I think that bs’s generally lean liberal, California ones just do it with a California vibe. The social justice warrior (for lack of a better term, I don’t mean it as a pejorative) is probably no more of a thing in a California boarding school than a typical East Coast bs. A sjw can find a good number of like-minded folks at any of ‘em. If anything, my impression is that conservatives are in the significant minority at almost all boarding schools.
Are you asking about political leanings of the student body or approach to teaching? If it approach to teaching, what are you looking for? Living on a working farm, alternative curriculum, very artsy, very environmentally focused, different grading system? Political extracurriculars?
I see several schools mentioned here that I would consider them progressive, I don’t think I would consider them liberal and vice versa. I think OP may want to clarify the specific attributes he/she is looking for so people can make more guided suggestions.
Most schools will embrace diversity of all types, whether it be LGBTQ, race, political leanings (the Groton story was a bit disturbing- diversity and inclusion would mean all Presidents, regardless of personal views, would go on that wall and any kids who support him should not be made to feel ashamed or ousted), economic and/or cultural backgrounds…etc. I’m not sure that that culture is progressive nor liberal. I’d actually hope it is just inherent.
Progressive teaching -experiential learning vs classroom? Progressive facilities? Quaker schools in my mind are not liberal…at all. But they are unique in their core foundations based on faith and beliefs. Very good schools…but I’m not sure that that is what OP was asking.
Again, I think if we knew specifics regarding what he/she is referring to, a more streamlined list would be formulated. The schools mentioned so far are all great schools, but they are very different in many ways. And several of them I would not say are liberal (in the scheme of BS’s which, as a whole tend to be) and some are definitely more traditional than “progressive “ BS’s (BSs also tend to be, as a whole, more progressive than all other types of schools).
In general, most any BS will provide a more progressive and inclusive environment/education than public schools and many day schools.
@mommysmalls it wasn’t the thought that Groton wouldn’t put the letter up-it was the story surrounding NOT putting it up as that does not foster a community of inclusion/diversity. A lack of inclusion and diversity or acceptance of those with ALL backgrounds or beliefs is not progressive.
That was my point. And that is not a reflection of Groton, as they do foster such a diverse and inclusive environment. It was more that that story was included in a topic of progressive/liberal, and I find that story to be reflective of neither.
Again, I feel if the OP would be a bit more specific about as to what they were looking for in a school, posters would be able to streamline their suggestions and leave less to interpretation. And this may be more helpful to them (and others) in the long run.
Thank you for all of your input. Yes I see how these terms can be interpreted and applied in different ways. To try to be clearer and at the risk of being misunderstood, we are seeking schools with very strong academics, strong critical thinking, and a warm, inclusive community culture that emphasizes the inherent value of every individual, the love of learning for its own sake, and social responsibility. She would feel more at home in a community that clearly cares about, engages in discussions of, and advocates for relevant issues such as gun control, racial and sexual equality, climate action, social justice, etc. Where diversity of opinion is welcome yet an environment where she would not be a minority voice with regard to these important social issues. Probably not that much more clearly worded but hopefully more specific as to what we are seeking.
Thacher was very much that way when we visited. We sat in on their assembly and while I don’t remember the specific topic, it was very lefty Social Justice. There was also a big student posters display in the community center all about the so-called “climate crisis” with quotes from Greta Thunberg and other young activists.
Webb didn’t strike us as having the same kind of overt liberal agenda. I’m sure that most of the students and teachers do lean liberal (as would be expected at a California private school) but the chapel talk we heard was academic in nature rather than political.
We loved the letters on the wall at Groton. I remember my kid stopping before one and really thinking about it. S/he read the entire thing twice. It was written more than 100 years ago, so putting today’s liberal/conservative lens on it and trying to view it that way would take away the magic. I think the writer thought perhaps it was cool to put it in the category of today but history doesn’t work that way. In fact, most of those letters were written when no women even attended Groton ( or many BS’s)
I think @Vermontana , everything you stated (maybe with the exception of the 2nd amendment) would be the usual at any BS. All fully support diversity, inclusion etc. Some kids are interested in being SJW’s and some are not. Likewise, some like to dig into environmental issues and some don’t care. Most schools will support various opinions. Some will be very activist and others might be more academic in their approach to societal questions.
You’ll know when you visit what the vibe is like. Look at the posters, titles of upper level courses, read the newspaper/magazine etc. You’ll figure out quickly which school would be a match.
