There were plenty parents who yelled about getting the pot brownies story off the day it got posted

My kids loved Maret. Not an unhappy place in any regard. Just not a lot of DC Urban Moms folks on here.

Maret has about 650 students and GDS has more than 1000, so that wouldn’t be surprising.

I think GDS has more parents on this forum.

I'm a GDS parent and my kids are so happy there, but I have heard such wonderful things about Maret from other families (and they certainly don't describe it as an unhappy place!) I feel like it's hard to go wrong with each school. If your son can manage it, he should try to visit each school again to help him with his decision. I imagine that both schools had parents who called you to welcome your family to the school. Reach out to them again if you think it will be helpful.

If you have an academically-oriented son, I'd recommend GDS without reservation. Whenever I'm at the Wisconsin campus, the level of creative energy is palpable. If your son has an intellectual mind, he should consider the debate team. The GDS debate team basically operates on a collegiate level.

We preferred GDS in large part because it has 50% more kids in each grade, making it more likely that kids will find like-minded friends.

GDS

OP here- thank you for the super helpful advice- appreciate it!

GDS. There are many boys there who meet that description.

GDS has an incredible faculty. I don't think I've met a comparable group of smart and talented kids. GDS also has an amazing track record with college admissions, lots of Ivy placements.

GDS - High school is unhappy at Maret.

Either.

GDS

I would really appreciate feedback regarding GDS vs. Maret for high school. In particular, I would be interested to know how inclusive the kids are and which one you would choose for a sensitive, academic boy who is a decent but not great athlete. Thanks in advance!