<p>While the Hidden Gem thread is great- I thought a new thread showcasing just a couple of schools might be helpful.</p>
<p>I chose these four "Gems" based on enrollment (under 400 students) and proximity. Typically, a student applying to one will have at least one other on their list. They also offer similar academics, visual arts, athletics and campus life.</p>
<p>Hopefully this thread will provide helpful information for perspective students and their parents. Students/parents currently enrolled should feel free to answer questions or just share some school pride! Alums are welcome, too!!</p>
<p>We toured all of these schools, applied to three and were accepted to three. Here are some random observations along with current tuition:</p>
<p>Berkshire: Beautiful campus with many recent improvements- including an amazing Sustainability Lab/ Program featuring an 8 acre solar field. Friendly, vibrant community and impressive AO. $49,900.00</p>
<p>Canterbury: The Canterbury Pool! They offer competitive/ recreational swimming and Water Polo. It is the most beautiful BS pool I’ve ever seen. Gorgeous campus in a quintessential NE town. Best admissions experience of all the (8) schools we visited. Excellent student guide and top notch staff. $49,100.00</p>
<p>Pomfret: Pomfret’s visual arts program. You quickly recognize the quality of this program when you enter the admissions building and tour the campus. While some schools feature well known portrait artists on their walls, Pomfret showcases magnificent student art throughout the school. The talent is breathtaking- and so is the campus! Nice and attentive admissions staff. $50, 900.00</p>
<p>The Gunnery: A school in transition with a new Headmaster from Lawrenceville. Charming campus in a charming town. They have a great Crew program and host the Founder’s Day Regatta. We didn’t pick this school, but my feeling is their best days are ahead! Friendly and efficient AO. $49,200.00</p>
<p>I love the Gunnery. I was accepted, but I, sadly, could not attend this year. I have friends who go there and it seems just great. My sister LOVED it. She, however, disliked Canterbury very much (she attended as a Freshman)…</p>
<p>I loved The Gunnery, too. I’m not surprised your sister loved it. We know a lot of kids who are there now and they’re very happy. It’s a great school!</p>
<p>I am having trouble getting a feel for Pomfret. I like what I read in the brochure and on the web site. I have read reasonably good things here on CC as well.</p>
<p>But – every now and again, I read something about drugs and alcohol being a problem there. And, if you read their handbook, a large portion of it discusses, penalities for drug/alcohol use, sanctuary policies and the like.</p>
<p>And I have a slight, general uneasy feeling about it… but I don’t know why.</p>
<p>So - what is the story? Are they known to be a “party” school? I love the campus, and the arts requirements… sports seem strong, and they have some interesting programs. But, we are most definitely NOT looking for a school with drug/alcohol problems. There are way too many good schools that don’t have such problems.</p>
<p>I am not na</p>
<p>Isn’t the novel Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld based on Pomfret? I’ve heard that it is.</p>
<p>Curtis Sittenfeld attended Groton. Thus, I’d assume Prep is based on Groton.</p>
<p>Perfectly Prep may be based on Pomfret. It’s available in a Kindle edition, which someone in London could be reading in minutes. You don’t need a Kindle to read a Kindle book.</p>
<p>@insightofct can you say why your sister did not like Canterbury?</p>