<p>Maybe my question is a bit too early, but since your experience with schools is so fresh, here is my question: which schools, if any, gave you that "warm and fuzzy" feeling?
Although my DS is a top student, athlete, volunteer, music, drama etc, we are NOT looking for BS enhancing out chances getting into top colleges, but for a wonderful 4 year experience. With great academics but not super competitive environment. Thank you.</p>
<p>Maybe have a look at Portsmouth Abbey? We have nothing but good feelings so far. The whole admissions process has been welcoming and approachable. It is a catholic school so not sure if that rules it out for you. They do say that about 1/3 of the student body is NOT catholic… we are not yet a current family, so can’t give you actual stories… but we like what we have seen so far.</p>
<p>Perhaps The Hill School, everyone I’ve talked to about it knows it as ‘the family boarding school’. Really nice people and small campus if that’s what your looking for. Although Hotchkiss and SPS can be stressful on the academic front, I would suggest at least looking at them. I felt a nice vibe at both of them.</p>
<p>I currently go to The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, and I absolutely love it. There are many different groups on campus (like any other school), but I will tell you there is absolutely no hate in this school, which makes it easier to make friends.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if you’re looking at schools in California, but if you are, definitely take a look at The Thacher School in Ojai, CA. I am going to start there this fall, and the warm and welcoming community stands out every time I visit. It’s also pretty small (only 260 in the whole school).</p>
<p>I’m not going there, but if you are looking for a warm and fuzzy school, definitely look at Groton. The close community gives the school a special feel.</p>
<p>The Gunnery might also fit your criteria. They were absolutely lovely when we visited, very warm and friendly community, and I have heard nothing but good about them from past and current families.</p>
<p>From my short experience Loomis and NMH seem as what you might be looking for :)</p>
<p>Going to back up @livy2462 :D</p>
<p>+1 to mexicanstudent, also Pomfret, Brooks, maybe Taft</p>
<p>I forgot this one – it may have been the warmest & fuzziest one we visited –
Suffield Academy.</p>
<p>Northfield Mount Hermon is defiantly a school that gives you a ‘home’ feel. Even though the student body is at 650+ everyone has a sense of community. It has a very warm feeling.</p>
<p>SAS (Saint Andrew’s School) definitely has that great vibe! Plus, it’s a small school and so seems to have a really close, nurturing community.</p>
<p>+1 for Taft
I’m a three year junior, and i love it here. It can be overwhelming sometimes, but were a great community (in my opinion) and its the type of place where im not afraid to say hi to people in the hallways. </p>
<p>For drama, we have two plays and one fall musical. We also have Independent Study Projects and i know that last year, one guy directed a play for his. Im not an athlete, but I’ve managed Varsity Softball for two years and I can say that that the girls won New Englands last year for our division undefeated. It was an awesome year. 
We have a volunteering club as well as volunteering for an after school activity. For music, we have jazz band and chamber as classes as well as a girls and a guys acapella group.</p>
<p>I do realize this seem kind of pitchy but I just wanted to offer up more information on us if you wanted it. :)</p>
<p>I didn’t go but I’ve always had a crush on Putney.</p>
<p>What about deerfield? People say the community there is nice. I also have been to the campus and it is very nice there.</p>
<p>You might look at Quaker boarding schools like Westtown or George School. They’re especially warm and kind environments. George School offers the International Baccalaureate degree.</p>
<p>Cate School seems to have the sort of warm close-knit you seem to be describing. They’re Thacher’s arch rival, and the school is nearly as hard to get into (18%). It’s definitely great for matriculation and high SATs, but the reason they are so selective is because extreme attention to character in their applicants. If you decide to explore the west coast Cate is a must.</p>
<p>Governor’s fits that bill. The headmaster opens his/her house every weekend for food and games and everyone gets a single if they want one in the dorm. They were one of the friendliest boarding schools we visited for interviews.</p>
<p>From the schools I visited, Concord, SPS, and Groton were very welcoming especially Concord and Groton. Definity take a look even though Concord may not be on the same level as SPS and Groton.</p>