My kid visited both and ended up preferring Sidwell. Both schools felt consistent with our family values, but my child likes a bit more structure. When she went for the visit day at GDS she said that kids were chewing gum in class and doing their own thing. Sidwell has been really good for her. She is challenged and able to do some independent learning, but in a more structured and traditional environment.

Sidwell has a much greater name recognition.

GDS tends to attract more artsy and creative kids, and their theater program is exceptional. Sidwell can be a bit stuffier and more traditional, which extends to the pedagogy in the classroom. If your kid craves a bit more structure, Sidwell might be a better fit. If your kid is more of an out of the box thinker, GDS is a cool place.

Do another shadow day. Both give a ton of homework that is outside the normal for high school. Find out about stuff that will make your and your kid’s life better.

Stuff like does one not give homework over breaks. How much homework over the weekend. Does either give a full week off for Thanksgiving. What is the class schedule -block or other. Is there parking when your kid can drive.

Sidwell is a big 3 if that is important to you.

There are no material differences. Let your kid pick. Those who say they are very different are way too immersed in the insular world of the expensive DC private school scene.

It truly does not matter.

GDS is the wannabe Sidwell. If you have a choice, go for the original.

Anonymous wrote:They are actually very different. Different structure to classes, different "vibes". Sidwell is very much a traditional school that is rooted in Quakerism. GDS is a progressive school born out of the Civil Rights era.

They share some common values, but have wildly different approaches to classroom etiquette and feel.

I mean, maybe like in the way two nice chef’s knives can be “actually very different.” Sure. And look, knives are important! The kid should pick up both knives and go with the one that feels best. But they’re still two comparable knives with similar outcomes. Pick a knife and don’t sweat it.

Talk to as many parents as you can with kids at those schools. Ask the admissions offices to connect you with the parents of kids who have similar interests and qualities as your child. Then also try to find parents at both schools through channels outside of the admissions office, since the admissions office is more likely to connect you with school boosters. Congrats on having two amazing options!

GDS gives kids more freedom? That can be good or bad, depending on your child.

Anonymous wrote:They are actually very different. Different structure to classes, different "vibes". Sidwell is very much a traditional school that is rooted in Quakerism. GDS is a progressive school born out of the Civil Rights era.

They share some common values, but have wildly different approaches to classroom etiquette and feel.

+1

And a difference in sports as well... if your kid cares about that.

They are actually very different. Different structure to classes, different "vibes". Sidwell is very much a traditional school that is rooted in Quakerism. GDS is a progressive school born out of the Civil Rights era.

They share some common values, but have wildly different approaches to classroom etiquette and feel.

Anonymous wrote:In the grand scheme of things, they’re not that different. Especially for high school I would just let your kid pick which one feels like a better fit and go for it.
-GDS alum

Agree, child looked at both for HS but in the end only applied to SFS and loves it. No material reason, just said they preferred SFS.

In the grand scheme of things, they’re not that different. Especially for high school I would just let your kid pick which one feels like a better fit and go for it.
-GDS alum

I would love to hear thoughts as well. My kid was accepted for 9th so interested in the upper school experiences at both

Was wondering if folks with experience at either/both schools would like to weigh in.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.