<p>Hi, we need help quickly!!! My son is not sure if he wants a smaller BS (ie Westminster, GA and Salisbury) Any info on the strengths and weaknesses of small programs and these schools in particular would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Has he visited the schools? He may have a different reaction after a visit. My son goes to a school with 440 students, so it's somewhat larger than the schools you are considering. So far, this size has been good. He knows all the students plus many of the faculty & administrators. He has friends in different grades. The Headmaster knows who he is. As a parent, I like the fact that there are many adults who know him and keep an eye on him. So far so good. There are 2 negatives that might happen: 1. As a Senior, he might want a larger school. 2. As he progresses, he may not have some of the courses he would like. So far these have not been issues, and they may never become issues. </p>
<p>I hear that Westminster does a great job watching the students. GA & Salisbury might also, I just don't know people with students there.</p>
<p>Good question. How big is the school he goes to now?<br>
We are primarily looking at the "smaller" schools (although Loomis, DA and SPS have made it on the list but none they are the biggest). Some of the reasons is that we - my son included - don't want him to be able to "get lost." We all want exactly what Burb said - a place with what I call the "cheers effect" (only recognized by those of us a little "older") - you know it's <em>sing it</em> ... "where everybody knows your name...."
Where he can't "hide" in annoynominity. </p>
<p>What we are looking at, and I know you are too, is the course offerings. I know that my son won't "math out" at any of the smaller schools and in the other classes, they all have classes that will challenge him throughout his years there. The larger do have more choices. SPS have Japanese (his first choice in language) and more extensive in science, but he will be challenged at any of the schools. </p>
<p>After a rambeling...I think you need to visit if you can, at least one. I'd say Salisbury since you went to Avon it might be a good comparison.</p>
<p>I wanted to add a little info to this thread. We visited 2 school this week. One was large and one was a small school. Once he visited, the small size didn't matter. he actually liked both schools alot. Just reinforces that you have to visit to get a feel for the school.</p>
<p>I know that strength of the athletic program is important to you; I feel that at a very small school you might be losing something in that department. Even if the particular school has a strong program, opponents might be weak.</p>
<p>But keep in mind that some small schools have certain athletic programs that are extremely strong--South Kent has an amazing basketball team and hockey team.</p>
<p>Interestingly enough, it was the small school of the last two we visited that was really strong in sports. We've also been having discussions about not getting much playing time at one of the super competetive programs. He is only in 8th grade, who knows if he will be DI contender as a senior. He also could get injured. I want to be sure that he applies to schools that can meet his academic and social needs. It is easy for my s to get caught up in the excitement of the sport(s)...</p>
<p>"But keep in mind that some small schools have certain athletic programs that are extremely strong--South Kent has an amazing basketball team and hockey team."</p>
<p>Right, but it is also important to compete against solid competitors. You can't grow as an athlete if your only play is against inferior teams. </p>
<p>warriorboy....you have a good point about playing time, but it would probably serve your son well to play jv as a freshman at a larger, more competitive school. He would get lots of playing time while being groomed for Varsity. You are right that lots could happen, but in a sport like lacrosse, you have a good idea whether or not D1 potential is there by the freshman year. Heck, you have to start the recruiting process in your sophomore year, so you'd better have an idea.</p>