About Sidwell Friends School
Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic learning community grounded in Quaker values that encourages students to recognize the goodness that exists within each person and to find their inner teacher so they can pursue a life of truth, knowledge, self-revelation, and lifelong friendship. Sidwell students develop the tools to live courageously, imaginatively, and joyfully.
Sidwell Friends School is a private, co-educational Quaker day school located in Washington, D.C., and Bethesda, Maryland, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1883, the school emphasizes academic excellence, Quaker values, and a commitment to service and social responsibility. It prepares students to be compassionate leaders in a global society.
Core Values
Teaching Philosophy
Sitting together in shared silence is the cornerstone of a Quaker education. Our students and faculty gather each week to listen and reflect. Students at all grade levels do their part to build community, both within our School and in the wider world. From the food we eat each day to the design of our buildings, we instill in our students an awareness of the earth’s limited resources. By studying cultures and languages from around the world, students develop perspective on their own beliefs. The belief that there is “that of God in everyone” is at the heart of our commitment to equity and social justice.
What Makes Sidwell Friends School Special
- Traditional
- Quaker faith-based education
- Financial aid & scholarships offered
- 143+ years of heritage (est. 1883)
- 4 arts & creative programs
Academics
Curriculum
Sidwell Friends School offers Traditional and Other curriculums, with specializations in STEM, Arts, Languages, and Sports.
Academic Environment
Languages of Instruction
Programs & Extracurriculars
Arts Programs
4 programsSports
5 programsClubs & Activities
4 programsCampus & Facilities
Sidwell Friends School sits on a 15-acre-acre campus with Classrooms, Library, Science lab, Athletics facilities, and Theatre.
Photo Gallery
Tuition & Financial Aid
$59,920
per year
Admissions
Requirements
- Application form
- Report cards
- Interview
- Reference letters
- Entrance exam
- Essay
- Portfolio
- Shadow day
- Standardized test
- Other
Community & Culture
Sidwell Friends cultivates a community grounded in Quaker values, where sitting together in shared silence each week forms the cornerstone of the educational experience. Students across all grade levels engage in reflective practices and community building, both within the school and in the wider world. The school emphasizes environmental stewardship, global perspective through the study of cultures and languages, and the Quaker belief that there is "that of God in everyone." This philosophy shapes a warm, thoughtful environment where students are encouraged to recognize goodness in others and develop their inner teacher.
Diversity & Inclusion
Sidwell Friends is committed to equity and social justice, grounded in the Quaker belief that there is "that of God in everyone." The school's financial aid process is guided by its Philosophy and Diversity Statements, and it offers one of the most generous financial aid programs in the DC area to ensure accessibility for families of all income levels. The school enrolls a diverse student body across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, believing that this diversity enhances the educational experience for all students and prepares them to succeed in the world. The school also maintains a non-discrimination policy protecting all community members.
Parent Involvement
Every parent at Sidwell Friends is automatically a member of the Parents Association (PA), which reflects the school's Quaker values and welcomes all families to participate. The PA facilitates communication among parents, faculty, and administrators; organizes extracurricular and social programs; serves as a resource to the school; provides educational opportunities and dialogue for parents; and celebrates diversity within the community. The organization emphasizes the Quaker belief in the unique worth of each individual and encourages broad participation.
Accreditations & Recognition
Contact Sidwell Friends School
Address
3825 Wisconsin Ave, Washington, DC, United States
Phone
(202) 537-8100
info@sidwell.edu
Website
Visit School Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sidwell Friends School
Sidwell Friends School serves students in grades PK-12.
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