Episcopal High School, Alexandria, VA

Prep School Admissions
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<p>I’ve spent much time on CC over the last 10 months, reading thousands of posts, searching for nuggets of wisdom, triangulating school recommendations with our family situation. CC has provided our family with much valuable information and answers. Now that our prep school decision is final and DS is enrolled, I want to recap our school search and decision process, as well as, pay it forward to students considering Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA.</p>

<p>First, a little background on our DS. He attended our local public middle school in NH. For those interested in his stats, they are as follows:</p>

<p>GPA 4.0 throughout MS (5-8)
Math – Algebra 1 in 8th
SSAT – 80% overall (took three times and did improve his scores)
EC’s – Jazz Piano for 6 years, Baseball (trains year round), Basketball, Karate, Church Acolyte, various community service activities
Various awards for Writing, Art, Baseball, Science, Karate Blackbelt
Teacher/school recs - all gave him highest recommendation
FA vs FP – FP
Both parents attended PS
Local public HS rated #2 in NH, top 10% per 2013 US News Ranking</p>

<p>Since we live approximately 15 minutes from Exeter, he applied to PEA. On average, each year our public school sends approximately six students to PEA. Thus many of his peers, who are academically engaged, apply to PEA. DS applied as a day student and toured PEA in August of 2012. At this time, his choices were PEA, local public HS, or another local private day school. </p>

<p>He was very impressed with PEA. Since some of his classmates’ siblings attended PEA, he was somewhat aware of the school’s curriculum and life as a day student. In short, he wanted Harkness, especially for Math. </p>

<p>Our tour guide, who just completed his freshman year, was also a local day student. Thus his positive first year academic and social experiences helped to reinforce DS’s desire to attend PEA. Our tour guide indicated that he would like to board next year, which seemed to interest DS. More on this later. Suffice it to say, if PEA accepted DS, he would attend. However, we knew there was a possibility that DS would not be accepted. Thus he also applied to another local private HS. </p>

<p>During the fall, in his spare time he completed applications, wrote and revised essays, studied for SSAT, and other required placement tests. </p>

<p>On Christmas Day, my mother visited us. She asked how DS’s application was coming along? She also asked if DS had applied to SPS, which was 40 minutes away? Since SPS was 100% boarding, we did not even consider it. However, a quick review (on Christmas Day) of the SPS website revealed that one of its alumni was Edward Harkness. Who? The man who created the “Harkness” approach? My son was intrigued. So was I. A further review of the SPS website indicated they did use the Harkness approach for most classes. Hmmm, we were under the impression (albeit misguided) that PEA was one of the only schools that used Harkness. Not true - as we later discovered. Anyways I asked DS how he felt about living at school vs a day student at PEA? He said, “fine.” With the 1/15/13 application fast approaching, we contacted SPS and arranged a tour. Meanwhile he completed and submitted his SPS application by 1/15. Our tour occurred after 1/15.</p>

<p>We interviewed/toured SPS on a cold, sunny January day. It snowed the day before and thus the walkways were still snow covered. As we walked along a path leading to the Admissions Building, we were stunned by the campus’ pastureal beauty. DS interviewed before his tour. DS’s interviewer debriefed us. Nothing to report other than he indicated SSAT’s were not at the top of his evaluation criteria. Grades, recommendations, and whether the student could live away from home were most important. Further he noted the SSAT’s were skewed due to international scores. Since I knew DS’s SSAT scores were below the school’s published median, I was partially relieved.</p>

<p>Our tour was spectacular. We very much liked our guide; lots of enthusiasm, spoke clearly, asked questions, etc. DS loved the new Lindsay Science building and pictured himself living in a dorm. The Chapel was breathtaking. Every student that passed us said “hello.” As we were walking to the Athletic center, my wife turned to me and wishfully asked, “can he go here?” By the time we left, SPS was DS’s first choice. Any objection we/he had to boarding was quickly dispelled by our tour. Heck, he was only 40 minutes away. If he was homesick, we could visit him for lunch. </p>

<p>However, thanks to CC, I understood that wishful thinking was not a guarantee of acceptance. It is part chance. And as chance would have it, our journey took another turn.</p>

<p>I knew “falling in love” with SPS was dangerous emotion. Thus I doubled back and researched schools with a focus on the qualities we liked in SPS. Mind you, it is mid January and after the application deadline for some schools. What did DS and we like about SPS?</p>

<ul>
<li> Harkness</li>
<li> 10-12 student class size</li>
<li> Medium sized school size (400-500) (I know PEA is not!)</li>
<li> Honor Code</li>
<li> periodic sit down lunch/dinner</li>
<li> required athletics</li>
<li> required dress code</li>
<li> required school meetings/chapel</li>
<li> all or mostly boarding</li>
<li> investment in arts program</li>
</ul>

