<p>My HS was OK, but I was SO ready to go off to college for new & exciting experiences I had a GREAT time at college. My sister loved HS & was very homesick when she went away to college & grad school. Some kids who have great HS experiences do find that their time in HS was pretty magical (as my kids did from preschool), but they DO adjust & it all works out.<br>
Lots of kids from terriffic HSs do retain close times with HS classmates & those idyllic years. This helps them if they decide to return "home" to settle after they're done with higher ed--they have their old alum friends. I agree with ASAP; I would have LOVED having any of the teachers my kids have & can't imagine having a whole year full of those exceptional teachers. The chemistry with motivated, bright kids & supercharged, outstanding teachers must indeed be an environment to behold.
I am humbled by the exceptional talent the school attracts in teachers & students. It certainly will give my kids a very sound academic base.
Starion</p>
<p>EK: I love the phrase "I have found my people". That was my D when she transfered; a whole world of people who she made sense to. Not all alike by any means, but all interesting and interested. She found that neither at hs (a small group of likeminded people there) or at her first school (no one really likeminded, those closest were also transfering.) Having that already in HS like the OP's son doesn't preclude finding it again in college. </p>
<p>My D was the hard to fit one; S is so laid back, I'm sure he'd have found a comfort zone and a challenge wherever he went.</p>