Looking for Advice on Boarding School Selections

Prep School Admissions Prep School Parents
41

<p>My impression is boarding schools request the SSAT, while day schools use the ISEE. Some schools will accept either, but one should ask. The SSAT gives results as percentile ranks, the ISEE gives results as stanines. Oh, and I think you can only take the ISEE once every six months. The SSAT does not have that restriction.</p>

<p>I quite understand not wanting to commit a child’s time to more standardized testing. One factor you should consider is, how far from home are you comfortable sending your child? The further she is willing to go, the more “geographic diversity” she will bring to a campus. On the other hand, you may not be comfortable sending your daughter into a setting with different standards for young female behavior. </p>

<p>Are there local public options which might be affordable and a good match for your daughter? I found the website online for the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Math and Science in Kentucky. [The</a> Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky](<a href=“http://www.wku.edu/academy/]The”>The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science | Western Kentucky University) Students are juniors and seniors in high school, thus your daughter could only apply in 3 years.</p>

42

<p>We are familiar with the Gatton Academy and think it is an amazing school which our daughter would love. (Best public school in the country for that matter - and in KY!) It is close and free and it would be a great fit. However, it is competitive, and getting more competitive each year. I would hate to wait it out, put all our eggs in that basket, and have her not be accepted. This is something her dad and I have talked about on several occasions, and I think it is too much of a risk for the wait. Outside of that, no, we have no other public school options. And, only one private school for high school within an hour’s drive, and it’s not great.</p>

43

<p>Kymomndad, good luck with the search! I quite understand. </p>

<p>You might want to investigate St. Andrews-Sewanee School, in Sewanee, Tennessee. [St</a>. Andrew’s-Sewanee School: Home](<a href=“http://www.sasweb.org%5DSt”>http://www.sasweb.org)
[St</a>. Andrew’s-Sewanee School Profile | Sewanee, Tennessee (TN)](<a href=“http://www.boardingschoolreview.com/school_ov/school_id/292]St”>St. Andrew's-Sewanee School (2023 Profile) - Sewanee, TN)</p>

<p>A school employee posted for a time a few years ago. Her forum name is Sbergman. If you use the “Advanced Search” function, you can read her posts. </p>

<p>Students at St. Andrews-Sewanee can take classes at The University of the South. They can also use the university’s equestrian facilities. The school also offers mountain biking and rock climbing. If you’re in southern Kentucky, it would be closer than many other schools.</p>

44

<p>You wanted to get some info on Cate and Midland School. As there are already parents and students of Cate, I am sure you will get more info from them. You can use the search option and put the keyword Cate. You will find some postings and discussions on Cate School which is considered the best school in the West Coast along with Thacher. </p>

<p>Re Midland, my nephew went to Midland but I was not very interested. It is located in Los Olivos, CA and I was told that the students chop the wood in winter and use it as heating source. Nothing more than that. </p>

<p>There is also Dunn School in the same area. Dunn and Midland are good schools, I guess but not as well-known or prestigeous as Thacher and Cate. </p>

<p>One school in NE I know is Kent. My younger brother went there some 30 years ago. It was a boy’s school back then but it became a co-ed. I think the reputation of Kent school has been gradually getting better and better. The school was very strict back then and students who violated a small regulation had to do ‘hours’, meaning chores. It was not however by any means a military-strict school. A very conservative but good education. I am not sure how it changed over time though. Definitely the school to consider if you feel HADES is not the right fit for any reason.</p>

45

<p>No offense to Patronyork- but if your daughter isn’t athletic, I’d steer clear of Kent.</p>

46

<p>PhotographerMom,
I can’t pm, so I’m hoping you’ll see this. Do you know what the athletic requirement is for Berkshire? This is a school we are now looking at more closely (thank you!). Their art program looks fantastic - 6 levels of digital art -wow! I can’t find the athletic requirements though.</p>

47

<p>I got three A- and a B+ and C+ and I am the class president. I also played soccer for 4 years and was captain this year for varsity. I am in chorus for 4 years. I also do community service outside of school. I also am taking part in the highest academic program at my school. The only problem is that I got a 47 percentile on the ssat a 2031. I am applying for financial aid. Do I have a chance to get into loomis?</p>

