Let Your Light Shine

L ET YOUR LIGHT

WELCOME TO SIDWELL FRIENDS Cultivating the mind, voice, and heart since 1883.

Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic learning community grounded in Quaker values that fosters the inner Light of truth, knowledge, self-revelation, lifelong friendship, and the dignity of all students.

Students develop the tools to live courageously, imaginatively, and joyfully.

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

FIRST, A WORD FROM OUR STUDENTS What do our students value about Sidwell Friends?

QUAKER VALUES FOR LIFE “Simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship are all principles that are necessary for life—or should be. Sidwell Friends has taught me to follow these principles daily and apply them in School (as well as beyond School). Abiding by the Quaker SPICES has helped me with problem-solving and has enabled relationships that can carry me throughout life.”

—10 T H GRA D ER

LEARNING TO LEARN “The School’s humanities courses resemble those taken in college with their rigor and numerous analytical writing assignments.

Sidwell Friends teaches you to not only understand but analyze and apply, which are skills utilized in the workplace and as a professional in a field of work. It also teaches you to be a leader and speak up for yourself and others.”

— 9 TH GRADER

FINDING FUN “One small joy I have is writing for Sidwell Friends’ satirical newspaper. It’s so much fun to know you make others laugh, and I love working with everyone who writes for The Oat.” — 10 T H GRA D ER

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SC H O O L STU D EN T VO I CES

COMMUNITY MEANS CARING “The people I’ve met in my years at Sidwell Friends have inspired me to strive to be a better person …

Being surrounded by people who care about inclusion and social issues has profoundly affected me.”

— 10 T H GRA D ER

STUDENT EMPOWERMENT “My time at Sidwell Friends is preparing me for the future through opportunities to take part in student leadership seminars and clubs. I work with other students and the faculty to discuss and resolve the student body’s issues.”

— 7 T H GRA D ER

TEACHING MEANS DEDICATION “Thanks to the attention and preparation I’ve received from my teachers, I’ve learned to plan, prioritize, and manage my time efficiently. In my history class, our assignments included making concise outlines of sections of our textbook while retaining all necessary information.

I strengthened my ability to navigate a passage and extract crucial information.”

— 7TH GRADER

OPEN MINDS OPEN DOORS “I loved the Political Philosophy Club. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the way they challenged even the 9th graders was incredibly exciting to me. We discussed authors I had never heard of before, and it was like a whole new world opened up to me … This club is helping me gain a language to express my beliefs and also debate with my classmates.”

— 9 T H GRA D ER

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT Wonder, listen, question: building practices of the independent mind.

There is truth and goodness in each student, so every day is a new opportunity to engage their innate curiosity, elicit creativity, and expand intellectual capacity. No matter which grade, no matter which subject, Sidwell Friends welcomes every opportunity to challenge their intellect and build their spiritual capacity.

Sometimes students fail. And that’s okay.

Every child learns to think and to grapple with uncomfortable challenges differently.

Doing so helps them grow and learn to listen deeply to discern the answers they seek—influenced by the Quaker practices of reflection and inquiry. By weaving in diverse perspectives, students find new ideas to fuel their natural curiosity.

Critical thinking is a foundation for life.

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SC H O O L I N TEL L ECTUA L EN GAGE ME NT

“The curriculum is thoughtful and focuses on the bigger picture, encouraging me to view everything through a global lens.

Sidwell Friends’ emphasis on learning through reflection, collaboration, and discussion has pushed me to understand concepts more deeply than ever before.”

— 11TH GRADER

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

“I loved my ‘Quakerism and the Arts’ class (or ‘drama’ as most students call it!), which really surprised me. We did many fun projects that tied into the environment and Quaker values. This gave me room to use my creativity, while also spreading a message!”

— 8TH GRADER

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S I DW E L L F R I E NDS SC H O O L H O N O R I N G VOI CE

HONORING VOICE Planting the seeds for a life well-lived through Quaker values.

As a Quaker school, Sidwell Friends seeks “that of God” in every student—the inner Light of truth, compassion, and community.

