Boarding school comparisons

Prep School Admissions Prep School Parents
1

We are considering board school for our child and was wondering if there are any good websites people would recommend that summarize the differences between the top boarding schools from admissions, curriculum, athletics, diversity, location, etc. appreciate any input.

2

Boarding school review dot com has everything you need.

Good luck!

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3

Great, Thanks!

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4

There is good information here on CC if you take some time to review the posts about each school and/or topics. One of the things that helped us was getting specific questions answered by students and parents. I feel the parents and students on here were an excellent resource for information about school vibe, courses, dorm life, activities, and the unique community experience of each school. Bon Chance :grin:

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5

Thanks, will try that as well once we familiarize ourselves with the different options available. We never gave boarding school much thought until very recently so still have a lot to learn before asking specific questions about the schools. Cheers.

6

The school websites themselves are a great source of information. Make sure you check out the course offerings and student handbooks.

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7

I feel like throwing lighter fluid on the bonfire, and I have not yet had my coffee, so here it goes this morning :coffee:

Questions I would ask when speaking with AO’s and touring schools now that my kiddo is a Senior:

  • How many teachers left over the past 2-3 years?
  • How many faculty positions are open? (Check out Glassdoor)?
  • What do faculty/staff say about the school (see above)?
  • Can you show the matriculation list for all students, including non-recruited athletes?
  • Show me the grade distributions for the past 4 years.
  • How many students per college advisor?
  • What is the experience of the college advisors?
  • How often does the advisor and also CA meet with students?
  • How many students per academic advisor?
  • How involved are the dorm parents (if at all)?
  • How much do the teachers resent their multiple roles on campus?
  • What should we expect in terms of communication from the teachers and/or advisor?
  • What is the role of the RA/proctor? (Our kiddo’s were a joke and just used it to pad their college applications).
  • How many students at the school are from specific zip codes versus more geo-diversity?
  • What would your happiest student say about this school? What would your most unhappiest student say about this school?
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8

BSR is okay, but in the past has lacked information on some schools including Phillips Academy at Andover and St. Paul’s School.

You might get help here (on CC) if you share why boarding school & what is important to your student & to his or her family.

Our primary concerns were 100% boarding, even split of male & female students, strong academics, strong college placement,and we preferred a religious affiliation without an undue emphasis on religion. We were prompted to look into elite prep boarding schools in order to avoid a long commute multiple times a day & to attend school with other serious students.

Some families are interested in particular programs in dance,sports, or academics.

In short, why boarding school for this student ? = a good starting point to gather information that is meaningful to you & to your child.

9

Thanks for the feedback. We are still evaluating the board school option and not quite sold yet but personal factors may make it the best option. Our S is more enthused than we are but will definitely check on CC once we decide to go this route after we do our own research.

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