Admissions

Thank you for your interest in Sidwell Friends School!

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2018/19 school year. Our online application for the 2019/20 school year will be available on September 1, 2018.

Campus tours will start again in the fall of 2018.

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

Phone: 202-537-8111
Fax: 202-537-2401
admissions@sidwell.edu

Apply to Sidwell Friends

Tuition/Financial Aid

Sidwell Friends by the Numbers

47%

students of color

1,146

students enrolled

$40,840

tuition for 2017/18

23%

of students receive financial aid

$7 million

annual financial aid budget

$26,900

average financial aid award

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of the questions we are most often asked by families who are interested in applying to Sidwell Friends. We hope it is helpful to you as you begin the process, but please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Admissions Office for assistance.

How many students does Sidwell Friends have in each division?

Typically, the Lower School has 295 students, the Middle School has 350 students, and the Upper School has 500 students.

In which grades does Sidwell Friends admit new students?

The School admits most new students in the expansion grades:

  • Prekindergarten: 20 new students
  • Kindergarten: 28 new students
  • 3rd grade: 12 new students
  • 4th grade: 10 new students
  • 6th grade: 16 new students
  • 7th grade: 16 new students
  • 9th grade: 30 new students

Students may be admitted in non-expansion grades if space is available. No students are admitted in 12th grade.

What is the student-teacher ratio?

  • Prekindergarten: 10:1
  • Kindergarten–4th grade: 12:1
  • 5th–8th grade: 16:1
  • 9th–12th grade: 16:1

What are the hours of the school day?

  • Lower School: 8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m. (Early dismissal at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays)
  • Middle School 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (Early dismissal at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays)
  • Upper School 8:00 a.m.–3:20 p.m. (Early dismissal at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays)

Does Sidwell Friends provide lunch?

Yes, lunch is included with the tuition.

Does Sidwell Friends have before-school and after-school care?

Yes, the Lower School Early Risers program begins at 7:15 a.m., and Aftercare is available until 6:00 p.m. In Middle School, Aftercare is available until 6:00 p.m.

Which grades offer interscholastic sports?

Grades 7 and 8 participate in interscholastic sports during the last periods of the school day. Grades 9 through 12 participate in interscholastic sports games and practices after school.

Is bus transportation available?

Sidwell Friends does not provide bus transportation to and from school, but both campuses are near public transportation:

  • The Wisconsin Avenue (Middle/Upper School) campus is 0.7 miles from the Tenleytown/AU Metro station on the Red Line. Metrobus lines 30, 31, 33, 96, H3, and H4 serve the campus.
  • The Lower School campus is 0.4 miles from the Bethesda Metro station on the Red Line.

The School’s Auxiliary Programs Office contracts with an independent bus company to provide shuttle service between the Lower and Middle/Upper School campuses (see schedule). Students can sign up as one-way riders or round-trip riders for a fee.

Does Sidwell Friends have any boarding students?

Sidwell Friends does not offer a boarding option. We accept applications from international students who will be living in the DC area with a parent or legal guardian.

Lower School

The joy of inquiry and exploration is instilled in our youngest learners.

Middle School

Growth and discovery take place in a supportive learning environment.

Upper School

Students are empowered to pursue their interests, both in and out of the classroom.

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