Anonymous wrote:We love Sidwell but don't see it as a progressive place in terms of its academics. Yes it is socially progressive, but it is pretty traditional and rigid in its approach to teaching. Maret and GDS supposedly more flexible but I can't verify firsthand.

Field families are also very enthusiastic about their school.

OP said she was looking for a structured environment. Sidwell is structured. Bright, creative kids do well there if they are self motivated and are willing to put in lots of time studying. The arts, particularly chorus, and graphic arts are strong. Creativity is valued. Hence my recommendation.

We left a more traditional independent for Sandy Spring Friends School and have been very pleased. I know that the location can be daunting at first but they have a bus program that covers a wide swath of the the DMV and beyond. I don't know if it's just the change in grades but the academics seems allot more rigorous than where my child came from. They're very committed to providing a progressive education---lovely community of teachers, parents, and students.

Burke - but obviously not for 4th.

We love Sidwell but don't see it as a progressive place in terms of its academics. Yes it is socially progressive, but it is pretty traditional and rigid in its approach to teaching. Maret and GDS supposedly more flexible but I can't verify firsthand.

Field families are also very enthusiastic about their school.

NP. Do Bullis and St. Andrew's really take a progressive approach to education? Would love to hear more, as I thought they were both traditional.

Bullis fits this description very well. Good luck!

OP here, thanks for the questions and feedback. This would be for 4th grade and beyond. To clarify, by structure I mean reasonably high standards for classroom behavior, work product etc, while still providing an education that encourages some creative thinking and project work with classmates. Sidwell and Maret are at the top of our list -- would these fit the bill? Obviously we will have to apply more broadly but I am confident that DS could handle the work and thrive at both of the above, he does very well academically where he is now and scores well on WISC/ERBs - for whatever they are worth! Thanks for any suggestions and especially feedback on Sidwell and Maret.

NPS has been great for my child of similar description. The faculty is amazing.

And what type of structure? Teaching methods? Clear assignments? Behavior in the classroom? Minimization of distractions?

Maret fits this description.

Sidwell

What grade? That is a very broad question. You are about to get every school in the area named. Are you DC, MoCo, NoVa? Do you want an actual progressive school? Only a few schools actually associate with a progressive philosophy that participate in the national progressive independent school associations.

Beauvoir

If you are willing to go to Potomac, St. Andrew's, hands down.

What would be the best co-ed school for a child who is very bright and creative but does best in a more structured environment?