Hello Everyone!
New to and intrigued by the boarding school process, I am hoping for those who have insight to enlighten and educate me on how a boarding schools location may influence its political view and/or worldview. For instance the Mecca of most sought after boarding schools seem to be in New England which is dominant to democratic states. While other very good yet less spoken about on this forum schools - like Western Reserve (Ohio) Cranbrook (MI) Hockaday (TX) are, according state partisan composition, republican states. How much do you (by opinion or knowledge) believe this plays into how conservative or liberal each school actually is? Though I understand the worldview of evangelical Christians maybe seen as republican (although definitely not always the case), and many of these schools started off with a religious focus that has changed, does that change now also influence the religious world view of students that attend? This question is posed as we excitedly await for March D-day 2016 for my DD!
Correction: I believe Michigan is considered Democratic now. If that makes any difference.
I’d venture that location may make some difference as teachers and administrators have to live in these communities, and the schools are more likely to draw from the local area for students. With that said, the two BS closest to our home could not be more politically different. And even then, there are several families with children at both.
As for the religious influence, it depends on how strongly the school makes that part of its mission. The Friends schools in the PA area, for example, don’t care what the religious backgrounds of the kids are but operate in a way that’s consistent with Friends values (which many consider to be liberal). Overall, this is more related to each school and its history than its location.
@gardenstategal I’m also a garden state lady and I agree. I know some schools are specific in their mission while others have changed course to embrace all students or for whatever reason. Having applied to bs in different areas, I do see a conservative manner in some and very liberal in others location may play a part. Curious to know if others see it as well. All have been great schools and have a vibe all therir own.