Anyone went to Hotchkiss revisit?
Don’t think that should be considered an issue; my senior year class probably used the same edition too. While there are many different versions/editions/adaptations of Shakespearean plays, there are far fewer that will be cited in secondary sources.
I agree with skieurope. This reminds me what my English teacher said about * The House on Mango Street *. The novel is taught to 4th graders, freshman, and graduate students alike, but very differently and at different levels to each age and ability.
@natakwali said it better than me 
Where do they teach ‘The house on mango street’ in 4th grade? The only thing close to it we learnt in 4th grade was about mangoes.
Idk. Ask my English teacher. His name is Mr. D 
This was a comforting observation. K2 is in the most academic school in our current city.
She liked the fact that she knew the editions and how to navigate within them.
My kids were taught House on Mango Street in 4th grade, which I felt was unfortunate for them, they were too young to appreciate it.
They can always read it again. 
That’s the beauty about books (or film or many art forms for that matter); they are not always meant to be “one and done.” I have read many books/watched many movies a second/third time at different stages in my (admittedly young) life. IME, I always gain a new appreciation for the work and often discover something that I did not notice the first time.
Very true. The Book Thief was very much that book for me.
The House on Mango Street must be very popular among teachers! My son read it in middle school and then again in high school, although the Spanish version second time around - La Casa en Mango Street.
**Experience Exeter Revisit Day/B
Basic format/schedule of your revisit day
Revisit day was from 8:30 a.m. – app. 4:00 p.m.
DK & I checked in & received lanyards and separate itineraries for parent & student
DK & I were together for welcome remarks from Principal and DOA, then student panel discussion (students that had free time in their schedule, not selected just for revisit day)
Then DK went off with student host to shadow classes and go to lunch.
Parents stayed in Phelps Science Center for Global Initiatives presentation. Lots of options available to study abroad. Two students spoke about their term in Rome. Their participation required careful, advance course selection in prior years to make sure graduation requirements are met. Study abroad opportunities vary by student interest and selection is competitive.
Next, I visited an upper level English class.
Then, I went to the Academy Life Panel Discussion. They encouraged incoming students not to request specific housing and that students are usually happy with their given dorm. Advisors live in the dorm with students and are first point of contact for parents. There is no online portal available for parents to constantly monitor grades and there are no rules about technology use on campus. I’m not sure what date, but faculty is due to vote on student resolution for a more gender neutral dress code (no ties for boys) and that more information will be sent out over summer if it is passed. I felt the panel stressed to parents that students have a dorm check-in time, but they expect and foster independence in the students.
Lunch was in Elm Street dining hall with current parents.
The first Afternoon Option I chose was College Counseling Information – It was a fairly generic presentation, but Exeter seems to definitely have insight into the admissions process at highly selective schools. Also, from the Q&A, the CCO office is adept at managing student and parent expectations.
The second Afternoon Option was a girls dorm tour. We toured Merrill on the north side of the campus. I’m not sure if this is representative of most of the dorms, it seemed like an older dorm, good-sized rooms though. Guide explained that most students use the laundry service, and that visitation by the opposite sex is limited to the common areas. Also, she indicated that every dorm has different visitation and check out policies – some are more strict than others.
DK and I reconvened in Phelps Science Center for closing remarks by current principal and he introduced incoming principal. I really liked both of them immensely. There was a vocal performance at the end that was outstanding.
DK & I stuck around a little longer to see the library (magnificent!), bookstore, and to have dinner in town. Everyone was friendly as we strolled around the campus, but classes were still in session so we didn’t detain students with questions for very long.
Did the revisit confirm your interest in the school or did it dissuade you from matriculating?
Okay, full disclosure – I went into EE with low expectations that DK would find a fit here. I envisioned a large, impersonal school. This was our first visit to the school. DK interviewed with local alumnus and we really had no feedback from admission office or coaches before acceptance. We were one of the families that received the “glitch” acceptance on March 9th and were very surprised – like the veteran posters all say, contact (or lack of) from a BS is not indicative of results! The visit challenged my preconceived view of the school. I can’t imagine choosing a school without being on campus and am so glad we are able to take advantage of these Revisit days – there really is no substitute for your “gut” feeling and the intangibles.
What specific things about the revisit pushed you in either direction?
First, I appreciated that we got an authentic view of the school and that questions were answered honestly. Especially in the Academy Life panel, where parents posed some pretty tough questions. We both had interactions that convinced us that this is a closer community than anticipated and the students are diverse and respectful. I also left knowing that this is a very rigorous climate and that it is not for everyone because it requires an inordinate degree of discipline, integrity, grit, and hard, hard work that not all teenagers have (my own included). Obviously, there is support available but the student needs to seek out these opportunities. It is my impression that (especially as a new Upper without the transitional tools preps receive) there is definitely no hand-holding - a student has to be proactive to make the most of the Exeter experience. Overall, the takeaway was that my fairly mature, self-motivated, organized DD will be able to successfully swim in this very large pond if she chooses to!
Did you learn anything new/surprising about the school?
I didn’t realize how close and integrated the school and town are and absolutely loved that aspect. DK liked the independence and freedom of the 10-mile radius rule.
