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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Folks, I’m a current HS parent who joined in 9th. Our child was fortunate to have a few options, and I’ve lived in DC long enough to know some/many of the arguments against SFS (“Sadwell,” anyone?). So, we didn’t take the decision lightly. The cost is material to us, an important consideration. After shadow days and multiple events in 8th, our child decided, and was able to articulate, why they wanted to go to SFS. They love it, as do we now. We don’t regret the decision.

No high school experience is easy and neverending fun. They’re not part of the “in” crowd, or a great athlete etc. They’re enjoying their time there, have nice friends and particularly like some of their teachers. There are lots of great options out there, but SFS has been good for them. We’re pleased at how much they’re learning and their growing ability to express themselves and be independent.

Part of the decision is expectations: we don’t expect SFS, or any school, to be a golden ticket to any particular college or path in life. Nor are we an “Ivy League/T20 or Bust” family. We believe they’re being developed to do well wherever they end up next. As expected, junior year is a tough one, and the college expectations and stresses grow substantially. But having friends at lots of the other schools in the area, that’s not at all unique to SFS; it’s a D.C. thing.

This is not to dismiss others’ experiences or pit one school against another; it’s simply to share our very positive experience at Sidwell. I hope this helps.[/quote]

We’ve had children at multiple Big 3. Sidwell is the lesser by far in happiness factor. Does it mean no one is unhappy at other schools - no. Unhappiness can occur anywhere and it’s always hard to be in many hard classes.  Does it mean everyone is unhappy at Sidwell no. But on average - kids at my other kids schools have a much happier journey through HS and are equally prepared for college and get into the same schools (and the unconnected kids face the same hurdles in college admissions) . It’s really noticeably different in cultures. And less happiness at Sidwell is a large factor in that difference. [/quote]

To clarify, do you have a child at Sidwell? From your note, it's a little unclear.[/quote]

I have multiple children - one attended Sidwell - others have attended other Big 3 schools .

[/quote]

But maybe that kid is just a less happy person? I don’t mean that unkindly - I also have multiple kids and they are at the same school and they are not equally happy people. And I don’t think that would be different for them at different schools, it’s more about the way they experience the world [/quote]

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