<p>Has anyone ever visited here? I wanted to gather some information for my dad from people who have attended or visited.</p>
<p>-How strong are the academics?
-How nice are the buildings/dorms?
-How strong are the arts programs?
-What was your overall opinion of the campus, people, teachers, etc?</p>
<p>Also, could someone “make up” for poor grades there with high test scores and strength in arts areas?</p>
<p>Anything you have to add is okay with me…I just need good information that comes from someone besides the administration.</p>
<p>Ugh, I just wrote a HUGE post and then accidentally deleted it. Anyways, assuming you mean High Mowing in Wilton, NH, I know a TON about the school as I attended the elementary school right across the street for ten years (nursery through eighth grade). I have to leave so I can’t retype everything I wrote (sorry!) but feel free to PM me with any questions. I know about fifty kids who currently go to High Mowing, which is close to half the student body, so I have plenty of references. My old school and High Mowing have a very strong relationship with each other, so I spent a lot of time there and actually still live about a mile down the road. It really is a really nice place and the arts program is VERY strong, so that would be great if you’re into that. I would love to tell you more but I’m short on time, but seriously, ask me anything. It’s a great place!</p>
<p>Wow, thank you! I’m sorry your post got deleted, but I might PM you. I’m not totally sure I could go, but I want it as an option since it looks like a great fit for me.</p>
<p>Bump for info…or just stuff on Waldorf schools in general.</p>
<p>Bumping because I am curious about alternative approaches too.</p>
<p>I think the school has a very “earthy” feel to it. They have an annual Christmas Craft Fair and there are lots of folks in natural-fiber clothing and Birkenstocks. Very “granola”. There aren’t many buildings…it is a very small school. If you are athletic at all, it probably would not be good as the athletics are not strong at all. Arts are the strong point. A friend of ours has a son who loves to play baseball and he is an excellent classical guitarist. He goes to the school, but plays baseball with another (public) school’s team.</p>
<p>I would do much research about the Waldorf approach to education - google Rudolf Steiner in the process. Waldorf is pure magic for the right person, but make no mistake, it is a lifestyle choice. When my first was little, we started out in a very well established W school in New York state, and felt like we could not fully integrate the philosophy into our lives (we are not Luddites, and that was expected). As an artist, I am very drawn to it still.</p>
<p>I have to admit that I had not heard of this school and was wondering why there was a lawn care thread in this forum! I learn something new every day…:)</p>
<p>I read a lot about Waldorf and visited a school when I lived in Ann Arbor. Some things in the elementary school level seemed arbitrary - like not teaching kids to read until they have grownup teeth - and using German fairy tales to teach reading. They also discouraged computer use.</p>
<p>So I wonder how that translates to a High School setting?</p>
<p>I’ve read some things about his theories and everything…still trying to decide if it’s completely for me. The arts are a really strong point for me, I play violin and am going to start harp soon, and i’m a pretty strong visual artist. I haven’t done that well in traditional schools, and I would need more structured homeschooling if I were to continue that. At this point, it seems like I don’t really have anything to lose by looking at alternative approaches.</p>
<p>Edit- I do think the thing about not reading till 4th grade even is a bit odd. I probably wouldn’t have done well there when I was in elementary school…</p>
<p>I think that a Waldorf school may be a good fit for you. My daughter is starting to look at BS for the fall of '10 that are very strong in the arts, including dance. We have a friend at Putney (in Vermont), and it seems to have some of the elements that I loved about Waldorf and none of the things that gave me pause. I suppose I felt that Waldorf did not have both feet firmly planted in the real world, or least the world as it exists today. Putney has arts classes required at all levels in the afternoons (there is a pic of the room with 20 weaving looms on their site - I just about died it was so beautiful!) including music and dance. They have a working farm on which the students are required to work. Other parents on CC have visited Putney (there is a Putney thread) and their take is given in detail. As with most aspects of life, this particular school is what you make it and what you would bring to it. A self motivated homeschooler who is looking for a bit more -it may be a good fit.</p>
<p>Yeah, some of the things about Waldorf aren’t totally for me. I do like some of the ideas though. I’ve also had about 5 years of dance experience, but i’ve had to stop due to breaking/fracturing bones. I’m on the website now and i’m going to do a search for that thread…thanks!</p>
<p>High Mowing is still a Waldorf school, obviously, but it does not go to the extremes that some schools do, and not nearly as much as most Waldorf elementary schools. It is very, very big on the arts, and like someone said not so much on athletics. While art is a big part of the curriculum academics are still very important. A friend of mine attends Putney, which also seems like an excellent school. It, like High Mowing, is different from most private schools. Putney is very artistic as well but they seem to be big on the country lifestyle too. For example, my friend who goes there has to wake up at five every morning to clean out horse stalls and feed goats (not something he signed up for). </p>
