<p>Has anyone had experience with this boys prep boarding school in VA?</p>
<p>The girls from Mary Baldwin College's PEG program liked them the best of the prep school boys they had dances with. They were at least intelligent and fun. (Unlike some of the military school boys. Why anyone would think gifted girls going to college 2-4 years early would want to socialize with guys who in many -- NOT ALL -- cases had discipline/academic problems before being sent to military school is beyond me.)</p>
<p>Blue Ridge is not a military school. It is an all boys Episcopal college-prep school. While it is true that many of the boys came because of the small student body, individual attention and structure, I don't think "discipline/academic problems" is a fair assessment. I ruled it out for my son simply because it was too small (and he said no to the single-sex thing (been there, done that...)).
Blue Ridge was highly recommended by our educational consultant.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Blue Ridge is not a military school.
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No one ever said it was a military school.</p>
<p>Thanks, MoWC. I have been following CC for several years (S1 just finished his freshman year of college) and have some familiarity with your journey and your son's successes. I have a friend who is considering Blue Ridge for her son; they also learned about the school from an educational consultant. Their son is very bright, but has had some problems in the public school. They believe he would benefit from the small size and structured program at BRS. He seems positively predisposed to the school in great part because of the athletic opportunities; also, I think he feels ready to make a fresh start.</p>
<p>I think the parents are having a hard time reconciling themselves to the idea of sending their son to boarding school; it's not something they would have considered if his public school experience had been better. He is the oldest of three boys and I know they feel it would mean "breaking up the family". Is this something you dealt with? Thanks. -1mm</p>
<p>MoWC if you read my message I was contrasting Blue Ridge with the military schools in the area not saying it was one. I was saying the girls liked the Blue Ridge boys better. I get so tired of posting here and being misread.</p>
<p>my3girls, I understood what you wrote and meant to clarify that. Also, I would welcome anyone's input on my question in post 5. Thx.</p>
<p>my3girls- Sorry for misunderstanding. I guess I read too quickly, but if you are misunderstood a lot, perhaps the problem is on your end!</p>
<p>1moremom- Yes, it was hard to send our kids away and it was NOT something we ever expected to do. For totally different reasons, it was the absolute best choice for each of our kids. Our son was only a freshman when he first went to boarding school, but he was only 3 hours away and it all worked out pretty well. If your friends go and do a visit, the staff will answer all their concerns and they will see what a wonderful opportunity it is for their son. I would be glad to talk to them (or email) if they want some first-hand input.</p>
<p>Thanks MoWC. The family is away this week, but I will send them your post and pm you if they'd like to take you up on your offer. I know they have been able to speak with a few families about boarding school experiences, but I think more information is (almost) always better than less.</p>
<p>MofWC, 1moremom, How big is blueridge?</p>
<p>~ 150 students</p>
<p>WOW.........150 students? Personally, I prefer the smaller schools, but I wasn't thinking in terms of 150 students. Off the top of my head, I see the real beauty in this size for many types of kids. In fact, I may have thrived in such a school. I envision some very personal attention, and that imho, is very important. Thanks for the info.</p>
<p>My younger son attends a school with about 120 kids and wouldn't have it any other way. The faculty, staff and students all know each other and the school has a very warm, welcoming feel. It would be impossible for a student to get "lost in the crowd". The school is actually an alternative public school and he also has the option of hiking over to the "regular" high school (w/ >2500 kids) for classes his school is too small to offer and also for clubs and other activities. For him it has been the best of both worlds. His older brother chose the larger school, was lucky enough to find his niche immediately and thrived there.</p>
<p>1moremom, For some the smaller schools work wonders, for others a larger school is more appropriate. I guess finding where one thrives is the key.</p>