<p>I am not sure what to make of the Sat. classes in some boarding schools. On one hand, two free days with nothing else to do are just too much for any kid of this age, but on the other hand, I don't like the image of pressure cooker if the kids have to sweat out every Sat.</p>
<p>I know Deerfield and Milton don't have Sat classes. Does this mean they have less rigor when it comes to learning?</p>
<p>SPS and PEA do have Saturday classes every week. Does this sound a little excessive?</p>
<p>Andover has Saterday classes once every month. Is this a good balance?</p>
<p>St. Mark’s has Saturday classes. My daughter’s come to appreciate them. The weeks with Saturday classes are “six-day weeks,” and the weeks without are “five day weeks.” She finds the five day weeks more stressful, as the classes cover the same amount of material in a shorter time.</p>
<p>As a parent, I like Saturday classes. For one thing, it teaches the students good work habits. The nights before a class day have mandatory study halls. Thus, only one night a week does not have a study hall. The Saturday classes mean that vacations can be longer. Saturday classes also make it more likely that day students will be on campus on weekends.</p>
<p>I don’t think that Saturday classes are directly connected with rigor. Deerfield, Milton, PEA and Andover are all demanding schools. In the end, as with so many details of school life, Saturday classes will appeal to some people, but not others.</p>
<p>I was about to post the same thing as Periwinkle. My son has classes approximately 3 out of 4 Saturdays. While it takes some getting used to, he would tell you that the weeks without Saturday class are much more intense then those without. And while the idea of going to school on a Saturday initially was repugnant to him, he now has a better understanding as to the benefits. I agree that Saturday classes encourages day students to stay at the school. Although for some reason, at St Marks, the majority of day students tend to stay until at least study hall anyways and in senior year, they do not seem to leave until quite late.</p>
<p>Exeter has redone it’s academic schedule for next year to cut down on the amount of Sat classes. It looks like there won’t be any in the winter term, fewer in the spring, and about the same in the fall. There was a lot of debate about it and I think the decision was made more for the faculty than anything. From what my son tells me, most of the kids were worried about the sentiment quoted above. </p>
<p>I can’t speak for other schools, but as the schedule is now, there is at least one Saturday off every month at Exeter. Are there schools that have classes every single Saturday?</p>
<p>Next year’s academic schedule is on Exeter’s website, if anyone cares to look it up. I think if you click the current students tab at the top of the home page, there is a link to it on the left hand side.</p>
<p>At Deerfield there r are no saturday classes and my d loves it. It allows her to truly have 2 days off. But she doesnt let saturday go to waste. As a dancer she has mid-day dance classes. This allows her to sleep in late and then dance. She can still go to the mall or into the nearby city on Saturday. Friday nites are spent either going to a dance or hanging out watching movies. </p>
<p>The Saturday class concept had no bearing on our selection of schools.</p>
<p>My son is at Lawrenceville and he finds the pace due to Saturday classes quite relentless as the only time to unwind is Saturday evenings as Sunday is usually taken up with homework. He realizes, however, that this helps to keep the kids more focused and maybe keep them out of trouble. I do anticipate some amount of burnout happening.</p>
<p>Thanks for all replies. I guess I start to like the Sat class idea now.</p>
<p>It cuts down idle time and kids can finish their school year earlier to spend more time with family – well if that’s what they also enjoy doing :-)</p>
<p>My D applied to Milton and Deerfield. With the 50% spread @ Milton, I would think Saturdays there are complete quiet. But for school like Deerfield where the majority is boarding, does the school provide anything to channel their energy? I would personally prefer full load Saturdays split between academics and sports. </p>
<p>I know SPS has Saturday classes. Is it every Saturday and all academics? It appears PA and PEA are trying to find the right balance. Interesting to find more info.</p>
<p>I have a daughter at SPS and I love the Saturday classes for all the reasons posted here and one more: good studying works best when done daily. Saturday classes force that issue.
Wednesdays and Saturdays are both light days, with academics finishing up before lunch. And yes, it is every Saturday.</p>