<p>I would like to add a comment about grades. There is a certain amount of shock for these kids as they adjust to the higher standards of Prep school. I think it would be helpful if these schools took a few steps to eliminate some of the pressure during the adjustment period. Andover makes 2 classes English and History pass/fail during the first trimester to assist with the adjustment. Additionally, the GPA is not cumulative so kids are not penalized for the first year when they are measured against kids who join the class in later grades. In my opinion this is the humane thing to do. Think about all of the things these kids deal with during the first year of high school without the comfort of having mom and dad waiting for them at home after a rough day at school.</p>