Sidwell Friends honors students’ voices and selfexpression, regardless of age, especially when students

Quaker Values Infused Throughout the School

are moved to speak into silence. Voice can manifest

S I L EN T R EF L ECTI O N

itself in a number of ways beyond public speaking—

Moments of silence help us stay present and able to reflect on issues at hand.

through writing, art, music, dance, or acts of kindness.

The School weaves ideas of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship throughout its programs to inspire students. Whether in a classroom debate, a student celebration, an exhibit of original art, or at a weekly Meeting for Worship, students learn to listen intently in order to speak decidedly, finding courage in actions and words.

M EETI N G FO R WO RS H I P

We make time every week to allow everyone an opportunity to speak if compelled.

QU ER I ES

Students collaboratively generate guiding questions, called “queries,” as a means to examine how we live and to explore the world around us.

EQUITY, JUSTICE, AND COMMUNITY (EJC)

All voices are honored—no matter how loud or soft.

Goodness and dignity are inherent in all, so we honor a multiplicity of voices when exploring questions of race, cultural understanding, and social justice.

EN V I RO N M EN TA L STEWA R DS H I P

From the design of the School’s buildings to the food we eat, caring about the environment is core to our beliefs and woven into the programs of each division.

S P I C ES

Simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, stewardship: These Quaker values comprise the acronym that we commonly call the “SPICES” and are integrated into our programs.

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

STU D EN T C LU BS A N D A F F I N I TY GROU PS

Student groups in each division gather to discuss commonalities of culture and honor our many identities.

THE HEART OF COMMUNITY Learning to care for others is core to what we do.

Teaching a love of community happens in small and

CO M M U N I TY EN GAGEM EN T

large ways—how we interact, how we see others’

Students in all grades actively participate in community outreach and service by working locally with nonprofit organizations.

humanity, how we care.

When we know we can lean on others, we find strength.

When teachers take extra care in how they connect with students and when classmates show up to support their friends, we learn to be an inclusive community. This strengthens each student’s sense of self, belonging, and capability. It fosters deeper dialogue, which in turn empowers students to care more about their work, their classmates, and the community at large.

Learning in a diverse and inclusive community

PA R EN TS ASSO C I ATI O N

influences our actions, inspires our beliefs,

Parents are all members of this welcoming group that works to involve and connect all families.

and fosters lifelong connections.

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SC H O O L TH E H EA RT O F CO M M UNI T Y

“The friends that I’ve made have defined my experience at this School. It’s what keeps me excited to come back each day.”

— 12TH GRADER

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

“Sidwell Friends has prepared me to be an upstanding member of my community by instilling in me the values of the Quaker SPICES (simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship) Sidwell Friends has always provided me with opportunities to better the community I live in.”

— 6TH GRADER

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SC H O O L ETH I CA L ACTI O N I N P RACT I CE

ETHICAL ACTION IN PRACTICE Sidwell Friends goes beyond words for equity, justice, and community.

“What does it mean to be an ethical leader, and how can I make a difference?” These are the most relevant questions students ask as they prepare for the future. They learn to examine and define for themselves what it means to be an ethical leader, gaining confidence, motivation, and dedication in the process. Sidwell Friends provides students resources to explore the areas they choose to pursue and to encourage hands-on experiences.

Being an ethical leader can mean different things. Sometimes it means standing up in the face of challenge. Sometimes it means rolling up one’s sleeves to contribute to a service project. In every case, it means acting with the intention to create sustainable solutions and serve the greater good.

Center for Ethical Leadership As part of the Sidwell Friends Strategic Plan, the School established the new Center for Ethical Leadership, which serves as a central resource to empower students to examine and address social issues and promote community engagement, including: » Working with and learning from local non-profits;

» Environmental stewardship projects and action;

» Internships through the Dehejia Fellows Program;

» Student affinity groups and service clubs to promote greater understanding.

