Reply to GDS vs. Maret - cultural and curricular differences?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]HS science and math at GDS are very strong. DC and friends are science kids and they're finding themselves well-prepared for college at rigorous schools (e.g. MIT, Harvey Mudd, Chicago).[/quote]

The top math students at GDS take AP Calculus AB/BC combined in 11th grade, allowing them to pursue university-level mathematics offerings in the 12th grade, such as Calculus-Based Probability and Statistics, Advanced Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, or a Seminar in Advanced Topics in Mathematics formatted to address students greater needs and talents.  As far as I know those are some of the most advanced math offerings at any of the DC private schools.  The talented science students at GDS can similarly work their way through AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Computer Science, as well as advanced electives such as Quantum Physics.

But the beauty of GDS is that its community and offering consist of many students with different talents, strengths, interests, and abilities.  The school is rich in Arts offerings and electives, and advanced classes in English and Writing, college-type seminar courses in History, Humanities, Language, and the Social Sciences.  Not every student wants to, or needs to pursue the most rigorous classes in any one area.  I think that GDS does an excellent job in allowing students to find their own paths, serving a very diversely-talented student body, and recognizing that there are multiple paths open to the different students -- sometimes to very same goals (e.g., top colleges), sometimes not.   [/quote]

+1  This is exactly right.  A truly intense academic experience, whether in STEM or the arts, is available, but no pressure from the school to follow any path---and as a parent of a high schooler, I am always impressed by the very upbeat and supportive vibe of the school.  Our DS takes the metro and arrives at least a half-hour early to school each day because he is just so excited to go (I really couldn't make it up---he truly can't wait for school to start each day).

The curriculum for PK-12 is available here on the GDS website:  https://gds.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/416/download/download_1957055.pdf  In addition to the courses mentioned above, there's everything from the STEMy Waves and Optics and Game Theory to the Artsy/Humanities courses like Cultural Anthropology, Literature of Outsiders, Dance for Musical Theater I and II, and Directing for the Stage.  As a parent, it's the school I wish I could have gone to, but now we just have to be happy seeing our child completely enjoy it.

TEM[/quote]

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