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HomeShop at BookSurgeSports & RecreationSailingBehind the Walls: A Parent's Guide to Boarding Schools |
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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Headmaster's Perspective Aug 24, 2008
In the interest of full disclosure, I know Tim Hillman personally and have written an article for one of his previous books regarding boarding school. I have also talked to Tim over the years -- as Assistant Head of School for Enrollment at Mercersburg Academy and as Headmaster of Perkiomen School -- about this concept and know that, editing errors and all, the book is sound in its observations, cautionary tales, and advice.
It is true that Behind the Walls is not a rating book -- thank, God, since ratings are useless in a field that has about one half of one percent of the students in the USA and represents only a little over 200 schools, each with its own unique mission, history, and ethos. Behind the Walls is exceptional, especially for the parent who is seeking the "right fit" for her/his child, rather than the "right name." Understanding the nuances of the admission process, how to wade through the marketing, and what to look for to find a healthy residential and academic environment are all essential to a successful matriculation.
As one mentor told me when I was a younger teacher, bricks and mortar do not a school make! Look beyond not only the walls, but beyond the facades -- look at the faces of the students, look at how the desks are arranged in classrooms, listen to the teachers and coaches -- It is the human factor that makes a boarding school great -- not the date on the school seal, not the number of AP courses, average SAT scores, or college lists (which are sometimes padded with acceptances from one student at the top of the class!). As a product of a public school, I can honestly say that I would never trade my years in independent college preparatory schools for anything. Reading Behind the Walls only reaffirmed my decision to work in the boarding school world and it will surely be a help to anyone considering these wonderful communities for themselves or for their children.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Behind the walls, behind the hype Jun 17, 2008
Just finished reading Behind the Walls. As the author, himself, admitted in a review, the editing is just terrible. However, there are worthwhile nuggets of information that can help the reader better understand the inner workings of boarding schools. I bought this book mainly to see how my daughter's prep school measures in comparison to what Hillman considers to be important benchmarks at U.S. boarding schools. I think I got more out of this book now that my daughter has completed her third-form (freshman)year. I was able to apply his experiences to what she has encountered. I'm happy to say I think she is at a really good school.
Useful information but .... Nov 22, 2007
Hillman presents a lot of useful information in a well-organized, straightforward and admirably evenhanded way. The book is short enough to be read in a single setting, and I found it genuinely helpful as the parent of a private school child who is vaguely considering boarding school as a future option. However, I find it disturbing that someone who is not only an alumnus but also a faculty member of presumably more than one elite boarding school could write a book with so many typographical, grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors. Both Hillman and his editor(s) should be embarrassed.
I hope his students write better.... Oct 10, 2007
Unfortunately, the content of this book was so obscured by typos and editing errors that I could barely focus on Mr. Hillman's insights into boarding school life. One would think that a teacher, in particular, would keep a closer eye on the copy editor. Doesn't the author remember that old school maxim to "check your work!"
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Info behind the scenes May 14, 2007
This book tells you about things that go on at boarding schools, that the schools themselves would never tell you. A great book for anyone looking at the pros and cons of sending your kids to boarding school.
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