<p>What are the best schools within a 50 mile radius of DC? I got accepted to Potomac last year but didn't go. I'm thinking about Sidwell Friends more. I'm wondering how the presence (or not) of the Secret Service affect the environment. How is Georgetown Day School? </p>
<p>Thanks. </p>
<p>BTW: I realize it's really late to be applying, but there are lots of last minute changes that I have to accommodate.</p>
<p>It depends on how you define “best.” The DC area is lucky to have a number of excellent independent schools - and some do accomodate boarders. You don’t say much about your situation, what grade/gender/interests, so it is hard to give advice. There are schools generally perceived to be on par with the best prep schools or private schools in NYC (for example) and these are often referred to as the Big 3. These are Georgetown Day School (GDS), Sidwell and the Cathedral schools (St Albans for boys, National Cathedral for girls).
Not in any order. Other schools like Maret, Potomac, Bullis, Georgetown Prep, Gonzaga, among others all have their attributes as well.</p>
<p>A 50 mile radius is pretty wide as that would even include Annapolis and Baltimore area schools.</p>
<p>With regards to Sidwell, I think a lot depends on who you are. It is a Quaker school, but known (not just because of Obama girls) for many prominent DC families (mainly democratic but not exclusively). Academics are solid (upper school much better than lower school) and the new facilities are first class. Athletics is so-so, depending upon the sport, but the MAC league is usually fairly weak. Arts and music solid. Entry years are really 7th and 9th so not sure what grade you are looking at, and whether that would work.</p>
<p>I was there yesterday for a sports game and didn’t see secret service presence, but that means they are doing their job! There is definitely a certain amount of notoriety as there was when Chelsea Clinton was there. </p>
<p>My own impression is that some of the kids (and parents) are a little too full of themselves, and the behavior of certain grades is very poor. But not true for all.</p>
<p>You might want to look at the Cathedral schools, Maret or GDS as well.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>My wife and I have been very peased with the Saint James School, in Hagerstown Md.</p>
<p>Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia.</p>
<p>episcopal high school! It’s in the top 25.</p>
<p>NCS (national cathedral school)</p>