<p>My 7th grade son is interested in attending a summer session at a boarding school to see if he likes the experience, as next year he'll need to decide between day or boarding schools. The dates of the Exeter Access program don't work for us, so I will look into programs at Andover, Hotchkiss and Taft. Are there any others we should consider?</p>
<p>The other option is that he could attend a CTY program (the academic explorer's level, not the intensive.) Just wondering how these two types of programs would differ and which might be more interesting. I would really appreciate any feedback on this.</p>
<p>I did CTY and didn’t think it was the best experience. I had a lot of fun, but in hindsight, I don’t think it was worth the money and I didn’t really learn all that much. I don’t really know that much about boarding schools, but I would suggest you get on that ASAP since most summer program deadlines are coming up soon or passed already.</p>
<p>I’d consider looking into the Explo program. As a 7th grader I think your son would be on the Wellesley College campus, and although that isn’t a boarding school, the program would still give the feeling of a boarding school. I went to Explo as a rising 9th and 10th grader and I loved it. It was definitely the best summer program I had been to and I’d be happy to answer any questions about it!</p>
<p>I’ve not heard great things about the Academic Explorations level to be honest. I am a veteran CTYer but all my friends who attended Explorations said it was rather unchallenging.</p>