Reply to Sidwell vs GDS upper school

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[quote=Anonymous]There are several recent or current families with kids in both high schools-ask the admissions office perhaps to speak to them-but we are one so can offer some information. They are more similar than different, compared to other local schools, and overall are both really great high schools, so would leave it completely up to your DC, based on how each school feels on visiting again, and perhaps also hearing about the character of the particular class now in 8th grade at each school, in relatively small schools this is a major factor and may help decide.
Both schools academically challenging, a full range of courses in all academic subjects.  At Sidwell only allowed 5 academic subjects without special permission, no courses called "APs" although many if not all kids do end up taking 4-7 AP exams by the end of high school.  GDS allows more leeway with taking up to 6 academics and does label classes "AP". Languages seem stronger at GDS, possibly sciences at Sidwell. GDS has the "forum", which really seems to create/allow a very strong sense of community centered on the campus, and kids, whether engaged directly in an extracurricular activity or not, stay at school often working or socializing until mid evening. The campus and library are open every weekday evening. Sidwell shuts up completely at 5pm, there is nothing like the forum, which means more of the community seems to be centered around teams, parties, outside of school activities. Visual arts/drama much stronger and more valued at GDS, choral music great at Sidwell. Athletics overall stronger at Sidwell, but GDS has some fine coaches and teams, so really depends on whether important to your child and which specific sport. Now that all the construction is done, both have nice new athletic centers. Sidwell is more formal, and there doesn't seem to be the closeness between students and administrators that there is at GDS, but there are many strong relationships with individual teachers at Sidwell. The weekly Quaker meeting and Quaker underpinnings of Sidwell have been very positive for my child. Both of my children have been extremely happy socially and academically at both schools. REally can't go wrong either way.  
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