Are you applying to SF Day School?

[applicationoverload]

Has anyone applied to SFDS yet?

I attended an open house but find it frustrating that I need to fill out the lengthy application before we can tour the school during the day. I am excited by this school since I’ve heard so many good things about it and the new Head of school but am left feeling confused b/c we haven’t seen it in action.

Was there something that stood out for you during the open house or are you just moving forward because it’s considered a great school so why not?

[Christina]

Hi, there is a school in LA that has the same requirement. A parent must apply first BEFORE seeing the school. We filled out the application and then went on the tour. We ended up realizing that it wasn't the right school for us. So, we withdrew our application the day after the tour. I was really going on what I had heard about the school, but without seeing it during the day, I didn't know what to expect. Still, it was worthwhile to go through their process.

[ladivavida]

We were really excited too since it's one of the top private coeds in the city. Maybe our expecatations were too high but we weren't wowed on the open house. Didn't get the warm fuzzy that I thought I'd get. It was sweet to hear the students talk honestly about their experiences, but something was just missing for me. I wish we could actually see the students in action before having to decide whether to apply or not. I don't understand why all the other schools have figured out a way to let parents tour the school before applying but SFDS hasn't. Are they trying to play up how sought after they are?

[citymama]

We are applying. I found the community incredibly welcoming. I was also impressed with the 8th grade students and the faculty we met, especially the art and upper school math teacher. I understand wanting to see the school in action but I wouldn't cut it from your list for that reason alone. We have toured lots of private schools in action and in many instances you are leaving the room before you even set foot in it, which can make the process more frustrating because just when you think you will see if the curriculum matches the hype, you are asked to leave the room. I think SFDS tries to set themselves apart with their evening event and creates a calm and accessible experience for potential parents. We have toured many schools and in no instance was the head of school so approachable (i.e. not running from meeting to meeting). At our open house, Dr. Jackson greeted everyone at the door, was available before the 8th grade session and was still there when we were one of the last to leave. We had ample opportunity to talk to both him and the admissions director, Homa and felt like it was a very good use of our time. I guess it isn't for everyone but I walked away very happy.

[sfkinder]

Honestly, I think they are trying to get people who are really serious about the school. It can be really disruptive for the kids to have tours going thru the classrooms. I find it irritating and respectful at the same time. If my kids were at the school, I would want the classroom disruptions kept to a minimum.

[ladivavida]

It is a catch 22 - you want to be respectful yet be able to learn more about the school. Thanks to a SFDay parent responding to all my questions in another post, we decided to move forward and tour the school. Talk about night and day literally and figuratively. We really saw the personality of the school on the tour and was even more impressed with Dr. Jackson the second time around. We are so glad we did but still wish the SF Day process was more similar to other privates.