<p>I believe one of my students would fit perfectly at the Harkness table b/c he is intellectually curious (maybe a bit lazy b/c he's been allowed to be) and absolutely thrives off of analytical discourse. I think Exeter may be exactly what he needs to 'put his gear in motion'. </p>
<p>He is extremely bright and insightful. He's had an A avg in my class all year long and easily outshines his peers. He's doing really well in another core subject as well. This teacher and I have gotten together several times to discuss this student and the fact that he needs to be in a more challenging environment than what our public school has to offer. I think he hovers at an A/B avg in that class. However, he's extremely analytical and his thinking goes over his peer's heads and connects with ours (the adults).</p>
<p>He's a great kid with a wonderful personality and smile. However, I found in talking to him that he's not terribly active in or outside of the school.</p>
<p>During the summer I teach at a boarding school (not Exeter). He reminds me of a very intelligent student I met from Exeter last year. He's on her level of thinking. She told me about the Harkness method. I recently explored this method and the bulb came on: This is exactly the type of environment this child needs! To be around equally intelligent students would be great for him. He's complained to me that he finds his classmates a bit "dull". I wonder if he needs to be in a more competitive environment.</p>
<p>Before speaking to his mother about Exeter, however, I reviewed his records and found that he's struggled academically in the past. I would've never known!</p>
<p>I recently ordered materials to pass along to his mother. However, as I read this site, I wonder if this school may be a fit for him after all. </p>
<p>Your thoughts?</p>
<p>Kasey1971- Most boarding schools I know use the Harkness method/Harkness table in their English/History/Religion/etc classes. Exeter uses it in its math classes as well I think, or some version of it. You may want to suggest a range of schools for your student to look at!</p>
<p>Lawrenceville is another school which uses the Harkness method.</p>
<p>Actually, I think if you search “Harkness” on this site you will get a lot more information. I’ve sat in on a few classes over many years of school visits and “Parents Weekends” and it is a powerful teaching tool. The students have to be prepared or it will be very obvious during the discussion where everyone has to participate- you are not allowed to “sit out” or take a pass.</p>
<p>Smaller classes, devoted teachers, 90% of the kids really want to be there (some don’t, but that’s life), lots of room to explore new ideas and talents…yeah, boarding school is a great fit for a kid who is a bit of an intellectual square peg. </p>
<p>Investigate (or encourage the mom to) the Eight Schools Association. Many people think these are the top tier. Exeter is one of them.</p>
<p>But don’t forget to weigh the emotional side of Boarding School. Everyone in the family must be on board (so to speak) for it to work well. </p>
<p>You sound like you’d write a great recommendation!</p>
<p>It’s possible that his ‘struggle’ with academics in the past was due to being extremely bored. Some very gifted kids do poorly in school if it doesn’t hold their interest or if they don’t see the point or value in getting good grades. I don’t know if that’s the case with this student, but my point is that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a stumbling block depending on what was really going on.</p>
<p>Also, I concur that he might be inspired at any number of boarding schools. You might also point him toward cty.jhu.edu or Duke TIP, both being organizations that offer programs and resources for gifted students.</p>
<p>I posted on your other thread. I feel for you - but there are a number of students who might be considered to fit the profile in terms of circumstances who are also competing against your student and - despite limited offerings at school and an often unsupportive family - have gone on to find amazing ways to assert themselves. Volunteer work, hobbies, scouting, etc.</p>
<p>Why the focus on Exeter (which is one of the toughest schools to get into)?</p>
<p>Is your student a fit intellectually? Maybe. Will his stats make him a contender? Doubtful. I would broaden your search and cast a wider net. Unfortunately, he’ll be competing against other urban and rural students who live in equally limited environments and have found ways to surpass them. Some schools do take into account future “potential” but lately Exeter isn’t one of them because the pool is so large.</p>
<p>There are many boarding schools where your student can stretch himself. Or - if he’s young enough, then focus on getting a second year of straight A’s under his belt so he can prove he’s moved past his difficult academic years.</p>