Hi. My son was just accepted at Deerfield - yay! He currently attends a public school where he has a 4.0 with mostly honors classes. However, his workload really isn’t tremendous - if he has more than an hour on any given night, I’m surprised. Can anyone comment on transitioning from public school to Deerfield’s rigorous curriculum? Also, do the teachers encourage extra help and developing relationships outside of the class? My son may be outgoing when playing sports, but shy when it comes to asking for help in the classroom - typical boy I guess! Thanks!
My daughter did the same transition with similar circumstances. I think most BS look at the first fall as sort of an orientation and help with adjustments in workload, organization, and the like. The teachers are really accessible and will makes themselves available during study hall any night. Her grades have been very good.
Thanks so much. I assumed this would hopefully be the case, but good to hear from someone who has gone through it! I know he is definitely ready for more work - and hopefully more interesting classes - but a little adjustment time sounds great!
MAandMEmom - just wondering, is your daughter at DA or another BS?
Yes she is a first year 9th grader at Deerfield.
Aside from the transition is she happy? Any complaints? I’ve heard it is different for boys/girls. It’s been my son’s dream school since he was about 8 so I was thrilled that it lived up to his expectations once we finally got there. Everyone was super nice and welcoming - coaches have been amazing, kids have been really friendly. I’m excited for him to get back to revisit day.
Absolutely no complaints at all and she loves everything about Deerfield. We’ve discussed the girl vs. boy experience at Deerfield because of things I’ve read here (and knowing they were very late to co-education) but she hasn’t reported any issues. Its probably like this at all schools but the students (at least the ones I’ve met) are super engaging and friendly.
Thank you so much for your input! 
Hi, Deerfield is my DD top choice at this point, she has three revisits coming up to really determine. I’m a little nervous as well about the workload. She is a 4.0 student in honors classes as well at LPS but she really works hard for that and is up studying well into the night. Does Deerfield have extra help if students need it?
Also, with the formal dress, what do the girls wear? We’ve looked up the dress code, I was just wondering do you have to buy a ton of cardigan sweaters before you attend? What type of shoes and/or boots do the girls wear? My DD is very sporty so she mostly wears leggings or jeans and for shoes…Vans, Ugg moccasins and LL Bean boots. When my daughter and I have talked about dress, I don’t think she realizes how preppy BS school( or maybe My perception is wrong) She said as long as it’s JCrew preppy we are fine but if it goes in VIneyard Vines preppy, you’ve lost me, ha! I guess just wondering about culture too. She’s outgoing, friendly, hardworking, and very sporty so I don’t think she will have problems making friends or fitting in. Deerfield was her top choice but going to other revisits to make absolute sure.
Deerfield does have peer tutors and faculty are super accessible; however, I’m certain your DD will be fine. My daughter (a freshman) also transitioned to Deerfield from a LPS and she’s doing well.
Academic dress is pretty easy for girls. No leggings or blue jeans during the day but colored jeans or khakis are very popular. Bean boots seem to be a staple as are white sporty speakers, even with dresses. My daughter has a couple of cardigan sweaters so no need to buy a bunch of them. Take a look on revisit day and you’ll get a great idea of dress for girls. I think the girls tend to dress in layers as the spring approaches pairing a skirt, short and sweater set. I’m happy to chat in a private message if you have additional questions.
Thanks, I’m glad to hear colored jeans are okay. We are already looking around for possible clothes to meet the dress code.
Deerfield is her number one choice and we may cancel the other revisits after Deerfields. She is over the top excited about this next phase and she is going in as a repeat sophomore so she will be in your daughters class.
I hadn’t heard about any different boy/girl experience as the above poster alluded to, is it more of an old boys club at Deerfield? I realize they went coed late, is it an issue?
I’m not sure how to PM
@biofly while Deerfield was definitely late (latest maybe??) to co-education, I think they are doing a good job balancing the genders (actually all genders are they are super inclusive imho). Your DD won’t get to experience it but they recently created a freshman village to promote healthy relationships among the entire class. I do know that Deerfield take great care in placing new sophomores in housing so your daughter will have a great experience. My daughter has not expressed any old boys’ club sentiment at all.
@biofly As someone who might be considered in that “Older boy club” at DA (Junior boy, varsity athlete) I can speak more honestly on the girl / boy split at DA.
Firstly, there isn’t one. I don’t think us being late to coeducation has changed anything. I have friends that I talk to regularly from freshman girls to senior boys. Personality takes priority over any “grouping characteristics.”
Deerfield is great. feel free to PM me with any questions.