Reply to Sidwell vs GDS -- specific examples of what differentiates the two

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We were lucky to have the choice btw the two as well, as did a family we met at the school we chose later. We compared notes on key differences. Here are the top 10 that I recall:

1. GDS felt like it had a stronger community (school supporting the kids/events/parents volunteering).
2. Sidwell had a larger MS/HS campus for the kids to spread out. 
3. GDS had a modern, new building for LS/MS (deceptively big).
4. HS at GDS had an open campus so kids come and go whenever they want. Not sure the rules at Sidwell.
5. Academics at both seemed really good. Teachers we met at both seemed really good.
6. Big focus at GDS on social justice, so it's integrated into the curriculum and assemblies. Very liberal.
7. Sidwell is a Quaker school, so they talked about God and have times of worship where they sit in silence so God can give them insights (this is how it was described to us, apologies if I'm misrepresenting).
8. Both schools courses of study seemed interesting and challenging. Parents at Sidwell shared there was pressure/expectation to do well and competition amongst peers, but that drove the kids. I was impressed by the kids they set-up for us to meet. Parents at GDS said it's challenging and kids study really hard to get a B. 
9. GDS seemed more fun/joyful. Kids seemed more at ease.
10. Sidwell athletics seemed better.

We chose GDS.[/quote]

GDS seems happier overall but the open campus open lunch off campus I think does not promote community. [b]I think lunch time can be a time to know your community and sit at tables and get to know one another.[/b][b] [/quote]

This is a nice theory, but in reality this sort of bonding doesn't really happen at Sidwell lunch (but it does at St Albans). The food is great and having access to the food is also great - but it's not a community building block.[/quote]

Speak for yourself/your own children. My children are US students at Sidwell and they usually eat cafeteria lunch. They definitely enjoy spending time and bonding with their friends during lunchtime. [/quote]

It is no more special at Sidwell than at GDS.  We've had US students at both schools and they both tended to eat out once a week and eat at school with friends on other days.  (And they both tend to eat out after school a few times a month when sports/school/life gets busy) Neither Sidwell, nor GDS has some special bonding magic at lunchtime more than the other.  The students we know at St Albans have a far more structured lunch period ritual and I'd say that's a school where bonding at lunch is  next level and a building block to their community.

The main difference is we had between the two kids was more effort was required for lunches for our GDS student. We thought this would be a huge hassle going in, but it wasn't really that bad. (And our Sidwell student had some food unexpected challenges along the way that made it harder than we thought - but again - not a big deal)[/quote]

I don’t believe for one moment that your child attended Sidwell. If she/he had attended, you would know there’s a HUGE difference in convenience and time saved by having lunch on campus. I packed my children’s lunches through 6th grade (they each joined Sidwell in 7th), and I couldn’t wait to be released from that hellish chore.

You chose GDS, and that’s fine for you. My children wouldn’t change their lunch setup for GDS’ situation. [/quote]

It’s kind of stupid…but isn’t lunch at Sidwell covered in tuition while it is not at GDS?

[/quote]

On this note.  When our second went to GDS we were surprised to find books are included in tuition at GDS - they were not at Sidwell. (and those books were pricey!)[/quote]

My child has been at Sidwell since 9th grade. We’ve never paid more than $250/year for books (a couple of classes don’t even use hard copy text books). Perhaps you think $250 annually for books is expensive. 
I don’t. [/quote]

Our largest year was over $500. Others were smaller. It depended on how many classes used a large bound textbook (even the online rental version of these can be expensive). Those textbooks tend to be science and math and language (before getting to literature level). In some years a teacher may have found a way to avoid using a textbook by collecting their own materials or the teacher used at textbook source with free online access was available. Those were appreciated.

Meanwhile - don't understand the edgy reply.  I am just offering another difference related to what is included in tuition. There is no judgement my reply. OP is asking for differences.  Someone said lunch is in Sidwell tuition, another said GDS tuition is lower. I'm adding books are included in GDS and are not at Sidwell.

We were in both communities and can speak to both. I have abstained from posting a laundry list of Sidwell is this and GDS is that because it isn't worth it, but I will reply to specific posts where I have info to add.

Each family (and student) can choose whether different factors they matter -  most won't get to choose between these schools anyway. (But we did twice, and my kids split between the two - lunch mattered to one, books mattered to neither but was a nice surprise.)

Good luck OP. Hope you end up with a choice. If you do - find people you know to speak with. Don't choose go to either (or any private) based on what you expect out of college admissions. Go because your kid wants to be part of that community of students and teachers and they like the curriculum.[/quote]

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