Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 18:43     Subject: Nice Boys
Anonymous wrote:We are applying for middle school spots for our son this year, and have been really impressed by the academic, athletic and extracurricular options at all of the schools we've visited. But what I really want to know is: where are the kids NICE? Obviously they are preteen and teenage boys, and nobody is nice all the time, but are there any places that stand out in particular for having a culture that expects kindness from the students?

FWIW, we're not looking at Catholic schools, and only to schools that go through 12th. Thanks for any thoughts!


Go west until you reach the state of Indiana.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 17:16     Subject: Nice Boys
OP, if this is an important issue to you, avoid private schools altogether and go public. All middle schools and high schools will have a-hole kids, but at a public school, those type of kids have less power to control the culture than they do at private.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 16:41     Subject: Nice Boys
OP- there are nice kids everywhere and there are jerks everywhere, and just about all kids, at least in MS, are on a continuum between these two polar opposites.

Also, don’t try to protect DS from all adversities. There are adults who are jerks and that is just life. Teach DC resilience. People will be mean but I don’t have to believe the things they say.

Better to have these experiences and discussions in MS/HS well they are still at home, instead of off alone at college.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2026 16:40     Subject: Nice Boys
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:St Anselms but it’s a Catholic school. 150 hours of service over two years helps keep the boys focused on more than academics. Sports are low-key.


wow, that’s real impressive!


i meant really 😝
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2026 16:40     Subject: Nice Boys
Anonymous wrote:St Anselms but it’s a Catholic school. 150 hours of service over two years helps keep the boys focused on more than academics. Sports are low-key.


wow, that’s real impressive!
Anonymous
Post 01/08/2026 20:29     Subject: Nice Boys
Only goes through 8th but Green Acres is very focused on kindness and inclusion. Small and sweet.