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[quote=Anonymous]I have children at the lower school.  Here are my views.  I really appreciate and respect the school and how it's educating my children - even more so than when my children started there several years ago - so recognize that I come from that perspective.
[quote]We simply want a great, academically challenging and individually focused education.  [/quote]
Sidwell LS definitely fits the bill here.  It's a really excellent place.
[quote]I hesitate even to apply, and realize the chances of getting in (we aren't high profile or rich, and no legacy) are slim.  Nonetheless, we have as good a chance of getting in as anyone else with those facts, so wouldn't count it out.  [/quote]
We were in the same position as you when we applied.  Odds are very tough.  You have the right attitude though.  No matter how admissions works out, don't take it personally.
[quote]But is the lower school really better than the lower profile schools?  [/quote]
Our family liked it better than all others we visited when applying.  And still to this day, we like it better than all others we've gotten to know.  But "better" is really in the eye of the beholder, and surely varies widely from family to family, so I don't think anyone else can answer this question for you.  There are many wonderful schools in the DC area, each with its own characteristics.  You've just got to find the shoe that best fits your foot.
[quote]Does the pressure cooker atmosphere of the Upper School trickle down to the Lower School?  Our DC is very bright, but I am not interested in fostering competition at the elementary level.  [/quote]
I don't have experience to speak for the upper school, but there definitely is no "pressure cooker" element at all in the lower school.  Indeed, one of the things I like about the school is how hard it works to discourage competition among the children, and instead bring out the best in each individual child.
[quote]Also, would people describe it as a nurturing atmosphere for the early grades?[/quote]
Yes, definitely.  Very nurturing in the early grades, with an emphasis on building each child's independence and self-responsibility in the later grades of lower school.

HTH.  Best of luck to you in all your applications.[/quote]

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