<p>Certain schools are ‘known’ for different things. For instance, when my older daughter was touring schools, she was told by a Horace Mann student that there was time for ‘only one or two extracurriculars’ at the school because of the school’s academic rigor. I suspect the same is true–far more so–for HADES schools. </p>
<p>So my question: any recommendations for NY/CT/PA/NJ co-ed schools that are not as rigorous/competitive/cutthroat, but still quality educations? We are looking for a bit more diversity than the traditionally WASP-y schools. Girls field hockey and lacrosse programs, as well as arts programs such as dance/theater/singing. And preferably few or no Saturday classes. </p>
<p>Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.</p>
<p>Blair might offer what you are looking for, but it has half-day Saturday classes. Also, if your daughter is a very serious athlete who wants to be recruited for those 2 sports, then you might not want Blair. They have had some success in Field Hockey, but during the last 2 years they had to fight hard for their victories. Blair is not a lax powerhouse, but I’m sure they would love to be. If she just enjoys playing those sports and wants to improve her game, then Blair would be a good place.</p>
<p>The school offers a quality education with great college matriculation, but there is still time for fun, and many enjoyable traditions. </p>
<p>The plus side to Saturday classes is a shorter school year and longer vacations. Students get used to it. I’ve never heard my son complain about it. The only negative from my perspective is that athletes sometimes miss Saturday classes to travel to another school or event. </p>
<p>If you live close enough to consider Horace Mann, then Blair is not that far away to visit and see if it meets your needs. </p>
<p>I don’t think of it as a traditional WASP-y school, but I suggest you visit and see what you think. </p>
<p>It is a very close community with almost all the faculty living on campus. Your daughter will get to know most of the students and faculty. It is a friendly and supportive community.</p>
<p>If you have questions, please feel free to ask here or send me a private message.</p>
<p>Thanks. We actually have Blair on our list. Basically, we just want a well-rounded school. One that considers academics and sports and arts of equal importance (or at least closer in importance than the rigorous academic schools.) Thanks for your input!</p>
<p>Millbrook School in NY may be a nice fit. Fantastic field hockey, lacrosse and very solid academics for a small school (not sure about Saturday classes). They also have a dynamic head of school and it is located in a gorgeous spot in the southern Berkshires. A school that doesn’t get a lot of press but does a very good job educating young people. A suggestion outside the usual.</p>
<p>The good news is that so many people are going to say that they know the perfect school. And they will all be different schools. My daughter is a freshman at Mercersburg. So far, so good. The academics seem challenging, the sports strong, and a great arts program (the new art center made me weak in the knees). She wanted diversity and with some 31 nations represented, she got it. She plays soccer and lacrosse and is involved in the chorus. Oh, and no Saturday classes.</p>
<p>or Loomis Chaffee, Windsor, CT
from my experience playing sports games against masters, they don’t have the most amazing sports program ive ever seen. and it’s theatre (the 1 ive been in, i don’t know if there are more) is EXTREMELY hot and stuffy, with no airconditioning or anything. I was there in may for a recital, and it was TORTURE</p>
<p>Loomis Chaffee girl’s field hockey and lacrosse are strong. As I remember, one of the team won the championship last year (New England league or Founder’s league?).
Yes, their old theater (Neo) is out of date but the new performance center is ready now (I will have chance to see it end of this month).</p>
<p>you should look in to Hun School (Princeton, NJ)
It isn’t all that competitive, yet it is a pretty good school and has a great location. The field hockey team is pretty strong and the lacrosse team won over two thirds of their games last year. Everyone I know that has gone there has loved it’s environment, however, if you are looking to board, it’s only 30% boarding which makes some kids feel a little strained if they stay there on the weekends.</p>
<p>I feel like I promote my own school far too much on these boards but Stevenson in California meets all your requirements except for obviously location.</p>
<p>We have a LOT of EC involvement, no saturday classes, your sports and arts program are all here. Supposedly we have some of the most extracurricular opportunities open for BSs. As for our academics, it is exactly as rigorous as you want it to be. You can load up on hard classes or take all normal college-prep courses. One cool thing about our honors/AP classes is that the school limits students to take only three per year which means that you won’t be penalized in college admissions for “only” taking 3 hard courses.</p>