Middlesex vs. St. George's

I have a friend with a DS who was admitted to both, and they are having a tough time deciding. As an expat who is currently living overseas, she hasn’t heard much about the culture at these two schools. They were able to tour/interview at both, but could not come back for revisits. I told her that I’d do some research for her on this board, yet I haven’t been able to find all that much. Their son is a great, all-around kid. Athlete, well-travelled (has lived in Europe and Asia most of his life), very outgoing and mature. He’s also into Studio Art. Any thoughts? Thank you!!!

I think Middlesex sounds like it might be a better fit. My friend’s daughter attended and loved it… said it was a kind, welcoming school and she was very artistic so am assuming that Studio Art would be good there. Sorry not so specific, but maybe that little snippet of experience helps?

As to Georges, my impression is that it is a sporty, preppy kind of place. It comes by its nickname (St Gorgeous) naturally!

A nice choice for them to have!

Thanks @london203, that was my gut reaction as well.

I think SG is a warmer school. MX is probably more intense acadenically. We looked at MX for K2. This is all so subjective. BTW K1 and K2 have lived on three continents as well.

It really depends on what you want. K2 commented that she only saw one student carrying around pleasure reading at SG during her time in revist classes. K2 is a math/science kid. She also thought there was less homework that she currently gets in a very rigorous 8th grade at local day school. On leaving her initial tour she said “I like this place because the girls are wearing the clothes that I wear”. This is a real insight on fitting in and being herself.

K1 and K2 are very smart. They need a welcoming environment where they are going to be challenged with support. We think SG will be just that.

Thanks so much @stanford94! I’ll pass this along to my friend.

My friend’s daughter attended MX and loved the school community very much. She wants to go back there to teach someday. MX is intense academically and she struggled a bit at first and college admission time was very stressful because of her low grades, etc. In the end, she went to Cornell and all is well.

I totally agree about the relative academic rigor. if that is the deciding factor you have to go with Middlesex. I do think St George’s is very warm and welcoming though. Newport is also a little hard to get to if you are having to fly in and out, might be a factor if you are international…

Thanks everyone! I’m passing all of this on to my friend, and I’m putting it in storage for myself for next year, when GMCkid2 will be applying.

Providence Airport (PVD) is exactly 40 minutes away served by many airlines including SW, Delta and USAirways. You can fly nonstop from PVD to Frankfurt and Cape Verde island. Of course Boston is 90 minutes away and you can get anywhere in the world from there.