All Boys Junior Boarding - need input

<p>I have two sons. The oldest (13) of whom is going up to NH and MA to interview in two weeks at Cardigan Mountain and Eaglebrook. He (and the family) like what we see of both on their websites and in the view books. </p>

<p>Is there a parent here who had a son at either school and could give input on the culture? Or maybe someone who went there - or is familiar with the schools enough to provide some help?</p>

<p>I am sure he will learn more when he visits (as we will too). But sometimes what you see is what they want you to see.</p>

<p>Thanks-
PM me if you feel privacy is more important -
L.S.</p>

<p>Eaglebrook:</p>

<p>Math in 6th grade is tailored to the individual, but in 7th is one-size-fits all so those ready for Algebra II are bored to tears.</p>

<p>English curriculum/writing is outstanding</p>

<p>Program goes through 9th grade; competitive HS preps ask about 1/3 of matriculates to repeat 9th grade if they seem socially young. </p>

<p>Very Active development office. </p>

<p>Sports required, but lots of levels offered. Watch the difference between practice (silly little boys falling down and throwing flowers with each other) and away games (same kids become uniform lethal competitors.) All sports generally play local PREP HS due to high level of play and lack of middle-school competition. </p>

<p>Don't be surprised by a the number of VERY learning disabled kids with connections (trustee, alumni, donor etc) </p>

<p>Hockey program is out of control driven by very aggressive parents. Beware.</p>

<p>I imed you.</p>

<p>I think the world of Eaglebrook, it's only competition is home. EBS is on rolling admission and is usually filled up by April. It has been known to fill up as early as February. They want kids for 2 years. Check out the matriculation and you'll see listed the best boarding schools in the country. The academics, facilities, athletics, campus, faculty and most certainly the headmaster Andy Chase are nothing less than superb. It is by far the number 1 Pre-prep school in the country. I don't see how Cardigan or any other Pre-prep can possibly compare. Ok, a little bias being a graduate. I have no problem contributing to the Annual Fund each year. My brother went to "The Rectory", and never talks about it. My Father went to Indian Mt, and also does not talk about it. Eaglebook graduates live with a life long appreciation of the school and all that if offered. I believe they're only Pre-prep that offers Chinese. The math department and the entire academic department is on par with Prep schools come 9th grade and the kids are more than ready come 10th grade. I also sincerely doubt that 1/3 of the graduating class repeats 9th. I'm sure it happens but it's a rare. In fact, the only drawback about some of the kids coming from EBS is that they're too ready for Prep. They know exactly what is expected of them and know / learn the ropes better and quicker than most even in a new environment. Athletically they have continuously been an embarrassment for Deerfield, NMH and other Prep schools. Can be humbling experience to be defeated by a Pre-prep school. With that said, Deerfield really likes the EBS kids. EBS had an undefeated football season a few years ago, their hockey is exceptionable. I'm unaware of the hockey program being driven by parents, especially since it is a boarding school. Like most BS there is certainly a policy regarding spectator conduct. Their ski team last year or the year before won the Prep School Championship. Some Prep schools thought they were only a ski racing camp school. They do have their own ski mountain, with lift and snow making facilities. You have to admit it's impressive. If there is a large learning disability group there (news to me) then they must be doing something right, just look at where these kids are going afterwards. My only regret is that my own kids missed the Eaglebrook experience. I could ramble on and on. I'm confident that after your visit(s) your focus will be on Eaglebrook. </p>

<p>Also there is a thread titled Junior boarding school recommendations back on 11/28/08 which might be beneficial.</p>

<p>There is your answer right there.....</p>

<p>Thank you to those who IMed me and who posted here. Yes, OPS, I did search the site and found a few discussions on Jr Boarding - and had read your previous comments on Eaglebrook. Glad to know that those strong connections have lasted so many years!</p>

<p>I know the schools are on rolling admissions, and both said they would give a decision within two weeks of a complete file. </p>

<p>Do you (OPS or anyone else) know what kind of acceptance rate these schools have? Do they accept any good candidate as long as they have beds? </p>

<p>I've heard that Eaglebrook is especially competitive and we were also told that Cardigan 'fills up' quickly.</p>

<p>Any other input on culture (artsy vs athletic or academic) would be welcome. </p>

<p>Both schools athletics look very strong - with Cardigan having a pretty rockin' hockey team now. My son plays tennis which looks to be VERY strong at Eaglebrook (if he can hang with those boys or not I don't know).</p>

