There is a vast difference in the academics (pace, expectations etc) between Hotchkiss and Salisbury. I have 3 sons; 2 went to Hotchkiss and the other one applied to Salisbury, and we seriously considered it for him. I am not as familiar with the other schools.
If your son struggled at all academically (and I know there could be a bunch of different reasons, none of which have to do with intelligence) I would think long and hard about Hotchkiss.
I would look at Westminster if you haven’t yet. Top notch lacrosse, good academics but less of a pressure cooker than Loomis. AOF also might be a good fit if he doesn’t mind all boys.
If you are a strong lax player, you MUST look at Deerfield Academy. They have won national championships and NE championships. Players earn top college team recruiting spots. Send highlight film and speak to coach Chip Davis (who is also in Admissions)!
I would say, it really depends if the academics at DA are a fit for this strong LAX player. A talented LAX player can stand out on both great and merely good teams, but if the academics aren’t a fit…it might be “hello Mr. 69” and not “hello Mr. 89”.
There is a thread entitled “Schools with Academic Support” and that was one of the best thread on this board for me, perhaps to you too.
I think some of the school you are considering were listed in the thread as schools with great extras helps and dedicated offices for learning support.
My son is a sixth form at Saint James School in Hagerstown, Maryland. The admissions director there is John Tucker (linking his bio below…it is not completely updated) who is a lacrosse He is committed to growing the lacrosse team.