Gilman wants kids able to perform at least one grade level ahead. I suspect that means high 120s but I don't know. FWIW, My boys are 98% based on independent testing - NOT the 99.9% pp talk about for DC schools.

20:55 Here, thanks for the replies about admissions odds. To answer the PP, Gilman does do testing like the WPPSI (Woodcock-Johnson I think) but the *school* administers the test. Here in DC, you go to an independent tester and have your results sent to the schools that you are applying to. It is just a different arrangement. They also have play dates, teacher recommendations, and other typical admissions activities.

Anonymous wrote:Gilman has strong sibling pref so factor that into acceptance rate. It's one of the more competitive schools for admissione, requiring 2 visits (they do their own testing plus the play date) and they often visit the preschools to observe kids. They do take admissions seriously - head of lower school came to my son's preschool to observe.

So strong sibling pref would imply that the actual acceptance rate is lower than 30%, for non-sibs. Wonder what they look for, since there's no WPPSI. And I believe there's no parent interview, either…

Gilman has strong sibling pref so factor that into acceptance rate. It's one of the more competitive schools for admissione, requiring 2 visits (they do their own testing plus the play date) and they often visit the preschools to observe kids. They do take admissions seriously - head of lower school came to my son's preschool to observe.

Gilman's asst lower school head will be new lower school head at St paul's next year. He's a great guy and should bring some stability there. Pp who have their kids there love it. Might be another option.

I don't know it broken down by year; 30% is overall.

30% for K at Gilman?

I wouldn't say any full-pay is a cert -- Gilman acceptance rates are around 30%. Friends' are around 60%.

Anonymous wrote:We are applying to DC independents for PK and waiting for letters now, but are really considering moving to Baltimore for Gilman. Anyone know the K admissions odds at Gilman?

If you can pay full tuition and your child isn't a behavior issue, you're good.

Thanks PPs. I live in Towson so going up to St. James might be doable. I toured Gilman for ES but was struck by how stuck on themselves the admin seemed. Not the humblest bunch. But I will take a tour again next year of the middle school. St. James seems like a nice small school but very white (my son is AA and white). I am wondering why there aren't more students of color there. Park and maybe Friends might be a bit too unstructured for my kid.

We are applying to DC independents for PK and waiting for letters now, but are really considering moving to Baltimore for Gilman. Anyone know the K admissions odds at Gilman?

Anonymous wrote:I have a question about Gilman. My son is very bright and has been coasting along for years now in public school. He gets As with very little effort and I cannot stand the crappy curriculum (very little science, history, etc), I would like to apply to some private schools for middle school. Does anyone have any experience with middle school at Gilman? Do many new boys start in middle school? He isn't really into team sports although he does enjoy a few individual sports. I would have to get substantial FA though. Any knowledge of FA for middle school? Thanks!

Plenty of new boys start at Gilman in middle school. Many Roland Park families send their children to public elementary and move on to private for middle or high school. Your son will not be the only new child.

Take a tour of the school and see what you think!

I have no knowledge of the middle school I'm afraid. GIlmant may not be the easiest school to start in at middle school for a boy who isn't into sports - I believe that the boys have to play some team sports. St Paul's might be another option - I beleive that it's getting stronger with the adoption of the IB program in the upper school. I suspect your best bet for financial aid may be Park or Friends though I really have no knowledge of this. McDonogh is also a strong school, but very into sports - more so than Gilman in our experience. Also check out Loyola, which is a strong boys' Catholic school that starts in 6th grade. Another thought is St James in Monkton (don't know where you're located) - it's a strong K-8 school that probably loses some kids in middles school. It's very nice and places kids at all area privates for upper school. I don't think it's sporty at all. Also, Cambridge School -I don't know much about it - but it's k-8 Christian school with a classical curriculum. Considerably less expensive.
I know that in the city if your kid qualifies for CTY classes, he can take them in lieu of regular classes during the school day and the school pays. Not ideal, but it might help keep your kid engaged. GOod luck.

I have a question about Gilman. My son is very bright and has been coasting along for years now in public school. He gets As with very little effort and I cannot stand the crappy curriculum (very little science, history, etc), I would like to apply to some private schools for middle school. Does anyone have any experience with middle school at Gilman? Do many new boys start in middle school? He isn't really into team sports although he does enjoy a few individual sports. I would have to get substantial FA though. Any knowledge of FA for middle school? Thanks!

Thanks, that'd it be great! I put up an ad here:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mis/4335105939.html

Reply via the craigslist anonymizer, and I'll send you my information.

We live Gilman. Welcome!! I'd be happy to talk to you and answer any questions if you want to set up a way for us to communicate ( I'd give you my contact info except I'm still concerned about friends poster).