<p>Hi everyone. I live in Spain and I am sending my son to study eight grade next year in the US. I am looking for a well reputed junior boarding school in the East Coast. More inclined to boys-only, as opposed to co-ed. Academic standards very important, but sports and extracurricular activities also. He has been accepted at Hillside School and is in wait list for Eaglebrook. I have seen in an earlier post that Eaglebrook and Cardigan Mountain are most recommended, also Fessenden. I have not visited any school yet, difficult logistically. Any opinions on Hillside as compared to the others (EB/CM/FES)?. Should I settle for Hillside or apply to CM/FES?. Any experience with Eaglebrook waitlist, do I have any chance?. Any opinions and recommendations most welcome, difficult to make complex decisons like this from Spain...</p>
<p>I don’t know Hillside, but have had a good experience with a child at CMS. I highly recommend it. I don’t know if they have room, but you should contact them and see.</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.cardigan.org/admissions/welcome?rc=1[/url]”>Admissions - Cardigan Mountain School;
<p>Don’t worry - I seriously doubt that there is a drastic difference in education quality between the schools mentioned. And, as often mentioned on this forum, love the school that loves you (Hillside)! As to the Eaglebrook waitlist, there is a small chance that your son could be accepted, but definitely don’t count on it. By the way, congratulations on his acceptance into Hillside, and good luck next year :)</p>
<p>@futureboarder: Junior boarding school admissions processes are somewhat more fluid than that at high schools. It’s a fine thing to have been accepted to a school, but if someone has only applied to two schools initially, there is certainly no harm in making a few inquiries. Supposing that there isn’t a drastic difference in education quality doesn’t add value. If you’re prepared to provide supportive and fact-based commentary about Hillside, that WOULD add value. </p>
<p>@Sabina: If you are unsure about the suitability of Hillside for your son, you might also consider the following:</p>
<p>Boys: Cardigan Mountain School (NH), Fessenden (MA)
Coed: Bement School (Deerfield, MA), Fay School (MA), Indian Mountain School (CT)</p>
<p>I’m sure there are others, but I’m sure any of these would at least answer your questions. I can comment about personal experience with two of these schools and am aware of regular posters on this forum with experience at the others.</p>
<p>Sorry guys - that didn’t occur to me.</p>
<p>@future: Your comment reflected that you’ve already learned a valuable lesson. 
For kids applying to high school, your point is incredibly important. I know of a few kids who got off wait lists this year. Most applicants will need to select from one of the options that presents itself on March 10, though. </p>
<p>I didn’t mean to sound harsh, it’s just that the junior boarding school application process is different, and I wouldn’t want someone to miss a real opportunity that they hadn’t thought to pursue earlier. Good luck to you in your search!</p>
<p>The new head of school at Hillside has made some nice changes at the school, specifically buildings and additions on campus. The character and level of student at Hillside has improved dramatically over the past 10 years. However, I would rate Cardigan Mountain School a bit higher in terms of the overall junior boarding school experience. Just my 2 cents, but I have visited both in the past and think Cardigan Mountain is a wonderful community. With that being said, Hillside has definitely made significant improvements and upgrades to their program.</p>