48

<p>@ er1gab0. You are posting on the wrong thread AND the wrong subforum. You should post on the “chances” subforum.</p>

49

<p>@Patron I agree with Photomom. We visited Kent, an didn’t like the campus at all. The tour was cold and detached. The facilities are in need of a revamping. There is a heavy emphasis on athletics there. And there is absolutely horrible cellular service on the campus.</p>

50

<p>Hello – We started with a small pool of schools. My girls wanted girls only. After looking that felt too limiting so we opened it up to co-ed and then it was overwhelming. They decided to geographically limit to 1.5 hours from our house (aside from their 2 favorites who were outside that perimeter). The other thing they realized about themselves (they are similar to your daughter aside from the sports - they are very competitive) was that they wanted to “be known” at a school. That size mattered. They picked a rather arbitrary number of about how many kids in a grade felt right and we started from there. We did look at a couple of large (for them) schools just to test the theory and one felt like a college and I just couldn’t see them there and one made the list (and probably shouldn’t but they had a really great, artistic tour guide and she sold them on the school). So much depends on your tour you really have to separate out how you feel about “that kid” and what the school is in and of itself and that is hard. We had a legacy, slack off show us around one school and my girls are finding it really really hard to imagine that people who like to learn can go there too and flourish - thankfully, they met the senior, head of newspaper, type A girl that they related to at lunch and she ran them around to show us another side of the school too. Best of luck. We are almost done and I am so happy to let go of the stress (we need FA too - and it adds whole other element of stress because I know that they “could” get in anywhere but if they don’t get the aid we need, I can’t let them go. or worse they get turned down because the school can’t offer the aid and they feel like they didn’t make the cut, when really it was a FA thing.</p>

51

<p>I was going to comment on your list of schools (we’ve toured 14 and took almost all of our list), but you shocked me with this statement</p>

<p>“Alooknac, This is my impression from reading a couple books on boarding schools. There were examples of older girls coaching and questioning younger girls about their sexual experiences and advice as part of their welcome to school; hazing focused on sex acts (playful in their minds I’m sure); girls not sticking to dress codes/revealing more than they should, among others. These are not first hand examples I have from people I know, just author studies. I realize none of these things are major by themselves, but what I don’t want present is a culture where girls feel pressure to look and act to please boys, and I’m certain there are some schools where this is more present than others.”</p>

<p>I find this so offensive (to the person who wrote the articles as a generalized sweep). Let me assure you that this is not common among any of the 14 schools we toured. I will tell you Groton and Milton have had their problems in the past, but both have changed administration, nothing happens at Groton that is above the pale. What I have found generally is that the rules regarding dress code are enforced. You likely won’t see belly’s showing at the school’s I’ve gone to or the school my daughter is at. Yes, after a game you might find an athlete wearing spandex in the dining hall, but that’s it. Our experience has actually been QUITE the opposite regarding discussion of boys, our dorm parent and RA’s have worked hard with the girls to teach them to value their bodies and their education, so please don’t think what you read is normal, it is not… at least not in our experience.</p>

<p>Best wishes on your search and I think I would 3rd taking the SSAT in 7th grade, the results may surprise you and there’s nothing worse than a surprise once you’ve narrowed your search.</p>

52

<p>Thank you to everyone’s continued advice and support.
Reading all of your comments has inspired me to sit down with my daughter and talk with her and find out what would make her happiest.
Here is what I’ve come away with:
A school where there is an excitement over learning and sharing ideas
No team sports requirement (physical activity requirement is just fine though)
Writing classes available (writing focus, not just English)
Digital Art class(es)
Variety of science classes (very interested in astronomy and physics)
Outdoor activities o’plenty (besides team sports)
She would like to be on a large campus which has an environment for outdoor learning (I think she’s thinking woods, or mountains, or water )
She does not seem to have a preference on large or small student body
She likes to be around animals, but this is not a requirement
She would prefer casual dress, but this is not a requirement</p>

