I have no idea now, Deerfield? St. George's? Andover?

Daykidmom
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 10:20:18 +0000

Of course, most people have a favorite by the end of interview season, and you should pick a school based on the right fit for you. It matters how well YOU will do at the school, and how well YOU will be able to take advantage of the many opportunities each school has to offer-- rather than exactly where the school is ranked or the exact list of offerings they have. On the other hand, keep a bit of an open mind at this point–especially when judging things like how well you like the people (especially since it sounds like you haven’t visited St. George’s yet?). On tours and interviews, you really don’t spend very long at each school or really get a feel for classes or activities. Hopefully, you’ll have some choices by revisit days, at which point you spend a whole day at each school, going to classes, eating with students, and going to activities. It’s a helpful way to judge “fit” and what other kids are like. My son is a freshman at DA. He was lucky, and got in everywhere he applied last year, but actually expected NOT to like the kids at DA so much. However, he ended up really liking his revisit day there-- and now is very happy he chose it: he finds the kids very friendly and nice (much more so than at his middle school). He, too, does orchestra (and chamber music) and has found that to be a particularly welcoming group of kids. He’s excited about the new concert hall they’re building, but really what he likes is the camaraderie, as well as the music they’ve been playing. I’m not sure what you mean when you say you’re worried you’ll slip through the cracks-- academically? Musically? Because of the school’s size? If it’s musically, the orchestra at DA has kids with a fairly wide range of ability, and that seems to work out fine. In chamber music, everyone is placed in groups with other players playing at a similar level, and given music which will be somewhat challenging for wherever they are, but which they’ll be able to play well in the end (so everyone has a chance to shine). Of course, you have to figure out what school is the best fit for you–and it may well be St. George’s–I’m just giving you a taste of my son’s DA experience (so far). If you do have any specific questions about DA (now or after March 10th), feel free to ask on this board or by PM. Good luck!