just starting to look and need some suggestions!

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>My younger son has decided that he is interested in applying for boarding schools. This is new territory for us and we don't know where to start.</p>

<p>Here is some background --</p>

<p>currently in 7th grade -- would be applying next year for 9th grade
from colorado springs area
caucasian male
low-income (would definitely need lots of FA!) AGI~$30,000
GPA -- 3.8 right now
attends a public middle school in a not-so great inner city area, but he is in the Middle Years IB programme (so it is not too bad, academically)
lots of EC's -- eagle scout, Civil air patrol, history day district winner, national space day winner, tons of volunteer hours, order of the arrow, library council, in plays both years, etc. EC's are good, not too unusual -- but they are top-notch for our area and he has lots of leadership for his age.
standardized test scores will probably be about the 85% -- 90%. He does not test well -- but he is willing to do some serious studying. </p>

<p>He is bright, great personality, active and fun. he is not an academic genius taking calculus, but at his school he is definitely in the top 5% -- we have had some family roadblocks that probably slowed him down academically (he would be more advanced in math and english classes if we hadn't moved so many times). </p>

<p>He is interested in small classes, good academics (wants to be able to apply to a selective school), not cut-throat competitive, supportive school, wants lots of outdoors stuff -- rock-climbing, skiing, hiking, camping, etc. </p>

<p>we (his parents) are thinking something with good guidance and structure for studying (he gets off-track without some structure) and finances would be an issue. I am also thinking that a school within driving distance (up to 8 hours) would be best -- or plane ticket prices would kill us. </p>

<p>We have requested info on the Colorado Rocky Mountain School and the Fountain Valley School of Colorado and one in Arizona -- I think it was Orme.</p>

<p>Any suggestions? Are we right to look closer to home (limits possibilities tremendously). He doesn't have the fantastic, 4.0, 99% stats that some kids have, but he does have alot going for him considering his background.</p>

2

<p>You want someplace in Colorado?
I can research more for you but I have loads of work tonight.</p>

3

<p>thanks for the reply -- as far as I know, there are only two boarding schools in colorado. I am just not sure how they stack up with other boarding schools.</p>

<p>We are not in any hurry for information -- he won't apply for a year -- but I know the process can be long, so I told him I would help him get started.</p>

<p>We are going to an open house in January at the boarding school here in town (Fountain Valley) so that he can get a better idea of what boarding school is all about. I thought it would be a good place to start.</p>

4

<p>Going to an Open House is a great idea. When my son decided he was interested in going to boarding school when he was in 7th grade, I made arrangements for us to visit some boarding schools not too far from home. Some schools allowed us to do it; others did not. We took the tour but not the interview. This way, we were able to put together a list of requirements and found schools that matched those requirements for the real tour in the fall of 8th grade. </p>

<p>Here are some helpful sites: <a href="http://www.boardingschoolreview.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.boardingschoolreview.com&lt;/a> (some info old and a few schools not included), <a href="http://www.petersons.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.petersons.com&lt;/a> (has both boarding and day) and <a href="http://www.schools.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.schools.com&lt;/a> . </p>

<p>Most people would agree that it is best to find schools with a high percent of boarders if your son is going to board. I think I've heard the Colorado Rocky Mountain School mentioned on this board. Good luck!</p>

5

<p>What about Colorado Timberline? They do tons of outdoor stuff. Plus 95% of kids board, and they seem to have good placement.</p>

6

<p>I did look at Colorado Timberline, but it seems to be a school that helps kids who are troubled. this is the description: "dedicated to changing the lives of students who have experienced difficulties in a previous high school setting"</p>

<p>and it says it serves these kids best:</p>

<p>"Students who have not done well in a traditional high school program as a result of poor motivation. Students whose academic progress has been interrupted and who need remedial work to get back on track. Students who are capable and often highly creative – but have struggled to have those strengths realized and recognized. They are seen as “marching to the beat of a different drummer” and may dress or express themselves in a non-traditional and non-conforming manner. Non-achieving but capable students who seem to lack motivation to do well in school and who need daily structure to provide incentive for success. Students whose behavior and attitude do not require the more restrictive environment of a therapeutic, emotional growth or rehab program but who do not qualify for a traditional boarding school for mainstream, high achieving students. Students who do not fit the mainstream of a public school and whose lack of success, often the result of a learning difference or difficulty, may have led to disciplinary problems or minor drug and alcohol issues. Students whose lack of academic progress and behavioral issues have likely led to high levels of parental and family conflict. Students who have successfully completed a wilderness program or behavior modification program and who are at risk of returning to prior behavior by being placed in a previous school or home environment."</p>

