@GoatMama and others - thanks. Could you also talk about 9th grade Physics- there was a post a few years ago about it on CC, but would like to know a bit more… does every 9th grader take the same physics course? Is there any prep one can do over the summer? Is there a video based course along with it? Is it conceptual or is Algebra I enough for the course?
All Third Formers take the same Physics First course. (Those who come to SPS later, in the Fourth or the Fifth Form, and have taken biology rather than physics in 9th grade, take Advanced Physics in Fifth Form.) Physics First is a non-math based course that introduces concepts, so it doesn’t matter than much what level of math your child is in. I am not sure what prep one could do in the summer. I personally wouldn’t worry about physics during the summer.
My daughter’s teacher was fantastic and she thoroughly enjoyed the class, which doesn’t mean her grades were fantastic… She aced some chapters and struggled through others. Her teacher did assign Khan Academy videos to supplement the textbook. I’m not sure if all teachers did that. In our SPS experience so far, seeking help is the key, and the teachers are always available to offer extra help. One thing that I feel my child has learned is to proactively seek help and advocate for herself. This isn’t something that comes easy to her, so she has come a long way.
@sunnysky7 I had the same doubts and concerns a couple of years ago. My daughter chose SPS over the 5 other competitive schools that accepted her. I told her to trust her instincts and that trust turned out to be true. I admit, I was a bit dazzled by some other schools (e.g. PA) but she felt a sense of family at SPS that wasn’t apparent anywhere else. Whether at a LPS or boarding school, all sorts of things can and do happen. In a way, I think the events of the past have resulted in a stronger and more vigilant SPS community. There is a sincere sense of duty to heighten awareness with a call to examine one’s own beliefs and behaviors. This focus on “living in community” will serve all the students well as they transition to adulthood.
I am a parent of a senior girl. Below are brief answers to your questions form our own experience.
- How safe girls are at the school
As safe as in any other boarding school, maybe even safer since the school enforce a lot of safety policies and the whole community is more vigilant than before.
- Is admin still a problem for parents when a issue is raised We personally have never had an issue with the administration. My DD sometimes needs to leave campus for several days for competitions or seminars , the teachers and the deans have always been supportive and flexible.
- Are parents still coping with teacher’s behaviours eg poster mentioned a coach on this thread. We've never had an issue with any teacher or any coach.
- Locks on dorm doors for prevention of theft? Actually I never heard my DD mentioned any theft.
Our question was really a bottom line and very specific question to SPS parents: “ Would you, looking back, opted for a school other than SPS?
No，SPS is the best fit for my DD and DD is happy there. I once thought we should choose PA when the scandal was out in the summer before my DD started her 3rd form. But I was relaxed when I saw how the school administration handled the national attention caused by the scandal and how the safety policies were enforced.
I am very satisfied with the academic freedom that the school provides to my DD which allows her to achieve to her greatest potential. Also, whenever my DD talked about the great teachers and students she met at SPS, it just makes me smile. There are some people out there are not that nice, but my DD learned how to choose her friend circle and that is a valuable lesson for her which is not bad at all.
I hope this helps.
I just had chance to read through previous pages. I am shocked and feel sorry for cooperboom’s daughter. Good luck to her at her new school.
Any feedback on the revisits yesterday / today?
Great day ; wish we had opportunity to ask teachers questions.
Cooperboom, where is your DD going next year?
@sunnysky7 I found the teachers responsive by email (although it might take a day or two.) Their emails can be found on the academic part of the website.
We were also at revisits Thursday-Friday. My boys loved SPS and my husband and I also feel very good about the school. @Sunnysky7 , I wonder if we got to meet you!
Did anyone get a call on the waitlist?
My child is going to SPS this fall. Where could I find the bed size in their dorm? twin or twin plus? Anybody knows? thank you!
XL Twin
https://www.sps.edu/page/Parent-FAQs
Congrats, @jminmother. Let us know if you have more questions.
Thank you very much for your reply. Do we have to buy comforter of Twin XL? Or twin/full size comforter is ok too?
They did not mention the mattress but I guess it should be provided.
Mattress is provided, but you may want to purchase a mattress topper, in addition to the mattress cover. As far as I remember, Twin size comforter can work if Twin XL is not available. The fitted sheet and mattress topper/cover need to be Twin XL though.
My kids always used a regular sized comforter and it worked fine. Many more choices that way.
+1 to the mattress cover and mattress topper. They make the bed much more comfortable as the mattress have some kind of coated covering.
The school also provides a pillow but I’d recommend getting your own as well if you are as picky about pillows as my family is.
Does such a thing even exist? Fitted sheets (and mattress covers) need to be XL because the mattress is longer, but I think twin comforters are a standard size, give or take a bit for manufacturer’s specs, and are fine for an XL bed.
“Does such a thing even exist?”
They sure do. I’m sure they come in handy for super tall people but not needed for people of more average height or those of us that like to sleep in a fetal position. 
^^I’ve never seen XL comforters, only sheets.
Field Day today! Can’t wait to see the pictures