Is Governor’s Academy a good school? Seems to be focused on arts… no electives listed, and only one AP math class? No description of science classes?
Since the acceptance letter arrived, very little information is provided.
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I found very detailed descriptions of science classes, plus descriptions of multiple AP math classes and post-AP math classes with ease.
I was on this site, and somehow missed that link to the curriculum guide, thanks! It’s tiny compared to the block of text and the magazine links below. I’ll try to keep an open mind with this. Not sure its going to make a difference compared to the public school for our city…
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We love Govs and it’s one of my son’s top choices. They had a nice balance IMO among rigorous academics, arts, athletics and community.
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I am a parent class of 2014. My daughter had a wonderful experience there, and was very well prepared for college. She was young for her class and struggled early on, academically and socially. The school couldn’t have been more supportive. Everyone really worked hard to give her structure where needed, discipline where needed, love and attention where needed. She ended up graduating cum laude with several APs. The arts are very strong, but not to the exclusion of other things, especially athletics. More in the sense that there is a lot of support for the arts even from non-arts kids, and lots of participation in the arts from non-arts kids. The plays every term were extraordinarily professional and well-attended. Also great music groups.
FWIW, it was not originally her first choice, but we went to revisit day and she (and we) were completely sold. Everything they told us on that day turned out to be true. As others have suggested, it’s probably worth going to revisit day before making a decision. It may not be right for your family, but you should get a reliable picture of the school and its people and can make an informed decision based on that.
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Yes, they plan to go- I’m sure there are some good people there… I’m looking for the school to tell me why this is a better option than our public school, and I haven’t seen much that is compelling. The other private school that is local to us is clearly interesting and highly rated, and larger, but my child was waitlisted there. We’ll see. Thank you.
There is only 1 AP math class.
I don’t think any private school markets itself as “we offer more” or “we are better than” a local public school. It might be the case, but they really aren’t in the business of competing that way.
I can’t speak specifically to Govs, but I will say that the investment that boarding school teachers as a whole, make in their students is not comparable to any other type of school IME.
If you solely focus on course catalogs and college outcomes, I think you miss what is special about the boarding school experience (including for day students).
And the preparation for college is unmatched. I hear it from college students (especially at selective colleges) all the time - the prep schools kids have an easy transition, whereas many of the other kids do not.
None of this is to deny that many students thrive at the local schools and the price is unbeatable. But it’s really about what your child was seeking when they applied.
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Are you trying to find reasons not to like this school?
They offer AP Calc, both AB & BC, as well as AP stats. And then they offer 2 college level math courses above that - Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calc. There are very few HS students who even reach those courses in HS. If your child is a serious math student who will surpass those courses, then that warrants a discussion with the math department about whether the school can accommodate that. Some schools will offer an independent study in those situations.
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In the link I provided above, they offer 3, which is also how many the CB offers. Calc AB and BC and Stats. Plus 2 post-AP offerings - MVC and Linear Algebra, although these seem to be offered in alternate years.
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No. I was responding to the other gentleman who was a little bit condescending in response to my initial post (and incorrect in the response). Not you…
I am not looking for a reason why not to like it- I am looking for a reason why I’d want them to go there, since they are texting my child directly and asking them to accept.
I don’t see the value yet, there is nothing in the material I’ve seen to make me get excited. My child liked it a lot. But she likes the other schools on the table too.
You seem surprised that a school your child applied to that admitted her is encouraging her to accept. Of course they are!
Some of the questions you’re asking now, might best have been asked throughout the application process - tour, parent interview, virtual info sessions. Maybe you should make a list of your questions or concerns and bring them up on revisit day.
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Yes, of course…. .
Govsparent, thank you for your thoughtful and helpful reply.