NMH,Berkshire,Suffield,Millbrook,Tabor,Blair?

Prep School Admissions
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<p>Can anyone tell me about these schools? How would you rank these academically? What is each school like? I don't mean about stuff like buildings or how people dress - that isn't important. I've searched the board, and some of the comments are pretty old.</p>

<p>Last year, my parents only allowed me to apply to boys boarding schools. I decided I didn't want that, so I stayed at our local school here in the south. I finally got my parents' okay to apply to more schools, though, and since I am young for a sophomore, I'm applying as a repeat.</p>

<p>My family is full pay but really doesn't know anything about boarding schools. I've visited and read all I can on the websites but don't have anyone I can ask. I want a school where everyone takes it seriously. It is really demoralizing when the people in my class goof off and aren't that interested. I read on this board that Tabor was laid back - someone even called it a party school - is that true? And that everyone heads out on weekends. I won't be able to go home, so that would be kind of awkward. What do boarders do on weekends at these schools?</p>

<p>One thing that worries me is that I go to a school where sports are king, and I'm not that good or totally sports minded, so I want to find a place that is more accepting of all types. I am into performing arts (theater and music), and that is not valued at our school. When I look at some of these schools on Facebook, it is all about sports. A total math/science school would not be good either (Berkshire?). </p>

<p>Please feel free to PM or email me if you want. Now that I finally have my parents on board, I need to make the most of this.</p>

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<p>Our family has some interest in these schools, too. Surprised that 141 people have read this thread and there hasn’t been an answer for you.</p>

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<p>My experience goes back a while, but for what is it worth, here are a few thoughts:
My son applied to Tabor and Millbrook and was accepted at both. He did not like Tabor, too preppy for him. I loved it. Gorgeous campus, good emphasis on academics, dress code…he was a recruited lacrosse player.</p>

<p>He liked Millbrook. I didn’t see it, but my husband did. My husband thought the campus itself was rather tired looking, but he couldn’t say enough wonderful things about all the kids he met. Engaging, poised, full of confidence and very grounded. A+++ on the kinds of kids they attract. They also have a zoo on campus which I think is endlessly cool. Good academics and teachers who seem to really care. One of the most overlooked schools in my opinion. Or best kept secrets.
Suffield: My daughter loved it. She was WL there. Very small, so somewhat hard to get in. As I remember there were 80 freshman, half were boys. So 40 girls and half were day. That leaves 20 beds. That is not very many at all. We thought my daughter was a shoe in there and then she was wl. They very nicely explained that there were several hundred applicants for very few beds. I remember that they specifically referred to the spots as “beds” which I found logical, but slightly odd.
Berkshire: My brother went there many years ago and thrived. I’ve only heard good things about it.</p>

<p>I would definitely suggest a close look at Millbrook. </p>

<p>zp</p>

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<p>My son applied last year to Suffield, Millbrook, and Berkshire, so I can say a bit about those three. By the way, he only would apply to co-ed schools!</p>

<p>Millbrook was the smallest and very rural. We liked the tour and interviewer very much. Thought the dorms were a bit “eh”. The zoo was a plus as was the new building (can’t remember what it housed–library? science?). While my son wanted a small school, I think he felt that Millbrook was a bit too small for him. He is a musician, and the size of the band was really small, though the band director was thrilled at the prospect of having a new jazz instrumentalist. The students were nice and I liked the requirement that students had to do work around campus.</p>

<p>Suffield was one of the first schools we toured and we really liked it. Nice campus and a plus that it is in a town where you can easily walk to shops and restaurants. Had a great interview there and also spent some time with the headmaster who happened to walk by while we were in the waiting room–a really nice, friendly person. The school did not seem super jock-focused; I have heard good things about their academics. My son would have been happy there. </p>

<p>Berkshire is the school we know best because that’s where my son decided to go. I think of these three, it is the most rigorous academically. There are a lot of very smart kids there who take their work very seriously. A drawback is that you can not walk to town, but there are vans that go to town on the weekends. The plus side is the magnificent setting “under the mountain”. My son plays in the jazz band which is quite good. They have several excellent singing groups as well as a small chamber orchestra. The theater department puts on a play every season, so you could do that as well. If you are more into the humanities rather than math and science, they have a new advanced humanities research program you should ask about. My son is not a star athlete and does not feel left out as a result. They have lots of neat sports there to try, like rock climbing and back country skills, and recreational skiing in the winter. My son looks at this as his chance to try all sorts of different sports that he would never have tried (or had the opportunity to try) at home. I think you can count theater as a rec sport one season, but don’t quote me on that. At any rate, my son is really happy at Berkshire.</p>

