I’ve decided that we need a breath of fresh air, away from the big top schools that everyone is talking about, like Andover or Exeter. Well, of course, we’ll still be applying to them, but just for a moment, can some of you guys suggest some lesser-known boarding schools with significantly lower costs, and are still overall decent?
Thank you in advance.
Lesser known schools are not associated with lower costs, so I’m not sure ho w to approach this question. If you’re looking for quality schools that are not touted as much in media and marketing, there’s a hidden gem thread on the forum.
If you’re looking for “bargain” schools, I’m not sure where you’d find this.
As noted by @buuzn03, there is an older thread called “Hidden Gems” or look for those key words. Area you focusing only on the New England region? If so, you may want to broaden your search to other areas of the country. I am not really sure why you are focusing just on those 2 schools, initially. Have you visited any schools?
To be helpful, you may want to also determine if your student desires are large school or smaller school feel. Also, do consider single-gender schools because they often have many FA options and awards - in addition to offering exceptional educational, athletics, PA and student life experiences for students.
Agree — those are two different criteria that don’t correlate. However — If you are looking for lower cost, you can run a search on that on boardingschooreview. FWIW Andover and Exeter are among the lowest cost mainstream schools (including the “hidden gems”). So “going down a tier” (for lack if if a better description) won’t lower tuition. However I once did a search for the lower cost schools and there were a bunch of interesting options out there but none that are really discussed here and none that fit what we were looking for (so I don’t have any recommendations off the top of my head).
Search “hidden gems” and you’ll see lots of discussion on those here and then search lowest cost boarding schools online (outside of CC) and you’ll get another set of schools. Maybe somewhere in there you’ll find crossover?
Thanks! In reality, I stated Andover and Exeter just as examples of what everyone is onto. Anyways, I’ll check out the Hidden Gems!
I’m a 3G BS alum with three 4G BS alum kids who also went to JBS ( Two CC " Top Five " school kids and One CC "Hidden Gem " kid who chose his school over two CC “Top Five” schools ) and I didn’t see much difference between schools or college outcomes for my kids or any other kid for that matter.
You can base your apps and choose your schools based on perceived prestige, “tiers”, rankings, or even solely on one stellar SSAT , but personally, I think that’s akin to throwing darts blindfolded and it shows a lack of research. TBH- it’s not a very strategic recipe for success either.
If certain schools are known for their large endowments and generous FA, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the school is better or the caliber of applicants are smarter ( see above ) or somehow more savvy or stellar than the kids applying to other schools rarely mentioned here.
It means that those schools are getting a TON of traffic - it’s almost like how people behave when the lottery reaches a certain amount- and it’s not a very wise strategy because you’re placing yourself in ridiculously competitive (cattle call) pools when you could branch out and have the best of all worlds without compromising a thing- with or without FA!
If you have only one shot ( two tops, but I’ve seen three! ), why would you limit yourself to only a select group of schools on CC, if you want to go and get a world class education and have an amazing SS experience? With so many wonderful boarding schools to choose from… I sincerely don’t get it- never have!
Past CC Acceptance threads don’t quite capture the carnage for people applying to only a select group of schools , but the WL thread does. Read it, and if you need to, adjust your apply- to list accordingly now .
Also- I won’t repeat what I wrote on the Freak Out thread yesterday here, but I think all applicants should read it and take it to heart. If I didn’t think it was timely ( with deadlines looming ) or important, I wouldn’t have ( briefly ) come out of retirement and give everyone a heads up.
All the best and carry on! Happy Holidays!! 