<p>That is actually the type of kids that my son wants to get away from in public school, so something for hard-working, well-behaved and motivated kids is a better choice.</p>

<p>thanks for the suggestion, though.</p>

7

<p>First you look at the school and then look up the percentage for FA and how they allow the fund. some FA just for future gold medalist, etc.</p>

8

<p>I don't tihnk you'll get a lot of FA at the Colorado schools. </p>

<p>Is California too far away? If not, look at Cate, Thacher (outdoorsy), and Stevenson.</p>

9

<p>the colorado ones are close and easy -- but I think you are right, not very good FA (and he wants to board, not be a day student). The Fountain Valley school offers a merit scholarship and FA, so he will try for that.</p>

<p>I will look at CA -- he is really open to just about anywhere. For me, he seems so young to go so far away.</p>

10

<p>Well -- we went to the Winter Visit day at Fountain Valley in Colorado and he loved it (was wanting to enroll immediately). </p>

<p>Some of the things he loved about it (and commented on):
small class size (the classes he sat in on had about 10-14 students)
small school (they have about 235 students total, 9-12)
friendliness (adults and kids seemed down to earth and very nice)
You can play any sport offered -- no one is cut (they do have different levels, but if he wanted to play lacrosse and had never played before, he could still play)
Arts program (he is not really into arts, but the program they had really inspired him. he loved the idea of metalsmithing and photography)
outdoor program -- could go kayaking, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback pack trips, etc
Casual atmosphere -- no uniforms and kids were dressed casually in jeans or khakis. girls did not generally wear make-up. no wacko styles, either -- no multiple piercings, tatoos or goth clothing. the kids just looked like normal, run of the mill kids.
Structured study hall -- really loved that idea so that everyone has to study, not just him (that is what he complains about at home -- everyone else gets to play video games instead of doing homework)</p>

<p>Those were the main areas he commented on -- we both were impressed with the school. They do offer Financial aid and merit scholarships and award quite a bit each year, so this school is definitely on the list.</p>

<p>any ideas for other schools that might be similiar? He is looking at the Conserve school in Wisconsin as one.</p>

<p>I would like to send him to a school that places kids in top/Ivy league schools (not every kid, not tons, not even HYPS -- but at least a few each year to some top schools).<br>
School did not appear to be cut-throat competitive. Kids on the panel did not know their ranking and were very positive about the accomplishments of their classmates. They seemed to take real pride in how well other kids did and seemed very supportive.</p>

<p>I think we are looking for casual, small programs that start in 9th grade, have a high percentage of boarders, supportive community,offer good FA and have outdoor opportunities.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help!</p>

11

<p>Jonathan -- thanks for the ideas. Cate and Thacher look great -- Stevenson is maybe a little larger than what he is looking for.</p>

<p>So far on his list are: Fountain Valley, Cate Thacher, Conserve. Any other suggestions along those lines?</p>

12

<p>Is the OP only looking at schools in the Western/Southwestern US? If you are willing to look on the East Coast as well, there are many great schools that have good outdoor programs with all the things you describe: hiking, rock climbing, etc...</p>

13

<p>We considered Fountain Valley and Colorado Rocky Mountain for our son. We didn't get to visit either, but I think both are excellent. Just stay away from St. Stephen's in Texas.</p>

14

<p>Did you see the thread I started to answer your SSAT question? BTW, you could have him take the lower level SSAT test this year so you have an idea of how he will do on the upper level test. It could help you narrow schools. </p>

<p>Because you are new to this process, you might want to buy or borrow "The Greenes' Guide to Boarding Schools" published in 2006 by Thomson Peterson's. It is a good overview. Around 2/3 of the book is the Peterson's reference guide but just for boarding schools (The large guide is for day and boarding). The Greenes recommend placing your child in a school in which that child can be in the top third of the class while keeping up interests, sports, arts, etc. "The individual who performs at an academic level that places him in the top third of his class, while at the same time allowing for engagement in leadership roles, athletics, the arts, community service, and relaxed interaction with classmates emerges from school with the confidence and skill sets that may well define college and adult life...the good news is that the top one third performer is a highly appealing candidate (for college)."</p>