LEARN MORE AT: sidwell.edu/equity

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

“ I AM INSPIRED

BY SIDWELL FRIENDS STUDENTS WHEN THEY...”

Sidwell Friends teachers and coaches are dedicated to creating and nurturing a dynamic academic experience. And they often find inspiration from the students.

“… explore topics that interest them rather than what they think they should study. When students explore areas of history that speak to their own interests, curiosities, and passions, they seem to invest more in the work.”

DAR R E N S P E EC E U PPE R SCH OOL D E A N OF STU D E N TS

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“… approach new learning with such joy and openness. They inspire me to find growth and excitement in all aspects of my life.”

Z A RYA N AVA R RO LOW E R SC H O O L T E AC H E R

“… support each other on the sideline, pool deck, dugout, course, court, or track. They help encourage each other to perform their best and lift each other up. True teammates are very inspiring!”

M EGA N M I L L ER AT H L E T I CS

“... see themselves (from preK on!) as big on the inside and capable of making our classrooms, our communities, and our world a kinder and more just place.”

“… embrace failure. Failure is inevitable. What matters is that, in the face of failure, they dust themselves off and try a different approach.”

AD E L E PAY NT E R LOWE R SCH OOL PR I N CI PA L

JON MORMINO UP P E R SC H O O L T E AC H E R & COAC H

S I DW E L L F R I E NDS SC H O O L TEAC H ERS F I N D I N S P I RAT I ON

“… put voice to their ideas, their learning, and their experiences.

Whether sharing information, presenting new ideas, or giving feedback, they are thoughtful, they support their ideas with evidence, and they are interested in hearing others’ questions.”

RAC H EL K A N E MI DDL E SC H O O L P R I N C IPAL

“… find ways to positively impact the greater community.

The students and their endeavors continually energize me as a teacher and coach.”

M A RTI N SU R ES H UP P E R SC H O O L T E AC H ER

“… constantly push the envelope and respectfully inquire and challenge information presented to them. They show extraordinary leadership by seeking to learn about issues, and organizing community events.”

N ATA L I E RA N D O L P H DI R ECTO R O F EQUI T Y, J UST I C E & CO MMUNI T Y

“… silence all the ‘noise’ around them, listen to the voice within, and exercise the kind of ethical decisionmaking and leadership that so often characterizes our students’ actions.”

RO B B I E GROSS UP P E R SC H O O L P R I N C IPAL

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

BELONGING MATTERS Student diversity is the foundation of the Sidwell Friends community.

7.8%

Unsure

17.6% Asian

Students come from different backgrounds and learn together with respect. Embracing the student body in full, Sidwell Friends ensures that all students are supported, from the youngest to the oldest. Some bring different skill strengths,

37.9% White

STUDENT RACIAL BREAKDOWN

19%

Two or More Races

some learn how to express cultural pride, some

14.7%

are natural introverts, some are unflinching speakers and debaters, some thrive as athletes,

Black/African American

some find expression through music and art.

Some are all of the above—but all belong.

441

<1%

Native Hawaiian/ Other Pacific Islander

*as of August 2024

2.8%

Middle Eastern

DC Students

Sidwell Friends works hard to welcome a wider community.

561

Financial accessibility is core to a Quaker

Maryland Students

education. With more than $10 million in the financial aid budget, the School supports as many families whose children have demonstrated

135

Virginia Students

promise and potential as possible. Sidwell Friends is building a stronger endowment through philanthropic efforts to increase financial aid for the future and to help families cover tuition and non-tuition expenses.

9.5% 14

Students who identify as Hispanic/Latino

S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SC H O O L B ELO N GI N G M ATT E RS

LEARN MORE AT: sidwell.edu/equity

1,142

Average student body each year, preK–12

50% Male

50% Female

23%

of the student body receives financial aid

$10 M

financial aid awarded to student families in the 2024/25 academic year

George Fox Scholarships Since 2007, the George Fox Scholarships have served as the cornerstone of the School’s socioeconomic diversity, and they have provided under-resourced students a chance to learn and grow from the breadth and depth of study at Sidwell Friends.

