<p>My S is trying to decide between Blair and Williston. He is primarily interested in English/literature, creative writing, history. My S is a bit "alternative" - not super preppy. Does anyone have thoughts on the better fit? My sense is that Blair has a bigger reputation and may have more success with college acceptances - is that true?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your thoughts.</p>
<p>yeah, from what I can tell from their matric list and ppl that go there Willies aren’t uber motivated but t’s stilla wicked good school (somewhat)</p>
<p>If I were you I’d choose Blair. It has (from what I can tell) way better programs etc</p>
<p>Peddie wasn’t an option…</p>
<p>they’re both the same! that whole mid-atlantic area! plus i’m tired sooo excussssse me! hmmf well im off for the night! adios</p>
<p>Blair is a wonderful school, but not just in terms of academics and college matriculation. The faculty works very hard to get to know every student there, and to encourage that student to do his/her best and to try new things. Leadership roles are encouraged, especially for seniors. Almost all of the faculty live on campus, so it is a close community.</p>
<p>I don’t know what you mean by “alternative,” but I don’t think Blair would have accepted him if they thought he wouldn’t fit in. </p>
<p>Are you able to go to revisits? I hope so. When you do, be certain that your son has the opportunity to meet some of the English and History teachers. I think Blair’s history department is especially strong.</p>
<p>In the meantime, please feel free to pm me with questions or ask here. You can also contact Blair admissions to ask to speak with other Blair parents.</p>
<p>Rad-in plaid,</p>
<p>Can you tell me what you mean by “(somewhat)”? My son is interested in creative writing and they have a special “masters program” where famous writers visit and work with the students. They also have a Writing Center available to all students for extra help ad guidance. That is why he is has real interest in Williston. Blair seems to have a bigger reputation and higher SAT scores but not the special writing programs. A strong English department is really all that’s necessary though.</p>
<p>Burb Parent, Thank you for the info. I have requested for him to meet with and English and/or History teacher during his upcoming visit.</p>
<p>Yes, it would be a good idea to meet with someone from both departments when you revisit Blair.</p>
<p>The Writer’s Workshop at Williston sounds interesting [The</a> Williston Northampton School - Writers’ Workshop Series](<a href=“http://www.williston.com/Page.aspx?pid=486]The”>http://www.williston.com/Page.aspx?pid=486), but keep in mind that it is a one semester course, and probably cannot be repeated. If he decides to go to Blair, he can take a course like this over the summer. There are colleges that offer classes like this for high school students, or you might investigate classes offered by other boarding schools with summer programs.</p>
<p>At Blair, students are encouraged to improve papers, especially in English classes. Students can meet with teachers to discuss writing improvements or for other academic reasons. Peer tutoring is offered. Writing is an important part of the Blair curriculum [Blair</a> Academy - Academics](<a href=“http://www.blair.edu/Academics/ac_curr_english.shtm]Blair”>http://www.blair.edu/Academics/ac_curr_english.shtm) I am also very happy with the public speaking skills that are promoted in many classes. Graduates seem to have a handle on public speaking as well as writing.</p>
<p>I have a son completing 4 years at Blair, and it has been a great experience for him. We never visited Williston. </p>
<p>Good luck with your revisits!</p>
<p>Dear Burb Parent, Thanks again for your informative and insightful response. We are definitely looking forward to our chance to revisit the campus. Is your son a boarding student?</p>
<p>Yes, he is a boarding student. He loves the dorm life there with all the activities. For all 4 years, he never wanted to come home unless it was a long weekend or holiday. Did I do something really wrong or really right?</p>
<p>A good question to ask is how many faculty live on campus. When they almost all live on campus, it cements the community together. The community at Blair is strong because of the high % boarders, almost all faculty on campus, and the leadership of the Headmaster.</p>
<p>We have been very happy with Blair. It’s a great school, but that doesn’t mean that it is better than Williston for your son. I don’t know much about Williston and I have no clue about your son, so I cannot compare the schools. </p>
<p>Feel free to ask questions or send me a private message.</p>
<p>Did you search the Prep Schools Admissions boards for posts on Williston and Blair? You might gain some additional insight by doing that.</p>
<p>by ‘somewhat’ i meant compared to schools like PEA. It’s like Loomis Chaffee, but with kind of less pretty campus/less buildings-facilities</p>
<p>Rad-in-plaid,</p>
<p>Thank you. That’s what I thought you probably meant.</p>
<p>Burb parent,</p>
<p>The boarding info is most helpful. We live out west and our son won’t be able to come home very often, so a high boarding percentage and warm community are definite plusses. My son has been at Rumsey Hall (junior boarding school in CT) for two years and he never wants to come home now, so I’ve gotten used to it. I guess I should be thankful that he is independent…</p>
<p>I searched for more posts on Williston, but that is what has me kind of stumped. It was recommended highly by Rumsey (as was Blair) and we trust the staff there, but no one else ever seems to talk about it.</p>
<p>Feel free to PM me if you prefer. </p>
<p>Thanks again for being so helpful.</p>