<p>I agree. I was a non-jock born to a jock dad. I HATED basketball, field hockey, etc. But discovered crew and never wanted to get out of the boat (lugging oars and your share of the shell not withstanding). Still love crew more than any other sport I’ve tried.</p>
<p>Trying new things is part of the appeal of a boarding school. So many “hidden treasures” with the walls that people don’t explore. Schools try to get students to look beyond what is normal in their lives and take a chance. My own D tried strapping on skates for the summer and learned to skate but quickly realized she couldn’t master the art of “stopping” so going out for the hockey team was a non-starter unless her job was to annihilate the opponents by tripping over them 
Still, she was all grins when she was learning (and falling).</p>
<p>I also noted that Governors - which flies under the radar - built a huge new building to house the kiln for their ceramics class. My oldest would have swooned. My youngest was more interested in the new theater building with practice rooms for musicians. So for an artsy kid - that might be a good back-up school. </p>
<p>The key with many of these schools is to find the ones with a good mix of activities, cross your fingers, then love the school that loves you come March. But during a tour (or online search of facilities) seek out those things that don’t make it into the brochure. I told one family that was visiting Taft and interested in theater and film to check out the classroom called the Treehouse. Not necessarily on the tour, but a fun glimpse into the less traditional side of the school. I was blown away by the extensive gym facilities which had everything an athlete could want.</p>
<p>Also - be aware that some schools are more flexible than others. Taft, for instance, allows students to substitute volunteer work, theater, etc for one trimester of sports. And has a good mix of “thirds” teams for those wanting to explore a sport. Perfect for a non-jock.</p>