I am a graduate of Vermont Academy and a parent of a rising senior. VA had been a life altering experience for me, but I had not planned to send my children due to the expense and wanting to keep them at home. However, my son went to VA his junior year after, thanks to Covid, spending far more time in isolation with his mother and looking at screens than any any 16 year old boy should have to. VA has been a fantastic experience for him socially, emotionally, academically, and physically. He participated in soccer, which he had never played before, and really enjoyed it. He played on the hockey team, and while he has played on southern house teams for many years, he was one of the least experienced -- and his discomfort there was probably the only negative experience. This spring he participated in climbing and really loved it. He also missed a lot of school due to the flu, mono, and a death in the family. Teachers were very supportive and, while still holding him accountable, helped him to get caught up. He recently returned home and is already looking forward to fall and all of the opportunities that the fall will bring. As a parent, I have enjoyed being involved with the VA Parent Association, and as a graduate, being involved with the very active alumni associaition. read more