<p>Been out of town. I've forgotten what they've said in respect to acceptance rate. I think it's fair to say that if the shoe fits and their is a spot to fill the odds are good. I like to think EBS is competitive. They have over extended themselves in the past but I think they have a hard time saying no to a really good kid. Better to apply early.</p>

<p>Arts vs athletics, I did both and I was no exception. Played football, wrestled (no snow back in the early '70s), baseball / lacrosse (switched sports the flwg yr, no problem). I was also very involved with the theatre program. I was in more than 1/2 the plays during my time there. Had to play the lead girl once. I honestly do not recall getting any grief except maybe some ribbing from my closest friends. Incorporated art and shop projects with biology. I did not play an instrument. One of the Art dept. heads (still there!) is also the ski coach. Now that I think of it, he was also my JV football coach. You'll find that kind of crossover with sports and arts in many of the BS. Arts and Athletics are equally important at all these schools. </p>

<p>Ok, so Cardigan won the first hockey game 3-2. EBS will be back and they creamed Deerfield 8-2! All BS ride a roller coaster with respect to sports. One year they're undefeated followed by being totally shut out. The administration of these schools does not go bonkers if their football team gets in a 10 year loosing slump (the alumni do). Look at Taft, no offense to the taffies, but you have to admit its not been good. One way to get better in tennis is to play and he'll get to play at EBS no matter what his level.</p>

<p>I will be curious to hear how things go next week. PM if you wish to be more discreet with your findings.</p>

<p>We're back and I must say I am quite impressed with both schools. I am also surprised by the fact that they have so much in common and yet are so very different in terms of 'feel'. </p>

<p>The Type A parents are trying to step back and let son decide. Was told straight out that he would be accepted at CMS and EBS said we are 'very interested'. Son doesn't want to count his chickens, so has asked us to let him wait until he has the two letters in hand. </p>

<p>His overall impression was that he liked the people more at one school and the curriculum more at another. I think that will have the most influence on his decision.</p>

<p>I have a son in 8th grade at Cardigan. This is his first year and it has been everything we had hoped it would be. Academics is tailored to each boys abilities. Sports are highly competitive or recreational. There is a level for all. The teachers create a real community. In my opinion both Eaglebrook and Cardigan are fine schools that will enable your boy to achieve to the best of his ability but the edge goes to Cardigan for overall culture.</p>

<p>How was the game last night?
Did the boys enjoy the lake?</p>

<p>Dont tell if you can guess who I am!</p>

<p>mmmnh- thanks for the input... very helpful! I'd love to hear more of your opinion on the culture and community at CMS. Or expand upon the 'it is everything we hoped it would be" comment. What did you hope for? Always wonderful to have expectations met or exceeded.</p>

<p>Both schools have officially accepted him. One called this morning and the other sent an Express Mail package. He doesn't know yet - still at school. Very exciting for us as parents to know that he has two exceptional options.</p>

<p>Congratulations, nice to be wanted!</p>

<p>Tough game but a lot of fun afterwards. Hope everyone comes back when they can jump in the lake. I am trying to figure out who this is?</p>

<p>I knew it was you, the 3ms clinched it.
I saw "lil M" play last weekend and working hard for that puck.
He had the game after my youngest.
We go way back to mites......
Oldest boy is at CMS. He liked the chicken nuggets for dinner.
I told him to give you a big hug but he was too shy.
He did tell me he said thank you though.
I cant go to the games today, hopefully they will pull off a win or two.</p>

<p>ummm...ops? no. fail. xD
i go to indian mountain and its AMAZING. and ims offers chinese now. and you guys are definitely NOT the top pre prep school. our hockey team (varsity) did pretty well this year, i think they only lost one game against a high school team. all of our varsity teams play against prep schools jv teams. and our ski team is undefeated this year, and our championships are coming up on wednesdayyy woot!</p>

<p>I think that is great to hear about IMS and good luck Wednesday "cow bells ringing"!</p>

<p>awww thank youu!!
damn it ur nice, now i cant think awful thoughts about eaglebrook.
xD im kiddding</p>

<p>Any update with the students that went to these schools?</p>

<p>Given how old this thread is, you can’t expect these posters to be around still. You could try looking up the most recent posts by any of the posters in this thread you are curious about. That may give you some insight, but I can almost guarantee that you won’t find what you’re looking for by waiting for responses to this thread.</p>