DK commented that the student’s daily schedule seems really complicated! Also, that the athletic and training facilities are incredible.
Something you wish you had learned which you didn’t
I still need clarification on dorms for a new upper – I was told DK would probably be placed in one of the smaller houses around the periphery of campus and the dorm tour I was on went to Merrill. DK visited Dunbar so we only saw the larger dorms and have no idea if she would like a smaller setting with less girls.
Also, I need to research and learn more about the college counseling process. I attended the presentation, but it was more generic and as an incoming Upper, we will be starting the process soon. One parent asked about the counselor to student ratio and I felt the question was side-stepped a bit as she just answered that appointments are required and some students are in weekly and some they have to chase down to make sure deadlines are met. I’m really interested not so much in matriculation stats, but how they help students with fit – how to craft a good list and a cohesive narrative to present to colleges.
How was the food?
Food was good – I ate in Elm Street with current parents, DK also ate in Elm Street with host. Elm Street was recently renovated, lines not too long and lots of options.
How were the classes you sat in on?
I sat in on an upper level English. The students led the discussion and all participated – Harkness at its finest, no warriors in this class!
@TheStig2 Was the English class a novel discussion or was it some other form of writing?
Milton Revisit 2015
Basic format/schedule of your revisit day
Registration was from 9-9:30 in the old, rare booksish library. Brief speech from Director of Admissions and Head of School. The all-girls a cappella group performed (This Love by Maroon 5, weird choice considering the situation). Students were shepherded to the auditorium to meet their student guides. The guides were presented using a “abruptly bring up the curtain and blast music, surprising the admittees as much as possible” technique. Meh. Apparently the parents listened to department heads and student speakers throughout the morning. I visited three classes (two of which were really great, one ok) and one of the old dorms (terrifically horrendous). Came back and met with parents around 2, had athletic/artistic/course planning congregations. All good things.
** Did the revisit confirm your interest in the school or did it dissuade you from matriculating? **
Confirmed interest in the school.
**What specific things about the revisit pushed you in either direction? **
Every student was smiling, all teachers pushed the students to participate in classes but not against their will.
** Did you learn anything new/surprising about the school? **
They have an attrition rate of 2%, compared to an average of 10% at similar quality boarding schools. The policy of leaving campus and going into Boston is very lenient, provided permission is given.
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**Something you wish you had learned which you didn’t **
From what I gauged, teachers are fine with cell phone usage in class as long as they are mostly attentive. Phones are used to show YouTube videos in classes without Smart Boards, instead having Apple Airplay.
Also, in the boys dorm I visited, there is one working shower per floor.
** How was the food? **
Ok, not great. Options were available.
How were the classes you sat in on?
They were good. English and Chem were spectacular.
@essaysarefun , which one was the third class that you didn’t like much , can you elaborate a bit? What are your impressions of Athletic center? Seems like teachers are really nice, very competent in their field, and caring… I hear that over and over.
@essaysarefun
Did Milton quote the 10% rate? I wonder where that statistic came from, as I’ve not heard this.
Given that the number of kids I personally know who have been asked to leave Milton, I would dispute their 2% figure. The 10% figure doesn’t strike me as particularly unreasonable. Say you have an incoming 9th grade class of 150 kids, it doesn’t strike me as crazy to think that 15 of them won’t end up graduating from that school four years later, for a whole host of reasons. You probably get a few who decide boarding school isn’t for them/it’s too hard, you get a few who are asked to leave for disciplinary or academic reasons, you get a few who leave for totally random reasons like family issues, financial problems, an important coach leaving and going to a different school, etc. 2% strikes me as ludicrously low – out of 150 kids, only 3 don’t end up staying through to graduation? No way.
Loomis Chasffee Revisit 2015 (Parent’s Perspective)
Basic format/schedule of your revisit day
Registration between 8:00 - 8:30 (missed this as out Taxi was 20 minutes late!). Kids and adults split off. Parents met in the Chapel and heard talks from both Sheila Culbert (Head of school) and Erby Mitchell (Director of Admissions). Really liked both…they have been really working to take Loomis in a great direction. One of the things mentioned was bringing the Boarding/Day ration to 70/30. There is another new dorm under construction that will open Fall 2016. Parents then went to a curriculum meeting (which was fine) and to lunch. We met up with the kids at the activities fair and then went to dorm meetings. The day ended with a round up in the performance all with an amazing Acapella from the choir.
Did the revisit confirm your interest in the school or did it dissuade you from matriculating?
Greatly confirmed our interest.
What specific things about the revisit pushed you in either direction?
Loomis has a warmth that I have not seen/felt at most of the schools we visited. The administrators and teachers I came in contact with were easy going, helpful and passionate about Loomis. The kids were incredibly friendly. My DD and I got a little lost and ended up at the wrong meeting place and one girl immediately offered to take us there. DD really enjoyed her “shadow” guide. I also LOVE the dorms. The dorm moms were amazing…I would feel very comfortable with my daughter being placed in either Richmond or Carter. I also love, love, love the dorm birthday celebrations. Each kids birthday is celebrated by the entire dorm…basically “Queen for a day”. They also encourage parents to participate by sending treats, etc for the dorm on your childs’ birthday. Art department is top notch…studio facilities are open almost around the clock and kids are encouraged to hang out there whenever they would like.
