UrbanBaby

I was trying to answer questions for people who are thinking of either. They are very different. I have personal experience at both. I wouldn't have posted if I didn't know other parents in the same situation. There are many who have experience at both. Was trying to be helpful. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 10:18 PM Flag

PP I know more than a few families at Hunter with kids at TT schools. There is actually another family also at Collegiate and Hunter like us. And like us, that is because the child at Collegiate did not get into Hunter. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:42 AM Flag

Big differences? I always thought I'd consider Hunter for DC but not Stuy (too big, don't love the vibe there). Hunter seems more like a private school, more attention to DCs.... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 11:07 PM Flag

I don't feel Hunter feels like a private school (we came from private). And thought the sizes are very different it depends on the kid. My stuy kid actually got more attention then my hunter. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 11:13 PM Flag

Hunter mom/tt grad: it's not a private school, and that's among the things that make it great. The kids are not hand held in any way, which is absolutely what distinguishes a private. It's a mid-sized (not small, btw), super-intense, self-motivated place that has none of the bells and whistles of a private (in addition to the student body being very diff from the privates I know of), so disabuse yourself of that notion. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:13 AM Flag

Meant that it was small (as opposed to Stuy and some of the others like Brooklyn Tech). But I know what you mean in terms of hand holding, I guess. Aren't TTs also super-intense, self-motivated places in high school? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:29 AM Flag

As far as peer group, Hunter is far above Stuy, be it college exmissions, national merit finalists, average sat scores...that is why it's also more difficult to get into. It's also in a much more attractive location not only to get to but also for after school activities like sports, and it has almost an entire block of outdoor space for kids to play. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:40 AM Flag

Agree [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:38 AM Flag

Regis has better college placement than Stuy! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:19 AM Flag

YOU HAVE TO BE CATHOLIC! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:51 PM Flag

or Asian at Stuyvesant. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:50 PM Flag

This statement is coming from someone who obviously don't know both schools. Stuys facilities far superior and so are the sports, clubs etc. Hunter is very small esp for a public. About 150 graduates. Because of diversity it makes each childs pool of friends much smaller. Stuy has a lot more choice socially. Because all the kids come in at HS I would say the groups are equal. Stuy is definitely more stressful but again it depends if you have a boy or girl. Both schools are tougher on girls. Especially hunter. Stuy treats them all equally. More is expected from girls at hunter. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:29 AM Flag

Why is more expected of girls? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:29 AM Flag

Not sure. Just seems more is expected and the girls expect more. The boys seem much more relaxed and they are treated that way. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:00 AM Flag

750 kids in graduating class at Stuy!! Enough said. No thanks. Much better peer group at Hunter including college placement like prior poster pointed out and hell of a lot better location. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:12 AM Flag

If I could my kids in I would pick hunter. much prefer a small school environment that is the same size as say horace mann. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:24 AM Flag

1. Almost 200 kids in each of Hunter's graduating class, almost 800 in Stuy. 2. The kids at Hunter are much more supportive of each other because there is less anonymity. 3. Girls have even better college placements than boys at Hunter. You don't know what you are talking about. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:54 PM Flag

Girls might do better at Hunter, but that doesn't mean that the school isn't tougher on girls. More expectations often leads to higher achievement. Maybe girls at Hunter have better college placement than boys because more is expected of them, so they do more/better. And those who claim Hunter location is way better must have a myopic, upper-east-side view of nyc. Stuy location as good if not better for many families. And Stuy's facilities are far superior. The schools have different strengths. I would send a boy who was a math/computer/science whiz to stuy. I would send a girl who was more humanities oriented to Hunter. Provided I could get DCs into either place, of course! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:02 PM Flag

165 kids at Hunter vs 750 plus at Stuyvesant graduating class. Completely different worlds! That is what makes Hunter so special. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:08 PM Flag

ITA! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 06:44 PM Flag

+1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 06:44 PM Flag

For the record, nearly 200 kids graduating from Hunter in the past 3 years (190+). Of course, each class will differ, depending on attrition [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 12:04 AM Flag

174 last year if I remember correctly. Hunter mom. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 03:36 PM Flag

Another Hunter mom here - no - 192 in 2011, 194 in 2012 and 198 in 2013. I'm not sure why you think the number was 174. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:57 AM Flag

Sorry meant to type 194 - like you stated. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 02:20 AM Flag

With that logic if you start a public school with 5 gifted kids per grade would that be the best school in the world? That's like saying Swarthmore is better than Stanford just because it's smaller. There are advantages and disadvantages to both schools. Stuy because it's larger, has much better selection of courses and extracurriculars. If you actually spent time at both schools you would understand this. Neither school will hold a child's hand by the way so size isn't really all that important [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 02:42 AM Flag

np - Re Swarthmore vs Stanford....well..... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 02:45 AM Flag

Please. A school needs to be large enough and offer enough breadth of opportunity and attract competitive men and women who will lead in every profession. The arts are nice but not enough. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 03:04 AM Flag

Sorry but do you really think that a Swarthmore or Williams only educates in the arts? LOL [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 04:04 AM Flag

Girls are tough on themselves while boys give a bravado.....as would any teenagers anywhere. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:01 PM Flag

"Because of diversity it makes each childs pool of friends much smaller" ?? By this you mean they make friends with their own? Not true for HCHS at all. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 06:37 PM Flag

Obviously you a) did not grow in NYC and b) have no direct familiarity with either school. SOunds like you read an article with some random statistics. Seriously. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 02:34 AM Flag

np - While I don't agree with her re peer group and location (I think both schools are equal on both counts), the other facts she states are just that: facts. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 04:11 AM Flag

Hunter T1, Stuy T2 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:13 AM Flag

NEST T3 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:14 AM Flag

G&T T4 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:15 AM Flag

There's no g&t at the high school level you jealous bi-atch [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:26 PM Flag

G&T parent? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:09 PM Flag

NP. There is no G&T for high school. And anyone who would take two such amazing schools as Hunter and Stuy and try to put them into "tiers" has problems. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 06:42 PM Flag

yeah you bi-atch [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 04:01 PM Flag

mostly children of asian immigrants over at stuy [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:24 AM Flag

I went to stuy and would not go there now. 73% Asian- would not want that for my kids even if were were Asian. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:25 AM Flag

Do you have something against Asians? Wouldn't you rather have your kids around smart, hard-working kids? Or would you rather water down the student body so your child is among less-smart, less hard-working students? Smacks of racism to me. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:14 PM Flag

Why? We are white upper middle class jews at bx sci and DC loves it there. he has friends of all colors - and they are all amazing, smart and have a fantastic sense of humor. what else do you need when you think of your children's peer group? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:47 PM Flag

+1 - we are also Jewish and DD loves the demographic at Bronx Science. She says most of her classmates are serious, hard working and also like to have fun. Sounds good to me. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:54 PM Flag

Bronx Science's reputation is not as a competitive the other two, which is why it is more populated with "white" kids. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:16 PM Flag

Well, BxScience's 65-70% Asian population, compared with Stuy's 70-75%, isn't that much of a difference, so its reputation for being less competitive may be due to other factors. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:17 PM Flag

np. Stuy is downtown Manhattan right near Chinatown. Bx Sci is not. That probably has something to do with the slightly different demographic. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:24 PM Flag

NP According to the Sunday Times, the "new" Chinatowns are in Sunset Park and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and the Flushing section of Queens. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:32 PM Flag

I don't think so. Most Asian kids at Stuy not coming from Manhattan Chinatown. Most come from Queens. Slightly different demographic is due to how Asians/Whites do on SHSAT, not much else. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 12:09 PM Flag

Many of the Asian kids at Stuy are not Chinese. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:18 PM Flag

And they still probably come from queens, as that borough has the largest korean and south asian populations as well. They definitely don't come from Manhattan's Chinatown. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.15.13, 05:40 PM Flag

Can you point me to your demographic information please. TIA. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:19 PM Flag

Why? Just curious. DS is at a selective middle with a majority of Asians, but not 73%, and it seems fine. I look at his friends, and it is like walking into an IT department. Maybe I'm used to it because I worked in IT for 20 years, but they just seem like normal bright kids. What about them don't you like? There is definitely a communication issue with some of the parents, but by HS, parents are not too involved in the school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:12 PM Flag

I think most parents don't want their dcs to compete with the Asian kids. Asian parents tend to demand absolute dedication from their kids toward school work and it is hard for parents to push their kid at similar levels. Not that all Asian kids will listen to their parents but enough does so that senior year you will see all these Asian kids with 96-98 averages applying for college while you are looking at your A- kid. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:16 PM Flag

