Typically, the Lower School has 295 students, the Middle School has 350 students, and the Upper School has 500 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: 30/35 new students

Students may be admitted in non-expansion grades if space is available. 

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

Every parent of a Sidwell Friends School (SFS) student is a member of the Parents
Association (PA). Our PA reflects the philosophy of the larger Sidwell Friends
community, which is built upon the foundation of Quaker values. Embracing the Quaker
belief in the unique worth of each individual, the PA welcomes and encourages
everyone to participate in our activities. The functions of the PA are to:

• facilitate communication and information-sharing among parents, faculty, administrators and trustees;
• organize extracurricular and social programs and activities for students and parents;
• act as a resource for SFS in a variety of capacities and offer thoughtful leadership to SFS administration;
• provide educational opportunities and foster dialogue among parents for the greater good of our children and community; and
• celebrate diversity within our community and offer opportunities for enrichment.
 

• 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 2:40 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays)

Yes, the Lower School Early Risers program begins at 7:30 a.m., and After-School Program is available until 6:00 p.m. In Middle School, After-School Program is available until 6:00 p.m.

Yes, lunch is included with the tuition.

Yes, we have information about our curriculum available for each division:

• Lower School 
• Middle School 
• Upper School

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.

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.

We understand that applying from out of the area may present some challenges as you go through the admissions process. Please begin your application as early in the season as possible so we can be of greatest help to your family throughout the process. We do not reserve spaces for families moving to the area after the admissions season.

Sidwell Friends School does not offer a program in English as a Second Language (ESL). All students must be completely fluent in English reading, speaking and composition. English language learners should submit their TOEFL scores as part of the application for consideration.

Sidwell Friends is authorized to issue I-20s to international students so that they may acquire an F-1 visa. Sidwell issues I-20s to international students only after they have been accepted and have enrolled in the school. We do not have boarding facilities or a homestay program. Students must live in the DC area with a parent or legal guardian.

In the case of prospective students whose parents are not their legal guardian, several conditions must be met:

• Applicants must provide a notarized copy of guardianship papers. 
• The legal guardian must meet with the head of school or designee. 
• The legal guardian will be held responsible for the student at all times. 
• The guardian must provide a signed statement of acceptance of responsibility.
• The student’s parent or parents must confirm in writing to Sidwell Friends that the guardian of the child will be present at the legal residence in the Washington, DC, area at all times that the student is using the legal residence.
• All mail will be sent to the legal guardian’s address.