There are 'mean girls' (and boys) at every school. If she gets accepted and chooses NCS, let her go there. If she tires fit, then yes, you will redo this process again--but don't choose a school based on 'not wanting to do the process again' ...

You just don't know until your child is at the school whether or not it's a fit.

And I feel that the Cathedral Schools have a national reputation. Sidwell, due to Presidents' children attending...but so what. The Cathedral system has it all as well. (and no, we're not at either school!)
good luck

Would you say that NCS girls are feminists? Leaders? And better off because they are nurtured in an all girls environment?

Not the PP - but would say NCS did enable the development of those characteristics for one of my kids. Other DD didn't really need the single sex environment in that regard. If your DD is motivated by others liker herself ("academic superstar", etc.) has a sport or other EC that gives her a sense of confidence and an outside peer group it is a great fit. Entering in 9th grade is ideal IMHO.

Anonymous wrote:PP, thank you.

Would you say that NCS girls are feminists? Leaders? And better off because they are nurtured in an all girls environment?

NCS is NOT conservative in any way, shape or form. If your definition of feminism is the kind portrayed with the Women's March, then a definite yes.

Anonymous wrote:I would say apply to both and see where you get in. Please understand that most kids who are applying to those schools are academic all stars. You may find out you get in neither so have a back up.

+1. Some hypothesizing is good, but keeping it real is even better. Not sure what the average is, but we applied to 5 for MS.

Not only the school to consider. Class cohorts probably make an even bigger difference in your child's life. But, this (as many things) is not something that can be predicted or planned for.

I would say apply to both and see where you get in. Please understand that most kids who are applying to those schools are academic all stars. You may find out you get in neither so have a back up.

PP, how do you think those schools are different?

Sidwell parent here. Don't send your kid there if your husband perceives its benefit is some sort of national status. NCS has whatever similar status. They are both great places, but somewhat different beyond the single-sex/co-ed question.

Either are terrific choices, but you have to go with where your child "feels" more comfortable.

PP, thank you.

Would you say that NCS girls are feminists? Leaders? And better off because they are nurtured in an all girls environment?

My DD went to NCS. She loved it (I loved it less but it was her choice of school at middle school). If you are given the choice of the two schools, given that your DD is a middle schooler I would let her choose. They are both very strong schools and will get you the intense academic environment and college placement that you want. What you do not want is a teenager who can throw back in your face that you didn't let her go to her preferred school anytime she is aggravated with something at school. Also, as far as the all girl's environment, because of the relationship with STA there is still lots of exposure to boys including many coed activities and in the upper school joint classes. I haven't seen the coed status being something that girls disliked as they got to high school.

PP, I have heard that NCS is more conservative than Sidwell. I am not sure what that means. Also, is there a mean girls issue at NCS? And what's up with some STA boys treating the girls badly. Any light or opinions, I would love to know more.

Anonymous wrote:Daughter loves NCS, probably for the wrong reasons. Is crazy about their campus. Thinks that a girls school will be great. I am afraid she will outgrow the all-girls in a few years. And also afraid of possible mean girls. She interviewed at both places and did really well (we could be wrong!). We definitely don't want to go through this process again in 9th grade. Daughter is only child, so probably expecting "sisters at NCS. . She is an academic star. So will do well in both places. Husband is foolish and feels Sidwell has national recognition and NCS doesn't. So he prefers that. We, of course, are dreaming. We may get both. Or one offer or none. But would like to know more about those two options.

My daughter loves NCS. She did not outgrow it.

I'm sure your daughter will have "sisters" wherever she goes!

Good luck!

Daughter loves NCS, probably for the wrong reasons. Is crazy about their campus. Thinks that a girls school will be great. I am afraid she will outgrow the all-girls in a few years. And also afraid of possible mean girls. She interviewed at both places and did really well (we could be wrong!). We definitely don't want to go through this process again in 9th grade. Daughter is only child, so probably expecting "sisters at NCS. . She is an academic star. So will do well in both places. Husband is foolish and feels Sidwell has national recognition and NCS doesn't. So he prefers that. We, of course, are dreaming. We may get both. Or one offer or none. But would like to know more about those two options.

Tell me about my hypothetical child.

My actual child is a boy, so I guess given those choices I'd choose Sidwell. But in reality, I'd choose someplace else since my kid and Sidwell would be a horrible match. Great kid, great school, but not a great combo.

For middle school upward and why?