Avon, Camden M, Church Farm, Phelps, Trinity-Pawling, Woodberry, Salisbury, Kiski, S Kent

<p>If you had to pick an all boy boarding schools to apply to for a 9th grader which one and why? Child is already in a boarding school and wants to continue his education in one. Is an average child who enjoys both sports and academics. He is a little disorganized (as most boys are) so structure is needed but he does not have a learning disability. For argument sake let say we visited all these schools and more and are just confused at this point. Please add schools that are not on the list if you have information that would be helpful.</p>

<p>Under the Hidden Gems thread there are several schools listed that you inquire about. I have several years of experience Trinity Pawling. My child loves it. It does take in students with learning disabilities as it has some special programs to help such students. However, most of the students do not have learning disabilities. While my child has some learning difficulties, the expectations are quite high and it is very challenging for him–which he loves. We visited/interviewed/many boarding schools and even worked with an educational consultant and TP is a great fit" for him. You mentioned that your som is already in boarding school—why does he want to change? If he is going from all coed to all-boys then for some students it is life changing and very motivating and for others it can be a challenge. The structure is amazing at TP and helps those who are a bit disorganized but strongly motivates them to focus. But, self advocacy is strongly emphasized, developed and encouraged. There is an effort system which may be more “fitting” for your son and it is very motivating for the young men at TP at all levels-not just academics. But, the young man must embrace the effort system to fully benefit from it. My son has never looked back and is striving and reaching his goals far beyond my expectations. But, each child is different. I was impressed that the young men( at the revisit day at TP) were quite blunt and honest about student life. I did not see such ( at the same level ) at most student panels at other schools. The honesty of the young men on the student panel may sell TP or turn some parents off to the school but at least the young men on the panel are very honest and parents and students either appreciate it or not. It helped my son make his decision. It helped me to see the school as a place where my son would grow and develop. The personal stories of the boys on the panel gave me a true sense that the school also focuses on character development and resilience. I have been to over 11 open houses between all of my kids so TP student panel impressed me the most as well as the parent panel. With that in mind, I knew going in that my child would best benefit from TP by embracing the effort system and by putting in 100%. Yes, the effort system does exist at some schools. It did initially throw me off when they mentioned an effort system. I fully support the effort system and now know that it has carried over to all aspects of my son’s life in and out of school. He was always self motivated before entering TP but now he understands it at a higher level. Research the effort system, call the school and get a clear picture of it so your son can figure out it for himself if he likes it or not. Sports range from very competitive varsity sports to lower level and the academics have rigor. My child played a varsity sport and found that it was very competitive and he has been in the arena against Hotchkiss ( and many other such schools) several times. etc. Check it out for yourself. We were fully sold on two other schools until we visited TP–best my son loved TP as soon as he walked on campus. I am a huge fan of Avon Old Farms but TP was the the better fit for my son. I still love Avon. TP has my heart. There is a thread about the culture of all-boys schools and you should check that out also. Again, one has to embrace the effort system at TP which most boys schools do not have. The young men are very supportive of each other at TP and they do encourage each other to reach their best. The head master of several decades is retiring in 2015. I can only say it is the best fit for my child and make sure that your son embraces the culture at the school. I am sure you will get feedback from other parents. I am very satisfied with TP and would highly recommend it. In my opinion, it is a hidden gem, at least for my child. I also have experience at several coed schools with my kids. The right “fit” is key. This is not a negative for me personally but some may find a couple of the buildings a bit outdated. There are several new buildings that are amazing on campus including new faculty housing. Again, it is about your child and the right “fit” not just my viewpoint. Wishing you the best and hope it all works out. </p>

<p>Below is from a thread on hidden gems about Trinity Pawling.
“Traditional Boys school known for athletics and program for students with learning disabilities. What’s less known is that the school limits the number of LD students to no more than 20% of the school population. Students run the gamut of academic ability; some go on to top LACs and occasionally the Ivies, some head for vocational training. Strong sense of school spirit, beautiful campus”</p>

<p>A good friend went to Salisbury and absolutely loves the place with all his heart. I’d definitely consider it.</p>