Seeking info on a good school for a creative kid with math LD

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<p>Hello fellow CC parents! This one's for a friend whose dd is a quite bright, slightly underachieving, extremely creative (esp. writing and theater) non-mathy in the extreme, freshman. She is currently in a bs that she is not sure is the best fit, and is considering her options, and is looking for recommendations, war stories, BTDT, etc. from parents of kids who are in a similar situation. The priority would be to find a school where there is academic challenge but the focus is not on STEM per se, and where there is support for mild LD -- ideally, not social issues, solely learning. We'd bandied about George, and Brewster, and a few others but I seek the collective wisdom so I can pass it on.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>Hi @girlgeekmom! Brewster is wonderful but your friend should also check out Forman. I’ve heard a lot of great things about both schools:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.formanschool.org/”>http://www.formanschool.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Proctor.</p>

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<p>Here’s a couple links. New Hampton School has a great theatre program (Watch this <a href=“https://www.newhampton.org/podium/default.aspx?t=155303”>https://www.newhampton.org/podium/default.aspx?t=155303&lt;/a&gt;) and the Academic Support Program is moving into a restored space this fall: (Watch Video) <a href=“Academic Support Program | New Hampton School in New England”>https://www.newhampton.org/asp&lt;/a&gt; </p>

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<p>Cambridge School of Weston - very creative school, small boarding program (25%).</p>

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<p>I asked my George School junior girl who thought they should look at it. She loves the theater program, there is a learning specialist who can give LD support, she feels the IB program tilts towards humanities (and plenty of kids don’t do IB).</p>

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<p>Thank you all for these - keep those cards and letters – and suggestions – coming!</p>

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<p>@Photomom, a quickie… do you have firsthand experience with Brewster (or know someone who does)? Just curious what makes it wonderful, if there are any standout features… or ??? Thanks!</p>

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<p>My daughter is going to attend Solebury school this fall. They have huge academic support prgm in place. My daughter has a mild learning difference (processing and executive functioning which makes Math hard for her but she does well in it). We also applied to George but got WL (needed FA). I wish I could tell you how her experience has been with Solebury but that won’t happen until the fall. GL!</p>

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<p>Thanks NYCMom - Solebury looks really interesting. </p>

<p>Here’s my update. I had a lengthy discussion with my friend last night, and we actually went through some of the websites of schools suggested here, and one or two from BSR. My friend has another DC in boarding school in NY state, and for reasons of geography, has ruled out all PA and southern NJ schools (sadly, IMO, because there are some great ones that would fit the bill, but it makes sense logistically). She has narrowed it down to about half a dozen to consider, with Brewster high on the list. </p>

<p>As they say, “my work here is done.” But I think this is a valuable thread, and hope it will be kept going without consideration for geography! I love these boards and the advice from fellow parents is invaluable. Thank you.</p>

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<p>@girlgeekmom- Sorry- I was away from my computer today. So a little background: My friend’s son was denied at every school he applied to. They were away on vacation M10 (three years ago) and had a house sitter open the letters over the phone. Can you even imagine. Anyway, after a frantic call to an EC, they set up a Skype interview the next day with Brewster and when they returned home the following week they received the happy news he was accepted. They didn’t know anything about the school except what the EC told them. Again, can you even imagine. </p>

<p>Her son has had an amazing three years there and was accepted to a fine college. He needed support for mild LD and the school was on top of everything from the moment he arrived. They took great care to structure everything so he would be successful. She said he felt challenged but never overwhelmed. When she dropped him off for the first time, she posted photos of the campus on FB and my jaw nearly hit the floor. What a stunning campus! Sign me up.</p>

<p>So, I would say that their leap of faith turned out very well! Her son had an amazing time there and from what I gather, they’re very sad to see it all come to an end. </p>

<p>Best of luck to your friend and her daughter!!</p>

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<p>Both Chimneykids fit this profile and Chimneykid2 could be in the 2015 cycle so keep those suggestions coming! We will definitely look at George and Brewster. She looked at Proctor with Chimneykid1 and loved it as well but may want a bigger school. </p>

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<p>THanks PhotoMom and Chimney! I know my friend is looking at Brewster and a couple of others. I’ve only been on Brewster’s website, but it does look stunning. I’ll know more in a few weeks ;)</p>

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<p>Just looked at Brewster and kicking myself that I didn’t know about it for Chimneykid1 who is happy at her current school but might have been a perfect fit at Brewster. Thanks for the tip! Will add to Chimneykid 2s list.</p>

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<p>Look at Pennington. They have a great learning center and would certainly help with your daughter’s LD.</p>