What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
(The Leelanau School alumni, Class of 2002)

"The setting of this school is absolutely amazing, sitting between the sleeping bear dunes with the crystal river running through campus. The small class sizes and small school size is a plus."

...read full review

What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
(Berkshire School alumni, Class of 2011)

"One of the most unique aspects of Berkshire is the strong sense of community, which forms in a natural manner from year to year. Both faculty and peers provide a sturdy support system that enables students to step outside of their comfort zone and take risks. The school’s motto, “Learning, not only for school, but for life” is highlighted during Pro Vita, an annual, week-long deviation from the normal academic schedule that allows students to take courses ranging from the history of cults in America, to kinesiology, to digital music. Through engaging in such unconventional courses, students are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of disciplines and may discover new passions, as I did by enrolling in “Swedish Culture” my freshman year. The establishment of a safety net in an already warm and inspiring environment proves to be one of the most successful aspects of the school, as each student is likely to emerge from the experience with varied interests, broader perspective, and a far greater sense of self as a result. "

...read full review

What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
(St. Paul's School alumni, Class of 2002)

"One of the most memorable and unique aspects of SPS is the boarding atmosphere. Everyone lives on campus in school housing, even students who hail from the local town. Teachers live on campus as well, many of them in luxurious apartments attached to the dormitories. The proximity of all members of the school community creates a close knit, family atmosphere. Students know each other by name, and chances are, if you pass someone on the path on the way to class, you know their name, and you've had a class together, played on the same athletic team, or participated in the same extracurricular activities. Twice a week, the entire campus gathers for a family style meal -- called seated meal -- where students, faculty and administration dine together. Every school morning, the entire school community convenes in a short, non-denominational church service, where we pray for people on their birthday, and hear prayers pertaining to different events in our community and around the world. When I first arrived at the school as a very young freshman, it was this close-knit feeling that made the transition to living independently at a boarding school so much easier. During my four years at SPS, it truly became my home away from home: I formed several very close, lasting friendships, not only with fellow students, but also with teachers, and even the Bishop (headmaster) of the school. The friendships formed and the communal living atmosphere helped shape the person I am and to ready me for college and the world beyond. Academically, one of the most unique aspects of SPS is the humanities program, in which History and English were combined into one class. This class teaches impeccable writing skills, as well as critical thinking and debate skills through analysis of history, literature, theater, and artwork. In this unique class, history did not happen in a bubble, nor was great literature written in a vacuum. Historical events are studied through contemporary literature and artwork, and the literature is understood within the context of the historical setting. That is to say, instead of studying ancient Greek and Roman history in one class, then reading the Odyssey and the Illiad in another class, the two facets of humanities (History and English) are combined, so that the students understand the context in which these epics were written and the ways in which the literature reflects the attitudes, customs, and current events of the time period. I found that this approach helped me to understand both subjects much better, and to appreciate the field of humanities much more. As someone pursuing an eventual career in medicine, my interest in the humanities, stemming from my humanities classes at SPS, prompted me to choose a liberal arts college, where I am still taking classes of interest in the departments of English and History."

...read full review

What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
(Mercersburg Academy alumni, Class of 2008)

"The single most unique aspect of Mercersburg Academy would have to be the outstanding location of the campus. Nestled between several mountains, the campus sits atop a hill overlooking the postcard town of Mercersburg. To this day there may be no more beautiful campus, college or boarding school, that I have had the pleasure of visiting. Another unique aspect of Mercersburg would have to be the opportunities for outside the box learning. Whether through the dozens of student organizations, service trips, or other activities, Mercersburg allowed me to sample a great deal of activities that were outside of my comfort zone. I truly believe that some of the memories I had and the things I learned at Mercersburg outside of the classroom have helped me both in the professional world and in academia."

...read full review

What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
(Concord Academy alumni, Class of 2011)

" What I love most about Concord Academy is what we call "Common Trust." Common Trust helps CA(Concord Academy) students promote safer environment compared to those nearby schools. Students can leave their books, bags, and stuff in the school library without any worries about losing them. As a result, we can pay full attention to classes and absolutely concentrate on our homework. Moreover, most of the homework I have been assigned are not graded by the teachers; They would just check and encourage the students in classes to do."

...read full review

What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
(The Gunnery alumni, Class of 2000)

"The Gunnery is unique in its approach to learning and growth. I had never before and never since experienced an environment that was so meticulously tailored to the individual student. From the moment you arrive at the Gunnery, the faculty and staff is devoted to helping you achieve success. This is reinforced by a set of highly qualified teachers, many of whom have devoted their entire professional lives to teaching at the school. The school boasts small class sizes, a sophisticated appreciation for the arts, a gorgeous pastoral setting, and an incredibly devoted and effective college counseling staff. The Gunnery is the right school for students seeking lasting rewards from a personalized and challenging experience."

...read full review

What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
(Monte Vista Christian School alumni, Class of 2011)

"Monte Vista Christian School has an absolutely beautiful campus that provides secure, educational setting for every student. Teachers are truly life-time mentors, praying for you before/after school. Students mature not only physically and mentally, but also spiritually and morally. The school also has a wonderful curriculum that prepares for any level of college; students are challenged academically while in high school through its vigorous curriculum. "

...read full review

What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
(The Putney School alumni, Class of 2011)

"Putney is truly an experience unlike any other; an educational environment that develops strong thinkers and problem solvers. The faculty and core values foster creativity, support independence and growth, and ensure that students at once pursue their interests and become well rounded, well prepared students and citizens. Independent study is not only encouraged it is required, with two project weeks per year, so that by the end of a Putney education, students have designed 16 unique academic and non-academic projects. The work program at Putney completes the experience. Students agree that working as an integral part of the farm, kitchen, or maintenance crews, being held responsible for these duties that sustain the community, is one of the most important things that distinguishes Putney from other boarding schools."

...read full review

What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
(Kent School alumni, Class of 2010)

"The school has designated time periods every week that are similar to office hours called "Conference Periods." During these time periods I found a method of connecting with my teachers and better understanding the academic material. These time periods are manifestly important in that they encourage the student body to strive for high academic goals. The experiences I have gained through Conference Periods will definitely aid my studies in college through an increase in my organizational skills."

...read full review