Poster from above with DC in science. I want my kids to collaborate and be surrounded by smart kids. I really don't give a damn who they are. I wish more parents demanded absolute more from their kids. If you are not up for it, you will not do well in Hunter where whites are majority minority or in any of the specialized schools. Don't think that by selecting a peer group where you are significantly above average is a healthy thing. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:30 PM Flag

Hunter High majority Asian (children of immigrants) as well, so that's a moot point when comparing the two. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:12 PM Flag

Not true! Less than 30% Asian - please get informed before you speak nonsense. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:10 PM Flag

http://insideschools.org/high/browse/school/1402 48% Asian. But who's counting. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:32 PM Flag

Ethnicity %: 38 W | 3 B | 2 H | 48 A [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 06:39 PM Flag

Versus almost 80% Asian at Stuy - small difference! Sure. Of course. Yes. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 06:42 PM Flag

Hmm, how'd we go from 70-75% to 80%? It just keeps creeping up. In your next post, it will be 90%. But, to be fair, there is a difference between half and two thirds, so I guess Hunter is less Asian, if this kind of thing is important to you. However, if it is, I might also point out that kids make friends with individuals, not ethnic groups, and if you are worried about your kids making White friends, their chances are better at Stuy, where there are almost as many white kids as the whole class at Hunter. Around 200 white kids, vs around 100 at Hunter. So a bigger white friend pool. Though why this should be anyone's concern is beyond me. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 12:12 PM Flag

"Kind of less" ;-) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 07:49 PM Flag

It's crazy, considering only a bit over 4 years ago it was just above 50% Asian. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 02:36 PM Flag

np - Here are the real numbers (from the DOE) - In the 2006-07 year (so 6 years ago), Stuy was 62% Asian and 32% white. The % of Asians has gone up every year: 65% in 2008, 67%, 70% and 72% in 2010-11. And interestingly, the number of free lunch kids has gone up every year as well: only 17% in 2006-07 up to 30% in 2010-11. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 02:28 AM Flag

Say what you want - not good! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:09 PM Flag

Not good bc it should be more white? or not good bc it should be more diverse in general? I agree that these schools should be more diverse in general, but this is what happens when you based entrance solely on one test (in the case of both Hunter and Stuy) On the other hand, the economic diversity at stuy is v good. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:21 PM Flag

75% Asian - Stuyvesant is probably the least diverse school in nyc - be it race, economic, religious... And its part of the DOE which is a huge, huge, huge negative [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 05:15 PM Flag

Actually, stuy is very economically diverse, more so than many other "good" high schools. I bet hunter is very economically diverse as well. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.15.13, 05:43 PM Flag

And, with all those asians, it should be more religiously diverse than other schools--unless you think that all asians are christians. I bet stuy has more muslims and hindus and buddhists than any of the schools people on this board tout as diverse. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.15.13, 05:45 PM Flag

Stuy has far more free lunch eligible than Hunter. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.17.13, 01:26 PM Flag

Hunter 10% free lunch, Stuy 30%, Bx Sci 34% [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.17.13, 01:27 PM Flag

Hunter is a free private school. Not sure why people don't understand that. It has NOTHING to do with DOE schools like Stuy or Bx Sci. This is just one of many factors. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.13, 01:41 AM Flag

Do you have the numbers on Hunter. It's my understanding that % of asians has gone up every year there, too. And not surprising about the free lunch stat. Many of the asian students are working class children of immigrants from queens. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:14 PM Flag

No. They are not a DOE school so no DOE stats. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 03:23 PM Flag

30-35% Asian as of 2011. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 05:17 PM Flag

Exactly the schools demographics are practically the same except they don't carry the white Manhattan kids from the elementary school at Stuy. Incoming Hunter is identical to Stuy. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 02:37 AM Flag

Stuy has almost double the Asian population of students! Stuy has no 50 kids coming at elementary school which is 25% Asian! Stuy has 800 kids per class vs 190. Stuy is in the middle of frkns nowhere. And, Stuy is part of the DOE! Not to mention lower average SAT scores, lower % of national merit finalists and worse college exmissions. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 12:33 PM Flag

To call chambers st and the west side highway the middle of nowhere is to imply that those who live in battery park city or in the west village or soho or the financial district live "nowhere." Get out of your upper east side ivory tower every once in a whole, will you? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:17 PM Flag

So is Stuy like Shuang Wen then? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 05:17 PM Flag

How do you apply? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:22 AM Flag

Are the rumors about the crushing workload and competitiveness at Stuy true? Ds is at a selective middle and wants to go to Stuy, but this aspect scares me. However, they said the same thing about his middle and it turned out to be overly exaggerated so he is handling it just fine. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:14 PM Flag

If your child is bright enough to get in without insane amount of tutoring, is a quick worker, the workload should not agonizing. Most who complain about the workload should not be there in the first place. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:28 PM Flag

Original poster. First I am sorry I posted. I was trying to help for people who looked at these two schools since I am in the thick of it. I didn't care what the two schools were except that similar people wanted both. Yes they are academic. I could care less about what others think. I was trying to help. I will try to answer. I do not agree that the kids are more supportive in hunter. I think the small size makes for more attention by teachers and kids. Everyone knows everything. It is much more a small school vibe with the pluses and minuses that go with it. Stuy has the feel of a big suburban HS. The Asian part did not play into it at all for my dc. It is big with lots going on. VERY supportive. IF you child is outgoing I believe it is almost easier socially. So many kids and they don't talk about grades as much (unless you hang in that group). The kids at Hunter all know everyone pressure. They are both ridiculously hard. But Stuy probably a bit more work. The size in this case goes against you because the teachers don't talk as much to each other. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:47 PM Flag

Oh if anyone would like some answers to specific questions go ahead. I would prefer without the bashing. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:48 PM Flag

OR. I don't think I was bashing anything. Are you sure you meant to respond to my thread this way? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:19 PM Flag

OR here. Did you mean to post that under a different thread? I was asking about Stuy in particular. I am not interested in Hunter. I hear the rumors and am wondering if they are true because there were similar ones for dc's middle and he does very well without my help or tutors or anything. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:18 PM Flag

BS! Everyone complains about the workload! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 08:51 PM Flag

Yes, there is tons of academic pressure and tons of social pressure if you are not Asian. You can look up stories about this in the news. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:51 PM Flag

So not true about the social pressure if your not Asian! signed mom of a child there (who is not Asian) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:56 PM Flag

Of course for you its not true! When its about your school, it never is! It's nothing but great and wonderful. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 05:45 PM Flag

I was wondering about personal experience, though. Sometimes, kids get into schools like that with a lot of help and have trouble keeping up. I know a few adults who had that experience 20 years ago. I was wondering if it is a pressure cooker for every kid. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:21 PM Flag

Stuy has issues with of pressures on kids. The class size, the high concentration of Asian families, the incompetence of the DOE...only being a high school creates lots of clashes between kids - by the time they adapt and get to know one another the four years are over. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:13 PM Flag

Is it really that bad? Do you have kids there? I always see the kids in Rockefeller Park on nice days, and they just seem so normal. They have fun and horse around and don't look stressed, but maybe it is all under the surface. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:29 PM Flag

Where is this bullshit coming from? My sister (white jewish kid) graduated from stuy a few years ago, and yes, it was a lot of work, yes, there are a lot of asians, yes, she did well with college, and yes, she had friends, had time to enjoy her high school years, had friends from all over the ethnic and economic spectrum and would do it all over again. Any highly competitive school has smart and competitive kids. What is it with the Asian thing? Know two DFs with kids in Hunter (neither is Asian), and they love it too. They don't prep for any tests during the summer, enjoy sports, but not cut-throat competitive, concerts, music, and yes they do their homework. Both go to non-academic camps in the summer. Or the horror. It shocks me how much misinformation and gossip is here. It's sad because often people want advice and personal experience, and you would think that UB would provide both without snark and stupid comments. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:35 PM Flag

The worst thing Stuy has going for it that privates and Hunter luckily do not is the dreaded DOE. And that sucks. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 02:38 PM Flag

What is the social pressure for non-Asians? To act more Asian? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 12:06 AM Flag

Everyone knows Stuy has been overtaken by Asians - for good or for bad - it is what it is. Stuy is the least diverse school in NYC! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 02:32 PM Flag

75% Asian!?!? Such a high percentage is ridiculous regardless of the race. Can not be good. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 02:34 PM Flag

Racism was never such a big problem at Stuyvesant. Homophobia was. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 02:35 PM Flag

Many of the Asians are Indian. It is not 75% Chinese. It is very mixed. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:29 PM Flag

very mixed my ass! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 05:16 PM Flag

Guess you don't have a child there. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 06:57 PM Flag

Again, 75% Asian. How can you continue to try and spin that? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 07:27 PM Flag

Oh, they will. You see on UB, nothing negative can ever be said about your snowflake's school. Nothing. So she will argue with you even though the facts are clear. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 07:28 PM Flag

