<p>I have been reading the prep school admissions forum for while, and as you already know, most of the conversations revolve around just a dozen schools. </p>
<p>Would any parent, current student, sibling, alum like to sing the praises of other schools? What makes those schools special? I would love to hear from people who lurk on this forum but never post because they think their school isn't notable enough to sustain the interest of the other posters.</p>
<p>There are many terrific schools out there that do not get mentioned enough or not at all on this forum. Do not let that dissuade you of the school's potential. Most schools ride a roller coaster with good and bad years, scandals and successes, winning seasons and loosing seasons. There are many great Public Schools with faculty just as dedicated as in the private sector. Some better, some worse. All schools are "special" to those that attend and that is as it should be. I think maybe one reason "those" schools get attention is because the current students and alumni are proud of their accomplishments and have every right to be, that they just talk about it the most. I spent last Thanksgiving with about a dozen students / alumni of different BS and everyone was sure that their school was the best. Nothing more really need be said. So don't get hung up on the tier talk.</p>
<p>I am not hung up on the tier talk at all.</p>
<p>I thought it would be fun to read bragging about the schools we don't often hear about.</p>
<p>Midland School in California -- for the right person, a fantastic opportunity. We were highly impressed with the people and program. We visited (and Thacher actually suggested we make sure and visit the program.</p>
<p>Conserve School -- We did not visit, but again -- for the right kid, a great school. </p>
<p>Fountain Valley School -- an excellent school! great college placement, dedicated faculty, friendly students, casual Colorado atmosphere, plus the rocky mountains as a backdrop. For east coast kids -- a change of pace (and maybe a bump in admissions chances -- they just don't have the number of applicants because of location).</p>