<p>How good is the Kent School in Conn.? How well does it place in admissions? Does anyone go there? Can you please shed some light on the school and its academics?</p>
<p>In my opinion, it's a really good good school that has a lot of academic, athletic, ec, and art opportunities although it is not one of the "most competitive schools."</p>
<p>It's a very nice school. I've been in Kent, CT and it's a lovely New England town. My son didn't want a coat & tie school and a formal religious service requirement so we did not look there. I know a few alums who speak very highly of their school, and I also know someone whose son was a recent grad. If it had been appropriate for my son, I would have included it on our tour.</p>
<p>i have heard of Kent having drug problems in the past few years</p>
<p>I know several people that have gone to Kent through my involvement in Model UN and I'd say (like any school) it's a mix. Yes, you have people that like to party/drink/do drugs who attend the school--you'll find that at any school really--but there are also MANY students there who are academically focused (even bordering on nerdy). Overall, Kent seems like a nice school... although, I would agree with janemac in saying that it's not the most competitive of boarding schools.</p>
<p>I have a question..........Does a school in ya'lls opinion have to be competitive or very competitive to be good?</p>
<p>Around here, basically the Big 10 are "good" I think. Then below that, everyone's like ... hm, good but not competitive. Nice fit. ;)</p>
<p>Whats that supposed to mean?</p>
<p>If a school provides a very good education, why is competitive important?</p>
<p>Wow... I'm impressed. Finally a voice of reason.</p>
<p>It's amazing that the elitism game starts in middle school. Simply amazing.</p>
<p>Anyway, Kent plays my school and the kids seem pretty chill.</p>
<p>iriseyes, what gives you that impression? LOL</p>
<p>I wonder, do you think some may feel inadequate in some way, or maybe insecure and getting into a school that is competitive or very selective helps one cope with these issues.</p>
<p>My son went to a summer sports camp at the Kent School. My contribution to this thread: The dorms were FILTHY! However, the food was good.</p>
<p>Kent has a "Zero tolerance policy"</p>
<p>It has been well documented that the "Zero tolerance policy" leads to stupid inflexible actions regardless of the circumstances and not necessarily leads to reduction in drug and alcohol - they go underground or create cynical students when the policy leads to expulsion which seem unreasonable.</p>
<p>Zero Tolerance, Zero Evidence: An Analysis of School Disciplinary Practice reports that there is no credible evidence that zero tolerance is effective. Furthermore, school suspension and expulsion result in a number of negative outcomes for both schools and students. <a href="http://www.indiana.edu/%7Esafeschl/ztze.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.indiana.edu/~safeschl/ztze.pdf</a>
"Zero tolerance is a political response, not an educationally sound solution," said Dr. Russell Skiba, author of the report. "It sounds impressive to say that we're taking a tough stand against misbehavior, but the data says it simply hasn't been effective in improving student behavior."</p>
<p>The Hotchkiss School has the same policy. The students and faculty all seem to know who drink and do drugs. The administration act as if they are clueless about these things - drug and alcohol does not happen here because we have Zero tolerance policy.</p>
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<p>Zero tolerance is good, why send mixed messages? There are plenty of good kids out there trying to get into these schools who have no intention of doing anything stupid.
When the Hotchkiss kid gets booted everyone will know why. Its not to be tolerated and it does improve behavior. Students and faculty may have a strong suspicion but the kid has to be caught and good or bad they usually do. They are not there to party, they're there to study, work and then do sports.</p>
<p>"There are plenty of good kids out there trying to get into these schools who have no intention of doing anything stupid."</p>
<p>I don't think most kids necessarily intend on doing something stupid. It is human nature to make mistakes, and particularly so in youth. I hope those employing this zero tolerance policy can do so knowing that they never made a single mistake.
I think that policy is a bit much. I like the schools that have a peer review board. You are given a chance....more of a "two-strike" policy. This recognizes the fact that no one is perfect....not even top students at the "best" schools.</p>
<p>Also, it has to make you wonder what kinds of problems these schools were facing to institute this policy. Rampant partying???</p>
<p>Ok, so the last guy that was perfect was hung on a cross. I do know of one school that went from zero tolerance to getting the instigator out on the first strike, followers suspended. Kids will be kids but faculty and "parents" cannot send out mixed messages.</p>
<p>I don't see "zero-tolerance" as a prophylactic measure. It smacks to me of serious prior problems which forced the institution of such a policy. I would be concerned about what had occurred to force such a policy in the first place.</p>
<p>BS is not a social scene, it's an institution of higher learning. It is not there to cater to the whims of the students and tolerate improprieties that do effect the well being of the school and the people it serves. Why can't they effect zero policy if they so desire? The applicant pool is big enough. It smacks to me of serious prior problems if a prospective student and parents have issues with such a policy in the first place.</p>