Patterson School 4

Located near Lenoir, North Carolina, the Patterson School started as a working/farm school in the early part of the 20th century. It maintained the working school structure until the 1960's, but, thereafter never managed to adapt to the changing environment for boarding schools. There was a building boom in the late 1960's and early '70s, but since then, the institution has suffered from slow deterioration, and even closed down for a couple of years during the mid-nineties. Although the campus is beautiful and very quaint, all the buildings are in disrepair for lack of funds. Past attempts to revitalize the institution have been met with dismal results, and few students attend for more than one year, opting to go elsewhere.

However, this school has just initiated a major revitalization program, and should soon open the doors under new management, and a completely different educational model. For the parent who might be somewhat short of funds, it is indeed worth the effort to become acquainted with the institution and its new leadership. This might, indeed, turn out to be a bargain institution to send your son or daughter since they will have to keep prices down to be successful at recruiting. After all, the most important part of an institution is the staff that runs it, and there is a lot of talent in the current core of the new management team.