Choate Rosemary Hall

I attended CRH for all four years of my high school career. I can honestly say the people I met there, the teachers I had, the classes I took, and the sports I played while at CRH have made all the difference in my life. Following CRH, I attended college at a top 25 liberal arts college and was amazed at how prepared I was thanks to the study habits, critical thinking ability, and independence I experienced at CRH. I would recommend this school to anyone who can get in or afford it.

I just want to put this out there; I read all the reviews about the school and several complaints were that the work was hard, and parents lost contact with their kids. I feel like I should remind everyone that Choate is a prep school; of course the work will be hard. And to the parents: how often you keep contact with your child depends entirely on your individual relationship, not the amount of work. Choate is what you make of it, and most kids love it here.
--Submitted by a student

The reason I am giving Choate 1 star is for several reasons. We had three children go to this school, and one who did not. All could have gone anywhere, based on test scores and grades. Our kids who did go here look back with mixed feelings. They did get an ok education, although AP courses were, for the most part, reserved for the small minority of students who were'super students' in Math and Science. Our other child had AP courses in every discipline available, which were excellent. The teachers at Choate, if not tenured, appear very burned out. They have to coach, supervise students, and never get a break. Choate drains parents and students alike. It's full of cliques and rich spoiled kids spending their parent's money. Bottom line, if your student gets into Choate, thiink again. It may not be worth it in the end.
--Submitted by a parent

It is pretty good, even though the majority of students are white- its not diverse enough, yet it has an amazing arts program, and academic
--Submitted by a parent

The past year I've spent at Choate has been one of, if not the best of my life! Everyone and everything here is absolutely amazing! There are people all around me who support and love me! I have great times with my friends and even my teachers! When I talk to friends from my previous school they're shocked when they hear that I actually have relationships with my teachers! Learning at Choate extends far beyond the classroom and you get out of it so much more than you could ever imagine! At the beginning you may feel extremely intimidated, but in a very short time, you'll fell right at home! I am truly lucky to be at a place as wonderful as Choate!
--Submitted by a student

Choate is what it is: a rigorous prep school. There's little time for remediation. The math department is especially brutal; material is presented very rapidly; and their world view is a bit Darwinian. There is a heavy emphasis on testing -- classroom tests, proficiency tests (omg -- just like MCAS or Regents, I guess), and AP testing. Time would be better spent nurturing critical thinking skills. Oh well.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children are alumni. This is a terrific school. The quality of instruction is excellent. The quality of students is outstanding! I can't say enough about how attendance at this school has benefitted them!
--Submitted by a parent

The number of courses available is staggering. This school will find and promote your talents whilst challenging you all the way.
--Submitted by a parent

There are ups and downs with Choate. Bright students make average grades, genius students make good grades. Bottom line is that everyone who doesn't get expelled for cheating, drugs or alcohol goes to colleges, usually very good ones. It is not for the faint of heart, both parent and student. There is sometimes average teaching, so students have to seek out help, and if it is in the Math deparatment, good luck. Teachers here appear burned out at times, since they coach as well and are dorm supervisors. Choate has rich kids, average kids, regular kids, druggies, theater geeks, jocks, and there are resources for everyone. It lacks a personal contact with students, so if your child needs a supportive environment, they will get lost here. Choate has a great reputation, but the bottom line here is that only the top GPA's, recruited athletes and legacy are going to Harvard. Sorry!
--Submitted by a parent

Choate. There is no substitute. Choate. Ignore all reviews of this school, including this one!!! Go to the school and experience it yourself. It has no equal on this planet! Choate. In the springtime of her life my daughter enjoyed this school. When her days are nearly done and the winter of her life has arrived, her last thoughts may still be of her days at Choate. She simply loved it in all respects. Choate. Often imitated, but never equalled. Choate. For those who want a truly supreme academic experience. Choate. For those who want to participate in and experience a truly world class theatre and arts program. Choate. For those who want a faculty and staff that are always available to students and parents. Choate. It has spoiled rich kids and struggling poor ones. It has as full a social life as I would have wanted my daughter to have anywhere.
--Submitted by a parent