LOL! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 07:28 PM Flag

So true! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 07:28 PM Flag

Are you talking about NEST? I've heard NEST kids who find NEST middle not a struggle tend to do fine at Stuy. I don't have any personal experience, though. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 12:20 PM Flag

Well I guess this proves that are experiences are truly different. I feel the schools are different but equally great. I would send both my kids all over again. I would not send my stuy kid to Hunter (to small for him). My hunter kid LOVES high school but would have loved stuy as well. Good luck to everyone. I won't try this again. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 04:21 PM Flag

Um, how does what I posted about NEST prove that experiences are truly different? I was just trying to answer poster above who asked about DS who is at selective middle and finding it not that hard. And BTW, I was not flaming you. I appreciate all the info you have given. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:26 PM Flag

OR. I don't know what is going on with OP. She thought I was bashing her when I was just asking questions. Anyway, my child is not at NEST, but a different middle that sends about 30% of students to Stuy. I'm hoping that they prepare the kids well so it would not be too much of a shock to the system and that Stuy is really not as overwhelming as its reputation. Who knows if he would even get in or if he would even want to go when the time comes. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:44 PM Flag

No, not NEST. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 01:30 PM Flag

Most people I know would much prefer Hunter of Stuy - heck over just about other school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 12:34 PM Flag

OP: I was commenting to others. I had one go from private and one go from Nest. Nest prepares them very well. My child did very well on the Stuy test. Stuy is still very hard and deep thinking. Not a ton of busy work but true deep thinking. It is a lot. Kids that want it, want it. And they do well. Same with Hunter. I do not agree that most people would want Hunter over stuy. Maybe most parents but not most children. It is a split depending on the child. Some kids really love everything stuy has to offer (and yes they take advantage of it all). Again, both great schools. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 02:52 PM Flag

To the Nest parents: STuy is a shock period. No matter where you come from. Coming from Nest helps because you already will know a large group of people. Also Nest kids are usually very self motivated. It is more about the child then the school they come from. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 02:54 PM Flag

Did your child find NEST easy or difficult? Just asking, bc I've heard that kids who find NEST pretty easy are less likely to struggle at Stuy. Just wondering for when our turn comes up. The hunter ship has already sailed, but Stuy might be an option. DC gets along at NEST without struggling at all or doing what seems like much studying for tests, etc. If DC got into Stuy, on the one hand would love for DC to be more challenged, but on the other don't want it to be a complete shock or struggle. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 04:45 PM Flag

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General Topics 06.13.13, 02:52 PM Flag

Our DS was at Fieldston - got into Hunter HS - best decision ever. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 05:12 PM Flag

While it always seems the kids at Hunter are happy not so much the case with Stuyvesant kids I have met. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 05:13 PM Flag

I have a huge group of stuy kids at my house now. They all love their school. Seems like most ppl that don't like stuy......don't go there. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 05:45 PM Flag

I would tend to agree with prior poster - it would be sad that so many Stuy kids seem not all that happy and under a lot stress. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 06:32 PM Flag

That is an issue partially created by all 800 of them coming in at once. Most other schools have more than one entry point including an elementary or middle school entry point. Stuy only has entry at high school making it very hard for children to integrate and forge relationships. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 06:34 PM Flag

This! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 07:29 PM Flag

Huh? Most other schools where? Public high schools in NYC tend to start in high school--ie 9th grade. Sure, Hunter starts earlier, but most others don't, with a few exceptions--NEST, SOF, etc. If your weird statement about integrating and forging relationships is true, then most public high schools in NYC must fall down on that score. Your comment is just plain whacko! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.15.13, 05:48 PM Flag

I think she meant private schools! She is right. The only whacko thing here is the dept of ed of which Stuyvesant is part of. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.13, 01:37 AM Flag

If you have the money to go private, I guess it's easy to bash the board of ed and be so dismissive. those of us poor folk who are stuck in public school have to deal with the board of ed. All anyone is saying is that Stuy is really good public high school. Not sure what you stuy-bashing trolls are hoping to gain by constantly comparing stuy to private schools. of course they are not the same. I personally prefer the vibe at public school (which is a good thing, since my kids have no choice). I have close personal knowledge of private high schools and the rich white entitled vibe that pervades many if not most of them is not for me. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.13, 03:19 PM Flag

I bet there are at least 200 happy stuy kids, which would equal the amount at hunter. With 800 kids, some are bound to be unhappy. But plenty are happy. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.15.13, 05:58 PM Flag

200 happy kids walking amongst 600 unhappy souls. Nice! Where do I sign my kid up? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.13, 01:42 AM Flag

[ - ] More replies to placenta typo than real question- when to expect G&T placement? And when do you have to accept/decline? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 08:52 PM Flag

June 22nd [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 09:00 PM Flag

For placement notification or accept/decline? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:59 PM Flag

Lol, it was the 17th just a couple of hours earlier [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 11:00 PM Flag

Your letter will give instructions [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 09:01 PM Flag

I am not getting a letter. I want to know when gen Ed etc spots will be released [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:58 PM Flag

The placenta post was more interesting. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 10:05 PM Flag

[ - ] In 2006, about 15 private schools offered to contribute $52.6 million toward the construction and refurbishment of sports fields on Randalls Island in exchange for a guarantee that they could have two-thirds of the fields from 3 to 6 p.m. on school days in the spring and fall. A coalition of public school parents, community groups and park advocates, arguing that the city had no right to grant private schools special access to public land, sued to overturn the deal and won. But the city built the fields anyway, and today, the private schools are, in effect, getting at no cost what they had been willing to pay millions to secure. In 2010, during the coveted 3 to 6 p.m. weekday slot, independent private schools used the fields 56 percent of the time, compared with 13 percent for public schools, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation. The balance of the playing time during those hours was taken up by other private schools, including Catholic schools, which were not part of the agreement; local youth groups; and community organizations like the Harlem Little League. 30 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 07:44 PM Flag

Wow, that is horrible. But I doubt people will read to the end... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:45 PM Flag

Would essentially turn public parkland into a private domain. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:01 PM Flag

In other words, coalition groups of the People should not be trusted to do deals in their own interest. This outcome was predictable. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:44 PM Flag

THIS. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:21 PM Flag

The independent schools DID underwrite the renovation. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:53 PM Flag

The deal was shot down in court. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:59 PM Flag

What is your point? is there a cost to use the fields? maybe the privates have more extra curriculars than the publics? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:53 PM Flag

The Bloomberg administration’s attempt to revive a deal to allow 20 private schools to pay for exclusive use of public athletic fields on Randalls Island has been rejected by a State Supreme Court justice, who characterized the city’s position as “audacious.” [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:01 PM Flag

But are the public schools requesting access and being denied? Is it first come first served? Many unanswered questions to really understand the whole picture. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:55 PM Flag

Anyone know how much Avenues pays Chelsea Piers? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:55 PM Flag

All I know is that it's a complete waste of two hours to go there and back. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:57 PM Flag

Both Sacred Heart and the Spence School, preferring to keep their students cloistered in Carnegie Hill, have opted to build new athletic facilities at great expense. The Spence School spent a dizzying $26.1 million just for the land to build a new athletic center close to its East 91st Street mansion. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:58 PM Flag

The CSH facilities are going to be amazing. DD not going there but the plan looked great. I bet Brearley goes down this road soon with its extra space. I wish I could afford private for dd!!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:06 PM Flag

You may not be able to afford $45,000 but you might be able to afford $4,500 and that will get her some nice classes! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:07 PM Flag

pay-to-play!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:03 PM Flag

Another reminder that money and hoity-tiotyness will always triumph over spirit, fairness, equity and merit [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:08 PM Flag

Nobody's preventing the public schools from using the fields, it's just that the private schools are able to afford better means of transportation. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:10 PM Flag

There is the problem!! NYC knew this location was not suitable for public schools or the public in general, yet they still went ahead and spent $120M for the revamp of Randalls Island. Basically they built the fields knowing they would only be used by private schools and ended-up not charging them a penny. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:07 PM Flag

np: This would only be a reasonable statement if the only time they were used was 3-6pm on school days. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:22 PM Flag

And when do you think most schools would use them genius! Sat at 8pm? Not sure what school you went to - if any - but sports usually take place right AFTER school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:26 PM Flag

LOL! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:26 PM Flag

pp: See, this is a perfect example of why you should ask before you rant like an asshole so you don't look stupid. Those fields are used before and after the 3-6pm weekday window and all weekend by non-school residents of the city. The fields are not only for school kids. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:44 PM Flag