<p>Waldorf schools are very different than public, but certainly less so at a high school level rather than elementary. High Mowing has produced excellent artists of all types (singers, visual artists, actors, etc.), but also people very successful in all fields, including very academic ones. Also, you don’t have to be completely into the Waldorf thing to attend. People there have very different beliefs on that sort of thing, but it all works out well. </p>
<p>And, just to clarify any rumors, almost every kid in my class was reading terrifically by second grade, and they had all at that point been in a waldorf school since kindergarten.</p>
<p>Thanks for clarifying, lilyrobin. They both seem like really great schools that have a lot of programs i’m interested in.</p>
<p>When applying to these schools, could strength in arts outweigh somewhat mediocre academic performance? They don’t show my potential, but i’ve had some bad years.</p>
<p>I agree with those who have suggested you look at Putney – it sounds like a good match.</p>
<p>you might try googling for boarding schools and progressive education.</p>
<p>Putney also seems pretty homeschool friendly. I couldn’t find anything on High Mowing about homeschool admissions…that’s probably a phone call I need to make if I end up applying.</p>
<p>Does anyone know the admission rates for these two schools? Also, can the SSAT be substituted for any other test, like the ACT or SAT?</p>
<p>I could not find Putney’s admission rates when I did a search. I did, however, have a really great conversation with a young woman from admissions. I gave her some background info on my daughter, and asked if the SSAT was very important in their decision process. She assured me that they did not have a cut off and they really looked at the whole student - a lower score was not going to get your app tossed in any way. My daughter has not had a lot of experience with standardized testing, and the few times she has taken them she was really thrown. I do not anticipate really high scores for her SSAT, and wanted to make sure she would not be eliminated without even seeing her for her many other talents. I would be shocked if High Mowing would view SSAT’s as a very important factor for admission, if they require them at all.
I believe if you are older (entering 11 or 12 grade) the PSAT’s can be used, but I do not thing you take the ACT or SAT for admission at a high school. I might be wrong.</p>
<p>Blah okay. I never took the PSAT. I’m going to be taking the ACT and SAT though. I’ve been wondering what all I can do basically.</p>
<p>Can I have a little vent about this whole admissions process on here? My parents and grandparents are forcing me to stop homeschooling, because they don’t approve. I’m willing to go back for more challenging classes and for a change of environment. They told me this was going to happen months ago, and no one has done any work on it but me. I’ve been the one calling the schools, attempting to set up tours or trying to get them to go to open houses, materials, sending websites. It’s stressing me out so much because I know if they wait any longer, i’m going to be stuck with no options at all and i’m not going to be anywhere I enjoy.</p>
<p>Any advice, parents? I don’t think it’s that they’re afraid of losing me or anything…we were looking at local private schools. My boarding school search hasn’t involved them, but when they’re willing to sit down and listen I plan to bring it up. They’re like this in regards to everything and i’m just so frustrated.</p>
<p>Seems like the biggest conversation to have would be what you can afford. If you can afford anything, you can look at anything. If you need financial aid, you will have to modify your strategy.</p>
<p>It reminds me of the situation with architects and families. The architect meets with one person and they spend great lengths of time to come up with a plan for the house. Then when its time to sign the papers, the other people come in at the last minute and all say they hate the plan, they can’t afford it, etc etc That’s why architects like to meet with everyone right off the bat!</p>
<p>I have to say, the woman I spoke with at Putney was wonderful. I bet she would be willing to give you some really good advice. I am sure a small, caring school like High Mowing would be willing to have a conversation with you about your options at this point, too.
I have to think that both these schools have rolling admissions, or would at least consider a late applicant who had something special to offer. Many schools really like homeschoolers because of their self motivation. Make sure, however, that when you do speak to admissions counselors that you are very clear that this something that YOU want, and are not being forced or coerced into. This is a red flag that any BS will see, and would rightly steer clear of considering admitting a person into their community who really would rather be elsewhere. The onus is on you to show them that despite the late start in the application process, you are very eager to seek academic enrichment in a residential setting and are enthusiastic about joining a wider social network. Whatever talents you have, document them. Meaning, photograph your portfolio, burn a CD, make a DVD of a play you were in - whatever. Now. Since it sounds like you are not coming in as a freshman, show them how mature you are through your self sufficiency (making your own phone calls) and organizational skills (sending in transcripts and documentation asap when asked for it).</p>