Decision- Kent vs Suffield

Prep School Admissions
1

I’m trying to help my child who has laid out all the pros and cons and is still torn. LD support will be needed and home is not close. Any thoughts to help with the decision?

2

Would it be okay if you guys could provide a summarized version of the pros and cons? People here on CC may be able to help you decide if we know what your family values over another

3

I think that Suffield is more known for providing for LD support but, assuming the type of support needed was provided to Kent in the application, I imagine that Kent took that into consideration and would not have offered a spot to a student that they did not think they could serve well.

4

I suggest the following:

  1. Find the person on point from the Academic Support Center for students with LDs at each school. If not available from website, it is likely the Dean of Academic Studies (this is the person who liaises with parents, students and teachers). If you still can't find this person, call admissions.
  2. Reach out and arrange a phone call for TOMORROW or TUESDAY with this individual. Send to him or her your child's recent testing that demonstrate the type(s) of LD(s), IF you haven't included it in the application. ALSO ask this person to review your child's application.
  3. In your call you need to ascertain the following: a.) the number/percentage of students with LDs at the school. If it is less than 10% be concerned. b.) the types of accommodations afforded by the school (e.g., extra time for all tests or just at term end) c.) how do accommodations actual work in practice? Who maintains test results for review by teachers? c.) presence of specialist support for issues like reading.(e.g., provided by school and/or available from outside tutor?) d.) do students with your child's profile achieve at the highest levels (graduate in top quartile) at the school? e.) do they work with students to accept, advocate and seek accommodations in school and beyond? f.) is there any stigma associated with accommodations, etc.?
  4. DO NOT sign the attendance contract until you are completely comfortable that the school is the right fit for your child. If need be, seek approval from school to extend signing until you complete this very important process.

You should know at the end of this process where your child should go.

Good luck.

5

Excellent advice @GreenIndian

6

Sent you a PM, @neuroticmama .