15

<p>thanks for the help and suggestions -- he is open to any schools in the United States, not just here in Colorado or the West Coast.</p>

<p>He was thinking of taking the SSAT upper level this summer to get an idea of how he will do. He tests in the 85% -- 90% on his regular standardized testing, but the SSAT is different! He is planning on studying and if it would make a difference, his grandparents would be willing to pay a little towards a tutor. </p>

<p>The placement in the top 1/3 sounds about right -- my son is definitely competitive and wants to do well and is motivated, but he shuts down in the face of overwhelming competition (like if he thinks he doesn't have a chance to do well). He likes to be in the top 25% but it doesn't freak him out not to be number one. </p>

<p>our problem right now is that, just like the college list my older son has going, it is easy to add schools and end up with a ton. I do have the peterson's guide, but it is so big! I guess we will start at the beginning and see what schools meet his desire for small programs, matriculation into top schools, and good FA. He doesn't want to go to a school with a uniform -- but I told him that it shouldn't be a tipping point when it comes to a school.</p>

16

<p>a tutor isn't necessary. the skills assessed are ones you've been honing your whole life. just tell him to read a lot of classic books within the next year (and look up the definitions), do a lot of math problems (just to get used to the format and type of problems and improve familiarity your speed). save the money for app fees (mine will cost around $400 this year.. along with the $93 SSAT test and $25 score reporting service)</p>

<p>and again, don't underestimate the difference between the SSAT and most standardized tests. so different. i always got in like the 99% on everything for those.. w/o preparing and w/o any motivation or w/e.. the ssat's are much harder, and are designed for kids who have been in private school their whole life.</p>

17

<p>There is no need to take the upper level just for practice. Just take tests from the test prep books. Many on this board like the Princeton Review the best. I think the upper level test will get reported. However, I think if he takes the lower level test this year, it does not get reported next year. If you think you might do this, you should verify it with the SSAT. My son did not want schools with less than 350 students so I did not see any of the smaller schools. I think there are a few in New England like Holderness that offer outdoors activities. You might want to look up Millbrook and St. Andrews (Del).</p>

18

<p>kaplan is superior. seriouslty. first choice. full explanations and more practice tests.</p>

19

<p>I found Kaplan to be too easy; I knew less of the words in the Princeton Review (and therefor was forced to look them up). I scored much better on the Kaplan practice tests than on the Princeton Review. The only thing I liked about the Kaplan book was the glossary.</p>

20

<p>"He is bright, great personality, active and fun. he is not an academic genius taking calculus, but at his school he is definitely in the top 5% --"</p>

<p>"He is interested in small classes, good academics (wants to be able to apply to a selective school), not cut-throat competitive, supportive school, wants lots of outdoors stuff -- rock-climbing, skiing, hiking, camping, etc."</p>

<p>There are many schools that will fit your son quite well I think. However, most of the ones I can think of are going to be on the East Coast, so with you living in Colorado, driving will not be an option. I am a boarding school grad, and flying is really not as difficult or expensive as you would initially believe. There are really cheap flights that you can get that will work just as well as any if you book them early enough in advance. I am not suggesting that you should send your son so far away, but I am merely informing you that it is really not a great burden. </p>

<p>As for school suggestions, I am a graduate of Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, PA, and according to what you said about your son, I think he would fit in quite well there. The school is located in rural Southern Pennsylvania, about 90 minutes from Baltimore and Washington D.C., and has about 440 students. The school just built a brand new Outdoor Education Center, and it runs a variety of outdoor programs which do rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, in regional natural areas and as far away as Bryce Canyon in Utah (usually done over Spring Vacation), and Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. I encourage you to check out Mercersburg at <a href="http://www.mercersburg.edu%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.mercersburg.edu&lt;/a>, and also look schools like Blair Academy (Blairstown, NJ), and the Cate School (Carpinteria, CA). </p>

<p>Feel free to contact me if you would like more information.</p>