Have a son interested in applying to these schools. Friendly introvert, runs XC, plays tennis -both well enough… Likes public speaking, drama, student body president. Great in math, and solid A/B in everything else with not much effort
I had an XC race at SG’s yesterday, and while I don’t know anything about the school, I did notice that the campus has an incredible ocean view.
St. Andrew’s RI is very small. Like Elvis, Tabor and St. Andrew’s have boats. Tabor is bigger than you think, 500+ students. St. George’s campus is like an exclusive resort, and St. George’s the school had a reputation as a warehouse for the offspring of the hella rich–to a greater extent than other boarding schools. That’s not the reality any more, and St. George’s is one of the schools whose reputation gets better with each passing year and every new third form class.
Have you also considered Portsmouth Abbey? It might be worth a look while you are in the neighborhood.
Portsmouth Abbey not on our initial list, but I will check it out. Thanks! Do you know the school, or can you share what you have heard? Wish there was a forum for schools other than the HADES schools. It is hard to find info about hidden gems.
It is a terrific school that is indeed a hidden gem. It is catholic, but you by no means need to be catholic to attend. The academics are a rigorous, classical program with a strong math curriculum. There are at least 3 dramatic productions each year, and public speaking is a required component of many classes. The campus is right on Narragansett Bay so a beautiful setting. Since you seem to be looking at other schools in the area, it might be worth your while to take a tour and see for yourself.
This thread may be a good starting place:
While HADES schools tend to be the ones most often discussed here, all boarding schools are open for discussion. @london203 's link above is a great starting point…
Oops. I meant Tabor and ST. GEORGE’S have boats. Not sure if St. Andrew’s in RI has a boat. St. Andrew’s is the smallest of the three, with SG’s in the middle and Tabor the largest.
Have a look at St. Mark’s in Southborough, MA. Great place!
Friend went to Tabor, loved it. But that was 30 years ago.
If it’s not too far, we really liked Governors Academy. You might want to consider it. We began our BS search there as a friends son was finishing his senior year. Extremely warm environment, great sports, and rigorous academics. Of all the ISL/Boston area schools we looked at, it was our favorite.
Are you only looking in New England? If it’s practical for you, you might want to branch out and look at mid-Atlantic (and other) schools.
No, we are also looking at SAS in Delaware, Christchurch in Virginia, the Hill School and Mercersburg. A variety of areas and level of difficulty. But I must say, those water-front schools are hard to beat! Why not be on the water if you can!
If you have any other suggestions, we would be happy to hear. Interest in SAS in Delaware went way up after reading posts on this thread and talking to AD at a secondary school fair.
@VACAlover another benefit to Portsmouth Abbey: it is on the water 
C had a GREAT chat with the Admissions Rep from PAbbey. We have an interview on Friday and C is very interested.
Pomfret? It’s in that same area. Also if you want a great ocean view, come to Cate 
Tabor is a great school. My nephew attends. A fantastic headmaster who has done a lot to carry the school even higher. Friendly, warm, nice size (not too small). New academic dean who is strong too. Nice, wholesome kids
I strongly encourage to also look at Suffield Academy in Suffield CT. I consider it a hidden gem. My daughter transferred there after 11 years at a private school in Dallas, TX. She started as a 10th grader and is now in 11th. Suffield offers a wide variety of courses and a student can opt for a very rigorous course load. The student body is very warm, supportive and not socially competitive. We have been blown away by the faculty and staff - very thoughtful and get to know students on an individual basis. Very strong sports and arts program. I really think it is one of the most well-rounded schools we have seen. I love it that kids can be challenged as much as they want/need, yet are not trying to stay afloat in a cut throat environment. Kids do very well in college admissions and the focus there is truly about “best fit” vs. “everyone should go to the Ivies.” Anyway, my two cents, I think it is just amazing.
We just did a weekend and visited Portsmouth Abbey, St Andrews, Tabor and Pomfret and loved them all. Who knew there were such great and beautiful places to go to high school. C is one lucky kid. Please keep the suggestions coming, PA and Pomfret were not in our original list – thanks to all for the suggestions!