Boston/Cambridge-area private schools

[Anonymous]

We're considering a relocation. Could any Boston transplants comment on the strenths/weaknesses/reputation of the following schools (or suggest others)?

Shady Hill
BBN
Cambridge Friends
Belmont Day
Park School
Brimmer & May

We would prefer a school that is on the progressive side when it comes to values and pedagogy.

[Anonymous]

Thayer Academy in Braintree and Milton Academy in Milton are exceptional schools. Milton Academy starts at earlier grades, and Thayer starts in the 6th grade.

[Anonymous]

Thanks--I've heard good things about Milton, but I think it would probably be a long drive for us. We're leaning toward buying on the Cambridge/Belmont/Lexington side. We are also looking for a school that starts in pre-K/K. (Should probably have said that the first time!)

[Anonymous]

Nashoba Brooks school in Concord is a great school. It starts at age 3.

http://www.nbsc.org/

[Anonymous]

I went to Shady Hill, albeit 20 (gulp) years ago). I think it is fairly described as liberal both on pedagogy and values, although I've heard less so recently as it's become more upscale than it once was (more moneyed families in the immediate area than when I was there, when it tended to be lots of kids of harvard and other college faculty). So far as I know its reputation with prep schools is still strong, if not better. And I have been surprised at how well some of my classmates who seemed a bit intellectually weak have turned out (maybe they were just lazy) in terms of professional/career accomplishment. I think overall it is better than Park, B&M, Belmont Day, and Friends. BB&N is very good as well, although more traditional. If you're thinking of living in Lexington, check the student roster, since when I was there most kids were Cambridge or Belmont, and living elsewhere meant less opportunity for playdates.

[Anonymous]

My husband grew up in Newton, MA and went to Cambridge Friends and then Concord Academy. He loved Cambridge Friends. It's not as "fancy" as some of the others that you are looking at, but he had great teachers, made some good friends and had a really nice experience there. His younger brother did, as well. In fact, I remember my MIL telling me how my husband's 2nd grade teacher brought her baby to school with her and had him/her in a sling with her all day. It was that laid- back in the 80's.

We get their magazines in the mail and they are fun to look and exude a feeling warmth and friendliness. There is a lot of kid work that is published and I love that.

As far as Concord goes, he really, really loved it there. I know you are a long way off from high school, but CA is really a very special place.

Our good friends are sending their son to Shady Hill next year. They were deciding between there and Park. My husband says they made the right decision.

Good Luck!!

[Anonymous]

Thank you to everyone--please keep the recommendations coming. (We've postponed the move for a year.)

[Anonymous]

I worked for a boarding school in the boarding area for several years. We viewed Shady Hill and BB&N as great progressive schools. I also think highly of the Park School and Nobles & Greenough. They each have very distinctive feels so you should check them out firsthand.