<p>Hi everyone, I'm parent and new for this forum. My son is studying grade 7 in a junior boarding school. I'm searching some information for prep schools. I don't think the first tier schools are suit for my son and I prefer smaller schools like Brooks, Governor's, St. Mark's, Westminster, Berkshire and NMH. I hope someone can share their experience or understanding for those school. Any other school suggestion is also welcome.</p>
<p>Well…Brooks is >400, NMH about 750, I think, so there’s a range there. If you have the opportunity, take your son and visit the campuses, maybe over the summer. Then you’ll want to go back to interview in the fall or winter next year. In addition to the list you provide you might want to consider Pomfret & Taft, & maybe Middlesex? There is a thread here you might find useful, as well:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1130908-hidden-gems-lesser-known-prep-schools.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1130908-hidden-gems-lesser-known-prep-schools.html</a></p>
<p>There’s a wealth of information here, and both parents and students with a variety of insights. Good luck!</p>
<p>Actually NMH, while still big, has around 650 students, and Brooks about 370. If you are looking for a different vibe from some of the more commonly mentioned schools here, I’d still look at NMH, despite the size. Other small schools to consider could be Holderness, Proctor, Gunnery, Groton, Middlesex, Thacher and more depending on what you are looking for exactly (a great ski team, learning skills, traditional coat and tie, etc).</p>
<p>St. Andrews DE</p>
<p>Berkshire seems a great school…my friend is studying there. They are particularly strong at Hockey.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>My response it based on the above quote meaning that your son may not have the academic horsepower to thrive at a particularly intense school, and/or doesn’t have the stats to be a viable candidate. </p>
<p>Be mindful that Middlesex, Groton, St Andrew’s and Thacher (I think - don’t know much about the school) have very high academic standards. This isn’t to say that the others don’t, but only to say that these small schools’ academics are on par with so-called “first tier” schools and many would consider them as such.</p>
<p>What I think would be important for you to look for is a school that has a range of abilities in its student body, a school that offers, say regular, honors and AP levels of different courses, that way your son can challenge himself in the subjects in which he excels but not have to feel buried in other courses. A small school is probably a good choice. Most schools have links to their course catalogs on their websites. A look at the required reading list for humanities courses can give you a decent idea of the level. This would be my jumping off point if I were in your shoes. All of the schools you have mentioned will have very high achieving students and I think that’s a good thing for all students. </p>
<p>Your son’s placement office should be able to give you some good leads. I would strongly suggest that you check out Blair as well, if you’re not limiting yourself to MA, CT, NH schools.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for your ideas. My preference is around 400 students. NMH is my son’s choice. He loves hockey. We’ll have school visit in this October. Last year we visited Groton, Deerfield, Middlesex, St. Paul. There are so many good schools. I don’t know how to choose. Will take to his counsellor get some more advice.</p>
<p>Goodness yes - if you have access to a counselor, take advantage of it! And hockey should help to narrow your choices.</p>
<p>Another great small school - not much discussed on this forum - is Tabor. Interesting school with strong arts and maritime skills programs, in addition to others.</p>
<p>If your son likes NMH, I’d definitely also take a look at Berkshire. Strong athletics, an outdoor skills program (which NMH also has), and some interesting programming unique to Berkshire. (But keep in mind that NMH is the only one that makes its own ice cream . . . if that matters to you. :))</p>
<p>Has anyone been Rejected by St. Georges School?
It seems that what I have observed on cc were only acceptances or waitlist.</p>
<p>Try this website:
[Search</a> Boarding Schools - Boarding School Review](<a href=“http://www.boardingschoolreview.com/searchschools.php]Search”>Boarding School Search Tool)</p>
<p>You can specify search criteria</p>
<p>I think that Berkshire would be a great school! It was my second choice and I found the environment to be very friendly. There is also Millbrook in New York.</p>
<p>Hi althena 102,</p>
<p>Do you know the characters of Bershire? What is your first choice?</p>
<p>Due to the higher level of academics, I chose St. Andrew’s Delaware, but I absolutely loved Berkshire. I really felt the environment was warm and inviting and I loved the studious, but also relaxed character of the school. They have outstanding facilities and the school is , as my father put it, “on the rise.” The faculty seemed top notch. I would suggest you look at it. There was also a special bond between the faculty and students. I saw them joking around and interacting with one another constantly. It has my highest recommendation. It’s just like a top tier school, but the academics aren’t as competitive.</p>
<p>PS. I would not recommend Groton or Middlesex. They are definitely top tier schools.</p>
<p>I liked Governor’s - very close knit without being cliquish. Some of the top tier faculty send their children there (and vice versa). Most of the dorm rooms are singles (you can have a roommate if you want one), and the student count is within the range you’re seeking. the campus is large, has good facilities so you can get the best of both worlds.</p>
<p>It doesn’t have the “prestige name brand” that larger schools have that are close, but we would have been comfortable sending our child there and met a student whose mother and uncle are alum. So worth investigating and within driving distance of other boarding schools in the area.</p>
<p>ExieMITAlum, I read your post about Governor before. Hope my son can be admitted.</p>
<p>hi applied to berkshire recently and had an interview it looks great could you tell me what the classes/ dorms/ and stuff are like. id lovee to look around</p>