November 22nd, 2008
09:56 AM ET
12 years ago
Obama daughters to attend Sidwell Friends
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/11/21/art.obama.school.copy.jpg caption="The Obama girls on their way to school in Chicago"]
(CNN) - Obama spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter confirms to CNN the Obama daughters will attend Sidwell Friends school in Washington, DC.
"They looked at a lot of great schools but they felt Sidwell fit their best interests," spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter told CNN.
Chelsea Clinton also attended the school when her father was in the White House.
From CNN Politics
- Progressive group launches $3.2 million advertising buy to push federal voting law March 23, 2021 11:01 am
- US and allies announce sanctions against Chinese officials for 'serious human rights abuses' against Uyghurs March 23, 2021 10:32 am
- Trump's army takes aim at 2022 touting his election lies March 23, 2021 05:01 am
- Why Republican voter restrictions are a race against time March 23, 2021 04:27 am
- Warnock's seat comes into focus amid battle over voting laws and filibuster rules March 23, 2021 03:06 am
- White House aides prep $3 trillion jobs package for Biden March 23, 2021 02:30 am
Wait, Obama is sending his kids to a Quaker school? I thought he was Muslim.
To those scoffing at the choice of a private school:
They're the daughters of the future President. Your kids are not. Get over yourselves. You'd think you right wing wackoloons would be happy about this since they're not getting an education at some godless public school...
And OF COURSE he supports public school, but there's a difference between trying to improve a cesspool and wading in to it.
From now on, the safety of all 4 Obamas is paramount. The girls were in public schools before but with all the right-wing and other fanatics and yes, extremists, the family's safety and security comes first. I am NOT religious but I DO pray for the safety and security of this first family-to-be.
Come on people. If he sent his kids to public schools you would all be whining about how much it would cost to keep the girls safe in that environment.
Whether we like it or not, there are a lot of kooks out there who might try to harm the innocent to get at The President.
Where in the h-- do you think Bush's daughters go to school! Or would have if they had been younger!
To Kathleen & george: grow up! Do you really think no Republicans send their kids to private schools? What a stupid thing to say. Those precious children will be easier to protect in a private school. That's all that matters. Period.
The President of the United States couldn't possibly send his children to a public school! The chance of their being kidnapped and/or harmed would be too great. For goodness sakes, wake up and see the light and lay off this man who is doing his best to protect his family!
They have to do the best thing for their children, regardless of what political implications it may have.
I am sure if they were given a choice of making the best decision for the children or havoing a political career, they would certainly choose to put the children above everything else.
You may disagree with thier choice, but let the Obamas make the best choice they can for the children.
If they were my children and my husband was the "President of the United States", I would send my children only to a school that can ensure the safety of my children. People always want to judge others decisions when they know nothing about the situation. They said Obama gets hundreds of death threats daily. His children's saftey needs to not be a political decision...but a parental one.
I am a public school teacher yet understand the reason for this choice. These children will be easier to secure in a smaller environment and a private setting . All that matters is their safety.
Lets support the Obama's choice and not be judgemental.
With all the crazy things going on in the United States right now, who really cares where his kids go to school? Also, where is he when the big three are asking for a bailout? Does he even have an opinion on this very important matter?
Again, public schools are not good enough for the rich and famous.
Oh my! The anti-Obama critics are out in full force. Bill Clinton thought it best that his daughter went to this school as well. Mr. Clinton was an advocate of public schools as well. Don't people realize this is a matter of saftey more than education? I too if I were commander in chief would be looking out for my children also. I would figure that the secret service may have had some imput to this choice also.
Be safe Obama family...most of us are praying for you.
Don't whine about Obama sending his daughters to private school! This was a private decision between Mr. Obama and his wife – the same decision that millions of Americans make each year for their children. Those who can't afford private education can apply for scholarships, financial aid, etc.
The problem with so many Americans is that their first priority over their children is purchasing things beyond their means... like LCD TVs, big expensive cars, trips, etc. Money that Americans CHOOSE not to put away for the future of their kids.
Some people have different priorities than others – for the Obamas, their childrens' education comes first. Same for my parents, and I'm thankful for it every day that I'm alive.
The Obamas before anything else are PARENTS, and there is nothing wrong with them wanting their girls to have a private and a near-normal schooling experience, they were attending private schools before what's wrong with them continuing attending a new one, besides, let's not forget, there are always safety concerns, and as parents they are absolutely right to have a little peace of mind in regards to the school their children attend to. After all let's not forget they are the daughters of the president of the United States and they need to be protected, let's not spread so much hate people & try to be more understanding.
He still cares and will do a lot for public schools and teachers, however, he cannot allow his girls to attend a public school. With the number of threats against him, his first priority is safety for his girls. I pray for their safety.
He fooled everyone. Where exactly is the "change". They look exactly like the Clintons.
George: What a surprise.
The more Obama does, the more he indicates that he is just another Washington politician. What happened to his moral outrage about what is happening in public schools? What happened to his support for public teachers?
_____________________________________________
Oh give it a rest George. Honestly I'd be upset if he didn't choose a school that can handle the scrutiny of security. This isn't a swipe at public schools it's about the childrens safety.
Good pick Mr. President.
While the criticism for selecting a private school over public school for his daughters is predictable, Obama is not doing anything any other parent wouldn't do if they had the means or opportunity for their children, therefore I really find it difficult to criticize him for this. However, this seems to support the argument for school vouchers though, does it not?
The safety of those children is and should be Obama's first priority. Unfortunately, the public schoools are not prepared to handle any President's children. The CIA is familar with the school and the school has delt with past President's children.
hey the safety of my children is more important to me than what people will say or think of me. i wouldn't put my daughters in danger just to satisfy somebody's perception of me.
Anyone who suggests that the Obama's choice to place their children in a private school somehow diminishes their support of public schools is either a fool or simply foolish. It's the same kind of fallacious reasoning that says that President Elect Obama isn't for change because he's using people who have been a part of the political process in the past.
In order to provide adequate security for the first family, those children have to be in a secure environment. This school allows for that security to take place. Likewise, in order to bring real change, you have to have people on board who understand how the same good old boy tricks have been perpetrated in the past. Then, you have to have a leader who doesn't play those same games. Obama seems to be that kind of leader.
George, I wonder what you would do if you were President. Think about the safety of your kids or pander to the public?
It's funny how liberals can do no right in the eyes of conservatives and vice versa.
He should send his daughters to the best school that he can. I have lived in DC and have been is some of the public schols. I think that Sending your child to a public school in DC, when you can afford an alternative, is downright irresponsible. Children deserve the best education that you can give them within your means–always.
Sidwell Friends is a great school. I lived in DC for a number of years and this was a no-brainer. They probably already knew this was the school but had to go through the process.
I don't know why people are getting upset over this. If you had the opportunity wouldn't you want to send your kids to the best schools?
George are you kidding me? Even you have enough sense to know that if you are elected president you wouldn't send your kids to public school quit tying to find something to nick pick about. If it was the opposite you probably would have said Barack can't make sound decision he is putting his famiy at risk.