<p>My s was admitted to Horace Mann school. He's a bit sensative and we are concerned that the environment might be to intense for him. Anyone have experience with this particular school?</p>
<p>dgwlkr-I am quite familiar with this school. Please send me a PM and we can discuss privately. To what grade was your S admitted?</p>
<p>Speaking from my own experience with two of my children: one is inspired and energized by being in an environment where most of the students are at her level or higher, and where it is very very difficult to be the best at anything. The other, in that environment, immediately begins to think, "I'm not as smart as I thought I was; everyone else is smarter." The second thrives in smaller communities where he is among the top students; the first is at Exeter, happily swimming with the sharks.</p>
<p>this is completely random, but Quenn, reading your quote made me laugh. I love how you said that your son is "happily swimming with the sharks." :D</p>
<p>yes, completely random and meaningless, I know. and has nothing whatsoever to do with this thread. but I just had to say that. Sorry. :P</p>
<p>if he doesn't have low self esteem and is good at something then he'll be fine</p>
<p>Remember, these schools stand out because they have diverse communities. For all the attempts to pigeonhole schools as being "artsy" or "science-oriented" and the like, the better schools don't look for one kind of student and don't try to build an environment for one kind of student. Type "A" personalities abound, to be sure, but students who are driven in other ways are valued and understood by schools like Horace Mann.</p>