70%

Average financial aid grant awarded towards tuition 15

LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

LOWER

SCHOOL GRADES PREK–4

SOWING THE SEEDS THAT MATTER Learning can be profound when it hits at the core of a young person’s development, both in and out of the classroom. The Lower School nurtures students’ creativity and sense of wonder as the first steps on a path toward lifelong learning.

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SCHOOL

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

“Children inherently understand Quaker values like equity and justice, and they are awed by nature and the environment. The Lower School nurtures Quaker values in our children and allows them to carry that understanding deep within.”

— PARENT

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SC H O O L LOWER SCHOOL

Learning at Lower School L EA R N I N G TH ROUGH R EF L ECTI O N :

core academic subjects: English Language Arts, math, social

Students learn to listen to their inner teacher (and to the voices of the community) through silent reflection and ministry during our weekly Meetings for Worship. They also learn to craft queries that spark introspection and action and connect us to our Quaker testimonies.

studies, writing, science, art, physical education, Spanish, and

L EA R N I N G TH ROUGH S E RV I CE :

S

idwell Friends is a place of wonder, curiosity and exploration—of self, community and the world. The Quaker values are at the heart of all our work and provide a rich context for students to explore our

music. Students grapple with how the Quaker testimonies inform every aspect of our day, inspiring our children to see how kindness and empathy can shape lives and the world.

Our teachers are skilled at teaching the whole child, fostering academic skills along with physical development, socialemotional learning, and spiritual inquiry. The Lower School’s end goal is for children to be happy, grounded, independent young people with the ideas, curiosity, and skills to let their lives speak—both at School and in their community.

SPOTLIG HT: 4TH G RA DE E T H I CAL LE A DERSHIP E XP E R IE NC E

Cows produce methane, [which is] a greenhouse gas. The simple act of cutting down on the amount of beef we eat (the average American eats around 220 pounds of beef a year, or over half a pound of beef per day) means fewer cows, which means less methane. It also means less land and energy will be used.” That was just one of many ideas presented during the Ethical Leadership Experience, the year-ending project that focused on solutions for social (gender discrimination, perpetuation of stereotypes, homelessness)

Students turn learning into action through regular, continuous service to our long-standing community partners: A Wider Circle, Bethesda Cares, and Martha’s Table (e.g., veggie-cutting, letter-writing, donation collections).

CU LTI VATI N G B ELO N G I NG :

Teachers and families work together to provide opportunities for students to celebrate and learn from the rich diversity of our community.

Opportunities include themed assemblies, cultural events and deep classroom work.

CO N N ECTI N G TO OU R N ATU RA L WO R L D :

Students in the lower school develop an appreciation for our natural world.

During Exploratorium and science classes, they explore the campus, get to know native flora and fauna, care for our gardens and engage in acts of environmental stewardship. and environmental injustices (deforestation, pollution, loss of native habitat, etc.). The annual projects aim to turn 4th graders into leaders who examine evidence and inspire others to better the world around them.

VIEW THE CURRICULUM GUIDE: sidwell.edu/LS

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 5–8

EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY TAKE CENTER STAGE Students experience incredible intellectual, physical, and social growth during their Middle School years.

As they begin to dig deeper into literary works, world history, science, math, and languages, they take risks and experiment, learning through both successes and challenges.

They develop more disciplined learning skills.

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SCHOOL

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

“Middle School seamlessly and magically bridges childhood and adolescence. It is fascinating how the School guides the transition with such joy.”

— PARENT

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SC H O O L M I D D L E SCHOOL

I

n keeping with the School’s Quaker values, Middle School faculty respect and honor their students’

Learning at Middle School

emerging voices, identities, and interests—all while mindfully endeavoring to support students while

they navigate new experiences. As students tackle larger questions about themselves and the world, they deepen and strengthen their academic skills and level of inquiry. The School has a unique structure that keeps grades 5/6 in homeroom cohorts, while grades 7/8 learn in inter-grade teams, reflecting a step to further encourage academic independence and engagement.

