Moving to PA/DE - need school help
 

We will be relocating to the PA-DE area in the spring. Son has applied to several schools in both states. Where he is accepted will determine where we live (all are within 20-40 minute commute to work in DE). I have found some comments on 1-2 of the schools on GreatSchools.net but no information on the others except what is posted on the school's website.
Can anyone comment on these? In PA: Malvern Prep, the Haverford School, in DE: Archmere Academy, Tatnall School, Salesianum.
Thanks.

If you decide to buy a house near Haverford School or Malvern Prep, I think you may find it's considerably more than a 20-40 minute commute to Delaware, certainly during rush hours. And housing prices are quite high in that area, if that's any consideration.

Thanks lesliec1. Can you tell me anything about the schools? Can you compare them with each other? Are some stronger than others in academics? Malvern and Salesianum appear to be stronger in sports but I can't get too much about the academics on them. Can you, or anyone, help?
Thanks.

Sorry, I don't know too much about any of the DE schools. Of Haverford and Malvern, I'd say Haverford is tops as far as being THE place to go for the sons of wealthy, socially prominent Main Line families. It has a reputation for academic rigor, strong athletics, sending its graduates to the finest universities, and about the best networking opportunities anyone could want. Have you tried searching by school name on Google? Searching the archives of Philadelphia Magazine? Visiting the schools themselves? There is no substitute for that--because each will have a unique feel that will either seem like a fit or a misfit for your son. And then try doing the drive to DE at the hours you'd be doing it! An extra hour a day spent driving in the car can erode quality of life far more than the minor differences between one elite prep school and another.

I contacted a reporter at one of the Philadelphia magazines or newspapers but all she could do was tell me about some statistics that they run. She didn't have any first hand knowledge of the schools in PA and didn't know the DE ones at all.
I did a google search but most of the information I've seen so far has been the school's website or information about their sports programs, directions to activities, theater presentations, etc.

You said that Haverford is for Main Line families. Do you think they will not be as accepting of him because he is not from the Main Line?

My son did visit the schools -- unfortunately, he calls three of them his number one choice. It's tough moving to a new state/house/school and not knowing anyone who can give you advice. He said everyone he met was friendly. They invited him to see a basketball and hockey game (which he couldn't because he was flying home). There were actually about 8 schools that we visited during the fall and these are the ones he narrowed it down to and to which he applied. Now with acceptances coming by the end of January-early February, I want to be able to help guide him in his choice. He has to make the final decision as to which school will be best for him.
Thanks for your help.

Can anyone else help?

I don't think I can be much help other than to say that quite a few of the families around Downingtown where I live send their sons to Malvern. My impression is that the academics are rigorous, and most of them are happy with the school. Good luck.

Can anyone compare the DE schools?

GBelle--Here's an idea. Call each school and ask them to put you in touch with a family with a son the same age as yours attending the school, or an alumni family. Most schools keep lists of families willing to be consulted by potential newcomers. Prepare a list of questions that measure things that are of importance to your son's life, like amount of homework, acceptance of outsiders/new students, feeling of community (this can be very important if you're new to the area and hope to make friends). Perhaps the family you call will let your son ask their son questions, too. But, even more important, you might want to put first priority on the best place to LIVE for your family's needs, rather than your son's school. Think what a pressure that would put on him if he turns out not to like the school, or you don't like the area. And consider the quality of the local public schools. Sometimes, kids just plain decide that's what they prefer, plus school quality affects the resale value of your home. Or, your son might end up needing special services that the private school can't/won't provide. Then what??? As a mom, it seems to me that you've got the cart a bit before the horse. Where you live is MOST important; private schools are a commodity--even the best one can turn out unsuitable for one reason or another, so it's best to be in an area where you like the people and quality of life, and where there are several schools to choose from. The Main Line area outside Philly has more good private schools per square mile than any other area I've ever seen, except perhaps Washington DC or Boston. The public school systems are excellent, too. Center city Philadelphia is a short train-ride away for culture, restaurants, diversity. There are tons of top level colleges and universities in the area. These are all things that contribute to finding satisfaction in where you live, and don't forget about commute-time and proximity to good highways! Good luck with your decision!

lesliec1 - That's a great idea. We just started putting together the idea of a family-to-family connection at my son's current school. It is for new families that join the school but I can't see why I shouldn't be able to ask for a connection before we join the school. I'll try it.

You said that Haverford is for Main Line families. Do you think they will not be as accepting of him because he is not from the Main Line or have a family history in the area?
Thanks.

I really can't answer your question about Haverford School. When I said it was "for Main Line Families", I meant for people who live on the Main Line. It's not a school where students travel from all over the country just to attend it like some of those famous boarding prep schools. Historically, like most of the private schools in this area, it catered to the families of the "blue bloods" and the extremely well off. But, nowadays, wealth is spread among a wider assortment of people, so I'm sure the student body at Haverford is more diverse. Plus, they will no doubt have some "scholarship" students to diversify the student body. As to how "snobbish" or "exclusive" the parents and students are towards newcomers, I couldn't say. Our own brief experience with private schools on the Main Line led us to feel that one's economic level was a pretty good predictor of acceptance in the greater school community. Since my son was a scholarship student and could not compete with his peers as far as poshness of house, number of trips per year, owning the latest and best stuff, etc., he never felt at home at that school. And that was just at the elementary school level. It would have been worse at the high school level. I think if your son is on an economic par with the other students, enjoys the same activities, and shares their values, he will be accepted no matter where he comes from!

I think that you will find Lesliec1"s comments perfect.The Main Line-DE area is large and often not driveable.The neighborhoods differ dramatically throughout this area.Make a decision on the best place for the whole family to live and pick a school from there.As you have heard, do not automatically exclude the public school systems.To make matters more confusing there are also many "public"/Diocesian and private Catholic High Schools (e.g.,Salesanium) that are excellent.