Boarding School Admissions

Families come to Darien Academic Advisors to find a boarding school which is a good fit for their child, as well as for help in navigating the admissions process.  Unless a parent has a detailed and current knowledge of boarding schools, the search for a new school can be difficult.  School websites and brochures look alike, and usually don’t tell the whole story. We work with students who are high-achievers looking for a greater challenge, as well as students with diagnosed learning differences, students with particular sports or extracurricular interests, and very often with students who simply would do better in a structured, nurturing environment. Our clients also include artists and musicians who are interested in pursuing their passion at a higher level, and international students who dream of an American education. Finding a school where your child will be successful and happy is the ultimate goal of boarding school consulting. 

Boarding school students are most often applying to grades 9 or 10, but we also work with applicants to grade 11, 12, PG year, and middle school.  We have success with families who are late to the admissions process, and can take new clients at any time of year.

The Consulting Process:  We evaluate a student by looking at his grades and testing, and by discussing his interests, strengths, and learning style.  We talk with parents and students about their goals for high school.  We give you a list of “good match” schools and tell you why they would be a good environment for your child.  We talk about boarding school life, and the admissions process.  Application review is done with a focus on admissions strategy, and includes mock interviews and essay review.

Boarding School Acceptances 2010:  Phillips Exeter, Choate (2), St. Paul’s, Groton, Kent, Peddie (2), Blair (2), Cranbrook (2), Trinity Pawling, Avon Old Farms, Gunnery, Berkshire, Pomfret, Proctor, Miss Porter’s, Madeira, Westover, Dana Hall, Marvelwood, Canterbury, Cushing, George 

Boarding School Acceptances 2006-2009:   Peddie, Blair, Hill, Kent, Exeter, Andover, Deerfield, Lawrenceville, Choate, NMH, Loomis, Taft, Gunnery, Cushing, Middlesex, Milton, Hotchkiss, Hun, Master’s, Cheshire, Trinity Pawling, Brewster, Dana Hall, Madeira, Westover, Eaglebrook, Concord, St Andrew’s, George, Portsmouth Abbey, Pennington, Miss Porter’s, Miss Hall’s, Berkshire, New Hampton, Canterbury,  Hebron, Williston, Winchendon, Fork Union, Storm King