<p>Having recently discovered Boarding School review and CC, I dug in late at night. Both were invaluable at helping me narrow our search. CC's Hidden Gem thread was most valuable. My search revealed many other appealing boarding schools. However, after viewing websites and reading reviews, I kept going back to SAS. I called to see if they were still accepting applications. They indicated no. I was very disappointed. I am a person who prides himself on preparation and research. How could I have not known about this world of prep schools? As I read on CC, DS was supposed to “cast a wide net.” We did not. How could I let this happen? What happens if he is not accepted to PEA or SPS? Why wasn’t I informed about the myriad of choices? Where was the billboard? If I had known last fall, DS could have applied to so many more attractive schools such as PA, NMH, Groton, Choate, Kent, MS, Taft, Governors, etc.? And some of these schools were but a mere hour away. Ugggggh. Anyways, I digress. I called around and most schools indicated that while we could submit an application, it would be considered late. </p>

<p>Then I called Episcopal High School (EHS). Why not EHS? With apologies to Cate and Thacher in CA, it was further away than any other school under consideration. Alright, why then EHS? On paper it lined up with our list. Speaking with the AD, he indicated that while 1/15/13 was a deadline, it was a “soft” date. The hard deadline was 1/31/13. DS still had time to apply. </p>

<p>As I previously indicated, I first read about EHS on CC’s “Hidden Gems List” and read posts that hailed, “amazing faculty and students.” I went to their website and was impressed by their content, videos, and course listing. The facilities appeared mostly new. As I read more, I realized that EHS utilized D.C. as a second classroom. While I was intrigued, it was much further away than some of the near-by local NE prep schools. However I liked what I saw and heard. But would DS like it?</p>

<p>I forwarded the EHS website link to DS and asked him to take a look at it. “Let me know what you think?” He responded, “cool, I like it.” That’s all DW and I needed to hear to start the application process. To be candid we did not have time to dig into the “what do you like about it” questions. Let’s apply and backfill with research. Even though EHS was much further away, we knew there was something special about EHS and DS should apply. DS contacted his teachers for another recommendation and finished his essay questions over the weekend. DW and I wrote our answers to application questions. The application was submitted prior to 1/31/13. Tour was scheduled for early 2/2013.</p>

<p>A winter blizzard forced us to fly out a day early and reschedule our EHS interview/tour on a Friday vs. Saturday. On tour day the weather in Alexandria, VA was a cold mist. We drove up the long stately drive and parked in front of the Admission’s building. When we walked in, we noticed a welcome placard with DS’s name and hometown. We thought this display was a nice welcoming touch. Then we were warmly greeted by the admission’s receptionist, who came out from behind her desk to shake our hands and take our coats. First impression – CHECK. We walked around the admissions lobby for a few minutes, fingering through brochures, and admiring the wonderful view. Moments later the Director of Admissions, who I had spoken to prior, came out to introduce himself. He told DS that he enjoyed reading his application file and was looking forward to getting to know him. This made DS and us feel very comfortable. He set up the interview and indicated DS would be meeting with another admissions officer. </p>

<p>DS interviewed and we were debriefed. Unlike the SPS and PEA interview, this interviewer spoke specifically about what he observed in DS and whether this quality would be a “fit” for EHS. He appeared to better understand DS’s academic passion, and ability to socially converse. His feedback was not general compliments nor polyanish praise. It was sustentative and meaningful feedback. We concluded and then were met again by the Director of Admissions prior to our tour. </p>

<p>We were greeted by not one tour guide, but two. One to walk with the parents, and one to walk with DS and DD. Despite the inclement weather, the tour was fantastic. All of the facilities were built or renovated since 2010. Some, especially the new science and art buildings, library, and athletic facilities are pristine. The 130 acre campus was intimate, easy to navigate, and friendly. I will provide a much more thorough review of the campus and the virtues of EHS in a latter post. </p>

<p>When we returned home, we realized that there were a few scenarios that could occur. He could get accepted to no schools, one, two, three, or all four. In the end, he was wait-listed at SPS and PEA and accepted to his local private day school and EHS. </p>

<p>The morning of March 10th was filled with anxiety. My son’s preferences were:</p>

<p>SPS - #1
EHS or PEA - #2
Already been accepted to local day school.</p>

<p>SPS announced first. Waitlisted. He was dejected. Shortly thereafter, PEA announced. Waitlisted. He was now upset. Then we logged onto EHS to view their congratulations video. It was pictures with a inspirational message set to Phillip Phillips “Home.” I thought the video was beautifully done and further conveyed the family spirit of EHS. However, DS was still stinging from what he perceived as rejection and did not fully appreciate his EHS acceptance. </p>

<p>In the following days, we scheduled our revisit to EHS and tried to understand what “wait list” really meant. Read the Wait List post on CC! At DS’s MS there were four students (all legacies) accepted to PEA and DS was the only one WL. All others (15) were declined. These numbers helped him to give him some perspective. While he was healing, I decided to dig further into EHS and better understand the choice before us; EHS or local private HS. I understood “love the school that loves you”, but did DS? At this moment, he did not. As we were advised, DS wrote a letter of continued interest to the WL schools. DS held these letters pending his revisit to EHS. </p>

