<p>I was going to comment on your list of schools (we’ve toured 14 and took almost all of our list), but you shocked me with this statement</p>
<p>“Alooknac, This is my impression from reading a couple books on boarding schools. There were examples of older girls coaching and questioning younger girls about their sexual experiences and advice as part of their welcome to school; hazing focused on sex acts (playful in their minds I’m sure); girls not sticking to dress codes/revealing more than they should, among others. These are not first hand examples I have from people I know, just author studies. I realize none of these things are major by themselves, but what I don’t want present is a culture where girls feel pressure to look and act to please boys, and I’m certain there are some schools where this is more present than others.”</p>
<p>I find this so offensive (to the person who wrote the articles as a generalized sweep). Let me assure you that this is not common among any of the 14 schools we toured. I will tell you Groton and Milton have had their problems in the past, but both have changed administration, nothing happens at Groton that is above the pale. What I have found generally is that the rules regarding dress code are enforced. You likely won’t see belly’s showing at the school’s I’ve gone to or the school my daughter is at. Yes, after a game you might find an athlete wearing spandex in the dining hall, but that’s it. Our experience has actually been QUITE the opposite regarding discussion of boys, our dorm parent and RA’s have worked hard with the girls to teach them to value their bodies and their education, so please don’t think what you read is normal, it is not… at least not in our experience.</p>
<p>Best wishes on your search and I think I would 3rd taking the SSAT in 7th grade, the results may surprise you and there’s nothing worse than a surprise once you’ve narrowed your search.</p>