Boston middle schools

Prep School Admissions Prep School Parents
1

<p>Would love to get firsthand information on or impressions of the relative strengths and weaknesses of BB&N, Shady Hill, and Park for a girl entering in 6th grade who is bright and bookish, loves music and art, and is not very athletic. We would like her to be challenged, of course, but a high-pressure environment is probably not the best fit. Has not taken the SSAT yet; WISC sore is in the 99th percentile. </p>

<p>I'd also appreciate recommendations of other online forums if this is not the best place to post.
thanks.</p>

2

<p>Park is truly a wonderful school where children are encouraged to be creative and encouraged to really learn! While I know Park has high standards, it isn’t a “pressure cooker” school in any way. I think children who are “bookish” feel comfortable and I know there are lots of opportunities to participate in theater, art and music activities.</p>

3

<p>If you’re looking for 6th grade, you might consider schools that continue through high school too. You won’t necessarily keep her at the same school for high school, but it’s nice to have the option of not having to move again in just a couple of years. If she’s more into the arts than athletics, have you looked at Brimmer & May?</p>

4

<p>You should also visit Dana Hall. </p>

<p>There are some fine schools which continue through high school. If she finds her niche in a school community, she would not need to go through the admissions process again until the end of high school.</p>

<p>As a day student, though, the ease of the commute makes a huge difference. Schools which are further away, but to which you “reverse commute,” can represent easier commutes than schools which are closer. Some schools offer bus service, which widens the range of possible schools; ask each school.</p>

5

<p>We love the Park School in Brookline and it matches well with the criteria you mentioned.</p>

6

<p>BB&N’s middle school is a very special place, 7th and 8th grades in a self-contained campus on a charming street.</p>

7

<p>If you will be considering prep or boarding school down the road for 9 or 10th grade, ask about the school’s relationship with the high schools you are interested in. </p>

<p>There seems to be an admissions advantage for students coming from middle schools that include activities, vocabulary prep, SSAT review (or maybe just practice with analogies), and familiarity with prep school applications among counselors.</p>

<p>Also, summer programs can be very rewarding. Have you looked into CTY at Hopkins?</p>

8

<p>Thanks for the suggestions and feedback! I will add some of these other schools to our list.</p>

9

<p>Have you looked at Winsor? Absolutely wonderful all girls school that goes to 12th grade. Happy to answer any questions</p>

10

<p>In hindsight, I would have gotten my kids into Milton Academy early and not wait til 9th grade to apply.</p>