<p>In anticipation of our revisit to EHS, DS and I re-read the website, school brochures, CC postings about EHS, viewed every YouTube video, instragram picture, and Boarding School review. While I knew I really liked the school, I did not want DS to feel forced into attending EHS. He had to like or love it. </p>

<p>On BS Review there was a section that detailed what students did on weekends for fun and relaxation. While we were familiar with the opportunities that D.C. provided academically, somehow we missed the EC benefit provided by D.C. We discovered that most prep schools are in the middle of small rural communities. Some would say the “middle of nowhere.” Relatively speaking, we live in the middle of nowhere. We read about what activities that were available on weekends at PEA and SPS. Many of the places students go off campus were familiar to us; movie theatres, malls, local restaurants, etc. Nothing new to DS that lives in the area, especially PEA. When we read EHS activities, we realized that this place was truly unique. It had a wow factor. Students can go off campus to see Les Miserables or similar play at the National Theatre on Thursday, Concert at Kennedy Center on Friday, and Washington Wizards game and dinner on Saturday night. The EC opportunities that D.C. provided were overwhelming. DS was now enlightened and all of a sudden very excited. My hope was revisit day would further reinforce his excitement and our expectations. </p>

<p>We attended the first revisit day at EHS. We hoped our timing would allow us to see the campus decorated in Cherry Blossoms. Unfortunately the blossoms were still two weeks out. However the lack of Cherry Blossoms did not diminish our excitement. We checked in around 9:30 am. DS was met by student host and spirited away. DS attended three classes including an Honor Geometry class taught by the Department Head. DW, DD, and I attended various breakout teacher/student panels, school community meeting at chapel, lunch, and reconnected with DS at end of day visiting various clubs and coaches. We were very impressed and left ready to send in our deposit check. However, I needed to check in with DS.</p>

<p>We returned home and I picked up DS the next day from school. I asked him how he felt about EHS, expecting an enthusiastic response. When DS was less than excited, I inquired why? He then shared his reservations which were influenced by his revisit experience. At revisit, he witnessed students violating the “EHS Honor Code”, one of the oldest school honor codes in the country. I told him I was shocked and recommended he contact DA and student contact at EHS to discuss his concerns. While I was not surprised that dishonorable behavior existed at EHS, I was surprised it was not contained on revisit day. However, I was glad that he was exposed to this behavior now versus the first day of school.</p>

<p>DS spoke to a faculty member and student about what DS had witnessed. Both called him late at night, obviously at the end of their days, to listen to his concerns and discuss their perspective. Without going into details, DS understood that this behavior was not acceptable and if he attends EHS, he would have the choice to follow or lead. </p>

<p>Aside from this experience, DS reaffirmed his desire to attend EHS and not remain on the PEA/SPS WL’s. His letter of interest to PEA and SPS to stay on the WL was changed to a letter asking to be removed from the WL. They were sent in just prior to 4/10/13.</p>

<p>With all of the prep school choices in NE, EHS is relatively unknown to families in the north. However in the south, EHS is known as "The High School." We have grown to love this school and the opportunities that it will provide DS. We have had many conversations with faculty and students. The faculty are passionate, student population is well diversified, are bright and engaged, and facilities are world class. However, aren’t most private schools similar? Yes, they are. What makes EHS different, and perhaps why one should take a second look, is the proximity to D.C. </p>

<p>In future posts, I will provide further reviews of EHS, including past summer correspondence, move in day, and DS’ on-going experience. </p>

<p>In short, EHS has exceeded our expectations. EHS is not only a hidden gem, it is truly a special place to learn and grow into an adult.</p>

1 Like
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<p>Fabulous post.</p>

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<p>Wonderfully detailed, extremely transparent (esp. the EHS honor code issue), write up of your family’s experience. </p>

<p>Best of luck in the months and years ahead.</p>

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<p>Lest you still feel silly about not having realized that lots of schools use Harkness and you should “cast a broad net,” I fancy myself as knowing a fair bit about boarding schools (having both attended one and being the parent of a current BS student). But I didn’t know until I just read your fabulous post that Episcopal is a boarding school. I’d heard of it, but assumed – incorrectly – because of its location in Alexandria and the fact that the name is “High School” that it was either all or mostly day students. Thanks for sharing your great story and letting others learn more about Episcopal.</p>

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<p>I used to live in alexandria and episcopal was definitely THE high school to go to. I am planning on applying, as I am familiar with the campus, students and curriculum.</p>

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<p>Wonderful, informative post. Thank you!</p>

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<p>Great post! Thx for sharing your experiences. EHS was already on our short list for S2. Am keen to hear more about how the year unfolds-- keep us all posted. Best of luck to your son! :)</p>