Dozens of new ballfields in the sprawling park beneath the RFK-Triborough Bridge went unused last summer by the kids who need them most, the city parks boss admits. And with school almost out for summer, advocates are complaining the $120 million revamp of Randalls Island Park in early 2010 created a playground for the rich and took crucial dollars from neighborhood ballfields. "From day one, we were concerned there was no need to build so many" new fields, said Geoffrey Croft of NYC Park Advocates. "Now that has come to fruition. The result is the fields are empty." [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 09:12 PM Flag

pp: The fields are close to 100% capacity from afternoon until night during the week and all day/night on weekends. If you want to make the argument that there should be other facilities elsewhere, I'm with you. But there are a lot of city residents who are not on a private school team and are not on a public school team who use Randall's Island. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:42 PM Flag

np: that's not the case. private schools pay the city to rent the fields, it's not a free ride. but it would have been a better deal for the city to allow the schools to contribute to the cost of the renovation and allowed them the guaranteed use, bc the net result was the same. And it's absolutely about transportation. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:26 PM Flag

nnp. Since when does any school have to pay to rent time on the fields? I thought they just had to apply for the time slots they want and then it's first-come first-served? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:24 PM Flag

Not sure I get your point. Looks like the taxpayers ended up paying for something the private schools would have funded. Is that it? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:18 PM Flag

Good use of tax payer money! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:13 PM Flag

You know what? Back when this was in court many people made the case that the city should just take the money because in the end the outcome would be the same - the private schools would dominate the use of the fields during those hours anyway. So are we supposed to feel bad now that it's come to pass?? As another poster pointed out above, this was completely predictable and just goes to show that "the people" are sometimes too dim to understand their own interests. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:20 PM Flag

Np: it is not just private schools using the fields after school. There are a bunch of travel leagues using it, there are soccer, baseball and lacrosse programs that enroll kids from both private and public schools. Anyone can sign up their kids. And on weekend so many leagues are out there, including inexpensive ones like WSSL, there ate adult rugby and football leagues, tons of people are using the fields. If your kids play there and you have tried to find parking Saturday midday you know. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 04:22 PM Flag

[ - ] When will people have G&T placenta? How long do they give you to accept/decline? Do we automatically lose gen Ed spot, or do you have to call to give up spot? 16 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 07:38 PM Flag

placenta or placement? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:39 PM Flag

June 22nd [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:33 PM Flag

I ate my g&t placenta the younger sibling got in with 97!!!!!!!!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:40 PM Flag

That'll work. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:26 AM Flag

consult Placenta Helper [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:33 PM Flag

My placenta is not really gifted, but definitely talented. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:34 PM Flag

When you register at your G&T school, DOE automatically releases your Gen Ed Spot. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:43 PM Flag

I don't think this is true--when we called last year, gen-ed thanked us saying that most people don't call and the DOE doesn't notify them until much later. Please call your gen-ed if you take a g&t spot!! Someone on a waitlist will love you and it doesn't hurt you in any way!!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:35 PM Flag

Yes. Better to call gen-ed directly so they can make plans. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:42 PM Flag

My placenta was decidedly Special Needs. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:46 PM Flag

lol [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:46 PM Flag

All g&t placentas get encapsulated [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:51 PM Flag

All g&t placentas get encapsulated [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:51 PM Flag

my placenta scored 99 with no prep. got into anderson. is having trouble fitting in though. tinking of holding it back a year. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:56 PM Flag

My 1st placenta was kinda slow so I had to have a C/S. The baby was gifted...I guess it gave all it had. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:51 PM Flag

I prepped mine at Aristotle's Uterus! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 11:10 PM Flag

[ - ] G&T exam is already difficult, no need to make it harder. What needs to be corrected is scoring: If mid-year born kids answer 75/80% of the questions correct, they are placed as 99%, 50-55% correct, they are gifted too, placed at 92%. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 06:37 PM Flag

huh? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 06:49 PM Flag

[ - ] Which private schools are out already? My second dc started this year and I am surprised (and a little annoyed) with how different their schedules are. I assumed all independent schools operated on the same schedule. 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 04:51 PM Flag

nyc isaagny schools on same schedule [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 05:10 PM Flag

They do not. ISAAGNY was established for the purpose of making uniform application dates and testing only. It has nothing to do with setting the starting and ending dates of schools. Most schools follow the same vacation schedules, but have varying starting and ending dates. Saint Ann's vacation is different from everyone. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 06:30 PM Flag

no, they all start and end a little differently. browning got out earlier than usual this year. dalton goes later than most (but also starts later in the fall). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 05:23 PM Flag

Marymount [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 10:07 PM Flag

York [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 10:19 PM Flag

StB and Riverdale [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.13.13, 02:59 PM Flag

[ - ] T1: Dalton, Collegiate, Chapin, Spence, Trinity, Horace Mann, Hunter, St Ann’s, Brearley. T2: Fieldston, Stuyvesant, Riverdale, Bronx Science, Regis, St Bernard’s, SHSH. T3: St David’s, Nightingale, Avenues, Packer, Anderson, NEST, Marymount. T4: Browning, Buckley, Allen Stevenson, Calhoun, Friends, Trevor, Poly, Columbia Grammar, Mandell. T5: Brooklyn Friends, Little Red, British Intl, Sacred Heart, Rudolph Steiner, Loyola, Hewitt, Dwight, UNIS, Town, York Prep, Village Community, City & Country, Birch-Wathen, Caedmon, Cathedral, Met Montessori, Bank St, Leman, St Luke's. 14 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 03:14 PM Flag

CSH isn't T5 and NBS isn't T3. My kid goes to one of your T1 schools, fwiw. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:17 PM Flag

Really? Stuy and Fieldston in T2 Also, I thought Columbia Grammar higher than T4 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:25 PM Flag

Aren't you tired of posting this identical entry each week? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:22 PM Flag

What's the agenda here for posting this multiple times? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:26 PM Flag

Fear of forgetting. Mumbled like a chant or prayer. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 06:28 PM Flag

UBdental meditation? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 06:32 PM Flag

Let me guess...your kid goes to SHSH [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:40 PM Flag

And then Avenues for high school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:44 PM Flag

Says who?? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:36 PM Flag

NBS is T4! Come on [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:03 PM Flag

An odd listing. Why include some of the top public hs but not all of them? Many are exceptionally difficult to gain entry to, e.g., Bard Early College, Eleanor Roosevelt, LaGuardia, Beacon. I would give you odds that most of the kids at those schools are as bright and/or talented/and/or hard-working, if not more so, than those in most of the private schools you list. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:37 PM Flag

Obviously, the OP is concerned with private schools (though putting Bronx Science and Stuyvesant as 2T says a lot about the whole "tier" business). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 05:43 PM Flag

The poster and others who respond to this have a major insecurity and/or jealousy that must be painful. Why do you feel better if you attempt to put others down? Why are labels more important than what is best for your child? Trinity will not suit all children; neither will Birch Wathen. Why isn't your child's best interest the most important thing to you?? This is truly bizarre. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:56 PM Flag

Obviously the OP has DCs at T1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:37 AM Flag

[ - ] Moving to Ft Greene this summer and looking for nursery schools for a 3YO. Deciding between brand new Brooklyn Preschool of Science (new program starting this fall by Carmelo the Science Fellow)--to the tune of $15,500/yr--or Juguemos a Cantar, a Spanish immersion program (we are bilingual), at $6,000/yr. The curriculum for Carmelo's school looks awesome but it's quite pricy for a new, untested school, no? I think Juguemos is a standard neighborhood school--not especially progressive or unique in terms of the curriculum but very nurturing and fun, and has the added advantage of supporting us in nurturing my DS's Spanish. Any knee-jerk reactions here? 8 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 03:10 PM Flag

Go to the one closer to your house. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:18 PM Flag

I am a big fan of the sciences, but for a 3yo? Better go to the bilingual school to reinforce the second language and save money. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:16 PM Flag

If you need to think about the money then send to immersion school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:25 PM Flag

Is it apples to apples with hours per day and days per week? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:30 PM Flag

You might want to check out the new Science, Language and Arts school on St. Felix. Or Greene Hill, Co-op, or Waldorf. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:34 PM Flag

OP since we are late to the game, we are pretty much scavenging for whatever spots are available. Science is 4 days/wk, 9-3, Spanish is 3 days/wk from 9-12. I will call Science, Language and Arts school, because it looks great too. Interesting how many French language programs there are in Brooklyn. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:42 PM Flag

One of my DD's good friends' family was very happy with Juguemos a Cantar. She also had a part-time spanish-speaking nanny, so she had some support at home too. The family was really pleased with the care their DD got; said the staff was loving and DD had lots of fun. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:25 PM Flag

OP-that is excellent feedback. Thank you so much. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 06:50 PM Flag

