Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 11:47     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Anonymous wrote:
We understand Maret had a homework rebellion many years ago. We were told the school took steps to reduce homework loads and the stress around homework.

School schedule is more like college with open periods. Students can use these open periods to meet with teachers and work on homework. Homework is not graded and you can work with other students.

Reality- weekend homework usually can get done on Sunday night(ie no homework on Friday or Saturday). Weekday homework is very manageable. If kid takes advance classes or an-online class they can have a few heavy weekdays. No homework over holidays. Overall load and stress is very manageable.

Maret this year has a full week off for Thanksgiving. So no homework, test or projects/assignments Thanksgiving week.

Overall it does not feel like Maret is not in competition with NCS, STA, Sidwell and GDS. Maret does its own thing and likes flying under the radar. Kids seem happy, have school spirit and hang around campus. Seems like a nice high school experience.


This is our experience as well
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 11:43     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Sorry^^^

Overall it does not feel like Maret is in competition with NCS, STA, Sidwell and GDS.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 11:40     Subject: GDS vs Maret

We understand Maret had a homework rebellion many years ago. We were told the school took steps to reduce homework loads and the stress around homework.

School schedule is more like college with open periods. Students can use these open periods to meet with teachers and work on homework. Homework is not graded and you can work with other students.

Reality- weekend homework usually can get done on Sunday night(ie no homework on Friday or Saturday). Weekday homework is very manageable. If kid takes advance classes or an-online class they can have a few heavy weekdays. No homework over holidays. Overall load and stress is very manageable.

Maret this year has a full week off for Thanksgiving. So no homework, test or projects/assignments Thanksgiving week.

Overall it does not feel like Maret is not in competition with NCS, STA, Sidwell and GDS. Maret does its own thing and likes flying under the radar. Kids seem happy, have school spirit and hang around campus. Seems like a nice high school experience.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 11:31     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Anonymous wrote:Sidwell is known nationally but not because of its education program or resources such as Andover. It's know. Because of the DC folks who have attended the school. Not the same thing.


Exactly, it's known because of Presidents' daughters. And, among colleges, strong students from any of the competitive DMV schools are regarded highly. All of these schools will prepare your DC for college and will have rigorous courses for them.

Despite what has been said above in this thread, any of these schools is a hard admit for HS and it fluctuates annually depending on what the schools need to fill in the rising HS cohort. So apply to ones your child is interested in and then see where they get accepted, that's when you have a choice.

We know examples of all of these scenarios - there is no clear pecking order; getting into GDS but not Maret, Sidwell but not Maret, Sidwell but not GDS, GDS but not Potomac, Sidwell but not Potomac, GDS but not Sidwell, Potomac but not Maret, Sidwell, GDS, Maret but not Potomac....it is all over the map. (left out STA/NCS single sex)
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 11:18     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Anonymous wrote:Well, one has a cafeteria and the other doesn’t so there’s that

My child didn’t like the idea of calling their teacher by their first name


Mine didn't either but got over the name thing quickly.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 09:13     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Sidwell is known nationally but not because of its education program or resources such as Andover. It's know. Because of the DC folks who have attended the school. Not the same thing.


Most schools aren’t nationally known for any reason. What is your point?


That's the point lol. When people highlight who is known nationally and what that means----it's a small group and Sidwell is not known because of their program. The fact that Sidwll is known nationally doesn't mean it's an incredible school. Doesn't mean it's a bad school either.


Sidwell is nationally known and it’s an incredible school.

Btw, why are we talking about Sidwell on a GDS vs. Maret thread. Let’s try to stay focused and on topic.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 09:06     Subject: GDS vs Maret
There are more sporty kids at Maret. Maret has football. But overall the schools are pretty similar.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 08:37     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Anonymous wrote:Art department at Maret is phenomenal. We chose the school for that reason, and have not been disappointed. The art facilities and faculty are truly top-notch. Like better than some colleges, no exaggeration.


Agree, my child was not an artist to begin with and they helped him become one. As a parent, it was incredible to witness this.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 08:36     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Sidwell is known nationally but not because of its education program or resources such as Andover. It's know. Because of the DC folks who have attended the school. Not the same thing.


Most schools aren’t nationally known for any reason. What is your point?


That's the point lol. When people highlight who is known nationally and what that means----it's a small group and Sidwell is not known because of their program. The fact that Sidwll is known nationally doesn't mean it's an incredible school. Doesn't mean it's a bad school either.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 22:57     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Art department at Maret is phenomenal. We chose the school for that reason, and have not been disappointed. The art facilities and faculty are truly top-notch. Like better than some colleges, no exaggeration.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 22:56     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Head of college counseling Maret is outstanding. Truly goes to bat for the students, and is enormously helpful to kids and parents alike.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 22:42     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Anonymous wrote:Sports facilities at both sports are pretty horrendous if that matters to you. GDS buildings less dank and cramped than Maret. But both campuses crazy small compared to other schools. When you get to upper school you will fill that. Course offerings at Maret are kind of odd in history and English in the upper school. GDS administration can be difficult to deal with. Very convenient locations and a good collection of kids at both schools.


I meant feel the lack of space. English isn’t my first language
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 22:40     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Sports facilities at both sports are pretty horrendous if that matters to you. GDS buildings less dank and cramped than Maret. But both campuses crazy small compared to other schools. When you get to upper school you will fill that. Course offerings at Maret are kind of odd in history and English in the upper school. GDS administration can be difficult to deal with. Very convenient locations and a good collection of kids at both schools.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 22:32     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Anonymous wrote:Sidwell is known nationally but not because of its education program or resources such as Andover. It's know. Because of the DC folks who have attended the school. Not the same thing.


Most schools aren’t nationally known for any reason. What is your point?
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 22:23     Subject: GDS vs Maret
Sidwell is known nationally but not because of its education program or resources such as Andover. It's know. Because of the DC folks who have attended the school. Not the same thing.