When we started our search last year, campus culture was one of the most important criteria for my son. We toured several Mid Atlantic schools, and he ultimately decided to apply to Mercersburg, George School and Blair. All three of these schools have warm, friendly and welcoming atmospheres. We felt that each of these schools would offer strong levels of support and would not be sink or swim. He was accepted to both of his top two choices - Mercersburg and George - and had a tough decision to make in April. Ultimately he chose Mercersburg and is now a proud incoming member of the class of 2022.
The three schools I mentioned, plus SAS are all great choices to consider. We enjoyed the campus cultures at all of these schools - but they are each very different from each other. Location, boarding percentages, dress codes and student populations (i.e. Blair was the preppiest in our opinion) and even religious foundation vary widely between these schools.
Best of luck to you, it is an exciting time for your family!