Boarding schools with good arts programs.

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>I was wondering is there any boarding schools on the east coast with really good arts programs (specifically a drama and dance program.)</p>

2

<p>Choate is known for its amazing arts center and its Arts Concentration Program:</p>

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<p>You can learn all you want to know about the arts at Choate by clicking on the “Arts Center” tab on the main website ([Choate</a> Rosemary Hall: Home](<a href=“http://www.choate.edu%5DChoate”>http://www.choate.edu)) which includes a discussion of their theater and dance programs.</p>

3

<p>I have friends working at Choate and think highly of the recent grads of whom I have some knowledge. Post #2 attests to very strong attributes in theater and dance, among the arts in general. However, as has recently been discussed about choosing a school solely because of interest in one sport, for many applicants, it will be important to recognize that the interest does not get addressed in a vacuum, even if one has enrolled in a “concentration” program. Do consider the entire community experience of a BS and find the right balance of virtues among the all the “interests” that should go into making a reasonable evaluation of fit for an individual kid. </p>

<p>To simplify, do investigate the program at Choate, including through videos and talking to teachers/coaches on campus; maybe even attending a performance or rehearsal/practice. But, also investigate what it means to be on the large side at about 850 students, in Wallingford. St. Andrew’s, which I know best, is much smaller at 300, so a very different “feel” and actual habits or practices from Choate. (Leadership also stamps its own mark on a BS community.) The SAS location inspires trips to Wilmington, DE, and the Philadelphia area, while Choate students have Hartford and New York within striking distance. Like many good BS, SAS has a building dedicated to spaces for each of the arts. A smaller student population theoretically means less available, and therefore lesser, talent. But, having met and seen the productions of Ann Taylor (drama) and Avi Gold (dance), I would say the quality of the student performances is really quite good, building off of their fine guidance and a few outstanding students. Make your own actual comparisons between schools, based on whatever evidence you can obtain, and, in the end, realize there are trade-offs once all of the most important “interests”/factors are weighed. I would recommend making a list of eight to twelve schools whose art programs appear of interest, based on what you can see through research linking off of the school web sites, especially (the viewbooks are of limited though essential use). In compiling your list, try for some variety to include size, location (urban, suburban, or rural? close to colleges and universities?), more casual or formal, more boarding or day, acceptance rates from teens to 50s, etc. Know something of your other “needs” besides the arts when you make this list for campus visits.</p>

<p>Of course, you may already have understood my main point and only wanted the names of schools! Grier, Concord Academy, Emma Willard, Milton come to mind beside the usual suspects named most frequently around here (which all have great arts programs). Thanks for reading, and good luck with the list!</p>

4

<p>As a Choate student here that had some participation in the arts (though many of my friends were arts con people), I can absolutely attest to the quality of the theater department. The teachers are amazing and there are more opportunities to act/direct/costume/build sets than you will ever be able to take advantage of! Choate is a great community to delve into theater arts in!</p>

5

<p>That’s great! How is the environment at choate? Also when is a good time to start my application/ book an interview.</p>

6

<p>Good info—thx to all!!</p>

7

<p>Dinniahb- You’re welcome to schedule a tour at any point in the year. I started looking at schools in the fall. The application is, I believe, completely online now, so you should be able to start an account in the fall as well. Interviews occur immediately following your tour and are pretty informal. I’m really close with the admissions officers, and they’re all fantastic people that are really easy to talk to. Best of luck!</p>

8

<p>Take a look at The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY, too.</p>

9

<p>Check out Concord</p>