[ - ] Applied to saint Ann's for K and the woman spent well over half an hour telling me my son scored phenomenally well on their testing and that he was a fabulous and charming guy. Then they waitlisted him. I know I should be long over it but I'm not. Why do they do this? Do you think summer birthday affected decision? Or was it just not true and they wanted me to feel good? Do they say this stuff to everyone? 21 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 02:28 PM Flag

Lena dunham effect. St ann's was surprised by the strength of their pool and wait listed a lot of kids that would have been shoo ins in the past [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:37 PM Flag

Oh please. That school is notoriously hard to get in to. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:04 PM Flag

Aren't they all! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:08 PM Flag

they did this to us 7 years go (preLena era) and were notorious for doing it even then. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 06:50 PM Flag

np. ITA. I haven't seen as much talk about this on UB in the last couple of years, but I can recall 4+ years ago when it seemed like everyone here complained about this. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:45 PM Flag

I have heard in the past that they are very friendly and often give positive feedback just to wait list or reject the kids later. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:34 PM Flag

I don't think they lie or say this to everyone. It really is a numbers game. The year my son applied to K there were 4 spots in the whole class for non siblings or legacies. AND only one was for a boy. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:41 PM Flag

If you love the school you should definitely reapply in first grade. They open more grades and I hear that they often let in the kids who were waitlisted in the first round. Also, I hear that all the K spots go to the sibs, legacies and students of faculty. But it really opens up more for first. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:36 PM Flag

ITA [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:15 PM Flag

ITA [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:15 PM Flag

All schools will say that to parents on the WL, more so if you are on the "real waitlist". It does not cost them anything and the last thing they want is to strike out on an offer and then to strike out again on the waitlist. Makes admissions team look bad. They are really focused on the yield. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:43 PM Flag

Agreed. There simply are not many spots at Saint Ann's. In my experience, they genuinely feel they interview many more kids who would thrive at the school than they have spots. And very few turn down the school, so the waitlist rarely moves. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:58 PM Flag

This is the case with most schools in NYC - there are just nowhere near enough spots and they can't accept all the kids they want, so even if the waitlists never move much they still want to play nice. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:54 PM Flag

I've heard they take a ton of kids into first grade - and many who were on the K waitlist. If your dc starts the new school and you're still thinking about St. Ann's then apply again for first. It sounds like they really liked him. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:15 PM Flag

Not any more spots for unconnected in first. Yes they add a class but it is mostly filled with sibs etc.. from grace/ plymouth that they ask to wait for first. This year's first had four new non-sib kids ( 2 boys 2 girls). I don't think the summer bdy is an issue there, a cluster of young summer and even fall birhtdays (boys and girls). She says nice things about your kid at the appt, probably bc she means it and really likes kids and bc it is an easier tack to take in face to face meeting with parents. You're not paying (or asking for) a thorough evaluation. I suspect the sib/ legacy policy will loosen up eventually but right now there are almost no new spots. It's not bad in that it's still a great bunch of kids but a hard nut to crack admission wise. GL. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:50 PM Flag

Based on my limited experience, they liked your DC but just didn't have enough spots for all the kids they liked. I know they don't always give out that glowing assessment and they do reject. I'm sure your DS ended up somewhere decent. If you're still not happy after K starts, why not reapply for 1st? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:37 PM Flag

I have the impression that SA does that a lot. Dalton/Babby is another that's known for this. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:36 PM Flag

agreed. babby and diane are both known for making you feel like your DC is already in then issue WLs. at least diane is a slightly more honest with kids who would get RJ. you really have to read between the lines though. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 06:02 PM Flag

they like your ds but not the parent. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 08:57 PM Flag

[ - ] Private school for an average-ability child (non-TT obviously): worth the money? They're not bound for HYP, so any old public will do, right? 24 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 02:16 PM Flag

Not any public [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:12 PM Flag

I probably differ than other posters on this subject as I don't feel the decision should be based on how smart you deem your child to be at such a young age but more what their social/emotional picture looks like. Some kids really need that extra nurturing and others don't. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:20 PM Flag

Not any public and not any private. There are good and bad private schools just as there are good and bad public schools, and, in addition, we don't know anything about your DC. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:15 PM Flag

Lots of average ability children in TTs [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:24 PM Flag

Definitely. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:19 PM Flag

No question. Whether it's worth the money, however, means whether it's worth it to you, based on where DC would be happiest. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:21 PM Flag

NP I think if you can afford private school it can be a wonderful environment for your kid. Don't see why you'd make a decision based on how smart a kid is instead of where they'd be the happiest and do the best. (I have a kid in public, btw, not against it, but if you can afford private, it has a lot of great benefits!) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:21 PM Flag

Public school advocate here: I think you'd be better off in as strong a private as DC can get into. Publics are great (well, the really good ones), but the kids who will do well there are the ones who are very smart and can navigate the bigger size and its challenges. Who enjoy being with a lot of people and will raise their hands to answer questions. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:29 PM Flag

This is very interesting. DD is very smart, but was excruciatingly shy when she started K. I almost sent her to PS 41, but when I went to the new family breakfast and say 149 kids going wild in the playground and mine looking like she wanted to crawl under a rock, I remembered her great ERB scores and waited another year (she's a September baby) to apply to privates. She's had a great experience at 2nd/3rd tier private, but it's breaking us and I always wonder what it would have been like if I'd just sent her to PS 41. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:39 PM Flag

I think it depends on her kind of shy. My DC takes an extra long time to warm up in new situations, but then is at ease. She would have been the one under the rock, but I knew that it was generally temporary. If she's having a great experience, she's probably in the right place. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:48 PM Flag

we moved our exceptionally shy ds from private to public for a variety of reasons, including financial, and he's been much happier - he's able to fly under the radar a little and there is less focus on every kid from the teachers. It took him 1/2 the first year to really be comfortable getting up in class to answer questions when called on, but his teacher spoke to me about it and eased him into it very slowly to get him more comfortable with it - and he did. Also, the class is more structured/rules - with so many kids it has to be and that gives him comfort because he knows what to expect and rules are uniformly enforced. Honestly, I never thought it would work out as well as it did. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:56 PM Flag

If you have the money, I think a great education is MORE important for an average student since they will need every edge to differentiate themselves down the road, not to mention, be completely prepared for success at the next level. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:30 PM Flag

This. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:33 PM Flag

To the original poster, child development studies have shown that children pick up their values and behavioral patterns from the children they get to know at school. So choose a school where you like the values of the other kids [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:32 PM Flag

Np. What age is that most important? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:27 PM Flag

It is important at all ages. But especially important at nine years of age and later. Girls are particularly influenced by the other girls in their school, for better or worse [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:39 PM Flag

It is important at all ages. But especially important at nine years of age and later. Girls are particularly influenced by the other girls in their school, for better or worse [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:39 PM Flag

I am a professor and i wanted my daughters to absorb the values of ps 234 so that is where dh and i bought an apartment. Ps 234 models the behavior i want modeled for my daughters. My advice is try to find a public you love. If and only if you can not find a public you love then go private. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:35 PM Flag

How do you afford 234 on an academic's salary? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:37 PM Flag

She gets financial aid. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:50 PM Flag

Huh? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:48 PM Flag

???? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:55 PM Flag

I have two kids. One super smart, the other normal smart. Fast gorward a few years, the super smart dc is not a very motivated student, the other one is motivated and a hard worker. They are still in elementary school, so it's early for conclusions, but to me it looks like the less smart dc may end up being more successfully academically. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:31 PM Flag

We try harder. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:48 PM Flag

[ - ] St Ann's or Nightingale? 32 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 01:20 PM Flag

Where do u live? What kind of dd? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:33 PM Flag

OP - Union Square. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:51 PM Flag

St. Ann's [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:38 PM Flag

Nightingale [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:38 PM Flag

Nightingale [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:41 PM Flag

St. Ann's, of course [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:41 PM Flag

Tough choice. Both solid T2 schools, yet very different. I'd go with Nightingale just because of location. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:50 PM Flag

This is a confusing post. These schools couldn't be more different. NB is very very traditional and rigid. Saint Ann's in very very progressive. And while I don't always buy in to the UB Tier system--Saint Ann's is definitely a T1 School is you're looking at college matriculation which is what people use on this board to judge. Their placement is at the same level as Trinity and Brearley. It's quite extraordinary. As for location, it's just as easy to get to Saint Ann's from Union Square as it is to NB. In fact it's probably easier. Most NYC Saint Ann's families live downtown. But in the end you should look at the two schools. They are so different. Is your daughter in or are you applying in the fall? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:05 PM Flag

OP Would you consider St Ann's to be as progressive as Fieldston or even Calhoun? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:39 PM Flag

Different. Saint Ann's is not progressive in the sense that it is teacher-driven. But it allows the kids to focus on those subjects that interest them most. It's goal is to foster a love of learning. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:48 PM Flag

