Our son is considering Avon Old Farms but it’s hard to find much information on here about it. Are there any parents or students on here we can ask questions of?
I am neither, but I live not far from the school, and know a number of families who have sent their boys there. All speak very very highly of the experience.
Thank you!
I am a current parent. What questions do you have?
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Our son is a big athlete (football) entering the 9th grade and we enjoyed our tour of the school. Can you tell us a little more about the academic side of things and the culture? What do you think are the pros / cons of the school?
Thank you
My son graduated AOF ‘23 and loved it.
Football coach is awesome. He is really taking that program to the next level. And a good guy too.
The academics are broader than at some of the elite schools. There are lots of AP courses for those who seek the most rigor, but there are also standard classes for those who might be somewhat less academically inclined - this is relative of course, it’s still a college prep school. The math offerings get pretty advanced for the handful of boys who are so inclined. What we loved is that it allows the boys to have balance - take the advanced class in the subject they love but a standard class in another. There’s a decent amount of work, but it’s not overwhelming - it’s meant to be completed in study hall plus free periods. Boys work hard but have time to pursue their other interests - sports, music, arts, clubs, etc. - and still have time to hang w their friends or whatever.
Happy to answer any other questions.
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My son also plays football and has had a great experience so far, in case you have any questions about that.
Academically, they have a range of classes to fit everyone. My son has been challenged (he is taking a mix of honors and regular classes as this is his first year). They also have enrichment most nights (which is essentially teacher office hours where you can go for extra help) in addition to required study hall and it is strongly encouraged to attend.
Culturally, they preach the brotherhood (I’m sure they told you about that during the tour) and it is very much real. The boys are very supportive of each other-- it is not a cutthroat environment at all. For example-- yesterday they bussed the entire school to Westminster for the annual AOF-Westminster hockey game. They do that for many of the big games-- they did fan busses for the Choate, Loomis, & Cheshire football games this year.
Pros & Cons-- I’d say the pros are the strong school culture and school spirit, academics are challenging but not cutthroat, most sports are very strong, and the boys are also very respectful. There are also lots of options for getting involved outside of sports.
Cons are the campus is not walkable to anything (though the school does a good job at keeping the boys busy on the weekends with activities both on and off campus). The all boys aspect can be a con-- the socials with the girls schools can be hit or miss, so my son doesn’t go to all of them. Most sports run year round to an extent-- so some days can be very long as they work around the class and winter sports schedule.
Overall, we are very happy here. Before we applied, my son attended classes there for the day and then had his interview after. It was really helpful.
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I’m going to add that we found the teachers incredibly supportive and helpful. They go out of their way to be available during extra help and at other times. Their Learning Center is great as well.
Con - The athlete culture does seem to dominate. I don’t know what it’s like for those boys who are really not athletes. There are many of them, just hard to judge what it looks like from their POV.
That said - I loved the fact that some of the best athletes were also excellent artists or singers and the students all support that.
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