When students leave Middle School, they take with them the tools they need to communicate, analyze, question, critique, and interpret information and ideas as engaged community members and active citizens.

QUA K ER VA LU ES, EJ C, CO M M U N I TY EN GAGE ME NT:

Meeting for Worship, query writing, and themed programs are intentionally integrated into the curriculum.

A DV I SO RY:

Teacher-led advisory groups focus on social and emotional learning.

EX P R ESS I O N TH ROUG H TH E A RTS :

Students explore a range of creative expression through visual arts, drama, vocal, and instrumental music.

L A N GUAGES :

In grades 5/6, students are offered Spanish and Chinese courses. In grades 7/8, there is the added opportunity to learn French and Latin.

SPOTLIG HT: THE G REEN BUIL D I NG AS TEAC HE R

Sidwell Friends is the first preK–12 School in the world to earn LEED Platinum certification for its Middle School building after it was completed in 2006. “The building really is the teacher,” says Margaret Pennock, one of the Middle School science teachers. “The building illustrates so many of the physical science concepts that they learn throughout the year, and then they get to see how those physical concepts live in a building setting.”

Among the many aspects of learning environmental stewardship, 8th graders take what they learn from the building to serve as tour guides to visitors.

They are familiar with all of the green features of the building:

M I N I M ESTER :

Students have the opportunity to participate in teacher-led experiential learning excursions and workshops, on campus and beyond.

C LU BS A N D A F F I N I TY G ROU PS :

sustainable building materials; solar panels; a rooftop garden that protects the building from rain and provides a natural habitat; and an outdoor wetland and closed-cycle water-recycling system. Highlights include viewing the ventilation system and experiencing classrooms with skylights and large windows to reduce the use of electric light.

Students enjoy clubs, such as Math Counts, Student Voices, and a student Newspaper. There are also various affinity groups.

VIEW THE CURRICULUM GUIDE: sidwell.edu/MS

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SCHOOL

UPPER

SCHOOL GRADES 9–12

ILLUMINATING STUDENT VOICE, IDENTITY, AND JOY Upper Schoolers develop the tools to transform their own voices and passions through a journey of intellectual pursuits, an exploration of how our identities shape us, and the creation of peer connections.

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

“The lessons I learned and the friendships I formed in the Upper School extend well beyond the classroom.

My time at Sidwell Friends expanded my worldview by constantly pushing me to hone my moral compass and beliefs, and my teachers instilled in me the importance of thinking critically, synthesizing information, and being a lifelong learner—skills that still serve me to this day.”

— YOUNG ALUM

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SC H O O L U P P ER SCHOOL

W

ith more than 125 courses, the Upper School offers a breadth and depth of exploration that promises to engage all students. Guided

Learning at Upper School

by committed teachers, advisors, learning

support specialists, and coaches, students learn lifelong skills of independent thinking and self-advocacy. In

QUA K ER VA LU ES, EJ C, CO M M U N I TY EN GAGE ME NT:

values on decision making and actions. With each

Weekly 45-minute Meeting for Worship and themed programs are integrated into the curriculum.

successive grade, students gain progressive autonomy

9TH GRA D E STU D I ES :

to select coursework, study, and participate in athletic

A course focusing on topics in Quakerism, ethical leadership, and health and wellness.

9th grade, all students study the influence of Quaker

offerings that speak to their own interests, curiosity, and individual pursuits.

D EH EJ I A F EL LOWS P ROG RA M:

With more than 75 student clubs and affinity groups, a robust extracurricular life offers students many opportunities for the discovery of new ideas, empowerment to collaborate, and space to just have fun. We aim to provide students with many reasons and ways to let their lives speak.

I N TEL L ECTUA L EN GAG E ME NT WI TH S P EA K ERS :

Annual engaging speakers on China Studies, art, alumni professional pathways, and more.

