Sidwell Friends School

Sidwell Friends School is a Quaker private school located in Washington, DC and Bethesda, Maryland. It was founded in 1883 by Thomas Sidwell. Along with the St. Albans School and National Cathedral School, it is considered to be one of the most prestigious private schools in the Washington, DC area. Sources of criticism of the school in recent years have been its perceived focus on college admission and legacy admissions, which some believe are inconsistent with its Quaker identity. However, sons and daughters of Quaker alumni do not contest this policy, nor do many Friends who believe that competence derived from a rigorous education is prerequisite to an effective life of service. Over 30% of the graduating class attend Ivy League institutions.

Current profile

• 2004-2005 school year: 1,091 students (563 boys and 528 girls) are enrolled
• 38% of the student body belong to ethnic minorities
• 20% of the student body receive some form of financial assistance
• The School employs 145 teachers and 98 administrative and support staff
• Tuitions for the 2005-2006 school year are $23,545 (prekindergarten-grade 4) and $24,545 (grades 5-12).