<p>I was accepted to both schools - I really wanted a Quaker school and love the commnity service side at both schools. I can see all the obvious differences ie George is only 9-12, has IB/AP, Westtown no AP, all 11th and 12th are boarders, but does anyone have any inside knowledge?
I don't want to do the full IB diploma as I want more options in art than that would give - will that look weak on college apps as I am not taking "the most rigorous course the school offers"?
Does one have a much better reputation academically than the other?
Will I get more interesting experiential learning opportunities at one or the other?</p>
<p>PLEASE help if you know anything about either/both!</p>
<p>Are you able to do revisits? That should give you a more of a sense of the two schools. </p>
<p>You can take IB classes and subject tests at George School without doing the full IB program. Almost everyone who chooses the IB diploma program at GS does a high level in an art, so the offerings are quite sophisticated. Is there a particular art you are interested in? From what I’ve seen, George School has a very strong program in photography, and the woodworking looks amazing.</p>
<p>Agreeing with dharmamom, you don’t have to be an IB student in order to take IB courses at George. If that level of instruction is appropriate for you, those are the classes you’ll be placed in. George also has an excellent theater program, run by an amazing director.</p>
<p>I am most interested in photography. I would lie to try woodworking but not necessarily as an academic class. Do you know if they have options for clubs in this?
Also, if you don’t take the full IB, will that be looked down on by colleges?</p>
<p>George School photography program starts with the shooting and developing of film. It’s a very strong program. (I suggest signing up for the class at midnight on the first day of class registration.) </p>
<p>I think finding and developing your strengths and passions is important to colleges. The IB diploma can be a plus in applying to colleges, but don’t let it limit what you want to learn and explore. Also, you may be able to take several art classes and still do the full IB, depending on how you place in math, science and foreign language at GS. It’s something to ask on revisit day. (IB program is junior and senior level.)</p>
<p>George School is very highly-regarded in college admissions. About one-third of their students pursue the full IB, but most students take some IB-level clsses. It would not “look bad,” especially if you want to take extra art classes. They offer IB certificates in Arts, as well as in specific subjects, if you don’t want to take fourth year of Math or a foreign language. I have strong first-hand familiarity with the GS Theater Arts programs (including Stagecraft). I can’t speak to academic music programs, but I know they encourage extracurricular music performance, and a number of students form bands while there. They organize regular live performances throughout the school year for pop music. They also present classical orchestra and choral concerts. They are introducing an IB Dance option next year. I have seen some very impressive visual arts and woodworking - all can be pursued for four full years, and so the school produces some highly-skilled artists and artisans. My principal complaint has been the lack of curricular flexibility. I wish there were more electives, especially for upperclassmen. They only offer one “writing focus” IB English class for seniors, and it is difficult to get into. I think every kid ought to be able to take a creative writing class for at least one term. It would be nice to see a few more electives in the humanities (e.g. art history) and some single-term options. Westtown’s campus is beautiful, but George’s is more accessible to a very pleasant town. Both have sizable international student bodies. Finally, George received a huge bequest from Barbara Dodd Anderson, and so they have a larger endowment now.</p>
<p>I heartily recommend re-visiting both this spring; you might even base a decision on your prospective classmates at one or the other.</p>
<p>My D applied and was accepted at Westtown and it’s high on our list. Reading the curriculum guide makes me wish I could take some of the classes. </p>
<p>For some reason, after her visit at George she decided not to apply. Frankly, it just seemed arbitrary to me. Going in I was sure George would appeal to her more. You can never tell with these kids! We will be revisiting.</p>
<p>Momof7thgrader - My husband and I actually liked Westtown better than George when we first visited, but my older son had the opposite response, and my younger son (then in 6th grade) also liked GS more. GS is also closer to home, and so it worked out better for us.</p>
<p>GS is nearer to us as well. In fact, I think we probably live in the same general area as you based on the Newark Academy/Pingry thread. In the scheme of things, Westtown is still closer than her other top choices.</p>
<p>Thanks, this is really helpful. does this mean you can take more than one art option in the schedule? Is IB art very focused on one discipline (like photography) or more wide?</p>
<p>Also, are both schools friendly?
I would be entering as a junior next year, so, if you have any knowledge of that year group, I’d be grateful for any advice.</p>
<p>My daughter is a George School student and loves it. She will be a junior next year. If you have any questions at all she would be happy to help you! George was the only school she applied to so I can’t help you out much with Westtown but I can tell you she has had a wonderful two years at George.</p>