<p>Was wondering if anyone had any insight as to whether graduating from a small Catholic (very small…23 students per class) affects your chances of getting into Brooks/Phillips Andover? Would a public school graduate have a better chance of getting in?</p>
<p>Would appreciate any opinions/insight???</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>My niece is about to finish Catholic middle school (8th grade), and will be attending Andover this fall. Based on recent Andover stats, only 5-10% of their admitted applicants come from Catholic schools. But, I bet that is because not many students from Catholic schools apply, since most families probably continue with a Catholic high school.</p>
<p>But, I must admit to being surprised at how many different sports some public middle schools offer as compared to my niece’s Catholic school. She had fewer opportunities on that front, but other qualities such as, grades, independence, maturity, recommendations, etc. allowed her to achieve a few acceptances.</p>
<p>It seems that the overall picture of the applicant would be more important than the type of school.</p>
<p>Thanks for your response, it is really helpful. What school did she go to – if you don’t mind me asking? That actually sounds pretty good as I would imagine that at least 90% to 95% of students go to non-catholic schools.</p>
<p>Sports is definitely a concern of mine as I look at what the school has to offer, which is not much. From an overall perspective, do you think it offers a good education?</p>
<p>Has anyone heard anything about St. Joe’s in Salem, NH?</p>
<p>If you are looking for a tremendously strong sports program, along with all the other things that boarding school offers, look at <a href=“http://www.mccallie.org%5B/url%5D”>www.mccallie.org</a>. McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN. Forget that it is not in the Northeast, because it offers everything and more. Good luck.</p>
<p>I do live in the Northeast, and I’d like to stay in the schools up here. My son is going into 6th grade and I am trying to think ahead to where I want him to go (i.e. Brooks/Phillips Andover…or that caliber school). The public school system is not great here, so I’m thinking of a move into Private. Just don’t want to hurt his chances of getting in in three years.</p>
<p>Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Is Berwick Academy too far? I know they bus kids (I have a friend in Hampton whose son goes and he takes a bus). They do elementary and our friends are very pleased with the education.</p>
<p>Like BrooklynGuy said, though, it is the applicant they really look at. Many kids do get in from horrible public schools. You can keep your child involved in outside EC’s as well. I would look mostly for solid academics.</p>
<p>I am quite familiar with Berwick , as well. I think that they have really turned the high school and middle school around in the recent years and the students are of a much higher quality, than say, 10 years ago. It is getting really competitive to gain admission at the 6th grade and 9th grade entry points, and virtually impossible at other points (though I think more spots are available in the Upper School, but not many.) I know that there were zero 7th grade spots this year. Absolutely beautiful campus. They have some really great traditions (google the 9/11 Circle) and have great sports at the middle school and high school. Very comprehensive music/arts/theatre program. All that being said, I was totally underwhelmed by the lower school. Very, very, disappointing for the price tag.</p>
<p>Another thought. We looked at Cardigan Mountain (grades 6-9) a few years ago for my S. It is in Enfield Nh and is Day/Boarding. He did not end up attending, but we have a very close relationship with one of the Coachs. It is all boys, and just the right size. Really nice campus - overwhelmingly good sports. Food is so-so - my son was up their visiting his friend a few weeks back and thought it has improved over the last two years, though. Good FA availability - esp. for hockey and lax.</p>
<p>We were just at Cardigan Mountain…lovely small campus and in a gorgeous area. Yes…excellent athletics, and I assume academics as well. Friends of ours have a son there who has been accepted to St. Paul’s for next year.</p>
<p>I saw a St Paul’s admit on their matriculation list! </p>
<p>CM has small classes and offers some really nice courses - Latin comes to mind. My favorite part was a ‘milk and cookie’ break around 10:30 in the morning. It showed that they understood the middle school boy; grown up in class, but part little boy…and always, always, hungry.</p>
<p>I love the milk and cookie break. That is dear.</p>
<p>Cm and SPS do have strong historical connections which will probably become even stronger. The new headmaster at CM, Dave McCusker, is a SPS alum and was head of development at SPS until last year.</p>
<p>We know a family with a son @ CM and they have been very happy. It sounds like a nuturing atmosphere.</p>
<p>That’s good to know. I have another S and we will again look at it for him when the time comes. I loved St Paul’s and was devastated when my older S was waitlisted. So was he - he would have chosen it over Exeter. If CM has ties to SPS that’s a real bonus. Besides the most beautiful hockey rink and indoor tennis court facility I have ever seen!</p>
<p>We have a collegue from Europe who fondly remembers and revisits CMS. They have a good coed summer program also. It seems to have a family atmosphere but does require formal attire.</p>
<p>We were there on a Saturday, and they must get to be more “laid back” formal. Lots of boys in plaid shorts and polos with their backpacks on. A few had khakis, one or two jackets…but lots of plaid shorts!</p>
<p>i graduated from a Catholic high school, and was accepted to Exeter.</p>
<p>My nephew is attending Cardigan in the fall as a 7th grader. He was also accepted to Eaglebrook, but liked the feel of Cardigan better.</p>