WI D E S EL ECTI O N O F STU D EN T- L ED C LU BS A ND A F F I N I TY GROU PS :

SPOTLIG HT: SPOTLIG HT: ST UD E NT- L E D PUB LICATIONS

Student government, robotics, politics and debate, community action, a cappella, science, arts, affinity groups, FEM, GLSBT, to name a few.

At a Quaker School, student voice is critical. Whether through journalism, illustration, examinations of history and identities, science and gender, or the ever-important craft of humor, our student publications are outlets for expression and voice.

Since the School’s founding, student journalism has played an important part of community life. While there were previous iterations, the student newspaper took the name Horizon in 1974 and has served generations ever since. Students are empowered to propose and create new publications provided they take the initiative to fully articulate their vision, commit to welcoming all

11th graders apply for internship opportunities during the summer before senior year.

CO L L EGE COU N S EL I N G

interested students, respect the community, and learn about the integrity of the editorial process.

Although publications have come and gone throughout the years, current publications, such as The Oat, Meridians, and The Quarterly, continue as student-led and advisor-guided clubs—some even earning national awards and accolades!

A team of professionals caringly guide students and families through the changing college admissions process. Counselors help students take ownership of their journey in identifying best fit colleges.

VIEW THE CURRICULUM GUIDE: sidwell.edu/US

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SCHOOL

CREATIVE ARTS ENRICHING THE LIVES OF THE COMMUNITY From the vibrant student art displayed throughout the halls of the Lower School to the stories brought to life in the Middle School drama studio to the Upper School jazz musicians who enhance our community events, art is everywhere. Students in all grade levels have the opportunity to explore both the visual and the performing arts as they learn to express their creative selves.

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SC H O O L A RTS

T

The creative arts are a vital part of a Sidwell Friends education. Students of all ages receive broad exposure to the performing and visual arts, with a focus

on hands-on learning. As students progress into the Middle and Upper Schools, there is an increasing emphasis on fundamental skills enhanced by learning and performing experiences that encourage creativity and collaboration. In the Upper School, ​​students who have discovered a particular interest, such as in music, theater, painting, ceramics, or photography can pursue advanced coursework or, if they prefer, pursue their broader interests in the arts.

S P OTL I GH T: TH EATER AT S I DWEL L

Upper School Theater Department classes include Improv, Introduction to Acting, Advanced Acting, Introduction to Technical Theater, and Advanced Technical Theater. Many Upper School students also choose to participate in curricular arts during their Sidwell career through theater productions and technical theater (crew) and are supported by Arts faculty who are active professionals in their respective disciplines.

Each year the Upper School Theater Program offers at least three co-curricular productions: a play, a musical, and S.T.A.R. (Sidwell Theatre

Arts Revue), a series of oneacts and student-created work in alternative formats. The Middle School also produces one play and one musical each year. Co-curricular productions are cast from auditions, which are open to the student body.

LEARN MORE AT: sidwell.edu/arts

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

ATHLETICS THE INTEGRITY OF EFFORT AND TEAM

Commitment, teamwork, resilience, communication, perseverance.

The skills students develop on the field and in the gym serve them well later in life. With a variety of Middle School, junior varsity, and varsity teams to choose from, students have many opportunities to participate. Competitive athletics begin in 7th grade, with an emphasis on the team experience, skill development, fair play, and healthy competition. Our physical education program allows students to try new activities in flexible modules so they can gain new experiences and pursue their interests.

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S I DW E L L F R I E N DS SCHOOL

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

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VARSITY TEAMS

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GATORADE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

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DCSAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

73

ISL CHAMPIONSHIPS

72

MAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

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S I DW E L L F R I E NDS SC H O O L ATH L E T I CS

Varsity Sports FA L L

WI N TER

SPRING

Cross country

Basketball

Baseball

Field hockey

Indoor track

Crew

Football

Swimming

Lacrosse

Golf

Wrestling

Softball

Soccer

Tennis

Tennis

Track and field

Volleyball

S P OTL I GH T: TH E L EA D ERS H I P ACA D EM Y

The Sidwell Friends Leadership Academy encourages sophomores, juniors, and seniors to apply for leadership training through a program designed by the Janssen Sports Leadership Center. The curriculum is used by a small number of high schools in the United States and Canada and by more than 30 colleges and universities, including Georgetown, George Washington, LSU, Michigan, North Carolina, Stanford, Wake Forest, Yale, and more.

