GDS is highly-structured, WTF? The kids run loose, yelling through the hallways when switching classes. And, students are allowed to recline on the floor during class time. I won't even mention the addressing teachers by their first names.

No, PP, not the kind of structure that I'm used to and certainly wouldn't feel comfortable sending my DC there.

I love this comment. Good luck in the training of your robotic child Sure he or she will be a perfect cog in the machine for the 21st Century. Middle-management anyone?

I initially thought that poster might be a joke. If so, apologies all around - i bought it hook, line and sinker.

The Obamas also considered GDS when they were looking for DC private schools.

This forum is an excellent place to get credible information about any school.

14:00, if you do not know why GDS students refer to faculty and admin by their first names, then that is probably why your DC will not be enrolling there.

OP, Congratulations! Sidwell parent here who thinks the world of GDS as well. Great school. Kids learn about actions and their consequences; learning by doing; good creative vibe.

Anonymous wrote:Is it a very PC kind of place? Ultra liberal?

If you are the kind of person who uses the term "PC" a lot, you'll find it very PC (and that is not meant to be funny or nasty). Yes, very liberal. Also very strong academically, etc. People seem to either love the vibe (students calling adults by first names, dressing in pajamas or the miniscule skirt plus Uggs combination so prevalent in every independent school without a uniform) or know right away it's not a fit for them/their child.

It's a school that was founded with (and is proud of its) social justice mission. It's become an expensive school with really excellent academics, a great arts program, and a commitment to progressive* education. So you've got a bunch of different people (faculty, staff, students, parents) there for a host of different reasons.

*progressive in pedagogical rather than political terms

Is it a very PC kind of place? Ultra liberal?

The academic program is highly-structured (in a branching, scaffolded kind of way). Behavioral expectations are pretty clear as well. Kids don't "run loose" -- though they move between classes and do some work out-of-doors (e.g. science) from an early age, sometimes in small groups. And addressing teachers by their first names is part of a deliberate structure (vs. laxness) -- i.e. one that treats teachers and students as partners in learning and encourages a sort of openness and comfort with respect to, for example, asking questions or disagreeing.

As for yelling in the halls. I'm on campus a lot (and have been for the past 10 years). It's not something I see or hear. Not denying you might have once, but that could happen at any elementary school.

Depending on age, the floor thing may have been part of a research project on whether concentration is improved when kids aren't forced to sit behind desks all day. IME, it's not disruptive and can actually lead to more focus than kids sitting in closer proximity and whispering, passing notes, etc.

Obviously, YMMV (and 14:00's clearly does). But my point is that there are carefully thought-out reasons behind much of what you see at GDS. It's not anything goes. It's lets focus on the important stuff (learning, treating each other with respect) rather than imposing hierarchy/authority/order/discipline for its own sake.

The academic program is highly-structured (in a branching, scaffolded kind of way). Behavioral expectations are pretty clear as well. Kids don't "run loose" -- though they move between classes and do some work out-of-doors (e.g. science) from an early age, sometimes in small groups. Actually addressing teachers by their first names is part of a deliberate structure (vs. laxness) -- i.e. one that treats teachers and students as partners in learning and encourages a sort of openness and comfort with respect to, for example, asking questions or disagreeing.

As for yelling in the halls. I'm on campus a lot (and have been for the past 10 years). It's not something I see or hear. Not denying you might have once, but that could happen at any elementary school.

Depending on age, the floor thing may have been part of a research project on whether concentration is improved when kids aren't forced to sit behind desks all day. IME, it's not disruptive and can actually lead to more focus than kids sitting in closer proximity and whispering, passing notes, etc.

Obviously, YMMV (and 14:00's clearly does). But my point is that there are carefully thought-out reasons behind much of what you see at GDS. It's not anything goes. It's lets focus on the important stuff (learning, treating each other with respect) rather than imposing authority/order/discipline for its own sake or as an end in itself.

GDS is highly-structured, WTF? The kids run loose, yelling through the hallways when switching classes. And, students are allowed to recline on the floor during class time. I won't even mention the addressing teachers by their first names.

No, PP, not the kind of structure that I'm used to and certainly wouldn't feel comfortable sending my DC there.

Aren't they on spring break too? I didn't think they were making calls over spring break ... why do I find so many of these posts hard to believe?

It is a very good academic school. It is also one of the most liberal schools out there. In terms of sports, it is one of the worst. It might even be worse than Sidwell.

GDS is highly-structured. It's just not the same structure that many parents grew up with, so on casual inspection, they don't see it.

RE athletics, depends on the sport. Some are good, some decent, some poor, some non-existent.

Academics and arts are very strong (unless you want orchestra, which is non-existent). It's a school than encourages independence, creativity, and ambition. Kids come out well-prepared for college, both substantively and in terms of work habits. The school values diversity and political engagement (typically, but not exclusively, in a lefty sort of way).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:received offer off of wait list, pls help me decide. i am new to the area.

I call VBA. Why did you apply if you don't know about the school.

VBA? Virginia Bar Association? Visual Boy Advance?

Not PP but VBA means Veiled Bragging Attempt