Friends vs Poly vs BSA

[Anonymous]

Will be applying to all three, also on fence about visiting Loyola and Gilman. Which would you consider best for this kid:

Currently in ingenuity, excellent grades but not top-top (would rank him top 10-15% of ingenuity class but not 1%). Well rounded interest, historically favoring science and math but enjoys English and history, although admits these days it's the teacher more than the class. BSA is because of musical instrument and Twigs has exposed him to the school and he likes the atmosphere. Not sporty at all but enjoys outdoors.

From a parent's perspective: while independent enough, benefits from some top down direction and structure. While can see Friends being a great fit in many ways, am concerned if school provides enough direction, which is why I want to look at Loyola and Gilman despite boy's initial opposition to all boys environment.

He should quality for the ingenuity at Poly, but I find it an odd school, all the white kids are in ingenuity and the rest of the school is poorer and blacker. If you had to pick Poly versus Friends, other than the tuition how would you compare the two?

I don't think BSA is a good place for him because doesn't seem like math and sciences are strong and I see it as a school, while enjoyable while there, may take him down the wrong path. But kid really likes BSA so he will apply while I cross fingers and hope he isn't admitted.

Any thoughts and advice? Other schools worth looking at? City versus Poly?

[Anonymous]

Cross off Loyola but look at Gilman. They have an excellent arts program including music. There is a current senior participating in a pre Juilliard program for cello and a top ranked pianist graduated last year and is now at Harvard. The a capella group travels internationally and there is a lot of opportunity for musical theater between the theee trischools. There are some co ed classes in the upper school but not typically until junior year. I don’t know much about friends but think they don’t offer AP classes.

[Anonymous]

BSA has strong music program and they’ve had some very talented musicians come through. A few years ago a trumpeter went to Yale (perfect SAT, which is very rare at this school), this year a pianist is going to Davidson, and plenty of kids going to conservatories.
Academically, kid has to want to make it work and be willing to take online classes for advanced science and math. It’s not great but there is a small cohort of very bright kids who are there bc Poly/ingenuity did not appeal and they cannot afford private. You can absolutely expect to get 5s in the APs offered - Eng lang, Eng lit, Spanish and calc BC (last 2 require more work), and music theory.
Sit in on some classes.
Also, be aware kids are inside all day 8-4. No outdoor space. That can be soul- crushing.

[Anonymous]

I'd cast a wide net and leave Loyola. Maybe add Calvert Hall if band is a draw.

[Anonymous]

Calvert Hall is a good idea re band. And has some strong honors programs.

[Anonymous]

Would definitely consider Park for this kid, much more than Loyola

I thought there was plenty of structure in upper school, class sizes are small enough that teachers know right away when kids are slipping