Hi, we are really fretting over our decision. Two great acceptances, but even after visit days and talking with dance faculty, my child and I would like a better sense of the dance program. Any insight?
At which schools?
My daughter is a dancer and would only look at schools with dance programs. A few things to consider would be her previous experience and how many higher level classes are offered, are tryouts required, can she dance as her required sport or after school activity, etc. My daughter focuses on ballet and chose a school whose dance program includes more ballet, specifically pointe.
I agree with @busymommyof4 to check the sports requirement of each school to ensure that dance will fulfill it.
To the dance moms out there: Our experience was that each school was unique in terms of the dance commitments, as well as fulfilling PE. The schools we applied to all gave dancers PE:/sports and Co-Curriculum credits. All offered dance classes as well as a dance company. All offered point classes. Three had auditions BEFORE acceptance and one AFTER school began for special dance programs. A few programs attract serious dancers.
Keep in mind that your student will be exposed to new opportunities for expanding her/his/their interests within and beyond the dance curriculum. It was a big decision because if we accepted the offer to dance in one school Company, kiddo would be locked into it for the entire year…,we ultimately decided on a school where one could dance and play a sport or do theatre, as well during the year (maybe not in the same semester or season). Also wanted varied dance classes like Hip Hop and jazz/modern.
Feel free to PM me and Bon Chance!
Please tell us the schools and we can provide better guidance. Info on student’s dance background and the styles of dance being sought would also be helpful.
I am sorry, that was weird. This site said I couldn’t post because it looked like spam so I moved on. Guess it posted! Exeter and Deerfield are the programs we are between.
I should specify that I was having a hard time understanding the Exeter program, Deerfield seems great. I did learn more about the Exeter program from a student today. Not even sure how as a family to pick between these two amazing places. My kiddo really would like to go to both! Obviously not possible 
I think there are a lot of differences between those two schools other than the dance program and I suggest focusing on which environment/student body/vibe best fits your child and appeals to your child.
Location, proximity to home, structure of the student’s day, level of diversity, preppiness quotient, bigger/smaller, seated meals or not, level of independence vs a more structured yet nurturing environment, perceived level of stress, etc.
I think you’ll find those factors and others will result in more differences than the differences in the dance department.
Definitely agree… much is going into this consideration! Any thoughts or feelings on both? I am drawn to the nurturing of deerfield and feel my kiddo would have a rigorous experience at both, but I do think kiddo is leaning more towards PEA. I do feel we have the final say, but this has been a team effort since the beginning and seems it should continue as such.
Advice to dance mom: Do not choose school based upon dance program alone! FWIW you are paying $$ for a lot more than a dance company school. Think also of the stability of the program and if there is room for growth. Isthe school flexible? What are the performance opportunities? Do they help with your dance portfolio if you aim to dance in college or join a Company?
Most importantly, think about where your dancer will be most happy and supported as a student. Your child is more than a dancer…also check with the schools to find out policy regarding rehearsal times and homework.
Just think your dancer may find that BS offers many creative outlets and new sports to try…even golf! LOL!
@hardchoices19 you can PM me for our insights having had a similar choice to make
Has your child articulated why they are leaning toward PEA?
I know this is a non-response but without knowing your child, it is hard to really give clear guidance. Different types of students will thrive at each school. Bottomline, your child will get a stellar education at either school with a plethora of opportunities.
When we were researching boarding schools with decent dance programs many years back, both PEA and Deerfield made the very short list.
I think it was just how he felt on revisit day… he felt more comfortable, liked the Harkness table. It’s hard because through this application process it was Deerfield at the top, Exeter not far behind… but then the revisit day really turned it a bit around. And I agree, both schools will be amazing… as a mom I am excited by PEA but feel a little safer with DA… yikes
Which school has more male dancers?
Many schools use some variation on the Harkness method of teaching in some of their classes. But, if he is feeling the PEA vibe, perhaps it is for a reason. Both schools have their pros and cons, IMO.
Knowing now that your dancer child is male, if he is a serious dancer, I would consider how versed the faculty is at teaching males. And if they bring in guest teachers that will help him as well. It requires a different expertise that not all dance teachers have but you probably know that better than I do as the parent of a male dancer.
For sure Deerfield
This is true… hadn’t thought about male specific before!
Doschicos… can I ask if you have your kid/s at BS and if so which?
I would also add that any preference one way or another vacillates throughout the day! We both just love both for very different reasons! It’s what his first grade teacher would call a high class problem.