<p>Now that I have a clearer picture, I feel like we are getting more focused!</p>

53

<p>That is a fabulous list! Here are some quick ideas. These schools may not fulfill all her requirements, though, but worth checking out. I think all the schools mentioned on cc will be full of enthusiastic eager students. No required team sports is much harder to find in a BS (speaking from experience) so I would always check that out first before you explore all the wonderful things a particular school offers.</p>

<p>Millbrook has a zoo.</p>

<p>Proctor Academy has Mountain Classroom and Ocean Classroom. A small group of students goes off for a term either to a mountain location or on a schooner that cruises to the Caribbean. They complete a full term’s worth of classwork.</p>

<p>Either Exeter or Andover has a super observatory (or was it St. Paul’s—sorry). Putney has a cool observatory that students helped build as part of Project Week.</p>

<p>I don’t think many schools can beat Concord or Putney for art courses—you’ll have to check if they have exactly what she is looking for. I am not quite sure what you mean by digital art (I’m guessing photography, film, animation?) but that’s for her to look at the courses and see if it’s what she wants. I see Concord offers Intro to Game Programming and Digital Graphic Design in their Computer Science dept. They do require one term of a team “experience.” I am sure they offer club level for students not into team sports. Is there some sport D might be willing to do for one season in exchange for a school that offers everything else she wants, in spades? Golf? sailing? ultimate frisbee? tennis?</p>

<p>NMH has an extensive outdoor program as a PE activity but there might be a requirement for some very minimal team sport at least once before graduating.</p>

<p>NMH, Putney, and a few others have on-campus working farms.</p>

<p>Thacher, Colorado Rocky Mountain School, and Proctor have extensive outdoor excursions/programs.</p>

<p>I assume you have perused this thread:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1336246-list-exceptional-unique-offerings-some-bs-5.html#post14375733[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1336246-list-exceptional-unique-offerings-some-bs-5.html#post14375733&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>And a final note of caution, that another parent wisely recommended: is the breadth of offerings at a school enough to accommodate a possible radical change of interests?</p>

54

<p>Sorry for the late response, kymomndad- I’ve been away from my computer!</p>

<p>Berkshire offers robust and competitive athletics, but it’s not hyper competitive like some schools. Their mission and unique setting inspires students to get outdoors- learn about the environment, explore and appreciate. It also involves participating in sports.</p>

<p>Like most Secondary schools, there will be Third Formers arriving without sport or team experience, so it’s unlikely your daughter will be alone. There will also be kids arriving with one sport who will have to figure out what to do for two other terms. Before your daughter interviews anywhere- be open, look at the offerings and pick something your daughter would be willing to try.</p>

<p>This is especially true Fall Term. Schools want all new students to meet and bond with other students outside their forms, dorms and classrooms. Welcome to fall sports, but there is good news:</p>

<p>After fall term there might be more options- team manager positions or other activities offered outside of sports. Once she’s better acquainted with a school and the school gets to know her, it’s likely more options will become available.</p>

<p>Please tell her she won’t be alone and coaches at BS are typically caring souls who will strive to give her the best possible experience. Sometimes amazing can things happen and something suddenly clicks.</p>

<p>My niece entered BS without any team/sport experience and played JV Field Hockey fall term. She hated it, but found her best friends there which made the transition from home much easier. After she settled in (I forget what she did winter term),we encouraged her to manage the Crew Team in spring- telling her she’d love the venues, travel and all the excitement the sport offers. ( We skipped the part about lugging oars…)</p>

<p>By the end of the first season, the coach saw something in her and offered her a ride in a varsity boat one day after practice. She was hooked (much to the shock of everyone who knew her) and the following year she was a coxswain for lower boats. During her last two years she was coxswain for first boat. Today, she’s a coxswain at college and a pretty good one at that.</p>

<p>She arrived at BS shy, unsure and with a definite hatred for all sports, but found something special- or maybe it found her. Last fall I watched her race - hauling down a river- screaming- while aggressively navigating a very fast college eight down an extremely tough course. She took my breath away- my husband asked me why I had tears in my eyes as she flew past us (for the record, I’m not a weeper). All I could think about was trying to teach her Field Hockey 101 (unsuccessfully) in my backyard before she headed off to school- Maybe her parents and I shouldn’t have worried so much…</p>

