I am starting the private search process for my son (Kindergarten). Any parents out there who sent their kids to Milton, British School or BBN (or other K-12 school) starting in elementary up through high school? I know this is a prep school and college forum but there’s not much information out there for parents who send kids to private elementary through HS. Hoping to get some perspective from parents out there. Alternatively, is it really stressful to attend K-8 at one school and then switch to a different private HS in 9th grade? Thoughts appreciated!
I have kids at a different Boston area private school, and know many kids at the schools you mention. Was there something specific you wanted to know about those schools? As for your general question about switching schools, obviously it would depend on the kid, but I would say it’s the norm in Boston private schools to switch at least once somewhere along the way. It’s nice to have your kid in a K-12 so that you have the option of staying all the way through, but many people will decide at some point that they want to look at other options. Not surprising, really, because who your kid is when they’re starting kindergarten tells you very little about who they’ll be when they’re 14 and entering high school. Kids leave to go to public school, to go to a bigger or smaller school, to go to boarding school, to go to a school closer to home, to meet a specific academic or athletic need/desire, etc. And there are lots of great schools in the area that don’t start until 7th or 9th grade, so you get more options as they get older too. With social media these days all the kids end up staying friends even after they switch schools, which helps make it less stressful. Also with school dances and interscholastic sports, there’s lots of opportunity for kids with friends at different schools to see each other. Basically, my advice is that you should choose the school that’s right for your child now, and worry about the future later.
I have three kids at Fay School (grades 2,6, and 9th). I agree with soxmom. Chose the school that is the right fit now. These schools have small classes sizes and when the kids get up the eighth and ninth grade they are ready for a change.
I like those schools because they are all K-12, so there would be no need to switch. All are academically strong with great resources. Very good point about finding a school that fits him now and not worry so much about upper schools. I have no idea what kind of student he will grow into. This has become a mild obsession, so probably a good idea to focus on the present, rather than 10 years from now! Thanks for the responses!