@Happytimes2001 agree fully about the President’s wall of letters. It’s steeped in history and we felt the same vibe. Also, the old library with the original books was mesmerizing to us on our tour.
And I completely agree @Vermontana has pretty much described most BSs, in that they are all inclusive and make it a point to address all potentially controversial issues (2nd amendment was part of SMS’s Gray Colloquium series his IV form) with a sense of understanding all sides and welcoming of all opinions. Whereas our society may be becoming very divisive, BS’s work hard to appreciate all views of life and teach kids how to celebrate and respect differences.
That’s why I said it’s hard to suggest schools based on these parameters because although schools are very different in many areas, I think this sense of community and acceptance is the area in which they are the most similar.
My kids were looking for an open dialogue in both directions. When they did debate, at tournaments they would toss out to choose who would be pro and who would be con. Then they’d have two ( or three minutes to compile their ideas) Nothing like seeing your kid argue for a point you know that they don’t support.
Builds a lot of character to see the other side. With the exception of one school, we thought most BS schools had students from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
We have run into folks at cocktail parties and family weekends at our BS who purposely throw out their political views, it isn’t especially welcome ( even if we agree). Mainly because politics are so divisive these days.
We have friends on all sides of the aisle, from various countries and from various social backgrounds. Our kids are the same. They celebrate differences and we often have good family conversations along these lines.
For girls school, do check out Emma Willard. My DD went to their summer school there for 2 years and loved it. We know people that work there and also alumnae. The school’s history is rich with social justice efforts ( just learn about Emma Hart Willard). They also have a special lifestyle program “The Wellies” - a health/wellness community and programming. Of all the girls schools we visited on the East Coast, this was the most expansive in terms of course offerings, arts programming, electives and progressive lifestyle choices.
For Co-Ed, I agree with above advice to check out Putney, Concord Academy, SAS (Delaware).
@Vermontana Mercersburg absolutely fits your description, but if you are in Vermont, you have closer options. If you are in Montana, you should consider it LOL.
Take a look at Westover School. They have a center for global justice that is very active. They do a great job of being inclusive, have amazing teachers and academics, and is an overall great school. IMO, it’s worth a look.
Emma Willard is definitely liberal/progressive, is a very inclusive community and particularly very accepting of girls who identify as LGBTQ+. There is a lot of time and attention paid to social justice and environmental issues. Politically it is strongly left leaning and support for Gillibrand (who is an alumnus and maintains a lot of connections with the school) was real during her run for Presidential nomination last year. Emma is strongly committed to mindfulness practices and mental well-being.
Emma Willard is definitely liberal/progressive, is a very inclusive community and particularly very accepting of girls who identify as LGBTQ+. There is a lot of time and attention paid to social justice and environmental issues. Politically it is strongly left leaning and support for Gillibrand (who is an alumnus and maintains a lot of connections with the school) was real during her run for Presidential nomination last year. Emma is very strongly committed to mindfulness practices and mental well-being having made new appointments in that area and would be a supportive environment if a girl struggled.
@Vermontana You should definitely ask questions about the academic ethos of EWS going forward and check for fit - it sounds like it might work for your family… The administration announced significant changes away from traditional book-based preparation for college in Jan. 2020 with curricular changes away from “traditional book-based” (e.g. AP courses) preparation for college towards more student interest-led, project-based, experiential, discovery learning approaches. I think that the school’s academic reputation will be at odds with this new ethos for a while - I genuinely believe that the announced changes will take EWS away from its traditional academic roots. The fairly new HoS came from Garrison Forest school MD, and I think that EWS is on a course in that direction. Our understanding was that EWS would present more academic challenge and potential than it actually did for my DD. While she settled quickly and loved a lot of things about the school and its community, the changes don’t work for us and we are moving on.
There is a place at EWS for every girl on the sport teams regardless of ability as long as she shows up and does her best. There is a very healthy approach to the role of physical activity of some sort (not necessarily competitive) in a well-balanced day and the food is awesome as well as healthy!
We are huge fans of Emma Willard - great school with impressive and innovative programs (see what I posted earlier and on other threads). Very inclusive school. My DD attended 2 summer programs there. Amazing teachers that we have met and worked with. Fabulous HOS! There is a wonderful healthy program at the school, the “Wellies”. My DD is vegan and very health conscious - this was something that the school worked with us on to provide for her. Love the access to Albany & RPI for senior signature projects, internships, and research. You should ask about this while interviewing and learning more about the school.