I agree with PP. GDS is not the right community for bigots. Stay away if differences are problematic to you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GDS vs Beauvoir for Pre K?

Both are great schools! Congratulations! Depends on where you and your child will fit in and be happiest. GDS is a good school but really really liberal and the kids there tend to be more artsy etc... Not really for athletic types whereas Beauvoir is a ittle more well-rounded and almost any kind of child can fit in there. As I said, both have great curriculums and reputations etc... but the cultures of the school are totally different. Also Beauvoir is not just for Waspy types - it is actually really diverse and also I know many liberals that go there as well so it is not just for Republicans. Although it is a more "traditional" school than GDS but at the same time progressive in its teaching style. Best of luck to you on your decision!

This is a good post, and the fact that GDS is really really liberal is something important to consider. I'm not knocking it; GDS is a great school, and I know several families with kids there who love it and who are very comfortable with the community and it is the perfect fit. But I also feel that some people apply there simply because it is part of the "Big Three," get in, and end up sending their kid there without really "getting" the school before enrolling. Often it still works out, but I also know of several instances where it has gone badly. Bottom line in my view is know what you are signing up for, and be sure you are comfortable with it.

Beauvoir all the way! They focus on early childhood learning -- and GDS really can't compete in that area. You can always try GDS later.

Either are fine schools. It really depends on the kid. GDS really doesn't have very good sports even in the higher grades...the Cathedral Schools have great sports. But if your kid isn't into sports -- then choose either school.

Commute? They are all in NW and the upper school for GDS is just up the road off Wisconsin. Don't base your decision on schools that are all practically within 2 miles of each other...that's not terribly relavent if you live in either Palisades or C. Park.

If you live in Cleveland Park, I say Beauvoir. If you live in Palisades, I say GDS. Think about your commute for the next decade...

What do want do four years from now? If a single sex school is okay for DC, then Beauvoir is an option. If you neither want a single sex school nor go through admissions again, then GDS has benefits. Our DCs are @ GDS + love it. Many neighbor DCs are @ Beauvoir + their parents love it.

From some of us: Pick Beauvoir and open up that GDS waitlist!

From the rest: Pick GDS and open up that Beauvoir waitlist!

Chapel (really -- that's not just StA/NCS?) vs. Free to Be assembly

Must go through the application process again vs. can't play football

That said, you can do both -- lots of former Beauvoir kids at GDS in the older grades.

I'm a Beauvoir parent and find the 12:01 characterization to be inaccurate. While there are definitely different teaching styles and atmospheres, Beauvoir is a very welcoming community and a a lot of diversity in social and political values. The religious component is minimal, but it definitely exists. I would suggest that you consider what you want for your child, which school feels better for you, and ignore the stereotypes.

Anonymous wrote:GDS vs Beauvoir for Pre K?

Both are great schools! Congratulations! Depends on where you and your child will fit in and be happiest. GDS is a good school but really really liberal and the kids there tend to be more artsy etc... Not really for athletic types whereas Beauvoir is a ittle more well-rounded and almost any kind of child can fit in there. As I said, both have great curriculums and reputations etc... but the cultures of the school are totally different. Also Beauvoir is not just for Waspy types - it is actually really diverse and also I know many liberals that go there as well so it is not just for Republicans. Although it is a more "traditional" school than GDS but at the same time progressive in its teaching style. Best of luck to you on your decision!

Not all Beauvoir students go to their first choices after 3rd grade. If you are not into the Cathedral schools in the long run, the this is something to think about very seriously. If you think you may want GDS for your child down the road, then choose it now.

Great schools!!

I recommend that you attend the welcome receptions to help you decide which school is right for your child!

You should consider your political and social values in making this decision. Beauvoir is a better fit for Waspy or Wannabe-Waspy families, must be comfortable with chapel requirements, uniformity, more Republicans.

GDS vs Beauvoir for Pre K?