Hi,
We are quite late to the game but I feel that BS is perhaps the right idea for our 9th grade son. He goes to a large public magnet HS and does well in IB program but has zero social life and has lost interest in activities, sports, etc. He did debate in middle school and boy does he love a good argument. He was recently diagnosed high functioning ASD which really impacts his social skills and ability to make friends–endured a lot of bullying and feelings of being “not normal.” I’d love to find him a place where he can continue to learn and thrive academically but also feel part of a community where he might finally find his people. He goes to camp for 7 weeks every summer where he does extremely well, so the structure and rigor of BS seems right. I’ve looked through Hidden Gems and Academic Support but not sure those are the right avenues to consider. Thanks so much for any suggestions
In the Mid-Atlantic region, you may want to take a look at George and Mercersberg in PA. Both known for a “culture of kindness”. From what I have seen, Solebury is less academic but does well by its students, including ones who have suffered some “social trauma” at previous schools.
I’d definitely look for schools where there are activities he’s excited to be part of, and I would also recommend that you (as parents) be upfront about what you’re looking for from a school, such as group activities and inclusion. If it appeals, Thacher could also be an interesting option – the horse program provides a lot of bonding.
Visiting will be very helpful in figuring out if a place feels right. If it’s not too far, going to some sporting or theater events is a great way to observe a student body without any of the filters an admissions office might impose.
Are you focused on a specific geographic region? Anything else?
IME many of the more academically rigorous schools tend to also be socially competitive so tread carefully there. That doesn’t mean that there wouldn’t be other students like yours, just something to keep in mind.
I think looking for schools that have programs and extracurriculars that your son is especially interested in, would be a good place to start.
And just because a school doesn’t have a reputation as being the most academically rigorous, doesn’t mean that they don’t offer coursework to challenge even the best students. Finding a good fit matters so much more.
Good luck!
It sounds like your son will be better off at BS. The structure of boarding school where they have to participate in extracurriculars and sports really benefits my son who has ASD and ADHD and pushes him to try new things outside of his comfort zone. The small class size is great too. I would not limit your son to only schools with academic supports or hidden gems just because of his diagnosis.
My son currently attends a junior boarding school and is applying to senior boarding schools. He is a top student academically and is applying to several GLADCHEMMS schools as well as some safeties including one where he is a legacy. He is very open about his diagnosis and the feedback so far from all the schools he’s applied to has been very encouraging and welcoming. All these schools really standby their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. At Choate, our tour guide’s older sister who graduated from Choate is on the spectrum and we had an interviewer at another school whose child is on the spectrum.
My son’s main accommodation is that he gets to write on a laptop except for math and mandarin. None of the schools seem to have a problem with that;). I would cast the net wide and decide based on size, interests, visit, etc
One thing I will emphasize is that your son has to be able to advocate for himself: most BS school kids have to be able to do this but I think it’s even more important for kids with a disability. Being able to self advocate and excellent time management are the two skills that will determine whether or not your child will succeed at boarding school.
Good luck!
I know this reply is a little late, but definitely look at Buxton. Absolute gem of a school, and full of really nice, quirky kids, and the academics seem solid.