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<p>Great post about a great school.<br>
My friends who work there and I have an ongoing joke about our weekend duties–I’ll be heading to the mall while they’re off to the Mall to check out the Smithsonian. I drive kids to the movies, they drive kids to Lincoln Center. Those weekly trips into D.C. make me jealous.</p>

<p>The campus looks like any gorgeous, impeccably groomed boarding school, but the city is a ten minute drive away. I can see why New England parents may think its too far to consider, but I think its a real Hidden Gem.</p>

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<p>Awesome post! Goodluck!</p>

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<p>Thanks to all for your kind comments. As DS’s academic first quarter comes to an end, I am reminded how quickly time passes. Since move in, it has been a fast and furious 9 weeks. However before I review Q1, let me quickly retrace our summer communication and move in experience.</p>

<p>Summer Communications/Move In Day
Once DS accepted EHS’s offer, our attention turned to preparing for the emotions of his departure. Even though he would be home on breaks, he was moving away four years earlier than expected. Thankfully there was CC and the sage advice of fellow parents. Even lesser read threads had meaningful nuggets of wisdom. </p>

<p>Along with CC, EHS provided much reading material. One of the first items we received was a Welcome Package that included a new student communication schedule. This schedule was both functionally and emotionally helpful; providing count down milestones to move in day. However before we packed our car, EHS required many signatures. We submitted health forms (online), ordered Fujitsu tablet (required), authorized Burch Trip (5 day hike on Appalachian Trail for all Freshman) to mention a few. DS had to select courses, fill out a roommate questionnaire, submit writing samples for Honors Spanish, take math placement test, and read two books. We received copies of the school’s reference guide and handbook. Suffice it to say, everything including our first tuition payment had to be completed by mid –late July. Thereafter we received DS final course assignments and schedule. EHS, which prides itself on communication, also sent periodic emails and snail mail from students and faculty leaders. In early August we received an email from the Head Student Monitor and another from the Honor Committee Chair. The cadence of communication reassured us that DS was going to be in good hands. </p>

<p>In addition to the excellent summer communication from EHS, the most valuable resource provided was another EHS family. EHS, which is celebrating their 175th anniversary and clearly this is not their first rodeo, understood the challenges/concerns of incoming freshman families. To help each family with their transition, EHS paired each incoming family with parents of an EHS senior. We received a phone call from Dear Parents (DP) in early July. “Just calling to see if you have any questions. We are here to help with your transition. Call us anytime, here is our cell phone number.” And I did call and email. While I expected checklists, letters, emails, and direction from EHS, I did not expect this call. I am sure other schools provide this resource. If not, they should. It is invaluable. Further to their credit, EHS selected a family whose DS had similar academic, athletic, and EC interests. Not only did this family help to cull our move in checklist, but also prepared us for the emotions of move in day. We are now friends and we are forever grateful for their guidance.</p>

<p>Finally in mid August we received the Move in Day Orientation/Registration package. Wow, the final chapter in the admission’s process was three weeks away. </p>

<p>Living in NH, we decided to break the Labor Day Weekend drive to EHS into smaller bits. Not only did we want to “ease” DS into move in day, but we did not want to be fatigued from a long drive. First overnight stop was Princeton. DS wanted to see PU. PU campus, as well as the town, is spectacular. The next day we drove to Annapolis and received a tour from a friend who is a Plebe. Naval Academy is also an amazing campus. In the evening we drove to Alexandria, VA. We awoke the next morning with great anticipation and headed out shortly before 8 am to move in.</p>

<p>Like many prep schools, EHS’s entrance is spectacular. However, unlike most other prep schools, EHS is located in an urban setting and thus its pastoral beauty is unexpected. In the past our visits to EHS were in the winter. This time when we turned into the main entrance, the southern beauty and charm of “The Hill”, a ½ mile long road lined with beautiful tall and stately maple and oak trees enveloped us. At the top of “The Hill” we were greeted by a group of student Monitors who directed us to DS’s all-boys dorm. DS was quiet and obviously nervous. So were we. What must be going through his mind right now? </p>

<p>We pulled up to the dorm and were immediately surrounded by 20 football players. This was not “Two Men Will Move You”, it was 20. For those unfamiliar with EHS - as I have learned, boys address non-faculty adults as “Sir” and “Mam.” Hearing “can we help you sir?” was music to my ears. I opened the back of our Suburban, provided the dorm room number, and within minutes DS’s possessions were unloaded and in his ground floor room. Similarly DS was greeted by some of the boys who immediately tried to make him feel welcome. As I pulled away to park the car, another car pulled up and was greeted by the same group. DW followed DS to dorm room.</p>

<p>At EHS you do not know who your roommate is until you walk into your room for the first time. While this can provide anxiety for some, I like surprises and appreciate the school’s roommate rationale. EHS requires all incoming students to fill out a roommate questionnaire, which helps EHS match students with similar interests and lifestyle habits. Regarding DS’s roommate, to borrow a baseball analogy, EHS hit a home run. Not only are both DS and roommate baseball players/fans, they are well matched in other areas; study habits, cleanliness, etc. Additionally roommate’s parents live locally and since they graduated two other children from EHS, are very familiar with the operations of the school. </p>

