Hi–Our son has been admitted to Exeter as a prep. He’ll be a day student. We want him to be as fully integrated with the Exeter community as possible and to enjoy the full “Exeter experience.” He’s very social and intensely involved in sports, theater, publications and politics. He’s already unusually independent, and he would, in fact, love to board, but that’s not in the cards. Nevertheless, if things work out the way we hope for him, he’ll sleep at home but otherwise his life will be centered at school and we’ll essentially see him only on his way to bed or to finish homework. We’d be grateful for any experiences or observations or advice that parents or students can offer. Please respond here or PM. Thanks!
Our kids have always been boarders at Exeter but have many day student friends. It seems that day students are just as active as boarders on campus and spend almost as much time. Our kids routinely have day students sleep over in their dorm rooms and spend the night off campus at their day student friends home. I am confident that your son can be as involved as he likes. I think the best advice is to encourage him to be as involved as he likes with no guilt for not coming home at a certain time etc… We are in a “choice” town so our kids can be either - but love the boarding experience. Welcome to the Exeter community!
I would say that your son seems like he’ll fit in perfectly with the school, but just to make sure that he also remembers that he sees his house like a home, and not just a sleeping-quarters. Of course, there will be some adjustment initially, and one thing I will say is that you’re going to have to get used to not seeing him as often (many day students go home around 8-10 each night), but other than that, just make sure you guys make time for each other and that you all feel supported by one another! <3
If you have any questions about theatre, PM me. I’m very involved.
Thank you all very much for your fast and reassuring responses. GryffinHunter: Thank you! We’ll PM you later tonight.
I was a new lower and a day student at Exeter this year, and while personally I felt less involved and part of the community than boarders, many day students would disagree. I lived about half an hour away, and my family wanted me to be around in the evenings and on weekends. It sounds like you’re pretty close to campus, and okay with your son spending most of his time there, so it should not be difficult for him to be fully integrated, as you said. The experience really is what you make of it, so being outgoing and heavily involved are great qualities for a day student (and any Exonian) to have if they want to take full advantage of Exeter’s opportunities. Good luck!