<p>I think all classes at Exeter use Harkness. At Lawrenceville, all Humanities classes do, but for Math and Sciences it depends on the teacher. </p>
<p>I like it better that way. Some teachers aren’t really great with Harkness. They should be given the choice.</p>
<p>The math and science class I visited was Harkness, fwiw.</p>
<p>I have had 4 math teachers. Only one used Harkness. 0/3 science teachers use Harkness. I think the Bio department uses Harkness more than the Chem department does, but again I really can’t imagine Dr. Laws employing the Harkness method effectively (no offense intended–he’s an awesome teacher).</p>
<p>Isn’t he the student dean?</p>
<p>Next year, yes.</p>
<p>second Loomis Chafee, they have an unbelievably good dance program, and good music and overall academics with a writing focus. Also very convenient to fly in and out of (major int.airport 5 mins away)</p>
<p>
unless you live overseas 
</p>
<p>@makennacompton Yes, I am really looking into Exeter because of its Harkness method (I’m really excited about it!). @jjs123 I am also looking into St. Paul’s as well. I actually think my top two choices now are Exeter and St. Paul’s (Hotchkiss is tied with Lawrenceville for third… yeah I haven’t really made up my mind yet). Harkness or no Harkness a lot of these schools are top and it would be awesome to get into any one (I do have my favorites of course ;)). </p>
<p>Anyway, I really want to know more about the schools listed above. What makes Exeter, St. Paul’s, Hotchkiss, Lawrenceville, or any other strong humanities/arts school unique from the others? So far, I only know that Exeter would be considered as having the most rigorous academics (but it’s not as if the other schools are lacking), St. Paul’s has its signature ballet program, Hotchkiss has its humanities, and Lawrenceville the house system. What else?</p>
<p>Hmm… Loomis Chaffee… when you say they have a writing focus, do you mean they try to integrate writing across the curriculum? Or something else unique? @2prepMom </p>
<p>There is a writing program that all sophomores are required to take.</p>
<p>Middlesex has some sort of writing program as well. </p>
<p>Oh, just being the L’ville fanboy that I am again, Lawrenceville also has a very close relationship with Princeton. So you can get books shipped over from their library, take courses there, etc.</p>
<p>That’s awesome! @mrnephew Thanks again for all the input! It really helps. I am now officially looking at Loomis Chaffee as one of the schools. CC is great. 
</p>
<p>Does anyone know how Milton Academy compares to the other top boarding schools?</p>
<p>Milton Academy is a top school and really, really great in a lot of ways. The biggest difference as compared to some of the other “name-brand” schools (which are not the only ones you should look at!) is that it is 50% boarding and 50% day students, so you have to decide whether that is good or bad for you. Otherwise, you really need to do some definitive research through admissions processes and chats (like the tours), its own website, reviews, and the search bar on this forum; once you’ve done that, you can come back here with definite questions. </p>
<p>The 50-50 was what turned me away, but if you don’t mind that, it’s definitely on par.</p>
<p>I’m now wondering about the academic rigor of these schools. I’ve heard that Exeter/Andover are first tier, SPS/Groton second, then Hotchkiss/Deerfield/Choate/Lawrenceville third and on. Is this true (somewhat)? My official list now includes Exeter, SPS, Deerfield (Lawrenceville is still under consideration) in the order of preference. I just wanted to know the differences between Exeter and SPS academically (SPS might have a stronger arts program… I’m not sure).</p>
<p>Oh, and thanks @pdl100 for asking the question about Milton! I want this thread to be a useful resource for others choosing a boarding school too.</p>
<p>Every school you’ve listed is very selective and is considered a top school. Each of them is different and you’d be splitting hairs trying to rank them. Don’t bother. But, if those are the only schools you are applying to, you might want to think again and add several more to your list. Your chances of being accepted to any one of those on your list is small. If you need financial aid, your chances are even smaller.</p>
<p>Why did the 50-50 turn some of you guys away?</p>