<p>Proctor. Very close student-faculty bonds, dorms are mostly New England style homes that the school has purchased over the years, peer group get togethers, small classes, a volunteer community work day for the faculty,…</p>
<p>Of all the schools we visited, Proctor had “warm and fuzzy” in spades. Millbrook was a close second. My son ended up at Proctor and loved it.</p>
<p>zp</p>
<p>If you’re strong academically and love the outdoors, make the trip to Ojai. You will find what you’re looking for at Thacher. Read what recent grads say about the School on Boarding School Review, or watch some of the videos. All the comments reflect the way it actually is. The sense of community is unparalleled.</p>
<p>Everyone knows that I’m a SAS advocate, but I second ThacherParent’s mention of Thacher. We visited last Feb and felt a sense of warmth from everyone we met — including the headmaster, who we ran into randomly on our tour.</p>
<p>Of all the West Coast schools we visited Midland fit the bill as the warmest.</p>
<p>Its close to Thacher and Cate in Santa Barbara County. Its a tiny school, less than 100 students but 100% boarding. Over 2000 acres so its quite huge in size and really unique. VERY rustic. I think from what I remember 100% of faculty live on campus as well.</p>
<p>They do everything on a very small scale so your initial visit to the school is 1 on 1. My daughter felt so special and welcomed when she had her interview, they had a welcome sign in the office with her name on it. After our tour she was invited to attend a class while the headmasters wife invited our family for tea and muffins in her home (for a few hours). It really gave us a sense of the community and what type of kids and families are drawn to this unique school.</p>
<p>While we were there we noticed lots of dogs. When we asked we found out students can bring their pets from home (provided they are trained and friendly) It was really nice seeing kids with their pets while studying.</p>
<p>Once we drove away, my D and family all agreed this was the best FIT school for ALL of us!
Its not for everyone but the warmth and generosity of spirit is definitely what really won us over in addition to everything else that comes with it.</p>
<p>Peddie school in NJ: 1st class teachers, very friendly and supportive peers, beautiful campus and wonderful facilities, top swimming team in the country, rigorous academics, but not a high pressure pot… just the school you described and look for</p>
<p>NOPE NOPE NOPE Cate>Thacher (sorry, school duties kicking in).</p>
<p>George School</p>