<p>The rest of move in day was a whirlwind. At 11 am we attended Chapel and were welcomed by Headmaster Hershey. After lunch, we were separated. While DS played games and got acquainted with fellow classmates, we met the 9th grade Deans and resident faculty on dorm. One of the deans, who had dropped her daughter at her first day of kindergarten, gave us a word of advice. Ironically she received this bit of advice from her daughter’s kindergarten teacher earlier in the day. She said, “When you say goodbye later today… say goodbye, turn around, and keep walking. Do not turn back.” Ouch.</p>

<p>After our afternoon sessions we reunited with DS outside of the Art Center and met his teachers. DS’s body language indicated he was very anxious. He was not alone. We all knew what was next on the agenda. We navigated the crowd and met all of his teachers. It was the first opportunity for DS and us to meet and greet, as well as, put a face with a name. All were lighthearted and reassured DS that it was going to be a great next couple of days and year. Looking back, I like how EHS introduced the students to their teachers/advisors just prior to departure. It was a nice subtle transition. At 3:00 Headmaster Hershey announced to the nervous crowd that it was time to for parents to depart and offered his concluding remarks. He was frank, yet reassuring. Since this is his 17th year at EHS, I trust he knows how best to conclude move in day. For some parents, today’s move in was a familiar experience. For us, we were rookies. After 12 months plus of the admission’s process, our moment had arrived and no preparation could prepare us for the emotional goodbye. </p>

<p>Unlike some, we did not immediately say goodbye. We sat together on a brick wall for a few moments, watched others embrace, made small talk about how our Yorkies would miss DS, and then – it was time. DS had to scurry to another orientation meeting. DW hugged first. I was next. I’ve never been so proud. Hugging DS, I thought, “if I were 14, would I have his courage?“ Probably not. Then we heeded the Dean’s advice, turned and walked away… and did not look back. Trust me, I wanted to sneak an inconspicuous glance. But did not.</p>

<p>Walking back to our car, I was impressed by the organization of the day. EHS exceeded my expectations. The Headmaster, 9th grade deans, faculty, and advisor’s words reassured me. His roommate seemed well matched. If needed, roommate’s mom could help DS with Ortho appointments, etc. DS would be safe, academically challenged, surrounded by others who wanted to learn, engage in athletic activity, art, music, community service, etc. Yes it was okay to leave him.</p>

<p>But as friends and family have asked, why couldn’t we have left him at a school in NE? I mean, since there are over 75 to choose from, why not one of them? I reflected on how we got here? First - visiting other prep schools and being impressed by the curriculum, buildings, students, faculty, etc. I realized he was going away. Then I discovered CC and read the many, many posts by too many amazing parents to mention and I realized there was a chance he may not be accepted and thus may not be going away! Then I discovered the Hidden Gems thread and suggested he “cast a wider net.” “Episcopal High School” it read – “Great close knit community…100% boarding…every Wednesday afternoon, the kids go into Washington for cultural experiences…the teachers and staff are very caring and the classes are small yet rigorous…430 students…no one slips through the cracks…kids there are really happy and love their school.”</p>

<p>We got here because of CC and the Hidden Gems list. We loved SPS. Also, 7D’s thread about their SAS journey was very helpful. Like SPS and SAS, EHS is a 100% boarding and is grounded in and upheld by its Episcopal tradition. We expanded our list to include lesser-known schools, which we believe – to paraphrase a famous NE poet, “will make all the difference.” Time will tell. </p>

<p>Q1 review and update coming next.</p>

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<p>^^^ +1 on the courage to move further beyond the known, +1 for another great school with its own unique positives </p>

<p>thanks for the stories!</p>

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<p>Thanks for sharing info about Episcopal High School. This is our daughter’s first choice for a high school. Does anyone have any tips for the interview at Episcopal? What about the selection process? Thx</p>

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<p>EHS’s admission group was one of the friendliest we encountered in DS’s search. First impression - check. </p>

<p>Come prepared to ask a few important and unanswered questions. Now is the time to ask questions about boarding life, what to do on weekends, etc. Relax and be prepared to tell a little about yourself, your likes, passions/interests. Many students worry about their grades and SSAT’s. EHS is focused on the entire person. Our DS met the DA briefly and then interviewed with his AO who was also the football coach and a history teacher. Since my DS loves history, they talked a little about history, baseball and Harkness. Since most of the AO’s coach or teach, and live on campus, they will be able to answer most questions. Parents will be debriefed after D’s interview is complete. </p>

<p>EHS’s selection process is not dissimilar to other prep schools. The are searching for bright, engaged students who have a variety of interests and passions. However I believe EHS is also looking for students who can live in a 100% boarding community with adults and faculty children. EHS is a unique village in that there are only four all-boarding schools in the US. Yes they have cultural and geographical diversity. But equally important to EHS is a student community that compliments each other. </p>

