Should Parents or Students Make the Decision?

massmomof1
Sat, 14 Apr 2012 07:42:45 +0000

Tolkein: Spot on re: socioeconmic diversity! My D has attended a junior day/boarding school for the last 10 years. While the school is relatively diverse compared to some (a number of international students and some socioeconomic diversity), we felt that we wanted my D to attend a public high school to expose her to a more diverse group of students.

By the time 8th grade ended, we were convinced that BS would probably be a better fit for her and looked at 8 schools. She applied to 4 - two of which are quite diverse, the other two less so. When we went for revisits, we realized just how non-diverse her favorite was compared to the school we preferred. While the one she preferred showed diversity on paper, when you get to campus and see and talk to the kids - they are much less so.

While I am sure my D would have a very good academic experience at the school she prefers - we are also concerned with larger life issues - like living compassionately and successfully in a world made up of all kinds of people.

I should also say that the school we prefer was a very, very close 2nd in her mind to the one she prefers.