Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 18:50     Subject: Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
DC got into SWW, GDS and Sidwell and shadowed at all three. DC reported that there was a dramatic difference between experience at SWW and that of Sidwell/GDS. in particular, the cohort attending DC’s various classes all day, the level of discourse, and the attitude of many of the teachers and their engagement with the students.

I don’t know why these factors are all but ignored in the many threads on this exact topic. The only aspect that is ever mentioned — seriously, ever — is college matriculation. As if that’s the only point of attending high school for high-ability teens: precisely how high does your college rank on the USNWR list?

Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 16:42     Subject: Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
If I was poor I certainly would have my kid go to SWW. They have really bad sports offerings though.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 15:52     Subject: Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
Anonymous wrote:On the other hand, there are a range of free opportunities (global travel, scholarships) that are offered to DCPS students only. The money you see will cover any other opportunity. SWW plus significant travel plus money for lessons and other enrichment can add up to a really well-rounded successful, highly recruited kid.


Agreed, Walls has a pretty good track record of kids being admitted and finishing great schools. Just do the pros and cons and see what may work best for your kid and family.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 15:32     Subject: Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
DC goes to GDS and has several friends at SWW. The Walls students we knew were smart, interesting, and academically well prepared. There are plenty of AP options in addition to the flexibility of taking classes at GW. Considering that most of the Big3 Ivy admits we knew were legacy while Walls generally reflects the demographics of DC residents, Walls does very well with college admissions. My advice on independent schools is not to pay that much tuition if it means sacrificing your family's peace of mind.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 14:31     Subject: Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
On the other hand, there are a range of free opportunities (global travel, scholarships) that are offered to DCPS students only. The money you see will cover any other opportunity. SWW plus significant travel plus money for lessons and other enrichment can add up to a really well-rounded successful, highly recruited kid.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 13:55     Subject: Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
DC is at a Big3. No. No interest in SWW. It’s no TJ.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 13:50     Subject: Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
Anonymous wrote:SWW decisions will come out Friday 3/29. Question for families already accepted and enrolled at privates: assuming you are accepted at SWW, do you see yourself choosing SWW over the private high school in which you are already enrolled? How would you compare SWW with the area's top private high schools? (You don't need to remind me that SWW is free, I know that.)


No. Private school offers so much more for us in sense of community, resources, values, religious ed component, and small class class.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 13:28     Subject: Re:Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
Anonymous wrote:College placement stats for "Walls" are fantastic...

http://www.swwhs.org/student-news/college-matriculation/


It's a shame they haven't updated these. My DC graduated from SWW last year and after seeing some snarky comments about the college admissions rates, I looked up three years' worth of data on Naviance. Roughly 6-8% of the class over the past three years has been admitted to an Ivy, including the full range of HYP. The numbers were especially impressive to me because most of them were *not* ED, because many of the kids can't afford to apply without being able to compare financial aid packages and don't have a legacy boost. I did a quick search but can't find my original post, while included specific #s.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 13:23     Subject: Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
Anonymous wrote:SWW decisions will come out Friday 3/29. Question for families already accepted and enrolled at privates: assuming you are accepted at SWW, do you see yourself choosing SWW over the private high school in which you are already enrolled? How would you compare SWW with the area's top private high schools? (You don't need to remind me that SWW is free, I know that.)


Nope.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 12:29     Subject: Re:Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:College placement stats for "Walls" are fantastic...

http://www.swwhs.org/student-news/college-matriculation/


I wouldn't call this fantastic. Good, sure. But I expected a lot more Ivy League given your rousing endorsement.


Pretty mediocre actually. Most good high schools should get the someone from the top 10% into HYPS.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 12:24     Subject: Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
Yes
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 12:09     Subject: Re:Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
Anonymous wrote:College placement stats for "Walls" are fantastic...

http://www.swwhs.org/student-news/college-matriculation/


List is dated..missing the last three graduating classes...But I'd give it serious consideration if it fits your kid.

The DC Public and Charter forum will give you more insight on Walls present day.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 11:47     Subject: Re:Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
Anonymous wrote:College placement stats for "Walls" are fantastic...

http://www.swwhs.org/student-news/college-matriculation/


I wouldn't call this fantastic. Good, sure. But I expected a lot more Ivy League given your rousing endorsement.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 11:07     Subject: Re:Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
College placement stats for "Walls" are fantastic...

http://www.swwhs.org/student-news/college-matriculation/
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2019 11:01     Subject: Would you choose School Without Walls over the private HS in which your DC is accepted?
SWW decisions will come out Friday 3/29. Question for families already accepted and enrolled at privates: assuming you are accepted at SWW, do you see yourself choosing SWW over the private high school in which you are already enrolled? How would you compare SWW with the area's top private high schools? (You don't need to remind me that SWW is free, I know that.)