<p>Yes, it’s the craziness of using a particular acronym that leaves Groton “in the shadow” of A&E (and HDS), for those unfamiliar with the East Coast boarding world. But Groton alumni are a who’s who of influential Americans as it has attracted the powerful and wealthy since the 1880s. </p>
<p>An important point, I think, is that among the choices to be made, applicants can get a world class, hyper-prestigious education at the largest, large, medium and even a small BS. For some, Groton, at c. 350 high school kids, is going to be a much better fit than the other great schools at 1000, 800 and 500. Getting a handle on what’s right for your 13 or 14-year old is the challenge.</p>
<p>And while I am on my soapbox, I will suggest that a “regional” feel, not to mention actual climate, is also part of the choices to be made. Even though all of them tout their efforts at achieving geographical diversity, I believe that all have a pronounced core of students from their “region”, the surrounding four or so states. Groton has a New England feel, St. Andrew’s is Mid-Atlantic, Episcopal is Southern, Thacher is Californian. Though Groton undeniably has the strongest “stats” of all these small schools, you can get a great education at any of them (and others), and the region sometimes is a huge factor for the decisions families make.</p>
<p>^^^^ So true, Charger and GMT.</p>
<p>@Charger78 I have also read on previous threads that Episcopal has a more “Southern” feel, yet it is in the heart of No. Virginia…just minutes from DC. What is it that gives EHS this “Southern feeling” reputation? Anybody know?</p>
<p>EHS has larger proportion of kids from Southern states, as compared to the NE schools.</p>
<p>Another thought. At the small schools, it seems that an individual is more capable of having an outsized impact on the community, and that groups of kids can have a similar effect. My sense of SAS is that among the number of kids from North Carolina and Florida there are some strong personalities in recent years, and that they can give a subtle southern inflection or tone. Very hard to prove, but just a feeling I get, affecting a mannered sense of things. </p>
<p>EHS has a huge presence, as GMT states, from NC, SC, GA and other Dixie states, as well as Virginia (some web sites are very clear about geographical distribution). Other posts have reflected on the more pronounced southern tone coming out of that preponderance.</p>
<p>We visited five schools and were accepted to three. We chose not to go to Choate because to us it seemed way too big and impersonal, although their arts program seemed fantastic. Ultimately, we chose Saint Andrew’s for a number of reasons: 1) It is within a comfortable driving distance (a few short hours) from our house. 2) It is a smaller school and 100% boarding, and it’s culture is very friendly and inviting. 3) The college matriculation states for SAS, like Gorton and other smaller schools, are extremely good, as pointed out by Sharpener earlier. So academics are first rate.
But in the end, like any school, it depends on what the student puts in to it. 4) The campus is physically stunning, like a movie set, with over 2,200 acres and a beautiful lake. So it feels placid… the kind of place that anyone would want to spend four years of their lives in… and to remember and value for the rest of their lives. </p>
<p>So it was a good fit for our family. And that’s the point. Every child and every family have their own circumstances, taste and culture. The “best” school is the one that is best for you and your family… not the one that is best known… or good at marketing to kids… or hyped on discussion boards.</p>
<p>@strange</p>
<p>I guess you chose the best school for your child. You are right in every way. THe best school is the one that fits the best your culture and taste. Besides, SAS is the school that I always adore. For the same reason, we chose Thacher for our son. I guess they two have a very similar school atmosphere and the notable difference is the location.</p>
<p>Thacher is one of the finest schools in America, but it gets little attention on this board because it is in California and not well known or hyped by the 14 year-olds who are looking to be “chanced” here. Yet you can be sure that College Admissions people, whose job it is to know, know what a great school it is.</p>
@strangeusername: I like Thacher too, but appears Thacher is a difficult school to get into. Do you have any ideas on the SSAT percentile they require for admission - grade 9?
SSAT is 87% Admit rate is 13% .
Any thoughts on Middlesex from you guys?