<p>Our son is very keen at going into grade 11 at a NE prep school. He goes to a Canadian private school now and is on the honor roll with grades of between 85 and 95. He plays golf, hockey, football and baseball but hockey is his strongest sport. He does not volunteer at an old age home and is not involved in a spiritual community, so I am concerned when I read about the application process. We would be looking for some sort of scholorship. Do you think this is a possiblity and if yes, which schools would you recommend we visit?</p>
<p>I think you should look at Deerfield. Excellent hockey and golf teams. I'm not sure about the other sports -- maybe someone else could fill you in on that. I have only followed hockey and golf for Deerfield and know that they are excellent in lacrosse, too. Call the school to find out about financial aid for non-US citizens, though.</p>
<p>Personally I wouldn't worry about the lack of EC's I think that they are a little over valued in the whole process. It really is more about who your child is and how he comes across in his application and interviews.</p>
<p>Sports can be a plus, it depends on the school and your son's ability. I am not really up on hockey schools, perhaps someone else can chime in on that.</p>
<p>If he is in a private school now 85 - 95 may not hurt him. He will need to take the PSAT/SAT depending on the school. That will tell you a lot. </p>
<p>As far as scholarships, they are harder to come by in the older grades but some financial ones may be available. I would not count on merit scholarships. The only way to find out is to contact the schools. Don't be shy about it, The worst they can say is nothing is available. Nothing ventured nothing gained.</p>
<p>Hopefully others can give you specific schools. Per boarding school review these schools offer ice hockey.</p>
<p>Ice</a> Hockey Boarding Schools - Boarding School Review</p>
<p>If he would consider an all boys school, take a look at Avon Old Farms or Salisbury.</p>
<p>Whatever you do, be sure to include schools of various selectivity levels. Choose at least two with acceptance levels of above 40%.</p>
<p>I second baseballmom. </p>
<p>Cushing Academy and Westminister both also have good hockey programs.<br>
Very differnt in feel though - Cushing is quite casual (although I heard the new head wants to move to more of a dress code) and Westy is more formal and preppy.</p>
<p>Is your son in 10th grade now and looking to be an 11th grader at a US boarding school next year? Roughly when did/does he turn 16? I ask because repeating the 10th grade may be something to consider. (If he is a good hockey player, the schools may want more than 2 years out of him.) If your son is also good student and can demonstrate an interest in things beyond himself, I wouldn't worry at all about the lack of community service in his background. (He can say that the opportunity to do CS through his BS appeals to him.) Also, I don't think most New England BS's really consider Canadian kids "international" when it comes to financial aid. You and your son should come up with a list of other things that are important in a school and set up some interviews and SSAT testing. I echo other posters who advise applying to schools with a range of selectivity.</p>
<p>Thank you to everyone for the great feedback! My son is in grade 11 now but we were told, from Canada, that he would need to repeat grade 11 if he chooses to do BS. Any recommendations as to the best schools (co-ed) with 40% acceptance rate? A smaller school with a reputation of keeping a close eye on the students is what we are looking at as he has lead a pretty sheltered life to date.</p>
<p>I would take a look at Cushing.<br>
I know you said co-ed, but if you could get him to LOOK at Avon Old Farms or Salisbury, he might change his mind. They are both great schools and smaller (400 and 300 respectively) and do have great hockey programs (AOF have FIVE TEAMS - there is something for every level!) as well as terrific academics and a caring, nurturing environment. And, there are lots of opportunities to be with girls - just not in the classroom.<br>
NMH might be a good option as well. Not really "smaller" (more mid-size) but a good school. Maybe Holderness (not sure about the hockey there) or Kimball-Union in New Hampshire.</p>
<p>If he is a good student and an excellent athlete (i.e. can immediately impact a varsity team) then I would say the other EC's are overrated. BS is a very good place for certain sports....particularly hockey, lax, basketball, crew.</p>
<p>Sports is all he needs. I second Cushing and NMH. I also like Williston, but not sure about the hockey program.</p>
<p>It sounds like your son is qualified for a number of schools, although we don't have the test scores to confirm that. If he consistently tests in the top 10% nationally on standardized tests and has hockey skills where he could be recruited to play low level Junior hockey, I'd say he'll have his pick of schools and don't worry about the acceptance rates posted online. </p>
<p>If you are looking for a school with a more structured approach with plenty of oversight, although it is not small, I'd recommend Culver Academy in Indiana. Terrific hockey program.</p>
<p>Of course, if he has NHL potential, the place to be is Shattuck St Mary's in MN, but I'd say the balance there shifts more to hockey than academics with some students there. </p>
<p>Is financial aid a concern? Culver does well for students that it really likes. There are also a number of others in the northeast that are well-endowed (check Boarding School Review) that have excellent hockey programs. </p>
<p>And what level is his hockey at? That will make a difference in how much a school will do to get a kid in the door.</p>
<p>Schools like Avon and Salisbury actively recruit especially in hockey. If your son plays at a very high level and you feel he would be an impact player you may want to contact the coaches directly, they will give you a better idea of what they are looking for.</p>
<p>Choate has a pretty good hockey team, from what I've heard. One of my friends brothers just got drafted by the Bruins in the 7th round from Choate, but he's going to college and pursuing the NHL career will have to wait for a little bit.</p>
<p>I am Holderness grad -- 1990 -- and taught there from 1998 - 2000. I believe it is still the case the Holderness has an exceptional Hockey team for a school of it's size. Because of the location.. White Mountains of NH.... outdoor winter sports there seem to be VERY strong. All students are required to play sports in other seasons.... so it seems as if the "cross-training" of a scholar-athlete is a core value.</p>
<p>Ironically, I am not a strong athlete.... more of the artist type... when I taught there I was the director of the theatre program... But, speak VERY highly of the school as a place for athletes who also want a strong education. PM me if you have specific questions. I will do my best to answer.</p>
<p>Again, thank you for all your feedback. Has anyone heard of New Hampton?</p>
<p>Holderness is a very solid school. But if you're a hockey player be prepared to freeze your b*#t off. Rink is covered but not enclosed!</p>
<p>NMH is the same way....evidently ice system/surface is top of the line, but rink is not fully enclosed. Watch for this to change in the next couple of years, though, as the school is undergoing a comprehensive update/renovation with major additions. The rink is an upcoming project.</p>
<p>There are a few more schools with "outdoor" barns. Many players at these schools look at it like an addition to home ice advantage, much like the "frozen tundra" of Lambeau Field. Put some Vaseline on your face and watch your opponent deal with the pain of skating in a rink where it is -5 Fahrenheit. </p>
<p>NMH is also not the only school who is looking at going away from the more primative setting.</p>
<p>fif yields to your superior knowledge but is hard pressed to identify the others. Most if not all schools in NE play in relative luxury if not palaces ('Kiss, Taft, SG, Berkshire, Exeter etc.), not to mention some of the new rinks coming on line.</p>
<p>I'm sure Holderness prides itself on the grit involved in playing there, but it is not a positive recuiting tool...</p>
<p>The rink situation was way down the list on goaliegirl's concerns. Actually, she prefers the hard ice that is found when the weather is extremely cold. Most "indoor" rinks can't keep the top layer of ice that hard any time. She gets annoyed when she comes home at the "slop" she has to play in locally. BTW, we have the best facility (not just my opinion but that of every visiting team I talk to) within 300 miles of us.</p>
<p>Another story - 2 winters ago, the hockey players at her school through luck of weather had their soccer field flood and freeze hard, so when Sunday would roll around they actually played some "pond" hockey on a huge rink. Playing in the elements is a lot more fun. And fun is fun! Right?</p>