Boarding schools with good astronomy programs

<p>Specifically looking at Andover, Hotchkiss, Deerfield and maybe Exeter if I can convince my mom, but feel free to suggest any school.</p>

<p>I've been involved with astronomy-related programs for a couple of years, and I'd really like to go to a boarding school where I can take serious courses regarding observational astronomy, astrophysics, and/or astrobiology. Additionally, I've discovered an interest in string theory and quantum physics (what I understand of them, at least. I've tried to read books on these subjects, but they made me feel kind of stupid lol). </p>

<p>Most of these schools have at least one astronomy option, but fewer have a follow-up or any additional classes. Haven't seen string theory anywhere yet (I expect that's a little too advanced for high school).</p>

<p>P.S. I might get my mom to see the appeal in applying to one more school if I can show her they have good astronomy options. I used the science center at Deerfield to get her to let me apply there. :P</p>

<p>SPS has several astronomy classes. They are only term contained but their offering is much more than other schools.</p>

<p>Introductory to Astronomy
Stellar Astronomy
Galactic Astronomy
Advanced Studies in Astronomy</p>

<p>[St</a>. Paul’s School ~ Course Catalogue](<a href=“http://www.sps.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=6534]St”>http://www.sps.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=6534)</p>

<p>Also, SPS is constructing a new science center, which I believe is set to open next fall.</p>

<p>check out Westminster.</p>

<p>Exeter has three astronomy courses (Astronomy 1, Astronomy II, and Observational Astronomy-each trimester courses); many advanced physics classes, including two that right off the bat seem to suit your interests (Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics); and the Grainger Observatory. A group of interested students can also design their own course with faculty; my son’s tour guide had just taken such a class in the origins of the universe.</p>

<p>SPS astronomy site: [St</a>. Paul’s School Hawley Observatory](<a href=“http://astro.sps.edu/people.php]St”>http://astro.sps.edu/people.php)</p>

<p>IIRC SPS has the largest observatory in NE (and not just “the largest of all the prep schools”). And apparently the new Science Center is going to have a solar observatory incorporated into the design.</p>

<p>[Pomfret</a> School ~ Astronomy](<a href=“http://www.pomfretschool.org/astronomy?rc=0]Pomfret”>http://www.pomfretschool.org/astronomy?rc=0)</p>

<p>Pomfret also has the advantage of being located in what is referred to as New England’s Last Green Valley…the only place in the area without nighttime light pollution from urban areas. </p>

<p>[Welcome</a> to The Last Green Valley - The Last Green Valley](<a href=“http://www.tlgv.org/index.php]Welcome”>Discovering the National Heritage Corridor in The Last Green Valley)</p>

<p>FYI. If you’re serious about your astronomy, you should give it a look. :)</p>