<p>Posted this in the wrong place, reposting it here.</p>
<p>I'm considering applying to both of these schools (NMH and SPS) and I am curious, what are the pros and cons of each?
I'd prefer if the format of replies would be less "one is better" and more "this is where one school falls behind the other and this is where it surpasses the other."</p>
<p>Thank you in advance for your opinions!</p>
<p>St. Paul’s (In my opinion) has one of the best music dept. of all the New England boarding school. Their choir is absolutely amazing. Their organ looks awesome. If you’re into music, St. Paul’s would be the obvious choice.</p>
<p>NMH, from what I’ve heard on this site, is probably the most liberal New England boarding school. Not to say that other New England boarding schools are raving conservatives, but NMH is known for being really liberal. Something to consider if you’re conservative.</p>
<p>I really liked the academics at St. Paul’s. I really like how they combine English and History into one class (Humanities). Also, I loved their quirky language offerings (Greek, Japanese, etc) and some of their other interesting courses they offered (Robotics, Practical Politics). The academics at St. Paul’s really stuck out to me.</p>
<p>NMH has its own “working farm” where students grow food organically. It’s part of a work program, where every student has to have a “job;” whether that be giving new students a tour, or growing tomatoes on the farm.</p>
<p>Both are excellent schools, and you should find out which one you feel is a better “fit” for you. Good luck, and if you have any questions PM me.</p>
<p>Hi jumperchick,</p>
<p>I’m a young NMH alum, so I feel I can honestly weigh in on your question here. There are four primary components that make up a boarding schools that I’ll address specifically for Northfield Mount Hermon: academics, athletics, music, and overall feel.</p>
<p>I’m going to start with the overall feel because I think the difference in atmosphere between SPS and NMH really informs the rest of their characteristics. As the poster above hinted at, NMH is a “liberal” school. I’d say that’s a fair description, though I would not say that NMH is any more politically liberal than, say, Andover. I didn’t attend SPS so I can’t speak to the political climate there. In terms of school policies, however, NMH is certainly not any more liberal than its peers in the Eight School Association (ESA). The only difference between NMH and its peers is the dress code (though recently the administration has pulled back a bit). At NMH, you can wear denim – and you certainly don’t have to wear a collared shirt if you don’t feel like it. I believe SPS has a dress code that’s stricter. The typical student at NMH is easygoing, especially compared to students at peer schools (some of whom look like they came out of a J Crew magazine). Many teachers at NMH go by their first names, but not all. The farm is not a huge part of the school, and I never worked on it for my four years at the school. I guess it’s a quirky thing, but not really important. What is important to know about NMH is the workjob program, in which <em>all</em> students (not just those on FA like at Deerfield) work for four hours per week in various roles. It doesn’t sound glamorous – and it certainly doesn’t always feel it either – but now, after having graduated, my workjob assignments remain some of the fondest memories I have of the school. It’s really gratifying to see, for example, that the food your friends are eating in the dining hall has been prepared by you on your shift in the kitchen; and, of course, your workjob is certainly valuable in terms of summer employment, etc. Lastly on the workjob program, I’ll say that it’s a wonderfully humbling experience to work alongside staff members who are typically much worse-off. It makes them happy to work with you, and so the program brings together the whole school in such a unique way that I can’t imagine is replicable at a school like SPS without such a program. Also to consider are each school’s campuses. I’d say that the natural beauty of NMH’s campus is second to none – and I’ve been to nearly every New England prep school over the years on sports meets. It’s a truly breathtaking campus. I remember SPS being nice too (especially its library that overlooks a stunning pond), but the geographical location of NMH – the hill on which the school sits – is one of the most gorgeous scenes imaginable. </p>
<p>The arts at NMH are fantastic. I don’t think SPS is the “obvious choice” if you’re into music, especially when compared to NMH. As you may know, the Rhodes Arts Center (RAC) was just opened in 2009 at NMH. It’s a tremendous facility that houses all the arts – dance, theater, visual arts, band, orchestra, choir – so that when working within it, you feel an immediate and pressing sense of creativity. Consequently, the arts at NMH are very strong. I believe the choir this year was selected to perform at the White House over winter break, which was a big honor. Additionally, the jazz band traditionally wins top place at the regional competition (see [A</a> Jazzy Gold for Ensemble | Northfield Mount Hermon](<a href=“http://www.nmhschool.org/jazzy-gold-ensemble]A”>http://www.nmhschool.org/jazzy-gold-ensemble)). I’m sure SPS has a strong music program too, but I’d be hard-pressed to find a stronger overall arts program than NMH. </p>