<p>Last year I found this article that profiled the selection process at EHS. While the article “Portrait of an Admission Committee” is a few years old, the process is probably similar.</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.admission.org/data/files/gallery/MemberandaPDFs/2012SpringMemberanda72.pdf[/url]”>http://www.admission.org/data/files/gallery/MemberandaPDFs/2012SpringMemberanda72.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>A year ago this weekend DS toured and interviewed at EHS. As I reflect back on that fateful day, I am reminded of the saying, “what a difference a year makes.” While EHS was not DS’s initial first choice, “Omnia causa fiunt!”</p>

<p>Yes he has grown physically. Yet the transformation in independence and self-confidence is stunning. He seems calmer and does not sweat the small stuff as in prior years. He processes his thoughts and presents he opinions/observations more clearly. When he is home, the conversations are meaningful. He picks up after himself, cleans the dishes without being asked, takes out the garbage, and asks “do you need help with anything? He and DD who exemplified a best of friends/best of enemies relationship, now venture outside for hours honing the craft of photography, only to return to the kitchen table to download and share their favorite shots. Their contentious moments are muted. How did this transformation occur? Is it the logical teenage maturation process? Or is it boarding school? Yes to both.</p>

<p>Q2/Semester 1 ended last month and here are the high/low lights:
Academics
• Loves his teachers and class size/format. Many of the classes utilize a Harkness format. Some teachers avoid the oval racetrack shape table in lieu of desks arranged similarly. Teachers like desks so they can walk between/up to students and group students for break out sessions.
• 2-3 hours of homework every night. Friday night off. Usually studies most of Sunday. Pace is very quick, especially in his two Honors classes
• Between English and History – there is a ton of writing
• Named to High List semester 1 – weighted average grade of 90% or higher. Approximately 40-50% of the students make high list in any given quarter, 10% all four quarter or both semesters.
• Very impressed with the communication from teachers, one exception. EHS report card included helpful teacher comments.
• One class, teacher did not pass back assignments and this was both frustrating to DS and us. We communicated with school and issue appears to be resolved.
• Since 87% of last year’s senior class went to their 1st or 2nd choice school, this year’s expectation was equally high. Already hearing that students who applied EA were accepted to first or 2nd choice. Although DS is freshman, this information is very encouraging, since we felt the College Counseling department at EHS was superior to local options.</p>

<p>Athletics
• Varsity wrestling – new sport for DS and has had much success. The brotherhood/camaraderie has further fueled his social/athletic development. Recently sustained mild concussion that has kept him out of tournament season. Hopes to be back for VA States next weekend.
• Coaches are fantastic role models and their message is aligned with the Episcopal way; honor and work hard, give it your best, be 100% committed, and at end of the day, win or lose, be gracious and move forward.
• Spring sport will be Varsity Baseball. Wish they had a JV team. This is a disadvantage for EHS. Since its size is 435 students, some less popular sports may not be able to offer JV. Go figure, baseball is not popular. Unfortunately, like local youth baseball, many players are opting out of baseball and into LAX. Anyways, his spring break will be cut short to travel to FL for spring training with the EHS team. Oh well, the horror.</p>

<p>Social/Community Service
• Advisor is always available and plays a pivotal role in DS’s boarding school life. Advisor is the one person that we can go to if we have concerns or if we simply want an update on anything.
• DS has made many friends on dorm/classes and from participation in sports. DS has called us one Friday night to complain about dorm noise. Since he had to rise early the next morning and wrestle at a tournament, he was panicked about his lack of sleep. I suggested ear-plugs and problem was solved.
• Discipline – some students have either withdrawn or been asked to leave due to honor/school code infractions. We wanted Honor Code and are glad to see it enforced.
• Has B of A debit card and spends approximately $25/week on pizza/wings after study hall. Debit card works perfect and I can see his purchases.
• He is tired of the same food all the time. Claims they serve chicken everyday. I can see the menu online and it is not chicken everyday. I guess it is just the repetitive routine. He can’t wait to come home and eat mom’s homemade tuna casserole or sushi at local restaurant.
• School Activities – too many to choose. Besides periodic tours to various DC cultural sights, usually every Friday and/or Saturday there are on-campus event. DC tours have included Natural History Museum (History class), George Washington Masonic National Memorial, and Folger Shakespeare Theatre (Romeo & Juliet play).
• Community service – some Sundays, but very little time to commit given wrestling team is usually away on Friday and Saturday. Does provide tours to prospective students. Usually 2-3/week.
• Chores – besides keeping room and floor in inspection ready shape, periodically required to serve tables for 2 weeks.</p>