Did you learn anything new/surprising about the school?
Yes…I thought that Loomis had a very large incoming Sophomore boarding class. It turns out that there are only 15 new 10th grade boarders of each gender. I thought this was perhaps an anomly, but the D of Admissions says that this has been the case for the past few years.
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Something you wish you had learned which you didn’t
Nothing really.
How was the food?
Parents lunch was delicious. DD said her burger was just OK…though the soft serve ice cream machine made up for that. Loomis’ Dining Hall is probably my least favorite of all the schools we visited.
How were the classes you sat in on?
I sat in on Freshman Bio. Teacher was darling (from Canada and peppered her lesson with lots of "EH"s. Kids were seated around an “L” shaped table. All were very engaged, asked/answered many questions and seemed to enjoy the class. DD loved the AP Euro History. She also felt great that she knew the answer to one of the teacher’s questions that no one in the class could answer. The other class she went ti with her shadow were just fair, but that was because her shadow is a math wizard (taking differential Calculus) as a sophomore and DD is just in Honors Geometry…EVERYTHING was over her head. I would have liked to have her shadow either Lit or Chinese, which she didn’t, as these are areas of specific academic interest.
@caringmom11 The photography class didn’t do anything photography-related. That’s all. Teacher was very accomplished in photography and architectural design. However, they were making their own cameras, which is a large project that I was impressed by.
@skieurope yeah I hadn’t heard that rate either; I was surprised it was so large. Similarly, @soxmom, the 2% rate did draw some audible gasps of pleasure.
St. Andrew’s School DE Revisit Day
First time BS mom’s perspective. We brought the contract and deposit with us to the revisit day so we treated this visit as more of an orientation to SAS than a BS shopping trip.
Basic format/schedule of your revisit day
8:45 – Welcome Reception for parents and students in Founders Hall
9:10 –Current students picked up prospective students and headed off to class. DS attended three classes with his host.
9:15 – Reflections on St. Andrew’s with Headmaster Tad Roach
10:25 – Break (Parents could stay for the panel discussions or go observe classes)
10:40 – Faculty Panel I/Academic Life – The Art of Teaching
11:25 - Faculty Panel II/Student Life – Mentoring, Advising, Counseling, Coaching
12:15 - Lunch in the dining hall with current students and faculty.
1:20 - Presentation by the Choral Scholars and the Noxontones.
1:30 – Senior Panel Q & A
2:00 – Closing Thoughts from Headmaster Tad Roach
2:30 – Reception for students, parents and faculty.
3:15 – 5:00 ish – Opportunity to observe afternoon sports practices, athletic events and arts events.
Did the revisit confirm your interest in the school or did it dissuade you from matriculating?
The visit completely confirmed our decision to send DS to St. Andrew’s! My husband and son had already met Tad Roach but this was my first experience hearing him speak in person and I was most impressed. The faculty panels were an even bigger selling point. I was blown away by the passion for teaching, coaching and mentoring teens expressed by both seasoned and first year faculty! DS enjoyed his host student and the classes he attended. He felt comfortable participating in the class discussions and LOVED the teaching style!
What specific things about the revisit pushed you in either direction?
As I mentioned above we were already committed to SAS. That said, I am a first time BS parent who has an older son in college. My husband is a BS alum (not SAS) and offered both our boys the opportunity to apply to BS. DS1 was not interested. DS2 took dad up on the offer. This has been a tough year for me. As much as I appreciated all the things offered by St. Andrew’s when my son toured back in the fall and applied in January, I wasn’t convinced that the sacrifices required to send him to SAS were really worth it. The revisit put me at ease and affirmed that SAS was a great fit for our family and that we were making the best possible educational decision for our child.
Did you learn anything new/surprising about the school?
I had heard (and experienced on CC : ) that the students and faculty were really welcoming and friendly. However, I was really impressed by how genuinely welcoming and engaging everyone actually was on revisit day. Nothing felt forced or scripted. Other than the very impressive choral presentations and snacks for guests there was no “dog and pony” show. SAS did everything possible to show us a typical day…as typical as a day with 150+ extra folks on campus can be.
Something you wish you had learned which you didn’t.
SAS does all the traditional things that I am already familiar with to prepare kids for college - with some very impressive results. They also use the CWRA test that focuses more on critical thinking and writing skills. I meant to ask some questions about when and how this test is administered but never got the chance. I am sure the SAS folks on CC will be more than happy fill me in as needed ; ) The day was understandably geared toward III form students since this is the largest incoming group. If I could make suggestions for future revisit days I might recommend a break out panel/session for incoming IV & V form students and parents.
How was the food?
Lunch was great and so were the snacks provided throughout the day. Vegetarian and gluten free options were available.
How were the classes you sat in on?
I didn’t sit in on classes but was impressed with my son’s reports on the classes he attended. The small classes and group discussions really appealed to him. Everyone was engaged with the material.