Miss Porter's School review by Wellesley College student.
Most teachers at Porter's were very supportive, and the environment was generally conducive to learning. Our average class size- as similar to many boarding schools - are probably around 10. The mandatory classes such as English 9, 10, 11, 12 are bigger, each about 14 students, while the electives such as AP Studio Art can have as few as 3. Our students were in general very close to the teachers, which means that the teachers were extremely accessible. They are always on dorm duties, weekend duties; we see them in our pool, in dining hall ( and often with their kids), near the swing, etc. They are always open for conversations and discussions. There are, however, a variety in teaching styles. Some teachers make it less comfortable for you to approach them, and that's just how it is. It's going to happen anywhere. Most generally speaking, however, I have found that our teachers provide help if you need them, and are always happy to challenge you. Miss Porter's maintains a pretty "liberal-arts" approach to their curriculum. For my graduating class, we had to take 2 computer science classes, an "ethical leadership" class, 2 art credits, in addition to the 5 basic subjects (math, English, Foreign Language, Science, and Social Science). It is therefore fair to say that it supports maintaining a broader education. I also like to argue, in my personal opinion (and the school is NEVER going to officially admit this), that we have stronger humanities departments. Honestly most people agree that our science departments are lacking, and many experienced teachers are leaving or have already left.
I first met with her in the winter of my junior year. She looked over.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Miss Porter's School as experienced by former pupil and Wellesley College student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
This (school tours) should not be considered an official part. As a tour guide myself,.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Miss Porter's School by former pupil and Wellesley College student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
The general understanding amongst students is that it's too rigid. I personally think it's fine. We have to check in on 10 pm on week days, 11 pm on weekends. There are clear regulations on getting in a car, staying off campus, having boys over, etc. But I think it's all reasonable. Were there incidences of bullying and or hazing at your school? Was there a distinct natural hierarchy in which the older pupils demanded respect and obedience? Nope. Nope. Nope. Despite the Vanity Fair article and the lawsuit back in 2009, there is no hazing at our school. It's strictly forbidden..... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Miss Porter's School as experienced by former pupil and Wellesley College student — Login or Sign Up to access full review