<p>Music/Art
• Unfortunately no time to continue Piano/violin lessons. As a piano/keyboard player, I wish he could find the time. Will pick back up in summer and hopefully next year
• Started required Intro Art class in S2 – broad based introduction to various art mediums. Since his other passion is photography, he can’t wait to develop film in one of the EHS darkrooms.
• The choir sang at Chapel gathering just before the students departed for Holiday break. The mass was broadcast over the internet, and the Choir was stunning. Here is a link: <a href=“Merry Christmas from Episcopal High School - YouTube”>Merry Christmas from Episcopal High School - YouTube;

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<p>(cont’d)
Chapel/Spiritual Life
• He loves chapel, the spiritual center of campus. It is where students come together 3x/week to hear good news and struggle with difficult news. The EHS experience is more than just four years of education, it’s also a commitment to building character. Chapel helps to serve this objective. Monday is “Monday Meditation” which is prayer based. Thursday is a service led one of the chaplains and Friday’s service is led by students. When time permits, DS voluntarily attends bible study. 1X/mth is Vespers and after dinner, they attend chapel. Like Headmaster Hershey, Gideon Pollach, the Head Chaplain, reaffirms the schools mission statement in everything he says.</p>

<p>Social Media/Website/School Communications
• Since I need to live vicariously from afar and sense DS’s daily rhythm, I appreciate the daily posting by the EHS Communications Department on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Even if DS is not in a picture, the text or picture allows me the opportunity to connect to the campus. If you have not visited <a href=“http://www.episcopalhighschool.org”>www.episcopalhighschool.org</a>, I suggest you take the time. IMHO, it is one of the best websites for school information, largely due to the videos about academics and athletics.
• EHS utilizes Gobleachers.com to broadcast selected athletic home games. It was a treat to watch him pin his opponent in his very first wrestling match. Our family was screaming as if we were at a pro hockey game!
• At least every month, the Headmaster, 9th grade dean, or other faculty member will send an email reviewing an important school event or simply provide an update on the coming and goings around EHS.</p>

<p>Travel to/from EHS
• Piece of cake except around New Year’s. When leaving for break, school shuttles DS to Reagan National. They even provide a boxed lunch. Generally flies JetBlue from Reagan to Boston. Returns from Boston to Reagan and takes a 10 minute cab to EHS. Does not like the cabbies since they are hard to understand and they complain about his school boy tips.
• The New Year’s Day storm provided an opportunity to introduce an alternate route. Flight out of Boston was cancelled 3 days in a row. Missed early Varsity Wrestling required return. Finally decided to fly him out of Manchester, NH (which is closer to our house) and into BWI. However, had to find a shuttle to drive him one hour from BWI to EHS. No big deal, just at the time, was an unfamiliar route. Now that he experienced, it another good travel option.
• He’s learned to pack lightly so he can carry on luggage.</p>

<p>In closing, hopefully some of you reading this post will have the opportunity to consider EHS as a admission option in March. I sincerely hope you are given this choice. It is a special place. If you are offered admission, I highly encourage you to pause and then restudy the virtues of this school. It’s one of only four 100% boarding schools and this aspect intensifies the amazing sense of community. Chapel and sit down meals are required further contributing to the collective togetherness. When you visit EHS, the strong bond between faculty, students, and alumni is clear and evident. Every student is known (by the faculty) and no one falls between the cracks. EHS’s academic/athletic/artistic/spiritual character is built on 175 years of traditions. EHS’s honor code is one of the oldest among U.S. preparatory schools. EHS’s campus is 10 minutes from all of the cultural offerings of D.C.; a second classroom for all of your classes. The academic/artistic/athletic facilities are pristine and world class. The academic offerings will challenge any student. Talk to those who were fortunate to attend “The High School”, and they will tell you that it was a defining and life changing experience. After one semester, I must agree.</p>

<p>A Few Reminiscences - Celebration of 175 years of EHS
<a href=“Episcopal High School | Since 1839: A Brief History of EHS”>http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/about_ehs/history/index.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I was a student at one of EHS’s sister schools back when still all boys - always wished it could have been an option for me - so glad that both ZooSon and ZooDaughter can consider it in their BS journey! A great school, and hope it stays a hidden gem!</p>

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<p>Really enjoyed reading all the details of your DS’s wonderful journey, thanks for sharing!!</p>

<p>Just out of curiosity, do you know which are the 4 schools that have 100% boarding student body? Other than EHS, I know St Pauls and SAS but just couldn’t come up with the fourth one.</p>

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<p>FWIW, I think there are 6 (or at least that’s what I recall from when our process with 7D1) more or less “traditional” BS with 100% boarding. A big footnote to this is that there are many more that are 100% residential…if you count military or therapeutic schools.</p>

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<p>Woodberry Forest (all boys) is the 4th. </p>

<p>7D is correct. When you inciude Military Academies, there are more than four. However, excluding these Military schools, are there four remaining? Hmmm, now 7D has made me question my source. My source has always been Headmaster Hershey in this promotional video about residential life at EHS, </p>

<p><a href=“http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/about_ehs/ehs-experience/100-percent-boarding/index.aspx”>http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/about_ehs/ehs-experience/100-percent-boarding/index.aspx&lt;/a&gt;. </p>