<p>I don’t think you could go wrong with any of your choices. Best of luck!</p>

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<p>Thank you for all of your comments so far. I am really looking for a place where the teachers aren’t just going through the motions. Lots of schools like to say a lot of things but since this is going to be my home away from home, I’m really hoping for a place where kids are happy and want to do great things. </p>

<p>I also really appreciate the PMs. I’m going to be at the school for years, so it helps to know how it has turned out for people who have gone through this before. Especially if the school was not what you were hoping for.</p>

<p>By the way, does the board perk up after March 10?</p>

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<p>Our daughter looked at Berkshire and Millbrook on your list. Very impressed with Berkshire but less so with Millbrook. She decided to attend St. Andrew’s in Delaware. A great small school if you want individualized attention but quite rigorous. From what I have seen most of the students there are quite happy but they are pressed academically.</p>

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<p>Cybershamrock…I hope that I am not too late in responding but I just found your thread.</p>

<p>I can tell you our experience on Blair Academy. We have two children that have graduated from Blair ('08 and '11) and both had different experiences. And our youngest is waiting to hear for the upcoming school year.</p>

<p>Blair offers such diverse activities from academics, sports, arts, theater and so on. Academics are strong with classes from Chinese language, Marine Biology to AP Classes. There is the Armstrong-Hipkiins Performance Center where musical plays, orchestra and jazz band performed. Sports offering from varsity to intramural teams which allow all level of participation. The sports facility was part of the last cpaital campaign that upgraded the football field, added tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields to the new field house that house the performance gym for the basketball teams. Teachers are caring and are a member of your family. They truly take an interest in the academic and personal growth of each students. </p>

<p>The students attend classes Monday through Saturday with Wednesday and Saturday school day ending early afternoon. On these days, the students have scheduled activities from sport games to play practices. </p>

<p>On the weekends, there are various of events that students can attend from trips to the mall, movies, restaurants. Or just hang on campus. You will be sure that a teacher is involved in all these planned activities.</p>

<p>The History Department host Skeptics with expert/prominent speakers that speaks on their expert topics. Past speakers include members of the CNN staff, to Major League Baseball staff and authors. </p>

<p>Our eldest was an achiever in academics, sports and music. Graduated in the top 5, captains in three varsity sports and a member of the orchestra and jazz band. President of a service club and prefect in the dorm. Attends one of the top twenty liberal arts college.</p>

<p>Second child was in the middle of the pack with the academics, sports and music. Played varsity sports and member of the orchestra and jazz band. Attends one of the top liberal arts school in S. Carolina. </p>

<p>As you can see from our experience, Blair is diverse in their offerings. You don’t have to be a brainiac or a jock, you will find your way there and form wonderful friendship. It is a close knit community. This word you hear a lot and will certainly have a positive experience. </p>

<p>I hope this has been helpful. I wish you all the best in your quest to fine the boarding school that will be a perfect fit for you.</p>

<p>All the Best!</p>

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<p>deezee1980 - Thanks for your informative reply. Do you know how to access Blair’s admission notification? I made a thread about this, but no one seems to know anything.</p>

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<p>I believe that Blair will send out notification on March 10. This is what I know. Sorry that I don’t have any other information.</p>

<p>Did you apply to Blair? Visit the campus? What are your thoughts on Blair?</p>

<p>All the best to you.</p>

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<p>@ballerina22 - there’s a HUGE thread on all of this which you would have found in the Prep School Admissions forum if you had actually done a search, Probs on the first or second page.</p>

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<p>Elphant - I have done many searches. However, all it says for Blair is: online at midnight (EST). No need for hostility.</p>

<p>deezee1980 - Yes, I applied to Blair. I absolutely love it! It seemed so warm and easy to fit in. I visited on that day in October that it randomly snowed, and the campus looked simply picturesque. My tour guide was so sweet, and I really felt like I “belonged” there, you know?</p>