My DS was accepted by the lower schools of BB&N and Fay School. We are making decision on which one to choose. We look for a better overall academic education, specifically more opportunities for leadership skills, public speaking, etc. But any comments, experience sharing are welcome!
Thank you!
Can you attend revisit days? That will help a lot in your decision!
We will. They are both scheduled in the beginning of April. But wanted to get some insights before those times.
Don’t personally have experience with these schools, but I am in the Boston area and have friends who currently attend/have attended the upper schools of both Fay and BB&N. (Assuming you are also in the Boston area since BB&N is a day school). Both had great experiences, but from my understanding, here are a few downsides for Fay:
-If you plan to stay long term, BB&N goes to grade 12 while at Fay you will have to reapply for a high school at grade 9
-my friend at Fay found it hard for day students and boarders to connect, esp since boarding starts in middle school while many day students have been going since kindergarten
All in all, I am just a stranger on the internet who’s trying to remember details my friends have said to me in passing. So I would say don’t take my word for it and decide for yourself at revisit days!
I would factor in the daily commute. If you live in the suburbs, commuting to Cambridge could be a pain. Fay has a nicer campus while BBN is right next to a busy road.
I’ll preface this by saying, as a prior junior boarding school atendee, I am biased, however I do have a decent amount of knowledge on both schools.
I personally think the junior boarding school environment is unmatched, with a really supportive community and great connections, especially with the teachers, who also serve as advisors, coaches, ect.
I think BB&N is a bit less tight knit, and seems a bit more stressful from an outsiders perspective.
In terms of leadership, which it seems you prioritize, I would again say Fay would be the way to go. The whole 9th grade program means you have many chances to step up, and I felt made everyone just a bit more mature than their peers. It is really an amazing experience to be the leaders and role-models of a school, before 12th grade.
That being said, going to Fay would mean changing schools after 9th grade (I strongly suggest staying for the ninth grade program). This transition is made very easy with support from all of the staff, and a secondary school advisor, plus gives your DS a chance to get some new experiences! However, if that would not be of interest, that is definitely a downside.
Overall, I would 100% place my vote on Fay, as the junior boarding school experience (even as a day student, which I was) is truly unmatched and magical. I believe I was one of the best decisions I have made! Feel free to reach out if you want some more specific info/ answers!