<p>I recognize that there are some boarding schools that are good at everything. I don't think that my son, who is very gifted in math and science, but is only an above average humanities student, will gain admission into Exeter or Andover. Is there a specific "2nd Tier" school that may not be as competitive for admission that excels in math/science/robotics/computer science education? I was intrigued by the pre-engineering program at Kent and the Science program at Choate, for example. Anything else like these out there at less competitive schools? His SSATs are around 80% (90th percentiles in quantitative dragged down by 60th percentiles in verbal and writing). Same goes for his grades - all A's in math and science, Bs in other subjects.</p>
<p>Any help finding the right school for him is appreciated. He spent the summer at access exeter and now really wants to go away for school.</p>
<p>You might want to look into whether your state has a public math & science boarding school program for kids who excel in math and science. To them a less than stellar score in the humanities is not an issue; it is the norm. We live in North Carolina, and our state created the first school of that type in the country. Many other states have now followed suit. The other attractive feature is that these schools are free, free, free, and some even offer free tuition to the state’s flagship university. </p>
<p>Thanks ISpy - I think that he is looking for the true boarding school experience. From what I gather, Kent might be a good fit for him with their pre-engineering/robotics program. I think that he might have a good shot there. Are there any other schools with this type of program? </p>
<p>Peddie School in NJ has a good science program and a newer Science building and facilities. It has a good program in Bio, Chem, and Phys, not sure about robotics.</p>
<p>Concord has an excellent science department, with many electives including engineering. It also has a computer science department and an active engineering club. However, as with many of the above suggestions, it also has a very strong humanities program, so it may or may not be what you’re looking for. The average SSAT last year was 82%.</p>
<p>Peddie School in NJ has a good science program and a newer Science building and facilities. It has a good program in Bio, Chem, and Phys, not sure about robotics.</p>
<p>Berkshire is a prime example of why the “tier” system used on CC is just a tad flawed ( and completely ludicrous to some people). Who can look at the video on their HP and say this school is a compromise or can’t be compared to the usual suspects? </p>
<p>Just venting- not directed at OP or anyone in particular. Berkshire is only one example but it clearly illustrates why I think Big School obsession is nuts. I think if applicants do their research they’ll find many, many more schools like Berkshire that will take their breath away . </p>
<p>I used to be on a virtual crusade to get people to think outside the “most famous names”, but eventually gave up…tired of facing wave after wave of prospective applicants/parents who were focused on all but the most “household name” of the BS schools. Oftentimes failing to consider if A) a given school was a good fit for the kid and B) if the kid had a better than average shot at getting in to one of these schools — which are generally among the most selective.</p>
<p>I have recounted my older daughter’s application story elsewhere, blow by blow. She was a 99%-iler on the SSAT, CTY High Honors, and was recently named a National Merit Semifinalist. I share this all to illustrate that even a “top” kid like her can get flat out rejected from the “top” schools (Choate didn’t even waitlist her) AND that even a “second tier” school can offer enough rigor for even the brightest kids.</p>
<p>My daughter went to a summer camp at Berkshire and the campus is lovely. The science center was under construction but looked impressive. And…her dorm had air conditioning.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the feedback and advice. We will definitely check out Berkshire – been recommended on several fronts. Already looking at Peddie and Deerfield as well. We passed on Groton but may take another look…</p>
<p>@ SevenDad above – I have heard this message about “name” schools loud and clear, but as I learn more about schools, I haven’t found that there is such parity that any one of dozens of schools would work for my child or for the others I know applying this year. It may be that there are obvious reasons that students focus on particular schools and those reasons might <em>correlate</em> with big-name schools, but are separate and the driving factor. Essentially, I think I give far more credit to parents and students looking for the right fit and because the big-name schools have a <em>lot</em> to offer, often that right fit ends up at a big name school.</p>
<p>For example, Berkshire (great video!) and SAS offer little math beyond calculus. Many kids are advanced enough (even locally, let alone looking across the world!) that calculus is done before high school, so these schools would be poor fits academically, at least in math and sometimes in other subjects as well. The kids may be applying to Exeter and Andover, but the driving motivation is having enough math left to take in high school, not a name brand at all.</p>
<p>Imagine a highly gifted math kid who will be IMO competitive in high school. Such a kid is not just a 99% scorer on grade level tests, but also 99th or higher on out-of-level tests, perfect SAT scores in middle school or elementary, and qualifying for AIME in elementary, fabulous AMC10 or 12 scores even in elementary. If a kid like that applies to Exeter (and again, I know many such kids just locally in public schools), it isn’t about the name but about the math and having math peers. For kids looking for higher level IMO training or high-level college math courses, I’m aware of few schools who can meet that need. And that kid might not get into Exeter as odds are slim for all applicants, but that doesn’t mean that casting a wider net is appropriate unless the other schools can really meet the math need. Since the math example could be extended to any subject as well as particular sport choices, particular music needs, etc., then I suspect many kids seeking fit end up looking at larger big-name schools because those specific needs could be met more easily.</p>
<p>I’d be really interested in other schools’ approach to kids who have those needs. If a kid needs post-AP courses in a variety of subjects, are there really that many boarding schools that would be great fits? Based on course catalogs, I don’t see that many. Do these schools really just put together individualized courses for kids who need them? For the other things – the resources, social growth, opportunities to stretch and grow in new activities, sports opportunities, etc., – there are amazing options at many schools.</p>
<p>An admissions person did say to us once, large schools can admit specialists, while small schools need generalists. </p>
<p>I know students who have had supervised independent study at a small school. As such courses need supervision from a teacher, any parent considering a school at which that would be necessary would do well to ask each school 1) if the school has done such in the past, 2) for the names and contact information of such students and/or parents, and 3) if the school would be willing to do such things for the applicant. You might have to speak with the academic dean/dean of studies. </p>
<p>However, if your child has gone beyond calculus in a US middle school, he/she is likely to be spending a great deal of time on math. Before you consider sending your child away, you (parent) must consider other questions. </p>
<p>Would you be happy if…</p>
<p>Your child was too busy meeting the school’s standard demands (college prep curriculum, sports, sit-down dinner, volunteering, etc.) to devote extra time to math? </p>
<p>Your child decided he/she didn’t want to be a math specialist, but rather learn the electric guitar/become a ceramicist/try out for squash?</p>
<p>Your child were not placed in courses which matched your estimation of his/her abilities?</p>
<p>Your child happened not to be placed with the school’s “star” teachers? As it is, teachers retire, take sabbaticals, and change careers. </p>
<p>(While the topic is math, just substitute “specialized sport/music/EC” as appropriate.)</p>
<p>@kaibab3, Nice try, but a majority of kids at Andover and Exeter haven’t done Calculus in middle school. A lot of BSs go to Linear Algebra and Independent Math Study, so Andover and Exeter doesn’t have a lock on Math offerings. Very few IMO team members are from Andover or Exeter, most of them come from public schools. But nice to read your long post not supported by any facts but your opinion.</p>
<p>@kaibab3 > If a kid needs post-AP courses in a variety of subjects, are there really that many boarding schools that would be great fits? Based on course catalogs, I don’t see that many.</p>
<p>My D attends St. Andrew’s as a 9th grader taking Latin 3. Speaking to the classics faculty, SAS is more than happy–even eager–for her to take three more years of Latin, the equivalent of Latin 6, despite the catalog ending earlier. We also happened to met a student during revisit who was taking a Latin ‘class’ beyond the catalog. I imagine many good boarding schools take that approach in a number of subjects, but best to inquire.</p>