look at Burke’s college admissions list on its website. Only one c/o 2023 student was admitted to an Ivy (Cornell).

https://www.burkeschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-at-burke#

Burke may offer a kinder, gentler high school experience than Sidwell, but the college admissions results are not even close.

Berklee College of Music and St. Andrew's are both at or above Cornell's level.

Based on what? Your feelings?

Reality. Berklee College of Music is one of, if not, the best music schools in the world. St. Andrew's in Scotland is also one of the best universities in the world. It's not my fault that you've never heard of them. Neither are easy to get into.

Sure. So if you’re not a future world class musician and want to stay in the US for college, if you attend Burke and are a top student, are you limiting your child’s college choices?

Put that same kid in JRHS, I assume she or he would do better in terms of college admissions. (Again, not talking about athletes or musicians. Not talking about kids with learning challenges who need Burke’s small classes and hand holding to succeed.)

The honest answer is that the real top students will be competitive regardless of high school. For the average and above average, which is what most of our darling gifted children are, public school provides the most advantage for college admissions. JRHS is better for that than Sidwell, NCS, and whatever other private school you think is superior.

Al Gore got into Harvard because he was a Senator's son not because he went to St. Alban's.

2024 college admissions results says you’re wrong. Go to Instagram and compare how JR and SWW are doing, compared to Sidwell when it comes to Ivy+ admissions. And before you start down that road, many of Sidwell’s Ivy admits are not hooked (sports recruits, legacies or URMs). On the other hand, many SWW and JR students are Ivy legacies and URMs.