As part of IEA’s Finding the Right Fit: Choosing a High School as a Gifted Student series, IEA students share how they discovered their best fit high school, what they learned along the way, and the advice they believe families would like to know.
From public and private schools to magnet programs, boarding schools, and more, each gifted learner’s path looks different. Through their reflections, our students offer guidance and encouragement for families exploring high school options.
Daryn – Boarding School
Name of School: Phillips Academy Andover
IEA Program: CDB Scholarship
Homestate: FL
Did you consider any other high schools seriously? If so, which ones?
Other New England boarding schools and a couple of local private preparatory schools at home.
What type of support and learning environment were you looking for when choosing a high school?
When searching for what I wanted my high school experience to be, I looked for institutions that offered a range of academic and extracurricular offerings. At my school, the sentiment is to give students autonomy in what activities and classes interest them, and to push students to be self-advocates.
What were your top 3 reasons for choosing your school?
- The extensive course offerings with elective courses that I may not have had a chance to take elsewhere.
- I also fell in love with the community of the school and vividly remember students waving at one another on the paths when I first visited campus and seeing how they showed up to support one another.
- I appreciated the location and environment of Andover, which is right outside Boston, with an amazing walkable downtown.
What do you enjoy most about your high school?
I enjoy Andover’s community the most about the school. The school’s motto, “Youth from every quarter,” is represented in the diversity of the faculty, staff, and student body. Some of the best lessons I’ve learned have come from my classmates’ contributions during a group discussion. And I love the Andover tradition to always hold the door open for someone behind you.
Tell us about a proud or memorable moment you’ve had at this school.
A memorable moment I’ve had a school was the opportunity to paint a mural on campus with one of my friends and an artist in residence during my sophomore year. During that year, we spent months planning, sketching, and painting a large wall mural on the interior of a campus building and were able to present our project to the school and local community.
How has this school supported your needs as a gifted student?
At my school, there is no distinction for gifted students, as most of the students are high performing. However, I appreciate the discussion-based environment and the flexibility within classes that appeal to me as a gifted student.
Are there any ways you wish your school could better support you? If you’ve looked for help elsewhere, what programs or services have you found helpful?
Given the high academic rigor across the board, the school environment can feel intense. I believe that allowing students more time to step away from academics and engage with different creative activities would be a great way to improve balance in daily routines.
Do you have any tips or advice for gifted 8th graders who are deciding where to go to high school?
If you are considering attending a boarding school, boarding school is a comprehensive lifestyle that includes high academics as one of its aspects. Whereas with day schools, the primary focus is on academics, so consider the overall experience you wish to have socially, athletically, and mentally in a 24/7 community.
Do you have any tips to share with incoming 9th graders to help them start the year off right?
Push yourself to leave your comfort zone, but remember to keep your boundaries firm.
This story is part of IEA’s Finding the Right Fit: Choosing a High School as a Gifted Student series on finding the right high school. By sharing their experiences, our students hope to support other gifted students and families on the same journey.
