Many of these schools prioritize holistic child development while simultaneously delivering a world-class academic curriculum. Yet, when people make claims like, "the academics at that school aren't as robust as those at this school," what exactly do they mean by "strong academics"? Is a student enrolled in a Calculus BC course at a smaller boarding school facing greater or lesser academic competitiveness compared to their counterpart in a larger boarding school? The reality is that many boarding schools boast exceptional educators and offer comparable courses. The perceived academic disparity between these schools typically stems from the sheer number of courses available, a metric largely influenced by school size and financial resources.

A larger school, backed by a substantial endowment of, say, $1 billion, will likely present students with a staggering array of 200-300 course options. In contrast, a smaller institution endowed with $5-10 million might offer a more modest selection of around 50-75 courses. The advantages of attending a larger school primarily revolve around the plethora of learning opportunities afforded to students. The expansive course catalog provides a wide spectrum of choices, and the school often sponsors various educational experiences such as study abroad programs and internships. These enriching opportunities are challenging to replicate in smaller schools, often approaching the realm of impossibility.

On the other hand, smaller schools offer a significant academic advantage through their supportive learning environment. Most of these institutions maintain intimate class sizes, typically comprising 5-10 students per class. The dormitories are cozy, and the close-knit campus community ensures that every student is known and cared for by the faculty and staff, all of whom are deeply committed to the students' academic success. This level of personal attention is challenging to match in larger schools, where dorms can house 50-100 students, and efforts to foster a supportive community, while earnest, often struggle to reach the same level of intimacy as in smaller settings.

Both types of schools are exceptional, surpassing most other educational and social environments in the United States. However, choosing between them demands a careful analysis of various nuances. We've highlighted a few crucial factors here, but there's a multitude of aspects to consider when deciding. If you wish to explore different school types, their specializations, and their suitability for your child, please feel free to reach out to us via phone or email anytime. We're dedicated to providing you with as much valuable information as possible. If you opt to collaborate with us, our 27 years of boarding school expertise and extensive industry connections will be at your service to find the ideal fit for your child.

Most schools field two or three teams for each sport. Typically, the lower-level teams cater to beginners or students who simply enjoy the sport, while the higher-level teams often serve as a launchpad for players heading towards high-level Division 1, 2, and 3 programs, with a select few even pursuing professional careers.If you aspire to excel in high-level athletics at a prep school, there are crucial insights you need to be mindful of. It's a reality that no prep school will outright inform you that you're not on the Varsity team during the admissions process. They will consistently state, "We hold tryouts at the start of the season, and everyone is welcome to try out." However, many schools subtly shape their rosters through recruitment, and their coaches are well aware of the available spots and the players they intend to have on their team.

Unless a prep school coach has explicitly communicated to you that you have a guaranteed place on their Varsity roster, you should assume, at least for the moment and likely throughout the year, that you do not hold a spot on the varsity team. I have firsthand experience coaching ice hockey at two prep schools, and I've witnessed students leave school midway through the year because they believed they'd be on the varsity squad, only to end up on Junior Varsity (JV). It's important to note that prep school coaches can face consequences with the Admissions Office if they preclude prospective students from applying due to team placement concerns. These situations are among the most regrettable I've encountered during my tenure at prep schools, as they negatively impact the school, the family (incurring significant expenses), and, most importantly, the student-athlete.As you navigate the admissions process at a school, it's imperative to seek clarity regarding your position on a specific team. If all you hear is, "We have tryouts, and everyone is welcome," it's wise to operate under the assumption that you do not have a confirmed spot on the Varsity roster. Coaches often request video footage, information about your current team, and, ideally, they prefer to observe your performance before providing any off-the-record assurances about team placement.

You can navigate this process independently, but ensure you pose the right questions during the admissions process. If you're keen on delving deeper into how this process unfolds, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email or phone at any time. As an ice hockey coach in prep school, I have recruited, coached, and mentored over 70 Division 1 players, guided 17 NHL Draft Picks, and played a role in the development of 6 current NHL players. We possess an in-depth understanding of the recruiting process, a vast network of coaches, and we're enthusiastic about offering our assistance.