Potomac School in McLean is just as good as those mentioned in this thread, and with more money too.

GDS best fit of the three you mention but not a great fit nonettheless

Which of these schools have the most cats?

Anonymous wrote:It is for the parent who couldn’t be bothered to read all the threads on the subject.

What school does that leave? Hmmm

Anonymous wrote:OP - you will get all kinds of advice on this board - some from folks with direct experience in the school(s) but most from people who really have no context. The only way to know is to visit each school with the child, see what inspires them and go with your gut. Ultimately these and virtually all of the other private schools in the area are places where even and “unmotivated” child will thrive...

Pp here: my DC got into all of the big three (yes, it happens). I know of what I speak. If she would be inspired, great. But if she wouldn't, she'll be with a lot of motivated kids, kids who became motivated, OR kids whose parents push very, very hard and are miserable OR whose parents don't push but feel ground down by the workloads. That's just who populates these schools. Visit and see if there's something that really captures her at one or more of those schools. If not, no big deal, find a place that fits better. Don't feel like you have to keep up with people who fret on this board.

OP - you will get all kinds of advice on this board - some from folks with direct experience in the school(s) but most from people who really have no context. The only way to know is to visit each school with the child, see what inspires them and go with your gut. Ultimately these and virtually all of the other private schools in the area are places where even and “unmotivated” child will thrive...

Anonymous wrote:is "unmotivated" the right term for her?

+1 Maybe she is uninspired? Sometimes a change of scenery or a different approach to education or a different peer group is the spark a seemingly unmotivated child needs (and that is not a public v private comment - sometimes just getting a new teacher in a new grade or being separated from bff makes a huge difference). Sometimes not. But you never know until you make a change.

It is for the parent who couldn’t be bothered to read all the threads on the subject.

is "unmotivated" the right term for her?

Anonymous wrote:Not sure any of these would be good for an unmotivated kid.

Agreed. I have met several kids from each of those schools and not one has been unmotivated. Not to say that there aren’t any unmotivated kids there or that your DC wouldn’t do well (maybe positive peer pressure would come into play) but it may be risky.

Not sure any of these would be good for an unmotivated kid.

Don't think Sidwell would be a good fit -- at middle and upper school levels -- for kid who isn't particularly motivated. general vibe is of super motivated kids.

GDS and Sidwell particularly have kids who are motivated. Often times, that peer motivation could posititvley impact your DD, but only you can know if that is possible. I don't know as much about the Maret student body or culture.

What grade?

We have bright DD but she is not Super motivated. Do you think any of these schools would be a good fit or is it just really academically intense kids that thrive there?