<p>I think the point is...ranking based on what?<br>
I have toured many of these schools and one of them I would never in a million years send my kid to. Yet I know several people who love it there and have thrived there. The student who toured our freind transfered from one of our first choice schools. So you never know.
They vary greatly in their size. 1000+ of Andover vs. the 350 of Groton. VERY different. SPS is 200% boarding. Loomis is nearly 50% day. Again, a very different feel.<br>
Hotchkiss is beautiful, but frankly, is in the middle of NOWHERE. Others are in towns, close to cities, etc.<br>
The point is, what is important to ME is very different to what is important to others. ALL of these schools are excellent and will give the right student a great education and experience. And, as someone else pointed out - you could be horribly miserable at any one of them too. </p>
<p>You should think about what is important to you. Size, structure, saturday classes, rooms, room-mate, sports, location, etc. THEN, you will be able to rank them YOURSELF a little better. You also need to visit if possible. </p>
<p>While I disagree with D'yer's method, the point he was trying to make is a valid one. You can't base an important decision, and spend several hundred dollars of your parents' money, based on the random opinions of a group of strangers.</p>
<p>Have you looked into DA, Nelly?
It was quite nice. Perhaps a little generic but for the most part it was excellent.</p>
<p>All schools have things that others lack. Its just all based on which kind of person you are. The schools that cater to your interests will be higher on your list.
Its almost like a finger print of your preferences.
No one will think the way you do because everyone has varied priorities.</p>
<p>I just read my post from this morning...I need to NOT type early...SPS is 100% boarding, not 200%. Although, I guess you could say 200% since 100% the faculty live on campus too. LOL</p>
<p>Of course, there is no objective answer to this. The best in what? The answer that matters is what is best for you. So, perhaps you could look at what is it that you want from a boarding school? The right fit is what is the best ranking for you.</p>
<p>Exactly Shelley. And I think I was too strong when I said "never in a million years." It didn't have to do with the SCHOOL really, but more of how WE felt when we were there. Others on this board and people I know, LOVE that school and their children have gotten a wonderful education and experience. However, for us, our local public school is a better option.</p>