<p>Mr. Hershey is also the Chairs the Board of The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS). But when I go to BSR, it does list some other non-military schools that claim to be 100% boarding. I spot checked a couple and they are not. Squaw Valley does say on the their website that they have day students. Maybe it is a truth in labeling issue. Anyways, don’t mean to make a big deal out of this, but I’ve always told folks there are only four 100% boarding schools, and that’s is a unique EHS factor. I’ll ask Mr. Hershey when I see him next. :slight_smile: </p>

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<p>I just returned from Parent’s Spring Weekend at EHS and the campus looked and felt spectacular; Cherry trees in full bloom and warm sunny days. The campus enthusiasm was complimented by a host of parent meetings and school activities. </p>

<p>Unfortunately I was flying solo as DW and DD had to attend a dance competition. This was my first spring weekend and I found it more enjoyable and relaxed than the fall weekend. Maybe I just needed to simply trade the polar vortex for cherry blossoms, or maybe I am just more familiar with EHS, but whatever the reason, it was a very pleasant weekend.</p>

<p>Before I cover some of the details, I want to compliment the EHS boys. Throughout the weekend whenever I was alone, boys confidently greeted me, “Hi Mr. <em>**, my name is </em>. How are you doing? “ And when I responded, they always answered with “yes sir.” Hailing from the northeast, I very much enjoyed their southern gentlemen hospitality and respect for adults. Where I live, I am not used to young boys introducing themselves. </p>

<p>Here are some of interesting notes from the weekend:</p>

<p>• Headmaster indicated all rising students have enrolled for next year. 100% retention. Even though they expect some folks to withdraw, attrition will be sub 5%, compared to the boarding school average of 12% (his #, not mine)
• Admission applications were up 20% from prior year
• 100% matriculation to four year university/college. Senior class will matriculate to the usual suspects, including Cal-Berkley, Cornell, Davidson, Duke, Georgetown, Naval Academy, Stanford, Wake Forest, West Point, UPenn, Vanderbilt, Yale, UVA, UNC, etc.<br>
• 20 rising juniors/seniors have enrolled in at least one course in the Global Online Academy (consortium of 30 international schools) – first year GOA has been offered at EHS</p>

<p>One of the things that struck me was how busy the spring quarter is at EHS, and I know this is not unique to EHS. Headmaster laid out the upcoming activities, some of which are unique to EHS:</p>

<p>• Hosting the Northern Virginia Special Olympics – a favorite community service event for EHS students
• Senior Seminar whereby seniors intern for a DC business/governmental entity for three-four weeks in May
• “Finals Dance” – similar to prom, but dates are not required. The entire school travels off campus at the end of April and celebrates with live band, faux casino, food and then returns to EHS for midnight breakfast – again the entire school.
• Night at National Theatre to watch “Blue Man Group”
• AP tests, select roommate and dorm room, select advisor, plans to pack up and move out, and the list went on. </p>

<p>With the academic pace coming to a crescendo, if you have not learned good time management skills, you are in trouble.</p>

<p>DS’s wonderful transformation continues, thriving academically and socially. He spent the month of February researching a time in history and wrote a paper titled, “How did Upper Paleolithic humans express their spirituality?” It is doubtful that his local HS would have inspired him to write about such a difficult topic. He friends are both boys and girls, from and outside of the US. He’s become very independent in action and thought, although he is very tired and sleep deprived. </p>

<p>After Saturday’s weekend activities, I whisked him away and headed to Old Town in Alexandria. We ate at our favorite sushi bar and then he gave me a tour of Old Town, commenting about how much he enjoyed the area. EHS has become his home. He is already looking ahead to next year. He is excited that the sophomore class will swell by approximately 40 students. Will he play football or choose another sport? He will make that decision. He can’t wait for wrestling season and plans to train during the summer months. He wants to join choir and other clubs. And he hopes to take photography, one of his passions, as an elective. </p>

<p>It’s hard to believe that this year is almost over. It seems like yesterday DW and I gave him a big hug of encouragement, turned without looking back and walked away, leaving behind a young, unsure, and anxious 14 year old boy. Now fast forward. At the end of May, we will return to EHS, pack up his belongings and bring him back home, only to put him back on a plane in mid June to travel on the EHS service trip to Kenya. So much for my plans to put him to work this summer…</p>

<p>Finally before departing, I spoke with a parent of a graduating senior - whom I have become friendly, and he reminded me of the opportunity EHS provided his child, which was obviously embraced. His child was inducted to the Cum Laude Society and received a full scholarship to one of the most selective universities. This parent lamented about how quickly these past four years raced by, pausing occasionally during holiday breaks. “It’s been an amazing experience to watch DC [and his friends] change from their freshman year. It’s gone by so fast. We’re going to miss this place.” Smiling and nodding in agreement, “it’s not over…I’ll see you at graduation.”</p>