Milton Academy:
* Generally larger: Offers a wider range of courses and extracurricular activities.
* More rigorous academic program: Often considered more challenging academically, attracting students aiming for highly selective colleges.
* Stronger endowment: Allows for greater resources and facilities.
* More diverse student body (geographically and socioeconomically): Draws students from a broader range of backgrounds.
* Stronger emphasis on certain programs: Might excel in specific areas like arts or athletics depending on the year.
Thayer Academy:
* Smaller and more intimate setting: Fosters a closer-knit community and greater individual attention from teachers.
* Strong sense of community: Many students describe a tighter-knit community feel.
* May offer a more balanced workload: While still rigorous, the academic pressure might be perceived as slightly less intense than Milton's by some students.
* Strong athletics program: Particularly known for its strong athletic traditions and successes.
* Stronger local ties: Draws a significant portion of its students from the surrounding community.
Ultimately, the "better" school depends on what a prospective student values most: a larger, more diverse, and academically rigorous environment (Milton) or a smaller, closer-knit community with potentially a slightly less intense academic atmosphere (Thayer). Visiting both campuses, speaking with current students and faculty, and carefully considering each school's curriculum and extracurricular offerings are essential steps in making the right decision.