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Saint Ann's has very little parent involvement...teachers are known to completely drive the bus and inspire kids. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:34 PM Flag

Progressive education is largely child-centered. Saint Ann's doesn't follow that model. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:20 PM Flag

No, one is T1 and one is T2. Not really a close call. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:47 PM Flag

They might do as surnames, but not as first names. Too archaic. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:18 PM Flag

We had the choice and went with Nightingale [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:31 PM Flag

Strange unless you live on the UES. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:16 PM Flag

Why - or UWS or midtown or anywhere in NYC. Why is that so strange - because nothing is better than St Ann's? Sad you are that insecure to have to pump the school so you feel good. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:54 AM Flag

Not the least bit insecure and have no dog in this fight. It's just that Saint Ann's is a better school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:00 PM Flag

I would do St Ann's, but they're very different schools...I would think that one fits your DC's personality better than the other. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:47 PM Flag

The schools are very different. Our children are at Saint Ann's and we love the school. If your child would thrive with a more open structure, then Saint Ann's would be a wonderful place. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:49 PM Flag

I know bunch of kids who didn't do well at St Ann's with the way they teach and had to go elsewhere. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:29 PM Flag

obviously you know know many (if any) SA kids. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:43 PM Flag

"don't" [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 06:40 PM Flag

Our DD was accepted to both and we sent him to Packer. Liked the vibe and community spirit more. Also find the SA kids very entitled and obnoxious. But I am sure it's not true of all of them. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:30 PM Flag

Sounds fake to me. Don't know anyone in Brooklyn who made this choice. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:35 AM Flag

Call busllshit. Lets start with that shall way. If it does not fit - call bullshit. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:38 AM Flag

agreed. "DD" was accepted and sent "him" to Packer. LOL. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:38 PM Flag

How did your DD turn into a him? Hmm. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:15 PM Flag

St Ann's is super, super progressive. Mixed ages, no grades etc. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 08:31 PM Flag

Mixed ages? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:28 AM Flag

nightingale [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:40 PM Flag

that would not be a real choice? are you debating only applying to two or debating addiong SA or N to your list of schools? i'm asking b/c families who prefer one would never send DC to the other. we like progressive. when we applied for DD, we only applied to progressive co-eds and top three SS (BCS) just to see what SS was about. Q on dalton vs. saint ann's vs. ECF make sense but not saint ann's vs. nightingale. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 05:42 PM Flag

[ - ] What schools other than Calhoun are considered the most progressive in NYC - Fieldston, Dalton...? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 01:10 PM Flag

Bank Street, Ethical [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:13 PM Flag

Little Red School House [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:33 PM Flag

City and Country; Village Community School; Blue School; many public schools are pretty progressive [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 06:33 PM Flag

Basically all the crap schools other than Dalton and St Ann's - maybe Fieldston. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:15 AM Flag

lol [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:55 AM Flag

[ - ] My 13 year old DS would like to find a job from June 12 to June 30. Last summer he worked for 2 weeks as a teachers helper in a pre school's June camp (program no longer exists). Any suggestions, he is opened to doing anything. I just don't think there are many places that can hire a 13 year old. 17 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 03:43 AM Flag

Summer Camp CIT? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:44 AM Flag

hm, I don't know the laws here but 13 is young to be allowed to have a real job... at that age I babysat, housesat, petsat, did yard work, etc. could he line up things like that? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:40 AM Flag

In Manhattan, there are no yard work jobs or paper routes. So he's trying to be creative but there are real limitations. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:06 AM Flag

Painting a room? Or if he's creative, could he make/paint/draw and then sell his creations at booth? Do you have to have a permit for that? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:04 AM Flag

*a booth [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:12 AM Flag

Dog walking? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:48 AM Flag

Good one [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:10 AM Flag

Not sure many people will hire someone to walk their dog for two weeks. I am sure most people already have regular dog walkers. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:18 AM Flag

Babysit [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:19 AM Flag

Elderly neighbor/friend who needs chores done? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:50 AM Flag

Babysit or go on vacation with a family member or friend to be a mothers helper [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 10:31 AM Flag

Dog walker for friend's or neighbor? It's hard when they are that age--ds could never get someone to hire him. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 11:29 AM Flag

mom of infant here: I would hire a 13-year-old boy to be a mother's helper if he could be given cash and sent to the grocery store to do a shopping run, prep vegetables for dinner, run out to the post office etc. I'm sure I'm not the only one. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:10 PM Flag

who hires someone for two weeks? Why doesn't he volunteer? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:50 PM Flag

OP here. Thanks for the suggestions. He will volunteer for part of the time. He told me that he made $200.00 today creating some sort of MindCraft server or something like that. I want him to be out earning money the slow hard way not by way of screens. He says he wants to work at a store or building something but he is just too young. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:56 AM Flag

I hated working in retail. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 08:10 PM Flag

gardening, house cleaning, baby sitting [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 08:09 PM Flag

[ - ] Anyone know why PS 290's waitlist cleared? 11 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 03:01 AM Flag

they almost always do. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:02 AM Flag

they got rid of the kids [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:02 AM Flag

Most of the wait lists clear these days. Not a surprise. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:58 AM Flag

because the school is an overcrowded dump? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:58 AM Flag

zing! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:10 AM Flag

The children were abducted by aliens. All of them. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:22 AM Flag

omg, love. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:37 AM Flag

About 26 kids cleared overnight. Usually the waitlist does not clear until closer to school starting. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:18 AM Flag

fishy [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:27 AM Flag

I used to work for the DOE. Most likely they sat down with the principal and found space to add an additional kindergarten section. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:39 AM Flag

The added a class this year--5 K classes instead of 4. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 09:19 PM Flag

[ - ] Can some one please give me a link or a source to to show what makes the Success Academies bad schools? I read these posts where people bash them so badly, but no one gives specifics other than Eva Moscowitz's salary. TIA! 32 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 12:58 AM Flag

Its a viewpoint. They have a very specific style towards education, but also discipline. School days are long and certain behaviors required. For example, they can come down hard on a child that might fidget or need to move around a little, while still concentrating. Its a style of education that many today feel is the wrong way to go, specifically for boys. I personally am not interested in my child going to bootcamp at 5. Some people feel differently--they're very interested in their kids being very strong academically at early ages. I prefer a whole body aproach. I like my kids to learn, but also to be kids. The politics of Moskowitz (who I don't personally life) is IMO different than the like or dislike of the school program. I simply fall into the latter category. If it appeals to you, knock yourself out! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:33 AM Flag

Might be good for a certain type of kid but seems overly rigid, too academic, too long a day for a artistic/creative or athletic or dreamy or introverted kid. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:40 AM Flag

My kids are in private, so I have no stake in this, but I think people should stop giving their opinion unless they've actually toured while classes are in session/talked to parents/examined the curriculum exhaustively/looked carefully at the stats. I think people form an opinion of it in the same way they seem say NEST is "joyless" and Buckley is "insufferably waspy." These are just stereotypes based on gossip and prejudice, not actual knowledge or facts. From what I understand (I am in the ed field) SA is a work in progress, and things are not what people here seem to pontificate about. For example, kids there mostly do not go to school on Saturdays anymore. The most compelling thing I've heard lately is from my neighbor down the hall who I consider an intelligent, cultured mom with a lovely bilingual daughter, and has decided to put her kid in SA union square versus 40. She toured both schools and researched them extensively. I'm sure SA is not for everyone, but no school is. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:12 AM Flag

it's not a "work in progress". and you are the spammer who always pretends to be the mom who is deciding between sa and 40, or who has the friend who is, blahblah. you're a liar. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:40 AM Flag

I am not a spammer. And it is not I who am decided, it's my neighbor. And she's decided already. I know very little about SA. All I am doing is suggesting that the poster actually look at the school -- crazy, right? Actually LOOK at a school! Who might imagine. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:01 AM Flag

Spam, spam, spam, spam. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:58 AM Flag

OP -so far none of this is anything but opinion of their structure/style. I've seen a dozen comments in various threads from people saying that Success Academies are not good schools- but no one can back it up with examples or facts. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:18 AM Flag

There are several posters here with crazed anti-Eva bias. I say this is one case in which you will have to do your own research, spend time at the school with an open mind. Use your gut, not UB. This is a TERRIBLE place to form any opinions re SA. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:29 AM Flag

they fake their test scores. they kick out dcs who don't perform. they don't take sn dcs. they drill and kill and make dcs prep and prep and prep over christmas break and weekend and holidays because it is all about the test scores and the bottom line and eva's reputation. it is all a slick marketing campaign to fool people like you. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:39 AM Flag

