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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I've  watched this play out very closely for 3 years:  I have DCPS kids (3) who are in Big3 high schools.  best friends are at Walls.

Your kids will work much harder at Sidwell and learn more but they'll get into a better college from Walls.  ([b]But does high school have to be this challenging?  That is the question[/b].)  The school spirit part of high school may be better at Sidwell. [/quote]

This is a valid question - especially at this time of year with Seniors getting college admissions results. It can feel demoralizing to have worked so hard for 4 years with what feels (to them) like no result. It's hard for the kids to see the big picture of what they (genuinely) gained by going to a hard intense school like Sidwell. As a parent, it's hard to know which would have been better. (Although my child didn't have Walls as an option - I might choose that to be honest)

I recognize that many kids that choose Sidwell at HS are wired to be hard workers and buy into the grind. They purposely choose this option and dive in - but would it play out differently for them in a less intense environment? Would they have worked just as hard at the other school? Or would they still work hard but have less stress and more time for other activities. This is all unknown.

In your decision, it's important to keep in mind how your child will navigate in an intense environment with other heavy hitters. Are they resilient? Will they stay in their lane and not worry about how they are faring compared to others? Mental health and self-confidence are important.

As for college (we do not care about Ivy, but) remember that Ivy admits of unhooked "happens" but is very small and only among the very top. The vast majority of Ivy admits have a hook.

Good luck on having two great options.  [/quote]

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