My daughter is interested in Tabor Academy as a BS, which makes sense given her interest in Marine Biology. Not much here about Tabor.
Does anyone know more about how it ranks academically?
Is it hard to get in for a student with solid grades (A-) and SSAT (90 %ile) scores?
Is it well regarded?
What is the culture like?
Based on what I know from our junior boarding school, Tabor is probably a target school with those stats. I don’t think as selective as Milton, not as familiar with the others. Don’t know about campus vibe. Have you searched older posts?
Yes, but very little available here. It may be that it is less well known but would also understand how it compares.
After a few years here, I’ve found that the only schools that are seriously discussed are the most selective/prestigious/well-known boarding schools. Not sure why the parents of those applying to the other schools spend less (no?) time on here.
We’ve applied to Tabor for my younger son, but I didn’t get a strong sense of the school on our visit.
I know people who have gone there, and who have kids who have gone there, and I get the sense that it’s a lovely school!
I don’t think it’s super hard to get into (the way the other schools on your list are), and those stats sound like more than enough.
It has a beautiful campus, and a great sailing program. I think they are known for providing great supports for kids with mild academic special needs like dyslexia.
There was a poster here, @garandman, whose D went to Tabor after leaving PEA. (Discipline around “intimacy”) They were really happy with it. Having started at a “big name”, they were happily surprised by the quality of the academics, college counseling, and overall less stressful environment.
There was also someone here whose kid used the ASSIST program and was pleased with the support and lack of stigma.
I know folks who are alums who were very happy with the academics and the overall vibe. Sailors love it!
There are many schools out there that are less well known but no less excellent. Many people looking for BS are doing so because their local option doesn’t serve their bright kid well, and they mistakenly believe that anything other that a well known “top 10” prep school will be more of the same. Not the case!
Typically, when you are accepted to a school, you can attend revisit days, talk to current families, etc. That will help in making the choice.
The beauty of BS is that you aren’t limited to what’s driveable on a daily basis. You can pick a learning and living community that will allow you to develop into your best self. There is no reason Tabor could not be this for your child.
I just applied to Tabor and my sister did too so I don’t have actual experience, but I have a bit of information.
Firstly I’d say that Tabor is a great school academically. Although it’s not one of the tippy top schools everyone talks about, they have a great course catalog and some really good resources and facilities. One thing I love is that if they can’t accommodate a specific learning experience on campus they try to connect you with other places in the Marion area.
I also applied to Milton and I agree with @NYMom139 about it being less selective. Don’t know much about the others, but I think Tabor is a bit less competitive just because there’s such a specific brand that fewer people apply. Based on my sister’s experience your stats are great.
Tabor is a bit lesser known, but overall it is pretty well regarded. If your daughter is interested in marine biology then it is undoubtedly the best choice. “School by the Sea” is their brand and they have a ton of coursework related to that, but their curriculum overall is pretty diverse (that was important for me).
Also they’re a bit more flexible. They work on a trimester system so you get to do a bit more each year if you want. Their AP classes are called Advanced Topic so that they don’t have to adhere to the College Board curriculum. It’s still college level but there’s more freedom to explore specific topics if you want.
I don’t have much to say about the culture. Everyone seemed pretty friendly and it didn’t give off that “pressure cooker” environment people talk about. I have heard that it’s a bit more sporty though.
I hope that helps! I understand the struggle of trying to get opinions on schools other than GLADCHEMMS. I think you should give Tabor a shot and wish you all the best in the process.
I have a child enrolled at Tabor and we have had a fantastic experience there! Please feel free to reach out to me via DM if I can answer any questions!
Thank you so much. That is super reassuring. We are very interested in the school.
You may want to check out Tabor’s 2023 matriculation list if you haven’t seen it yet. Pretty decent batting average - few Ivys thrown in there for good measure…
Matriculation - Tabor Academy - Independent Boarding & Day School
Thanks for posting. It is decent. Pretty big speed from top to bottom, but a number of these are top notch.
From an admissions perspective it would be slightly easier than Concord Academy - probably the easiest on your list. My gut is that your SSAT would be high enough to give you a high likelihood of admittance.
From personal experience, the school is underrated. The sciences are especially strong and the work is not easy. Better students go to the nation’s top colleges.
Culturally, there is something for everyone - global perspective with large international population, competitive sports, and an ocean orientation, too. It is one of the most beautiful schools you will ever see - high school or college.