Boston Private Middle/High Schools - thoughts? (Newton, Milton: private schools, live)

[Marisa B.]

I'm looking at private school for my daughter who currently is in 5th grade at a BPS school. I'd like to find a school that is 7-12 (though would consider 9-12), doesn't have a big boarding population, has some reasonable transportation options from downtown Boston (we live off the redline but can easily access South End/Back Bay bus stops), offers sports programs (doesn't have to be stellar but where at least a fair amount of the kids participate), and has good academics.

In terms of where she might get in, I'm not sure. We'll put her in a prep course for the ISEE. Her scores on the standardized tests so far (MCAS and MAP) have averaged in the 90% percentile. She gets good grades and plays 2 sports, one at the club level. She is a minority and we would not qualify for financial aid if that bears any impact.

So far I have Winsor, the Newman School, Dexter, and Ursuline Academy on my list. Winsor seems like a great location and excellent sports and academics though maybe too cut-throat and not sure that she would get in. Dexter seems also like it would be convenient to get to, has good sports and is more relaxed academically than Winsor but not sure we would want to pay the $$$ for what it offers. Ursuline and the Newman School are on my list because they have significantly lower tuition than the other private schools which is a huge draw for us (we would not qualify for financial aid for any of these schools but we will have to make some sacrifices to pay tuition, so finding a school that is $30-$40k vs. $60k is a big factor), though maybe the Newman School is too small/quirky and Ursuline would be a bit of a commute and has almost no diversity. If we had a boy we'd be looking at Roxbury Latin and BC High, but it doesn't seem like there are any equivalent "value" schools for girls.

I have two older children at BLS and am aware of the exam school option, but don't think this would be a good fit for my youngest.

Does anyone have any insight on the schools listed above or any thoughts on Boston schools that might not be on my radar?

Thanks!

[msRB311]

Newton Country Day, Thayer, BBN, Dana Hall, Nobles and Milton come to mind.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Dexter i don't think is more relaxed academically than Winsor. I know both schools very well especially winsor. Theybwilk toss yourbdqughter lot of help and assistance should she need it

You can also consider the Comminwelath School in Back Bay or Brimmer and May, Beaver Country Day in Chestnut Hill.