<p>debrockman: I think part of the reason you and people on this thread don’t “connect” is because we have different understanding of today’s boarding school environment. I am sure some schools (not just boarding schools but also other kinds of private schools) are for “rich kids” only whose parents can have their “board meetings” (or whatever) in the school parking lot or in the PTA meetings, but some of the best boarding schools in this country have changed dramatically over the past decades. Take Phillips Academy Andover and Phillips Exeter Academy as an example. Both schools are famous for their academic rigor more than anything else. They both have over 1000 students. Approaching 50% of the students are on some kind of financial aid (and many of those full pay students are from professional families vs. “rich and powerful”), and 35%+ are students of color. There is a true diversity (not just to make their “statistics look better”) in these schools. Students are from different background but most of them share one thing in common: very bright and highly academic. Many of them are first generation to go to a private school not to mention a boarding school. Parents don’t make the decision lightly. Often times, they have to compare all options available including public school and private day schools in their area, the balance of work/study and life for the kids, financial situations, etc. and make sometimes painful sacrifices so their kids can get the best education possible. While I understand where you are from, please try to open your mind and listen to others as well.</p>
<p>Burb Parent - doesn’t sound like the same person, that’s for sure…I always struggle with people who see the world in black and white terms, which is how debrockman sees it. No light in the doorway for any other opinions but her own. Like a gaper delay along the highway, I find myself drawn to “what happened.” And I want to know “what happened” to debrockman to make her the way she is. Oh well, chalk it up to another of life’s mysteries.</p>
<p>I think the ■■■■■ is just flaming for fun.</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/30/AR2009113003273.html?hpid=artslot&sid=ST2009113003305]washingtonpost.com[/url”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/30/AR2009113003273.html?hpid=artslot&sid=ST2009113003305]washingtonpost.com[/url</a>]</p>
<p>I hope the link to above article comes through. - Klements</p>
<p>Great article, Klements. Thanks.</p>
<p>It’s almost a shame this thread to will pass.</p>
<p>Another product of non-denominational chapel (from Groton as well):</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.nashobabrooks.org/files/FiercePatriot.pdf[/url]”>http://www.nashobabrooks.org/files/FiercePatriot.pdf</a></p>
<p>Oh! Those horrible elitist prep schools! Who on earth would want their children to turn out like this girl did?! (extreme sarcasm)</p>
<p>Looks like debrockman is gone. For a moment I thought she’d fight till the very end. Wonder which post(s) made her decide to give up, and whether she left with at least somewhat different perspectives.</p>
<p>Erlanger is exactly right…don’t think my student is at the same new england school, but we’ve had the same experience. Being a long distance away makes a big, big difference. Your student may frequently be the only person without a parent attending school events…it should be considered.</p>
<p>Another consideration, besides the distance, is the difference in weekend activities from the percentage of day students–it not only changes the nature of the student body, but I am rapidly learning impacts weekends away as well. Day students have a social life from their prior school and neighborhood, and if your D/S goes to their home for the weekend, chances are there are parties of the nature you feared about. This is likely less of a concern at a school like SPS or Hotckiss, which is more remote and has very low day school population. Yikes!</p>
<p>I’m bumping this thread…it’s been very interesting to read.</p>
<p>I have a daughter who is 12 and in the 6th grade. Our public schools are deplorable, especially for high school. The middle school she is attending now is a very good magnet school.</p>
<p>We live in Louisiana. So, if we go ahead and let her look at girl’s schools, I want to make sure we pick a school that has a large boarding population - since we won’t be able to travel to the school frequently. Can anyone give me info on girl’s schools? I want her happy and at a school with lots of weeked activities. We looked at Hockaday in Dallas but with its large day school population, I feel that would have an impact on the weekend. Thanks!!!</p>
<p>received an email about this post today. haven’t been on this board in years, but thought I’d try and help the new poster. My d attended Emma Willard. came from thousands of miles away from Emma, and one of our main considerations also was the percentage of boarders. Shouldn’t be overlooked as a factor. </p>
<p>That being said, I would encourage you to give Emma a close, close look. There are several really strong girls schools, and each one has its strengths. Emma was the perfect place for my d, though. A powerful, vibrant, happy and challenging school. She learned and grew so much in mind, heart, intellect and confidence at Emma that I and she can’t imagine what her life would be like now if she hadn’t gone there. She’s in college now and thriving.</p>
<p>Good luck in your search!! Have fun.</p>
<p>We are a current “Emma” family and our experience is similar to Jedwards. Emma has been an amazing experience and I marvel at the incredibly positive growth I see in our D that NEVER would have happened in our semi-rural underfunded hometown. Our delights with Emma change over time; our current joy is how our D’s passions have been discovered, nurtured and developed.</p>