vchipp

Our daughter is a public hs sophomore that very badly wants to transfer to a boarding school. She is not thriving in public school and we think she may do better in a different environment. She is brighter than her grades would indicate (she is generally a "b" student) - likes math and science academics, dance/rowing/track/skiing extracurricular. We are also looking for a school that would be considered nurturing and she probably wouldn't fare well in a hyper competitive environment. Wants to be within 200 miles of Boston at a school with 250-500 students. From preliminary research we have identified Cushing, Cheshire, Procter, Gould as possibilities. Any input on these schools? Would a b student that interviews well have a good chance of getting into these? Any alternative suggestions? Thanks

MJP2558

v-chip, you should consider Holderness School located in Plymouth, NH. My son is a senior sounds like your daughter. The school has the environment you are looking for, 285 students, solid acadademics and very good quality extra curriculars.

vchipp

Thanks MJP - is Holderness a bit more academically challenging that the schools I listed?

Parlabane

Millbrook, Millbrook NY

jg0339

Hi vchipp, just noticed this post! I'm going to advocate for Brooks! My daughter transferred to Brooks after her freshman year at a large suburban high school. Brooks is academically challenging without having a cut-throat atmosphere. Kids work hard, but also, faculty is readily available and there is extra support as needed. The rowing program is superb , even has a couple of rowing tanks. Also excellent opportunities abound outside of the classroom, such as "Students on the Forefront of Science" (sort of a summer internship program) and the foreign exchange programs; both SYA and Brooks programs to Kenya, Botswana, Scotland amongst other places. Kids are encouraged to shine in their own way.

shelley14

vchip, you might want to post this under the prep school parents forum. You may get more response there.

eiffel13

Haven't checked if this thread made its way to the Prep School Parents Forum
but just wanted to endorse jg0339's recommendation of Brooks. My d attended
Brooks and loved every minute of it from both an academic and sports viewpoint.
She rowed for all four years, made great friends, had terrific teachers and a wonderful advisor, and is now at at top 10 LAC. Only slight modification I would
make to jg's comments are that Forefront of Science is geared to the
very strongest science students but on the other hand strong science students
are plentiful. In addition the math department always fields a highly competitive Math League
team and as a result Brooks can be found at a high ranking every year in that
annual competition.

Vchipp, I'd encourage you to take a look. I have the feeling it might be just the
ticket for your daughter. Let us know how it goes and best of luck to you.

swmmr984

My daughter transferred to Chatham Hall as junior and it has been a wonderful experience. Very nurturing and empowering at the same time.