<p>SPS & DA are about equally rural; you need a cab to go into ‘town’ [Concord or Greenfield]. But close enough that food places will deliver. Both have gorgeous settings. SPS buildings are a little more spread out than DA’s. DA has a formal dress code [although the girls seem to get away with a lot]. DA’s food is better [actually, it is really good! But the kids take it for granted]. DA regulates/coordinates student activities more than SPS. It seems that almost every hour is somehow regulated at DA, and that’s not the case with SPS.
Athletic facilities are about the same. SPS has newer auditorium, but DA has perhaps the nicest science center in the country. Not sure if it really matters that SPS is all boarding, because the DA day students spend a lot of time in school. It might matter in terms of economics, since DA day students that live within certain boundaries pay a lot less than the regular ‘day’ tuition.
SPS competes in the ISL while DA plays in WNEPSSA. The major difference: no PG’s in the ISL. SPS is dropping ski racing while DA has one of the most competitive ski teams.
On our visits, we found DA students much friendlier. Faculty was equally friendly at both schools.
Both incredible schools, best to visit and walk around campus. SPS has an interesting setup during visits where you park in a lot then walk through a path through the trees to reach the admissions offices. For hockey players, SPS figures prominently in hockey history.</p>