I have an odd question. My 8th grade nephew was on track to attend a great private school in his former city on a full ride (best in the state but not an Andover), but his mother had a mental break. He had to move to live with his father in a small town in a very rural Western state. That private school may or may not take him in as a boarding student for the 9th grade (as the full ride was for the day program), so we are considering other boarding schools (along with the local public school). (There are no private high schools less than an hour away.)
Am I correct in thinking that the boarding schools are trying to evaluate both the potential student and the parents? Is my fear unfounded that the school admissions offices will look down on that they live in a double-wide? I’m not sure if we need to be circumspect about the reality of this child’s life in the admissions process, which is that it’s been thrown into some turmoil, he lives below the poverty line, and he’s trying to get back on track for attending a top college. Am I being silly and these are actually things that could help an application?
Of course, it’d be amazing if someone wants to point me in the direction of the boarding schools that have (i) social environments that wouldn’t eat a poor kid alive, (ii) full rides, and (iii) a willingness to understand that his current extracurriculars have been affected by the incredible turmoil right before the start of this school year (although he’s dedicating himself now). I understand that there is some good stuff in these other posts, though. Right now, he’s just getting information from the various schools to narrow down whether he thinks any of them would be a good fit for him.
On a weird aside, a first cousin is a notable alum of Northfield and has helped with the school’s fundraising (although I doubt this person is personally a major donor). Would that help with the admissions process there? Do you just include a letter of endorsement form the person, or would you have the person call the people they know at the school?
I apologize in advance if these are stupid questions. Thanks!
Schools will not look askance at a child living below the poverty line. Both that and the fact he is living in a less populated western state could actually work to his advantage. The schools are looking for all types of diversity. All the top schools offer full need based aid to qualified applicants. For very poor students, that could also include covering things like transportation, clothing, a laptop, as well as a monthly allowance for spending money.
Any chance he’s living in Montana? St. Paul’s School has a very generous scholarship specifically for students from MT.
As per flights: Not sure where he/you would be flying from, but the discount carriers are awesome. There are direct flights from here to Philadelphia on Frontier for $39 each way. Also, in my personal experience (well, the kid’s) The Hill School has very generous FA (and purchase assistance for other items) and nobody cares that he is almost full FA. In fact, he says it comes in handy when somebody is looking to borrow money.
Thanks, I knew someone who went to The Hill School. I had forgotten about that school, but am looking into it. Frontier’s flight schedules for where he’s at are pretty inadequate - overnight layovers and only 3 times a week. It was definitely worth checking out, though.
The SPS scholarship looks incredible. That would be a life-changing opportunity. We’re a little concerned about the Labrie rape/“senior salute” situation, admittedly. You google the school and that news story is one of the first results. :/. Maybe they’ve fixed the situation now that it’s been all over the news?
If you are open to PA schools, definitely check out Mercersburg. I guarantee that the admissions staff will be genuinely welcoming and that the social environment is accepting and relaxed. The downside is that it is not that easy to get to. Also, I suggest you talk to that first cousin about Northfield and get his/her input on what may be possible there. And that Montana scholarship sounds amazing (if it applies). Best of luck to your nephew!
@Housseman We also live in a rural western state and the flight situation can be tough! Especially since the airport closest to our school isn’t very big as well and we’ve come up against some limitations since my DD is only 14 and doesn’t turn 15 until January. Luckily for us, the school recognizes that un-accompanied minor flights can be difficult…especially to areas such as ours. I’m sure whatever school he would end up at would help work it out!
I feel you on those unaccompanied minor flights. Those additional fees are highway robbery - it’s almost cheaper to buy a second ticket for a chaperone! He might stay with us (his extended family) on the East Coast during shorter breaks. The big carrier without the fees (Alaska Airlines) doesn’t work for our neck of the woods, but maybe it would work for you.
I’m looking into Mercersberg.
I’m so grateful that the commenters have been so helpful!
I have to confess: I made popcorn when I saw this thread listed – I was expecting a laundry thread! Those are always so lively and entertaining. Haven’t seen one from the new BS parents yet…unless I missed it… might have to wait for Thanksgiving break, when parents notice the condition of the clothes that come home in the luggage!
@Housseman Northfield (now called NMH here mostly) would welcome a student like your nephew. The school was founded specifically to educate the less privileged. My daughter graduated last spring and we adore the school. It is known to have a little more laid back/welcoming vibe than others and a great balance of kids into sports, arts, or both. Although a little remote, the school provides transportation from Logan and Kennedy. Your cousin should write your admissions counselor at NMH and explain your nephew’s circumstances - a letter from an alum is always helpful. Feel free to PM me if you have questions. My younger daughter was hospitalized several times while our older daughter was at NMH and the school was a strong support for our daughter and for the family.
Also regarding costs in general, financial aid will cover travel expenses, books etc. If it is financially impossible for your nephew to tour and interview on the east coast, schools also interview kids via skype but an in person visit is really helpful for the kids if it can be managed.
Phillips Academy Andover is need blind and gives small stipends to especially poor students (to help with supplies and other expenses). PA also includes socioeconomic diversity in its definition of diversity. If admissions is made aware of the applicant’s recent turmoil, they will take that into account if they see a dip in grads/extracurriculars, etc.