<p>Athletics at NMH are open and competitive. What I mean is that they are accepting of all levels (for example, the crew and soccer teams have 3 levels – junior, junior varsity, and varsity) and compete against the top programs in New England. Both NMH and SPS are in the ESA, so you’ll have basically the same competition. Some of the top athletic programs at NMH are basketball (top 10, I believe, in the <em>nation</em>) and wrestling. Each student is required to participate in at least one interscholastic sport per year, and those who don’t want to do a traditional sport have the option of joining the outdoors team, which does things like kayaking, canoeing, hiking, etc.</p>
<p>Academics are a priority for every prep school, and especially for those in the ESA. Each school works to prepare its students to (1) get into a good college and (2) do well once they matriculate there. There’s no exception at NMH. I had some of the most challenging classes I’ve ever had at NMH, and that includes classes at my college (a T20). I imagine the teachers at NMH are the same quality you’d find at SPS. Something to consider is the religious flavor of both institutions. SPS is a Christian school, while NMH is non-denominational (though was founded by DL Moody ironically). Two years of religion is required for a diploma from NMH, and the courses are basically a survey of world religions. I never felt that the school was pushing a particular dogma, which I probably couldn’t say if I attended SPS. I’m also not Christian, so I’d personally feel uncomfortable attending a Christian school, though I’m sure there are a number of non-Christians at SPS. Another aspect is study abroad, which I feel NMH particular excels at. Take a look at their offerings, in particular the winter break trips that are led by international students which I think is an amazing perk of NMH’s rich diversity.</p>
<p>Well, that about covers it for now. Feel free to post here of backchannel me if you have anymore questions, and good luck applying!</p>
<p>@NMHStudent: Does NMH offer private lessons for music/vocal?</p>
<p>Yes, there is private study for music/voice. See [Private</a> Study | Northfield Mount Hermon](<a href=“http://www.nmhschool.org/arts-music-private-study]Private”>http://www.nmhschool.org/arts-music-private-study)</p>
<p>Thanks all for your help! It’s much appreciated. </p>
<p>I just reread the original post and realized that I may have unintentionally mislead you (I need sleep like you would not believe). I was accepted at NMH and am going there next year; someone suggested to me that I look into SPS and I was wondering whether I should apply there next year. Of course, most of My curiosity was induced from lack of sleep and I’ve no clue how that got so mashed up in the post… Oh well. Still, I’m curious now and would love to hear more about how they compare!</p>
<p>Thanks again and sorry to all who I have confused!</p>
<p>If NMH is a school where you fit well, I’d say you should stay if it feels right to you. I think it’s a poor practice to immediately apply out of a school to which you just applied and is likely to make you unpopular with your teachers as well as fellow students. If you are then unsuccessful at gaining acceptance to another highly competitive school you’ll be stuck with that taint for four years.</p>
<p>My advice for rising 9th graders who don’t get into the boarding high school of their choice is to spend a year at a junior boarding school and then apply out with all the other 9th graders. That way you will be an experienced boarder, but will also have the school and your schoolmates on your side as you apply for 10th grade.</p>
<p>Oh, no, I’m no longer considering applying to SPS next year. It would be a waste of my time IMHO. And I agree, it would be in poor taste. Again, need sleep!</p>
<p>NMHStudent: You did an excellent job describing NMH, but why bring Deerfield into it, especially since what you said is not true?</p>
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<p>Students on FA at Deerfield are not required to have a workjob.</p>
<p>They are both members of the ESA and as such are top prep schools. While NMH has the better arts program as many posters above have noted, St. P has an oustanding program as well. I would visit and stay on campus to see which school you prefer.</p>
<p>Ditto to CKSABS-having a kid at DA on a great FA package, she is not required to work. All sophomores do community service somewhere on campus.</p>
<p>Maybe it is St. Paul’s that requires the work job for financial aid recipients? I remember when we toured schools with my older son, either Exeter or St. Paul’s had that policy (this was in 1999).</p>
<p>Yikes, it would seem a negative for a school to have such an economic class distinction. It’s one thing if the student chooses to work for a extra cash or experience around the school. It’s another to require all FA students to have a workjob.</p>
<p>SPS most certainly does NOT have students receiving FA do work duty. Frankly, I would be surprised if any schools would do that. </p>
<p>Also, I want to put a plug in for the arts at SPS. Stellar in all areas and an integral part of the school’s curriculum. Although most choose not to, there are many students skilled enough to go to top conservatories and arts schools. A few decide to pursue that route every year.</p>
<p>We only visited three schools with my older son; Exeter, St. Paul’s and NMH. Either Exeter or St. Paul’s most definitely did have this requirement and we were completely put off by it. Remember, this was 1999.</p>