Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks, everyone, for replying.
It is true that these were our "back-up" schools, but it doesn't mean I didn't do any research, or that DC and we don't have opinions as far as fit--we do. For a fully balanced appraisal, I wanted to add in other people's thoughts/experiences to see if they jibe with our impressions. Reasons why they aren't our first choice include distance, and in the case of Field, I don't have a feeling for how mainstream vs. therapeutic it is, since DC doesn't have an LD. But we've heard great things about all of them and wouldn't have applied to them if we didn't hold them in high esteem.
The best fit for DC learning-wise is probably GDS--DC likes diving deep in projects and is highly motivated that way. Culture-wise, probably Maret or Sidwell is the closest fit, but we feel like we'd fit in well at any of the schools. Among the schools to which DC was admitted, there's not an obvious perfect fit.
Is Field mostly for kids with LDs? Which school of the three will challenge DC the most academically?
I don't think you should go to any of these schools. You're still fixated on GDS, Maret and Sidwell, which aren't options for you at this time. In light of that, you're likely to be unhappy at any school and your child will know that. And, BTW, your mainsteam v. therapeutic dichotomy is false. My kids are at SFS and they have classmates and friends who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities.