<p>The kids we know who are freshmen at Exeter are not frustrated with the math. Like our child these kids were two years ahead in math at their previous school, but were bounced to ‘beginner’ math to learn the ‘Exeter’ way. Apparently this is normal. Deerfield seems to teach frosh physics the same way, working through problem sheets with a partner or partners.
As a science guy, I was a little skeptical of the approach until we observed them in action. We sat through an entire class during parents weekend. Then, during the parent / teacher conference it was explained why they do things in this manner.
Essentially, it’s trying to build skills that go beyond what can be learned from a textbook.</p>