Hello, my 7th grader is interested in a co-ed JBS, can you pls shed light on these two schools in terms of academics, community culture, pastoral care, encouraging growth and curiosity, and secondary placement ? TIA
Let me start by saying that I do not have personal experience with either. My impression is that IMS is welcoming to a much wider range of learners and that Fay is much more of an on ramp for highly selective BS. If you look at the placement lists on their websites, you’ll see quite a difference. Of course, IMS students also go to Exeter, Andover, Choate, and Fay only mentions its top 25 destinations, so there’s plenty of overlap. As with looking at BS college matriculation lists, there’s always a bit more going on beneath the surface – legacy, athletes, – that’s hard to tease out of lists.
I’d definitely visit when school is in session to see how each feels to you based on what your child is looking for and needs.
Hi! I don’t have any experience with IMA but my youngest son is currently at Fay. He started last year in 8th grade and will return in September for 9th. We live close so he attends as a day student. I’m happy to answer specific questions but can also share some overall thoughts of his experience so far.
In short - Fay has been amazing and was exactly what my son needed after a few rough years in public school.
Is your son sporty, artistic, academic?
1 Like
I have a son who applied to Indian Mountain. We liked the support and project-based learning.
Ultimately, we chose Rectory, another co-ed junior boarding school. The campus is in Connecticut adjacent to Pomfret.
I’d be happy to talk to you about junior boarding school in general and Rectory specifically.
1 Like
He’s sporty and does well enough in school but not the serious academic type. How are the athletics programs at Fay, and is the school a bit of a little pressure cooker for those families focused on prep schools and college? Would like academic excellence for my son but not a stressful vibe…
I’d love to hear why you chose rectory over IMS. If you could PM me would appreciate it!
Thank you
1 Like
It’s been a while since I’ve been on so I just saw this post. I have a child who chose IMS over Fay and Rectory. We were making the decision as a family during Covid, so we we didn’t visit any school during the selection process. A priority for us, given the age (7th grade) was a friendly vibe, how much warmth we sensed from the adults we interacted with. Fay was eliminated first through this lens for us. IMS got the edge over Rectory somewhat based on gut feeling but also because it felt Rectory was emphasizing their learning support program more strongly than their programming for kids who didn’t need extra support - this made us worry our child wouldn’t be challenged enough. I just took a look at Rectory’s site now and I don’t see that program emphasized at all, so I’m guessing they’ve changed their marketing strategy since 2020.
Our child had a fantastic experience at IMS and I strongly recommend the school. She had many options from excellent secondary schools for her next step.
2 Likes