What they didn’t know before their daughters came to Brearley
Even for alumnae, the Brearley of today can yield surprises. Here, parents of current students in each division share what they wish they had known when they were considering Brearley. Regard these voices as part of our community of “local experts.”
“The arts are so impressive. When you walk around you see art in all its different facets. Students can really go in any direction they want to pursue in music, theater and visual art.”
“SCHOOL SPIRIT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO ME. BEFORE MY DAUGHTER CAME HERE, I DIDN’T KNOW HOW GREAT THE SPORTS AND SPIRIT ARE AT BREARLEY.”
“The energy here is just different. It’s such a vibrant place. It’s not an overly ‘girly’ place, which is interesting. There’s a certain straightforwardness about the kids who are here.”
“I like that my daughter is really interested in what she’s learning. For her, it’s not about ‘Did I get an A-minus or a B-plus?’ It’s about being drawn in by the course content.”
“Joy and rigor are not mutually exclusive at Brearley. People are really happy to be here. My kid would live here if she could.”
“It may sound counterintuitive to say, given its academic reputation, but one thing I really like about Brearley is that it is more relaxed than other schools my children have attended.”
“The girls are so open and excited and interesting. Parents I talk to want to know if there’s a lot of homework as the girls get older. Yes, there is homework, but it’s manageable.”
“ONE OF THE THINGS I DIDN’T KNOW IS HOW STRONG THE MUSIC PROGRAM IS. IT HAS BECOME A HUGE PART OF MY DAUGHTER’S LIFE IN FIFTH GRADE, WITH INSTRUMENTALS AND ORCHESTRA AND SINGERS. IT HAS INFUSED EVERYTHING SHE DOES AND HAS MADE HER EXPERIENCE VIBRANT AND REALLY HAPPY.”
