Reply to Fact versus Fiction re: GDS

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This is our child’s second year of high school at GDS (so first “real” year on campus). I think the stereotypes on this board are, as is typical of stereotypes, quite exaggerated.

In terms of “wokeness,” yes, this might be place where the stereotype is closest to true. Social justice is very, very important at GDS. It is important to us too, so we’re fine with it. I do not think a conservative/right-wing family would feel comfortable at the school. But I also think this is true of a lot of schools around here — we live in a very lefty area, and the schools reflect that (not all, of course). GDS is a peg or two to the left of most other schools though.

In terms of wealth, I think that, if anything, GDS attracts the less ostentatiously wealthy. We don’t drive expensive cars and I see plenty of “normal” cars at and around the school (among more expensive ones too, of course). And comparing to other privates, this is also a matter of degree. You will find “normal” cars and expensive cars at every private school. The proportions might differ somewhat, but there is no school where your Honda Accord will be a source of shame, assuming you have an normal adult human’s sense of self-esteem and are not insanely sensitive.

In terms of the so-called pressure cooker environment, this was our biggest concern. But we’ve been pleasantly surprised — it’s a school that cares a lot about academics, but our child’s teachers are very reasonable and the homework load has been manageable. The best endorsement is from our child, who was also worried about this but now, two years in, says that he is extremely happy he ended up at GDS. [/quote]

Super helpful info. I'm a bleeding heart, lefty, pinko liberal :) so [b]I don't care that GDS is labeled progressive[/b]. But can you give me an example of "wokeness"/the social justice mission that makes some people uncomfortable? I want to make sure that my child is taught HOW to think critically, not WHAT to think. The HS English curriculum, for example, seems to include a wide variety of texts (selections from the Bible, Shakespeare plays, and Black/Hispanic/Asian authors). I'd imagine every high school in the area uses similar texts, so why all the fuss? I believe you have to be exposed to a world of opinions (nothing nuts like "There are good people on all sides") because that's the world we live in, and as evidenced by the current political climate, compromise is a lost art.

We are also very concerned about the "pressure cooker" label on some schools. Glad to hear that your child has not found that to be the case at GDS.

I know that all private schools in this area attract wealthy families -- who else could afford the $45-$50 K annual tuition? We are not wealthy and our child is starting to understand that there are nice people and jerks from all walks of life.[/quote]

FYI - I think the progressive label at GDS refers to the progressive education model, which is different than progressive politics. However, GDS also feels in line with progressive politics it is just not why the school is called “progressive.” [/quote]

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