THIS! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:28 PM Flag

I have a child at SA and I don't see the drill and kill aspect - it is the opposite - they are all about instilling a love for learning - the rules are traditional, the curriculum is progressive. As for test prep - all publics spend too much time doing it - at SA they just don't want it to take away from instructional time. Publics test prep in school and parents higher tutors for test prep after school when it counts (and private schools basically require parents to hire tutors on top of tuition costs). This testing culture sucks...but at least I'm not paying for a tutor. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 05:09 PM Flag

Np- can you expand on rules are traditional but curriculum is progressive? We are considering SA, but I don't have a good sense of the traditional and progressive there. Is learning project based? Is there free play time in k? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:33 PM Flag

^^ how do they handle emotional and social learning? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 07:34 PM Flag

Rules: walking quietly in the hallway, being quiet in class, eyes always on the speaker in the room, no calling out of turn, sitting with hands in your lap and actively listening. Kids are warned and if not heeded there are consequences - move from green to yellow to red, pulled out into hallway, sent to office, parents called, but they certainly have different expectations for K vs older dc. K kids are still learning the rules and teachers told us not to stress about a kid coming home on red once in a while - they'll let you know when/if there is an issue. The active listening skills has been really great for my dc. Academically learning is experiential as much as possible. Extensive use of manipulatives in math, science every day with lots of experiments, observations and children drawing their own conclusions. Chess is obviously hands on and there is a chess club for dc that want to do more - during school time. Project based learning - they take a topic and will go on multiple related field trips, learn about it in science, read aloud books about it, independent reading books about it, and they'll write an expert book about it in writing as well as some related in art class, all culminating in a parent classroom event to show off their work. K has recess 2x a day and they go to the blocks room and they have gym. They have alphabet and silly dances and songs and chants and wiggle time in K and 1st grade. These kids work hard but they are constantly praised for it and are so proud of it. Teachers always available and will call just to tell me dc did an amazing job in writing, or moved up a reading level. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:19 PM Flag

First, what part of "too long a day" isn't a fact? How about "too academic"? That's an assessment based on SA's own statements. Look at their materials. Second, why don't you explain why they are good? You're holding respondents to a high level so I'm going to hold you to your own standard. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:27 AM Flag

The long day - I get it... I have that concern, but am weighing the benefits of it. But Too Academic? It's a school! It's supposed to be academic! Thats like saying a bank is too fiscal. Or a doctor is too medical? Isn't that the point?? As for explaining why it's good, I can't yet. We haven't started. Or even accepted our spot. I'm just trying to arm myself with as much information as possible to make the best decision I can for my child. I am taking this process very seriously, and UB is just one avenue I am on looking for information and opinions. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:52 PM Flag

can you please stop posting what seem like innocent questions and then answering them with your own spam? TIA!!!!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:41 AM Flag

OP - sorry. seriously am a parent struggling with 2 options. just got off WL at SA this weekend and am giving it a second look. I've spent the better part of the last 2 nights googling and reading OP eds and blogs, but still haven't found the "smoking gun" so to speak. If you don't like the questions then just collapse the post. Maybe you also didn't like my questions about JCC swim diaper policy? feel free to collapse that too. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:45 AM Flag

I'm the poster above who has a neighbor who's sending her kid there next year. I really don't know much, and I too am waiting to see what my neighbor says next fall, but I really think the poster above who is "screaming" with all the vague anti-eva stuff is a great reason why you need to go with your own gut. People really just rant about EM, with no real links. And to me, that's pretty much a billboard telling people they should do their own research and trust their own instincts. I hope it works out for you -- I know it's stressful [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:57 AM Flag

thanks. super stressful. feels worse than when I was applying for college. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:10 AM Flag

Sorry but your posts read like SPAM--think about why that is. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:28 AM Flag

np: whenever ANYONE posts anything that is NOT viciously anti-eva the accusations of spam are immediate. Even if people are neutral or curious, the accusations fly. It's insane [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:02 AM Flag

why don't you think about why you are constantly sure every post that doesn't hold up EM as the anti christ is spam? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 04:03 AM Flag

because it is obviously spam. it's the same two posters over and over. the one who pretends to have a gf in the 40 zone and the other one. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 02:55 PM Flag

OP- if you think its spam, then just delete it and ignore. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 03:36 PM Flag

+ 1 trillion [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 05:43 PM Flag

They are good schools if your choice is a failing neighborhood school. But then, any school will do better than a failing public school. In the last 3 years, SA has decided that instead of educating at risk kids with poor neighborhood schools, they want affluent middle class kids and because they are politically connected, have been given valuable real estate to open schools in upper middle class neighborhoods where there are already great public schools. They are trying to scare parents by saying they might be shut out of their zoned school. If it turns out your child is super easy, he will do fine anywhere, including SA. But SA has heavy teacher turnover with lots of new, young teachers. And if the one way they know how to teach doesn't work, well too bad for your kid. And if he struggles, they will try to get rid of him anyway. I think they lack ethics, and I don't want my kids at a school run by unethical people. Well, I suppose if the other school was horrible, I'd put up with that, but not if I have a good gen ed alternative. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:32 PM Flag

To your point "if the one way they know how to teach doesn't work," I haven't found our (very good) gen ed to be at all flexible in that regard. And as for young teachers, the research says that virtually all teachers suck in the first year, the good ones peak in the third year and start to slide by year 5. I TOTALLY don't want my kid to be taught by 90% of the teachers who have been there for more than a decade. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:23 AM Flag

The one study you are citing says that teachers tend to PLATEAU in effectiveness after five years, not slide - there's a big difference. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:03 AM Flag

You can read how they actively counsel out kids by Googling "thrive or transfer". Personally, I'd have no problem with Success if they found their own space and were required to fill all classes to capacity. I would also be very curious to see what would happen if their state tests were graded by a third party. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 05:49 PM Flag

So you think they are faking the state tests? Do you have proof? Are they doing it while the gen eds are heaven-sent and uncorrupt? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 12:24 AM Flag

No proof. Wasn't arguing that district schools don't cheat. But Success's test scores are a little too tidy. School after school with not a single kid getting less than a 3 on a state test and lots of kids just squeaking over the bar? They are obviously doing a great job of identifying and forcing out kids who are likely to do well, and they clearly spend lots of time on test prep. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.11.13, 01:03 AM Flag

[ - ] Would anyone consider SA for a back up middle school option? Is that just insane? On UWS, middle school options seem so limited. Can't get into Anderson, hard to get into Delta. What else is there? 26 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 12:41 AM Flag

SA? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:43 AM Flag

Salk? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:50 AM Flag

that's D2 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:13 AM Flag

Success Academy? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:50 AM Flag

there's no middle school on the UWS run by Success Academy. it'll be on Hell's Kitchen. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:23 AM Flag

Op, sorry, meant UW Success. And I am not spamming, I am just that desperate when thinking about middle school. D3 is awfully daunting when it comes to middle school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:48 AM Flag

St Ann's? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:48 AM Flag

UWS... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:49 AM Flag

This is why I am considering Harlem Hebrew, which is supposed to grow to grade 8. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:50 AM Flag

Is that where the Hebrew Hammer went? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:01 AM Flag

I think Sammy Davis Jr was the Harlem Hebrew [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:56 AM Flag

LOL [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:04 AM Flag

It is a charter school, actually more Morningside Heights than Harlem. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:11 AM Flag

Computer School? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:54 AM Flag

DS attends now and will likely stay on through middle school. He is entering 2nd grade [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:03 AM Flag

how is it so far [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:04 AM Flag

Academically it is very strong, but DS doesn't like the long days and the limited time to play. I honestly don't know if he might be happier in a more traditional public. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:03 AM Flag

^^ Also, I volunteered recently and felt bad about how one kid was being reprimanded - was punished for absentmindedly touching the wall as he was walking. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:06 AM Flag

Woah. Bit over the top [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:09 AM Flag

He's a nice boy, and I saw something similar happening more than once. Am thinking of telling the mother [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:19 AM Flag

What? really??! Yikes! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:19 AM Flag

Same thing has happened at our gen end (UWS). Many gen eds are very traditional and quite rigorous about discipline [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:14 AM Flag

A gen ed in Singapore might punish a kid for brushing against a wall, not one on the UWS. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 05:49 PM Flag

SA has not got a middle school yet on UWS. They might not get a spec if the new mayor is anti charter. There is also Mott Hall 2 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:05 AM Flag

SA only accepts SA students for middle school [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:04 PM Flag

You can't get into SA after 3rd grade. SAUW middle school starts in 5th grade and it slated to open in Hell's Kitchen and eventually be combined with the Hells Kitchen SA for middle school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 05:23 PM Flag

[ - ] When applying out of public elementary to private, is it true some schools offer a "package" to send the dc and the younger sib? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 12:37 AM Flag

no [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:40 AM Flag

I have heard of two families who got this. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:17 AM Flag

