<p>We just met with our Secondary School Counselor who gave our girls a list of schools that might be a good fit based on their grades, SSATs and ECs. She called Middlesex a "kinder, gentler, Groton" Any thoughts as it compares to Groton/ St. Andrews? Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Groton is, by far, the most selective and probably pressurizing school of those three. They have very, very different flavors and all are wonderful (academically, socially, athletically, artistically). The best way is to talk to parents (@7Dad is a huge fan of SAS), to research online, and to visit.
Middlesex is probably around the same level as SAS in terms of academics. It’s really where you feel the right fit.</p>
<p>I would agree that there are many similarities between Groton and Middlesex but saying that Middlesex is “kinder and gentler” implies that Groton is harsh in some way. My child is at Groton but he seriously considered Middlesex and I would have been happy for him to go there. The schools are about the same size and I think they have many similar traditions. Everyone I met at Middlesex from the admissions officers, the students and the parent volunteers were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I would think that if you like Groton that you would also like Middlesex. </p>
<p>^^ Would you elaborate on the specifics of why you chose Groton over Middlesex?</p>
<p>Is Groton really that much more selective? I thought that the admit rates were similar. As we always say, you never know what is going to happen come March 10. My son applied to a number of schools, including Middlesex and Groton, and was only accepted at Groton, wait listed at Middlesex. You just never know just what they are looking for in any given year. It makes me feel good that he was accepted at such a wonderful school, but it somewhat feels like it was just meant to be.<br>
We felt that the two schools had a similar feel. We liked that Groton has a pool, while Middlesex has a much more established track team. The third form dorms at Groton are also definitely not for everyone. The rooms are pretty big, but don’t have floor to ceiling walls. I really hope that Groton won’t be that much pressure. It didn’t feel that way during our visits. That being said, my son is not at all an anxious person and doesn’t get overwhelmed with pressure.
Definitely check out each of the schools and see what feels right, and as always cast a wide net!</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your perspectives. Will let you know how it works out.</p>
<p>Well, if you’re applying to those three schools, one can assume that one isn’t applying for Groton’s eighth grade. And, since Groton is filling spots a year earlier, it is more selective in the ninth and tenth grade years.</p>
<p>We are currently at Arts Weekend for SAS, and are bowled over by the talent. I would never before (our first year here) have believed that freshmen and sophomores could so quickly find themselves on the big stage performing with confidence and precision. A small school needs “participation from all corners”, to appropriate a phrase, and I imagine Groton and MX are similar in this regard. </p>
<p>So, let’s assume other inherent similarities suggested by the similar size, though Groton really has a prestige and elite college matriculation edge over the other two. And let’s furthermore agree that there is a regional “feel” that distinguishes the Mid-Atlantic from the New England schools; a large percentage of BS families prefer the school that is three hours or less driving from home (though these are of course “national” BS drawing from 25 and more states). The teachers, kids and resources are all pretty darn great at these three schools.</p>
<p>We at St. Andrew’s simply feel the community is powerfully shaped, much for the better, by our Head, Tad Roach. Anyone considering coming here needs to consider Tad’s approach to education, which is abundantly available through podcasts of his talks, or in print. His influence on the kids here is profound, and those that don’t buy in, I believe, often leave. He insists on each individual working every day toward their best self, and the good of the community is the result. The man is larger than life, which puts him into the smaller circle of renowned heads who have exceeded wonderful to become truly great. If you want to compare these three schools, I strongly suggest including a closer look at the heads and what they bring to the institution. The differences may well sway how you feel about the uniqueness of each of these outstanding schools.</p>
<p>I completely agree Charger78 and I have listened to every podcast of Tad and read many of the faculty’s chapel remarks, especially Will Speers. Do you know how many more years Tad will be there? I know he’s been there a LONG time. I just hope they have signed him to a long term contract like they do with some BS Heads.</p>
<p>Back home now, after the late morning collaboration on Henry Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas”. This 17th century opera was jointly performed by student members of the dance program, the chamber ensemble, and the Choral Scholars. Whew! A full weekend, and Happy Mother’s Day to all!</p>
<p>Tad spoke as if he will be at St. Andrew’s for at least another five years. There are a few long-term projects such as a collaboration with Delaware to promote the college aspirations of lower-income students, a new membership with the Global Online Academy, sustainability initiatives, etc. Two kids are in high school and college, which may affect the thinking too. </p>
<p>I have worked for five headmasters, all as different as could be, and know some others well. Aside from Tad, the only revered one led the day school that I attended as a kid. “Revered”, from the student standpoint, comes from consistently speaking directly to them in powerful ways that guide their daily lives, and real sharing of activities with them, coming down off of the pedestal to rub elbows. </p>
<p>Well said. Fingers and toes crossed that one of our girls will fall in love with SAS and be admitted because I’m already sold.</p>
<p>If we are speaking of Headmasters, then I have to put a word in for Groton’s new Headmaster Temba Maqubela. He is an incredible person who was born in South Africa. Part of his bio is listed in one of the Groton papers. It tells his story of having to escape the country as he had spoken out against the government. We are so very excited that such a person will lead our son’s school for the future. His horizons will absolutely be broadened!</p>
<p>@jersey386 I think he chose Groton because of our family ties to the school and because Groton has a great crew program. He also had a great re-visit day there and just clicked with the kids he met. I know for sure he would have had a good experience at Middlesex as well.
@momto4kids, Temba Maqubela is a wonderful headmaster. He and his wife have a passion for boarding school life and his enthusiasm and spirit are infectious. </p>
<p>Three steps into the Schoolhouse last September and I was shaking Mr. Maqubela’s hand. 
</p>
<p>We really liked all three schools along with St. Paul’s, our 4 favorites. D was accepted at three and wait-listed at one this year.</p>
<p>For Middlesex, Groton, and St. Andrew’s, much is similar in terms of student size, small enclave feel to the core of campus, some strong sports for the size school, and more. Yet, the personalities of the schools were notably different:
- Middlesex felt more artsy overall (a good thing) although Groton & SAS seemed strong to very strong in voice. Middlesex explicitly creates a schedule and structure that sports and arts do not interfere/compete with each other.
- Groton felt more intellectually intense although not intense in a cut-throat way. Groton has a certain majesty about it. Groton is also more traditional in terms of various rituals, apparent left-overs from its now largely defunct Episcopal heritage.
- SAS felt the warmest, seems to have a world-class headmaster whose caring, vision, and inclusiveness imbibe the school. Has an up and coming sense that the school is still on an upward swing to full potential.</p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>
<p>So helpful- thank you! What are your Ds passions? Where is she going?</p>
<p>Can’t speak to Middlesex, but when we first visited SAS (after visiting Groton earlier in the season) a few years ago, I really felt a similar vibe between schools.</p>
<p>After another great Arts Weekend down at SAS, I have to put in another plug for smaller schools in general…</p>
<p>D’s passions are science, classics (Latin & Greek), English, singing & theater, and sports, sports, sports. Any of these schools would have been a good match for her. The matching of the passions wasn’t an overriding consideration as none were slouches in any area although some were stronger in one area or another. After the 3 revisits, she fell the most in love with St. Andrew’s where she will be attending this fall. We almost wished we had identical triples so she/they could have said yes to all. :)</p>
<p>Congratulations to your D! Wonderful options and a very nice outcome. There are so many fantastic schools and it is a nice problem to have when you have to decide among them!</p>