<p>I'm looking at girls schools for high school (though I'm not opposed to co-ed). I'm really interested in The Madeira School--the location seems perfect for me, and I love their co-curricular program. But how does it compare academically to places like Emma Willard and Miss Porter's? How about Episcopal and St. Andrew's DE? Also, does anyone have any insight on Chatham Hall and Foxcroft School?</p>
<p>Being familiar with a few of the schools (as in, we’ve toured/interviewed a few with both of my daughters)…</p>
<p>I think Madeira, Chatham Hall, and Foxcroft will all be more equestrian-centric than either Miss Porters or Emma…due simply to their geography. Most familiar with Emma and MPS…our family happens to like Emma better. Frankly, I consider it the finest all-girl boarding school in the land.</p>
<p>Search the forums for more info on each school…there have been threads about pretty much all the schools you list. If possible, narrow down and visit…</p>
<p>Also, if you are a current 8th grader, the window is closing for application for HS at many boarding schools…though some offer rolling admissions.</p>
<p>St. Andrew’s* you say?</p>
<p>There’s always this thread you could read:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/966356-st-andrews-school-delaware.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/966356-st-andrews-school-delaware.html</a></p>
<p>Or this one:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-parents/1174214-one-family-s-bs-search-application-process-start-finish.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-parents/1174214-one-family-s-bs-search-application-process-start-finish.html</a></p>
<p>*I am a totally biased source, btw. SAS parent of a 3rd year junior and a super fan.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information! I’ve checked out some of the threads, and I’ve found a lot about Emma and MPS, but not as much about Madeira, Foxcroft, and Chatham Hall.</p>
<p>I’m only in seventh grade right now, so I’m just starting the whole boarding school process. I’m almost certainly going to be visiting Episcopal, Madeira, and Foxcroft because I have family near the schools, so it’s not much of an issue to visit. Chatham Hall is the stretch for Virginia since it’s so far away. I’ll also probably visit Emma and MPS, but my parents want me to find more schools up in New England to visit. St. Andrew’s isn’t exactly in New England, but it’s further north.</p>
<p>If they are set on all girls, Ethel Walker and Westover (both CT) should be in the mix…plus Dana Hall (MA).</p>
<p>Humor me and read the “One family’s BS search and application process — start to finish” thread…</p>
<p>We’re not looking strictly at all-girls schools, but I think I’d prefer an all-girls school to a co-ed school at this point. But I think the decision will really come down to the programs (both academic and extra curricular) and how well we think we as a family mesh with the school. We’ll definitely look at Ethel Walker, Westover, and Dana Hall. Thank you!</p>
<p>And I’m sorry if I made it sound like I wasn’t going to read the threads! I did read them, and I’ll probably be referencing them many times. I’m home sick, so I’m trying to do as much research as I can before I get back to school.</p>
<p>“But I think the decision will really come down to the programs (both academic and extra curricular) and how well we think we as a family mesh with the school.”</p>
<p>Yes. I think you’ll do well to value this above any perceived “prestige” as your search/apply to process unfolds. Best of luck…forum has many helpful parents and current students willing to help if you ask nicely. ;-P</p>