Our two-year program begins with a year called Emerging Leaders, with modules on Commitment, Confidence, Composure, Character, and more. Year two is Veteran Leaders, with modules on Conflict Management, Team Building, Refocusing, and more.

The Leadership Academy also brings in guest speakers.

In 2023/24, the Leadership Academy hosted Walter Rouse ’19, who was drafted in 2024 by the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL, and James Landy ’19, who graduated from the Air Force Academy as the Cadet of the Year in 2023 and was named a Rhodes Scholar.

LEARN MORE AT: sidwell.edu/athletics

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LET YOUR LIGH T SHI NE

OUR ALUMNI ARE...

STORYTELLERS

DISRUPTORS

ENTREPRENEURS

THOUGHT PROVOKERS

EDUCATORS

MUSICIANS

OLYMPIANS

SCHOLARS

ARTISTS

From L to R: Author Ann Brashares ’85; journalist and author Anand Giridharadas ’99; Beyond Meat founder Ethan Brown ’89; writer and cultural critic Baratunde Thurston ’95; antibias antiracist educator Liz Kleinrock ’05; composer Kathryn Bostic; Olympic medalist Taylor Knibb ’16; MIT Associate Provost Philip S. Khoury ’67; and artist Sonya Clark ’85.

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S I DW E L L F R I E NDS SC H O O L A LU M N I L I V ES S PE A K

There are 7,500+ alumni who let their lives speak.

HEALERS

HUMORISTS

CHRONICLERS

POETS

GAME CHANGERS

PERFORMERS

POLITICIANS

ADVOCATES

... AND THE SCIENCE GUY

From L to R: Howard University Surgeon-in-Chief Edward Cornwell ’74; cartoonist Liza Donnelly ’73; correspondent, author, and political analyst John Dickerson ’87; poet and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation president Elizabeth Alexander ’80; NBA player Saddiq Bey ’18; actress and comedian Ana Gasteyer ’85; US House of Representatives member Daniel S. Goldman ’94; Non-Profit Leader Kim Ford ’99; and science educator Bill Nye ’73.

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BIG CHANGES AHEAD Sidwell Friends School students will see some exciting changes in coming years at the Washington DC campus.

ROB OT IC S L AB

The School began work in 2024 on the renovation of the Upton Campus, which will become the new Upper School upon its completion in 2026. In addition to

L IB RARY

being the home for grades 9-12, the new Upper School will house the all-School community Center for Ethical Leadership and Center for Teaching and Learning.

The renovation will add new capacity in science, robotics, and research and lay the groundwork for a carbon-neutral campus and a unified campus by the end of the decade.

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C E NT E R F OR E T H IC AL L E ADE RS H IP

Our Philosophy Statement

ENTRANCE FR OM 37TH STRE E T

Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic educational community grounded in the Quaker belief that there is “that of God in everyone.” Individually and collectively, we challenge ourselves to pursue excellence in academic, athletic, and artistic realms. We are committed to the joys of exploration and discovery. Differences among us enhance intellectual inquiry, expand understanding, and deepen empathy. The Quaker pillars of the School inspire active engagement in environmental stewardship, global citizenship, and service. We find strength in reflection and shared silence. At the heart of each endeavor, we strive to discern deeper truths about ourselves and our common humanity, preparing students and adults to “let their lives speak.”

Our Commitment to Diversity

ENTRANCE FR OM CAMP U S

Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?”

OUTDOOR DI N ING

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Wisconsin Avenue Campus (Main Address) 3825 Wisconsin Avenue NW | Washington, DC 20016 Lower School Campus 5100 Edgemoor Lane | Bethesda, MD 20814 202-537-8100 | sidwell.edu/admissions

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@sidwellfriends