Meaning applying for two eligible sibs at same time or applying for one w a guarantee that a 3yo would get in when old enough? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 01:52 AM Flag

Same time eligible [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 11:55 AM Flag

I don't know if it's a formal "package" but I've certainly seen two sibs enter a school together at off-year grades if the family is moving to the area. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:45 PM Flag

It is not a package but if you are applying two kids and let them know you want them both to the same school it will be considered. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 05:03 PM Flag

[ - ] My dc doesn't like puzzles. Is he doomed? Does he have a prayer for g&t? 20 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.10.13, 12:29 AM Flag

Nope, sorry [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:31 AM Flag

Maybe you're just giving him ones that are too easy or too hard. Most likely too hard. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:25 AM Flag

how old? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:27 AM Flag

4 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:34 AM Flag

My DS never got into puzzles. Unprepped 97 on g&t [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:31 AM Flag

Mine doesn't like them either. Especially jigsaw puzzles. 99. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:15 AM Flag

Mine doesn't either. You might want to figure out if he just doesn't like it or struggles with it, and therefore doesn't like it. My dc tested badly, visual-spatial weakness that can explain puzzle reluctance, also attention issues. It may mean nothing but I started worrying about it early on and in her case it seems like it turned out to be a valid concern. Considering support. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:32 AM Flag

Maybe some kids just DON'T LIKE PUZZLES. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:39 AM Flag

seriously!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:41 AM Flag

+1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:35 AM Flag

What kind of puzzles- jigsaw? Shoot me. Does he like programming computers? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:41 AM Flag

My non puzzle lover got 99 g&t and 155 SB unprepped [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:55 AM Flag

stop lying [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:16 AM Flag

mine too! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.12.13, 03:30 AM Flag

no HYP [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:16 AM Flag

I think doing puzzles may help a child's brain develop certain skills that will help later on. Some kids may need very graduated jigsaw puzzles--starting with four pieces, moving up to six and eight piece puzzles. I watch children doing simple jigsaw puzzles, and the act of trying different pieces together seems to help them develop a patience that is admirable. I speak as the parent of a high schooler for whom geometry is difficult (and who didn't like puzzles). I wish I had emphasized puzzles more. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:54 AM Flag

Not a prayer for college even. Surely he'll be doomed to going to DeVry or being an LPN. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:12 AM Flag

You really have to calm down about this. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:19 PM Flag

It's a good sign to like puzzles, but it's one variable. Liking puzzles suggests the kid has good visuospatial abilities. But liking puzzles doesn't necessarily mean that the kid isn't good with visuospatial (e.g. you may be giving inappropriate puzzles, or the kid may be good but just not like them). Also, verbal abilities are also important, and are not measured by puzzle ability. For example, a kid who has a great vocabulary, is very expressive, and reasons well but doesn't like puzzles? I'd say, don't worry about it. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:54 PM Flag

kidding..? the way things are setup any child can score on 99 %. You just need to get about 70 % of the questions right, and the test is away to easy ( on my child words, when he left the room in 30 minutes. only 2 questions wrong ) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 09:57 PM Flag

[ - ] What are some benefits of boarding school? DD is smart, responsible, athletic, and extroverted and would really like to pursue boarding school for high school. What are some things that a good boarding school could offer her that a top private in the city probably wouldn't? 32 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 06.09.13, 11:18 PM Flag

More stir red approach to homework. Less goofing off time. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:13 PM Flag

Not having to be around parents, easier to score drugs, have sex, etc. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:21 PM Flag

Actually not true. Maybe at a few, but in general they're more likely to do drugs/have sex at home. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:23 PM Flag

+1 So much supervision at most boarding schools. Smaller ones especially- Deerfield, Choate, and Groton [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:23 PM Flag

Wasn't "Prep" modeled after Deerfield? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:25 PM Flag

No, northfield mount hermon... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:30 PM Flag

Really? I went there and that simply wasn't my experience. I think that goes to show that if that's what you want and seek it out, you can find it anywhere. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:50 PM Flag

I agree, the kids at my HYP college from boarding school were so much more experienced when it came to drugs, etc. Some really went off the rails, one overdosed....(and yes, this includes one of small boarding schools listed right below.) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:15 AM Flag

Not true at all unless one of the parents is SAH and doesn't go of much. We're talking about HS here. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:23 PM Flag

Oh yes, so much easier to "score drugs" in the boonies than in NYC...c'mon. Also finding places to get busy in NYC is really difficult if you're 17 and well off. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:26 PM Flag

Rich kids have drugs. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:15 AM Flag

Independence. If she is truly self-motivated or even just a kid who does what is expected (eg, study during designated study hours rather than read magazines etc.) transition to college will be a breeze. Only difference for me was parties/drinking that didnt require sneaking around -- but that felt like summers where I grew up anyway. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:21 PM Flag

Immense friendships, fresh air, self sufficiency to an extent. I remember having to organize my own study habits and in the city it feels like parents hover a lot to ensure work is getting done. There's a natural freedom as a teen, to break from parents and make independent choices. The only thing I missed were my parents and I could see them on open weekends. Living in an old Victorian house was amazing...the great traditions of the school...major nostalgia. And great alumnae network. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:17 PM Flag

Awesome drugs, plus lots of secluded wooded areas in which to lose her virginity. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:24 PM Flag

this [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:30 PM Flag

Sports are 3:30-5:00, Study from 5:00-6:00, Dinner from 6:00-6:45, Curfew is at 7:00, lights off at 10:00. No time for either, trust me even on weekends they keep their days extremely busy and supervised. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:30 PM Flag

There are sex and drugs everywhere. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:28 PM Flag

Yes, I know kids at these boarding schools, and there is plenty of trouble to be found. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:34 PM Flag

It is teens everywhere. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:49 PM Flag

ITA. Everyone I knew who went to boarding schools did all this stuff. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:57 AM Flag

Please. I went to bs and plan to send me children to bs but we had PLENTY off time to squeeze in sex and drugs with that schedule. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:50 PM Flag

I don't know any boarding schools that have schedules anywhere near as rigid as this. There is always downtime between sports and dinner and again between dinner and study hours. Plus you have the break after study hours before you have to be back in your dorm. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:52 PM Flag

nice [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:13 AM Flag

I came from a very large regional public school system. I was smart and in the top classes with the "geniuses" (Hey! They were actually largely Asian and Jewish, sorry if that offends anyone) and I was from a town where although I was included in the regional middle school, there was a wide berth of kids who were there. I was with the Italian and Irish Catholic kids who bullied me at the bus stop because my clothes were lacking or whatever. I wanted to get out and my mother took me to a service, I signed up for the SSAT in 9th grade and I scored 99+ plus. I had a full scholarship at a not-TT boarding school but I got into Harvard out of that school three years later. I was the 2nd student ever accepted to Harvard out of that school. AND I LOVED IT. BTW there are follow up stories about those kids who bullied me at the bus stop back home, but ... best is just to live well. And I do. I LOVED BOARDING SCHOOL - changed my life. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:29 PM Flag

Maybe OT, but why do people who went to Harvard ALWAYS have to point out that fact? Like, "Excuse me, please pass the ketchup, I went to Harvard." Or "I'll have paper, please, not plastic. I went to Harvard." [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:26 PM Flag

I went to Harvard, and even I don't know the answer to that! ;) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:39 PM Flag

Lol [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:00 AM Flag

lol as if a Harvard grad like myself would eat ketchup. Grey Poupon, please. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 12:49 AM Flag

I think a top boarding school is almost like being in college. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.09.13, 11:42 PM Flag

I loved mine. I think it's the parents who are freaked out about it, not the kids. I begged my parents to let me go, though I love them both dearly. I was just ready for the academic hothouse thing. It was the most important experience of my life -- and I wound up at MIT fwiw. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 02:18 AM Flag

There's no commute at boarding school. (Kids in the city often spend hours daily commuting to and from school and sports). Boarding schools have kids from all over the world, so there isn't the provincialism of New York City. Kids aren't constantly texting their friends (because they live with their friends), and I think there is a good deal of very genuine interaction among kids and teachers. (Teachers live in the dorms, many with their families.) Schools limit social media during study hours (7:30-9:30PM at my child's school). This was a huge problem between me and my child--and now it's a battle I don't have to fight. My relationship with my child is less about the mundane (like getting up in the morning). Class size at many boarding schools is often around 13 kids--with a lot of participation expected from each child. Some schools (Exeter is one) have very sophisticated math programs. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:12 AM Flag

^^^ Boarding schools have many more kids receiving financial aid. It's close to 50% at my child's school. Some boarding schools are really wealthy, with endowments approaching a billion dollars. As a comparison, Trinity and Dalton endowments are well under 100K. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.10.13, 03:11 AM Flag