|
This is proving to be a very interesting and worthwhile thread. Even though I don't agree with everything that's posted here, I think it's interesting to get a variety of viewpoints.
One of the dangers of this forum is that it is composed of people who are applying to BS and whose focus is primarily on getting in. Because many of these schools are competative, prestigious and it very difficult to get into, it's easy to idealize them and think of them as some kind of shangrila. If I remember the etimology course I took at Choate some 30 years ago (thank you John Joseph) the word Utopia comes from a book written by Thomas Moore and is actually Latin for "nowhere". In other words, no place is perfect. Every school has it's share of jerks (both kids and teachers) and students who struggle to fit in - sometimes socially, sometimes academically, sometimes both. Moreover, the high school years are tough for everyone and it is the rare kid whose not going to feel depressed, lonely, and misunderstood at some point in time, regardless of where you're going to school.
Moreover, the elite boarding schools do have a lot of rich kids. And a lot of competative high achievers. And for a lot of kids it is difficult to adjust to no longer standing out among your classmates.
However, I do think that, for the right kid, boarding schools will offer you what few high schools can. Outstanding academics. A huge variety of extracurriculars and sports. Dedicated teachers who become a part of your life outside the classroom as well as in it. And the opportunity to establish deep and longlasting friendships with classmates who share every aspect of your life and get to really know you because you live with them 24 hours a day.
|