Facility Rentals
Sidwell Friends School currently has two separate campuses, in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
When the School is not using them, several spaces on each campus are available for rent for events such as meetings, memorial services, and athletic team practices. Please see the room listings below for detailed information about each space. Please note: we do not rent spaces for children's birthday parties.
Submit your rental request to the Auxiliary Programs Office at least three weeks before your rental. To inquire about availability, please fill out the facility request form. If you have any further questions, please email rentals@sidwell.edu, and a member of our team will respond to your request within three business days.
Rental Spaces
Rental FAQs
- Is parking available?
- Is security on campus when school is not in sessions?
- Can groups use the scoreboard?
- Can groups sell tickets, concessions, or other items on campus?
- Can groups serve alcohol on campus?
- Will other activities be taking place on campus at the same time?
- Are the restrooms available?
- What happens in case of inclement weather?
- Is insurance required?
- Can Sidwell Friends School advertise my event?
- Can I store items on campus for recurring rentals?
- Is there a first aid kit accessible?
Is parking available?
Is security on campus when school is not in sessions?
Can groups use the scoreboard?
Can groups sell tickets, concessions, or other items on campus?
Can groups serve alcohol on campus?
Will other activities be taking place on campus at the same time?
Are the restrooms available?
What happens in case of inclement weather?
Is insurance required?
Can Sidwell Friends School advertise my event?
Can I store items on campus for recurring rentals?
Is there a first aid kit accessible?
Policies
Payment Schedule
All payments must be made to Sidwell Friends School at least one week before the event. Cancellations must be made within 24 hours of the scheduled rental start time. There is a $200, nonrefundable holding cost due with the signed contract for all rentals.
Insurance
The rental group must submit proof of insurance or sign a release waiver form indicating that Sidwell Friends School is harmless for all loss, liability, cost, and expense (including attorney’s fees) incurred in connection with any damage (property or bodily) on the premises during the rental agreement.
Timing
Rental requests must be submitted at least three weeks in advance. Requests made after this may result in additional fees. Rentals are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis.
All setup and cleanup must take place within the rental time frame. Field and gym spaces are booked back-to-back; thus the rental time frame includes setup, cleanup, warm-up time, etc.
No loitering is allowed on campus before or after the rental time. Everyone must vacate the premises within 20 minutes of the end of the rental time.
Groups that do not arrive within 10 minutes of the rental start time must report to the Security Office, as buildings will be locked.
Expectation
Rental groups must remove all property upon leaving the premises. No equipment or catering is available. Tables and chairs can be provided on request at cost to the rental group.
Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted on the campus.
Use of the School name or photography must be cleared in advance by the Associate Head of School’s office at 202-537-8108.
Pets are not allowed on campus at any time, including on athletic fields.
Inclement Weather
When the School is closed due to inclement weather conditions, all facilities will be closed including the gymnasiums. Call the Security Office at 202-537-8197 to confirm closures.
Medical and Health Needs
Rental groups assume all financial, legal, and medical responsibility for their staff, invitees, and attendees and must ensure that the designated representative responsible for medical needs has current first aid and CPR certification. The rental group must provide any medical equipment need for participants. The School will not make medical equipment available (e.g., inhalers, Epipens, etc.) except for the AED.
Additional Fees
Additional Items | Cost Per Unit |
Gym tarp | $300 flat rate |
Additional security officer | $35 per hour |
Chairs | $2.50 per chair |
Chair setup | $4 per chair |
Tables | $7.50 per table |
Table setup | $10 per table |
Event cleaning service | $150 flat rate |
Coat racks | $30 each |
Grills | $75 each |
Ice | $50 flat rate |
Technology training, pre-event visits, set-up meetings | $25/visit |
Host (included in wedding, theater, and Meeting Room rates) | $25/hour |
Sidwell Friends School offers additional items to make sure your event runs smoothly and to ensure that the space is properly maintained.
Please note: Parties of 50 or more may result in the hiring of additional special police officers on campus; see hourly rate above.