<p>So, I guess my extremely long winded point is this: Encourage your daughter to be open and prepared to try new things - especially things outside her comfort zone. Schools want kids who are able to reach down and challenge themselves in all areas of school life. If there’s a sports requirement- don’t rule out the school- just tell her to do the best she can. You just never know where it may lead or the people your daughter will meet along the way.</p>

<p>Best of luck with your search- you have some really nice suggestions here! Sorry this post is so long, too!!</p>

55

<p>I agree. I was a non-jock born to a jock dad. I HATED basketball, field hockey, etc. But discovered crew and never wanted to get out of the boat (lugging oars and your share of the shell not withstanding). Still love crew more than any other sport I’ve tried.</p>

<p>Trying new things is part of the appeal of a boarding school. So many “hidden treasures” with the walls that people don’t explore. Schools try to get students to look beyond what is normal in their lives and take a chance. My own D tried strapping on skates for the summer and learned to skate but quickly realized she couldn’t master the art of “stopping” so going out for the hockey team was a non-starter unless her job was to annihilate the opponents by tripping over them :slight_smile: Still, she was all grins when she was learning (and falling).</p>

<p>I also noted that Governors - which flies under the radar - built a huge new building to house the kiln for their ceramics class. My oldest would have swooned. My youngest was more interested in the new theater building with practice rooms for musicians. So for an artsy kid - that might be a good back-up school. </p>

<p>The key with many of these schools is to find the ones with a good mix of activities, cross your fingers, then love the school that loves you come March. But during a tour (or online search of facilities) seek out those things that don’t make it into the brochure. I told one family that was visiting Taft and interested in theater and film to check out the classroom called the Treehouse. Not necessarily on the tour, but a fun glimpse into the less traditional side of the school. I was blown away by the extensive gym facilities which had everything an athlete could want.</p>

<p>Also - be aware that some schools are more flexible than others. Taft, for instance, allows students to substitute volunteer work, theater, etc for one trimester of sports. And has a good mix of “thirds” teams for those wanting to explore a sport. Perfect for a non-jock.</p>

56

<ul>
<li>1, Photo Mom. Great story.</li>
</ul>

57

<p>Today I read my daughter the reply posts you’ve given since my last entry. This is because I think sometimes she believes others more than me :slight_smile: The encouragement you offered on at least considering/being willing to try team sports again has given her something to think about (or at least pretend to). I know they inspired me to encourage her to open the door a bit. Thank you. I appreciate you all.</p>

<p>Just so you know, I have written down and taken time to look at every suggestion made on this thread and that you’ve pm’d. Many of the schools I had never considered. Our list is being updated daily. I wish we lived out east and could visit all of these schools!</p>

58

<p>Just to give more details on the Concord team co-curricular requirement, new students are required to have one term of a team experience. That can include being on a varsity, JV, club, or intramural team, being in the dance company, or being in a Mainstage theatre production. Kids on JV teams often have little or no experience; the coaches are focused on learning and making the sport enjoyable. That’s not to say they don’t enjoy winning, but you won’t see a coach yelling at players for making mistakes or losing (i.e., it’s a lot different than the sports teams at my high school way back when).</p>

59

<p>Berkshire has both very competitive sport teams as well as the Ritt Kellogg Mountain Program. This Mountain program offers afternoon alternatives to traditional teams sports which include hiking, canoeing, boat building, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, winter mountaineering and more. Add this alternative to team sports with the digital art courses and it sounds like it might be a good match for your daughter. We toured Berkshire this fall and the campus is beautiful. The new science building which just opened is amazing!</p>

60

<p>The Ritt Kellogg Mountain Program is amazing, but my impression is that students aren’t allowed to do it every term while they’re there. They want kids to mix it up with sports and other activities- otherwise most kids would be doing it. And who would blame them! Chelsea1 is right- Berkshire does sound like a good match- and definitely worth exploring!</p>