Does anyone have any thoughts on these schools? I am most likely not going to be able to make it to revisits.
SAS has a very special culture.
Most boarding school educators we’ve talked to admire the school, its approach, and its head of school.
In fact, we know of at least one head of school who told their kid that SAS was the only other boarding school they could attend aside from the one where their parent worked.
Loomis is a great school.You really can’t go wrong. But there’s something very special about SAS and its leader, Tad Roach.
I would start by researching the entire site, which is a great place for resources although somewhat outdated. Also, you can ask the school to connect you with current students if you can’t go to revisits.
PS: I watched Dead Poets Society yesterday and now I’m regretting not applying to St. Andrew’s :neutral: O captain my captain!
I can only comment Loomis since I don’t have any experience with SAS.
The culture on the campus is quite something. The head of school, Shiela Culbert sets a fantastic tone on campus. IMO her personal views lean heavily towards liberal. However her personal views do not drive the schools agenda. The campus has had a wide range of external speakers from very liberal to very conservative. She encourages an open and honest dialogue among students and staff (a rare find in this heavily stratified world). It is not uncommon to hear people of very different views discussing topics in a thoughtful and respectful manner.
The majority of my sons teachers have between 5 and 15 years of experience. Teacher turn over in the last few years has been very low. He has had some excellent teachers who he has really connected with at the school. Academics are challenging. Students are competitive but mostly with themselves. He went to Loomis a self proclaimed STEM kid but has also really found a love of Latin and Ceramics (not in a million years would I have predicted that!).
The school really pushes the students to advocate for themselves. When he became a boarding student last year at the age of 14, I was naturally worried about the transition. Within 3 months he was advocating for himself, setting up meetings with teachers, fellow students and coaches all independent of my help!
Sports can be played at any level. He has played club level soccer (really an after school activity IMO), ran JV cross country and joined wrestling this year (made Varsity) having never wrestled prior. Typical wide array of options and skill levels.
I hope this helps.
1 Like
I’m sorry you can’t make re-visits… I highly recommend them for all. You get a much closer look at the culture of each school, in a more relaxed atmosphere than interview visits. That said, I’ll reach out via PM.
@new england: What percentage of Loomis Chaffee students board ?
I believe that St. Andrew’s School is 100% boarding.
Also, location may impact one’s decision as SAS is somewhat isolated.
OP: Is cost a factor in your decision ?
SAS is isolated, but only about an hour from the Philly airport…
Also: It is one of two schools that are often mentioned as having far less alcohol/drugs than peer schools.
SAS has about 311 students in grades 9-12. 100% boarding.
Loomis Chaffee has about 700 students with 70% boarding. Loomis Chaffee admits PGs in addition to grades 9-12.
Your ECs include tennis & crew.
@willmo: What is important to you (assuming that cost of attendance is similar for both schools) ?
There is a noticeable difference in attending school in New England versus in the Middle Atlantic region.
@Publisher Cost will be a factor in my decision. Academics, community service, and overall school community are important to me.
@new england I’m curious about the STEM opportunities at Loomis as the only thing that doesn’t check a box for me is a seemingly lack of CS and Engineering (comparing to some other schools)
@willmo: Based on your posts in this thread, the only recommendation that can be made on an objective basis is to go to the more affordable option. Without visiting, it is difficult for you to assess “overall school community”.
Loomis offers a several CS and Engineering courses, I can’t comment on the quality or scope as my son has not taken any of them as of yet. I would recommend looking at the course selections available in the course catalog for additional detail.
They have recently opened the Pearse Hub for Innovation (PHI).I would highly recommend checking out the PHI, it is quite impressive. Equipment currently available includes laser cutters, 3-D printers, a precision blade cutter, a CNC router, and word working equipment. The PHI classrooms and adaptable space for collaboration and creativity is a hub for project-based learning across disciplines; special programs such as robotics, design thinking, and computer science; and students who in their free time want to conceptualize, design, build, and share their ideas with the wider world.
The PHI has launched a program that will allow a select group of seniors to step away from their regular academic schedules for an entire term to immerse themselves in hands-on projects that address a pressing concern in the local community. As the program grows it is anticipated to include juniors in the near future as well.
Some of the courses offered through the PHI.
Problem Solving in Manufacturing, Society, and Entrepreneurship
This course will introduce students to the process of Design Thinking (DT) and provide them an opportunity to practice the skills involved in three different areas.
Students will learn the design-build process and gain manufacturing experience in the makerspace.
Students will design and implement a solution for a problem related to the concept of the common good.
Students will tackle a business related entrepreneurship problem for a local business.
The Science of Engineering and Design
Students will learn about and gain experience in the engineering design and manufacturing process. Students will learn the design thinking approach to problem identification, the process of creating prototypes using the tools and resources of the maker space (3-D Printer, laser cutter, breadboards, microprocessors, etc.), and prototype drafting techniques (CAD). Students will culminate the course with a presentation on a project of their own design.
We never visited Loomis, but I can tell you that SAS was one of the most diverse and welcoming communities we visited.
Our tour guide knew the name of every single groundskeeper, custodian, and kitchen worker we ran into, for example, and they knew hers! It was clear that they were considered part of the community and not the “help.” That was in sharp contrast to other schools we visited, where our tour guides ranged from pretending not to see the workers (we decided not to apply) to giving a fairly generic nod or “hi!”
OP: Since you cannot visit before matriculating, Loomis Chaffee might be the safer choice if affordable since it has more than twice the number of students (700) as does SAS (310) & it is located in a much less isolated area.
Why are bigger school “safer” choices? Not sure I understand the rationale.
Maybe a 100 percent boarding school in an isolated area plus an inclusive community and culture translates into less drugs/alcohol and happier students? Anecdotally, I’ve heard from families at several different schools that it is often the day students who bring drugs and alcohol on campus or who provide them at off campus gatherings.
@SevenDad anything to add about the SAS community, the experience of FA students there, STEM options, etc?
Also: What are the nearest major airports to each school? That might contribute to your decision, too.
SAS is about an hour from Philly, but also near the Baltimore and DC airports. Perhaps someone can fill in the distances.
I interpret safer in this context as being able to provide a bigger variety of experiences – academic, athletic, EC, etc?
FWIW, we were very into Loomis as an option. Comes across as a Goldilocks school – everything is just right. Big, but not too big. Athletic, but not too athletic. Day students, but not too many day students. Lots of supervision, but not too much of supervision. The school is isolated, but not too isolated. Traditional, but not too traditional. Their academic departments are all robust, but not one more than another. Cutting edge in pedagogy, but not too cutting edge. Community-oriented, but not too community oriented. Competitive, but not too competitive. You get the idea.
I wonder sometimes if it doesn’t get the attention it deserves because it is a well-rounded, great school, that focuses on delivering a well-rounded top-notch education rather than taking on airs. If you aren’t sure what you are looking for, I agree Loomis is a “safe” choice. You can find what you want there, whatever it may be.
1 Like
Loomis is very close to the Hartford airport – but it is also reasonable to drive to Boston or NY if you need more direct flight options.
@Publisher Yeah, I think the final decision is going to end up being heavily based on FA.