We chose SR over Sidwell for our daughter way back when she was in the Lower School - she is now in one of the Eight Schools (boarding). Your kid will be fine no matter what she chooses. Do what is best for your family and what makes her happy.

Two great schools, but very different (coed vs. single sex alone but in many other respects, as well). Sidwell parent but know lots of families with girls at SR, current and already graduated.

You can't go wrong either way, it comes down to what's best for your child. Admittedly, easier said than done. My kids love SFS, as do we, and don't regret the decision for a minute.

As someone already posted, the "pressure cooker" label is misguided. There are multiple paths to follow. The key is to align your child with what's best for them, and ignore what everyone else is doing. There's a lot of support, too, and good guidance from the admins.

Proximity is VERY valuable, particularly as she wants to engage in ECs, some of which go late.

Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:

This whole thread is absurd. The two schools could not be more different, yet, OP's kid applied to both. I would think there would have been a clear preference after going to the open houses.

Of course it is. She should go with Sidwell and be done with it. Way better school, more diverse population, way more resources, and it sounds as if it is logistically simpler.

OP, our child picked a lesser-name school to a Big3. The lesser name school sends kids to all the same ivies. No doors have been closed. Meanwhile our child is thriving beyond compare. Perhaps she would’ve also in the other school. But I’m not sure.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stone ridge??? You are comparing apples to oranges.

That's why I first thought this has to be a troll post.

Then I realized this mother is totally ceding her parental responsibility to her child in the interest of "feelings".

Crazy times.

Interesting. So, as parents we don’t cede our responsibilities based on DCs feelings now? It is hard to keep up.

If she’s torn, I would have her try Sidwell. I think it will be easier to transfer to Stoneridge sophomore year than into Sidwell.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stone ridge??? You are comparing apples to oranges.

That's why I first thought this has to be a troll post.

Then I realized this mother is totally ceding her parental responsibility to her child in the interest of "feelings".

Crazy times.

This whole thread is absurd. The two schools could not be more different, yet, OP's kid applied to both. I would think there would have been a clear preference after going to the open houses.

These schools are extremely different. In all ways. If your daughter feels happier at SR that is what I would go with.

Anonymous wrote:Stone ridge??? You are comparing apples to oranges.

That's why I first thought this has to be a troll post.

Then I realized this mother is totally ceding her parental responsibility to her child in the interest of "feelings".

Crazy times.

Stone ridge??? You are comparing apples to oranges.

Close proximity to school makes a huge difference in quality of life for you and your child. It also has an impact on where and how far away their new friends and classmates will live. Kids and parents can go back and forth to school multiple times a day and on weekend for sports and other events so it helps if they can walk or take a short bus ride to school.

Sidwell is very diverse, which was a plus for us. That diversity (as compared to
SR) includes coeducation and having male voices in a class and organic friendships with boys.

We had the choice of an all girls school (ncs) and Sidwell and ended up at Sidwell though we would have supported our daughter had she chosen NCS. Sidwell hands down has more resources to support your child than most other private schools, including SR, and we have not found it to be overwhelming or pressure filled. But, I think also it’s worth considering the single sex aspect if this is appealing to your daughter. There’s a reason why women’s high schools and colleges exist and if your daughter feels that she can better find her voice and come out empowered by that environment, then it’s worth it to let her choose.

Anonymous wrote:SR is Catholic in name only so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Sidwell is objectively a better school.

Objectively!

I would never send my non-catholic children to a catholic school if there were a choice

The fact that your DD feels happier at SR is significant. She can receive an excellent education at either school, attend a great college, etc. But, I would go with the school where she feels the most comfortable and will be the happiest for the next four years. Also, we’re a progressive family at an independent Catholic and love the school. To the extent I know other parents’ politics, I know far more who are progressive than conservative.

I would consider how you’re going to handle the commute each day, though, and look into bus and metro options. If you can make that work, I would go with SR.