(Yes! A very particular vibe… no ties and jackets, no preppy anything, teachers are on a first name basis.) It’s the un cola of boarding schools. Good luck!
If I were going to boarding school, I’d go to Putney. Sigh…
I would second the positive comments about NMH. My son was accepted there and a couple of other places. In the end it came down to 2 place, NMH and the place he’s attending. I would have been happy with either choice. NMH is a terrific school in many ways and worth careful consideration.
Definitely add Cate (and Thacher) to your list for a fantastic and well-integrated outdoor program. I also agree that NMH is with looking into given those interests. I know a few kids at Middlesex currently, and they are very sporty, but it sounds like an inclusive and tight community. FWIW all of them feel that the academics are quite intense - maybe more than they expected? I also agree with a comment earlier about any of these interests - be sure to ask the schools (and students) specifically HOW participation would play out. Is it required? Part of the curriculum? An activity that’s offered rarely? A club? Etc etc etc.
Mercersburg has robust outdoor education and theater programs and a warm and nurturing community. It might be worth a look. Probably no Nordic skiing, but there is downhill.