School Profile

Sidwell Friends School is a Quakerschool located in Bethesda, Maryland and Washington, D.C., offering pre-kindergarten through high school classes. Founded in 1883 by Thomas W. Sidwell, its motto is "Eluceat omnibus lux" (“Let the light shine out from all”), alluding to the Quaker concept of inner light. All Sidwell Friends students attend Quaker meeting for worship weekly, and middle school students begin every day with five minutes of silence. The school's admissions process is merit-based. As documented on the school's website, it gives preference in admissions decisions to members of the Religious Society of Friends, but otherwise does not discriminate on the basis of religion. Sidwell "accepts only 7 percent of its applicants.’ Described as "the Harvard of Washington’s private schools.” Sidwell Friends has educated children of notable politicians, including those of several presidents. All students must acquire at least 20 credits before graduating. Students are required to take four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years of history, two years of one foreign language, two years of science, and two years of art. In addition to this, all freshmen must take a full year Ninth Grade Studies course that involves a service project. Tenth and eleventh graders must also take courses corresponding to their grade level. Sidwell Friends School’s current enrollment is approximately 1,142 and 57% of the student body are students of color. The faculty consists of 273 full-time members and 84% of the faculty hold advanced degrees. The are 6,300 alumni in 30 different countries and in all 50 states. Sidwell's athletic teams are known as the Quakers and their colors are maroon and gray. The Quakers compete in the Mid Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAC) for boys' sports, and the Independent School League(ISL) for girls' sports. Sidwell offers teams in Volleyball, Golf, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Football, Field Hockey, Girls and Boys Soccer, Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Swimming & Diving, Wrestling, Boys and Girls Tennis, Baseball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys and Girls Track, Ultimate Frisbee, Crew, Movement Performance and Choreography, and Softball. According to the school’s Philosophy Statement 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.”