We are stuck trying to decide between the two. We loved Suffield’s campus, buildings, friendly environment, sports complex, but are equally impressed with Kent’s longstanding reputation and academic rigor. We have heard the kids are not as engaged and spirited at Kent during our revisit days at other schools. A student who had been at Kent then transferred said the teacher relationships with students was lacking at Kent vs. where he was now (not Suffield it was another school we revisited). We did feel the Suffield head of school and head of academics were much more engaging than their counterparts at Kent. Kent seemed a bit more old school and Suffield more open and new. Any thoughts or input is greatly appreciated.
You can’t go wrong with either. Trust your gut and choose the school that felt right to you!
IF the only reason you are keeping Kent in the running is its reputation and rigor, maybe you really do want to be at Suffield. Reputation is what outsiders think. You will be an insider. Go where you are happy.
@vwlizard wrote exactly what I was going to say! Go to the school that makes you feel happy and welcome.
FWIW, we know two kids who attend Suffield — very different kids (one more athletic, one more artsy; both super nice) — and both love it, as do their parents. Both came from a rigorous independent middle achool. Two great choices, but definitely go with your gut and where your child will feel welcomed, known, and engaged.
As a Kent parent and alum, I’m resisting the urge to sing Kent’s praises here. All I’ll say is that you should take the opinions of students at the revisit days of rival schools with a grain of salt. Suffield is a good school but it is very different than Kent. If you all agree that Suffield is the best fit for your kid, go for it.
I agree with @Temperantia that both are great, but indeed different, schools. Go with your gut as “fit” is far more than simply the sum of stats on paper or the opinion of a few rival students. Definitely enroll where you feel your child will thrive. In our case, Kent was the clear choice for a million different reasons (including school spirit!) and our child is beyond thrilled to be matriculating in the fall. Go Lions!
Kent’s Headmaster announced his June 2020 retirement yesterday. I’m a huge admirer of his but change is coming and with it opportunity.
@Temperantia was his interim replacement announced? As a new family we did not receive the communication.