Winnie – given that the OP is likely American (this is, after all, an English-language board), the “neighborhood” Beis Ya’akovs could well be not what they’re looking for. As an RBS resident, though, I can agree with most of the rest of what you posted – but there are a few schools on the list that I’d not recommend due to specific incidents that I’m aware. The OP should speak with someone local and knowledgeable in person to get additional details – a public forum such as this is not the place to discuss these (and it would be considered Lashon Harah in any case – while it is definitely l’toeles for the OP).
Re: calling Rav Kornfeld – he is definitely one of the people to talk to, but I’d recommend speaking with others as well. I have great respect for Rav Kornfeld, but his Shitta is rather rigid – and I know people who have had issues with some of the places he’s recommended on account of the school’s lack of understanding of a more American mentality. Another Rav to speak with is Rabbi Danny Meyers or Menorat HaMaor, or Rav Chaim Soloveichik of Ohr Shalom, both of whom will also give input based on what the individual in question is looking for
As to Shopping613’s comment on Magen Avot – sorry, but you must be thinking of someplace else. Firstly, Magen Avot is only an elementary school, so there are no Bagruyot, and second, most boys there go to either Yeshivot Ketanot once they finish, or to places like Ma’arava, Nehora, or the Mesivta, all of which are considered Chareidi Yeshivot Tichoniot. The general path after any of the Yeshivos in question is to a Yeshiva Gedola, not the army – though some do, of course, go to the army after some time in Yeshiva.
Good luck, and remember that it’s more important to get the child into the right school for him or her, rather than the “best” school – after all, Shlomo Hamelech, the wisest of all men, is the one who said “chanoch lana’ar al pi darko”. Don’t make the mistake of trying to fit a round peg into a square hole.
an Israeli Yid