It is the Quaker ethos that is the most striking feature of Sidwell Friends School, the one chosen by President-elect Obama for his daughters Sasha and Malia. A sense of community, equality and friendship runs through every classroom: children are encouraged to strive for their best, but to value above all their relations with each other and their place in the school family.

For any president trying to ensure that his children enjoy as normal an education as possible, such an ethos is invaluable. However rich, influential or politically important the parents – as many at Sidwell are – what matters is the “inner light” in every child. Pupils are not ranked by academic scores, and Sidwell never releases its SAT scores or college admission list. In race, wealth and nationality and in all else, all are treated the same. The two Obama girls will find their White House address is officially all but irrelevant.

Sidwell, founded in 1883 and now enrolling more than 1,000 children from kindergarten to 18, was a committed pioneer of integration and coeducation. More than one third of its intake belongs to ethnic minorities and one fifth receives financial assistance to help with the fees. The only preference is to those with Quaker connections. Since my wife and I went to Quaker schools, our daughter spent three happy primary years there during my time as bureau chief in Washington.

Twenty years later her memories are of a well-equipped and friendly school. Even seven-year-olds called some of the teachers by their first names. Woodwork classes were part of the curriculum. The Quaker element began early: all children attended a meeting once a week, sitting in silence to learn the Quaker form of worship.

Parents are encouraged to get involved – although whether President-elect Obama will attend the annual fundraising fair, or offer attractions such as a tour of the White House to the highest bidder, is yet to be seen.

The couple’s choice of church is even more sensitive. The Episcopal Washington Cathedral is too grand and too established.

President Lincoln, whose Cabinet is the model for Mr Obama’s own, used to attend the Presbyterian church in New York Avenue, three blocks from the White House, and a strong contender for the Obamas’ favour. He may prefer a church more popular with Washington’s large black community. He has a vast range from which to choose: will it be an evangelical or charismatic church, or one with a mixed congregation?

After the election embarrassment of his Chicago pastor, few choices could be so politically difficult.

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