School Guide 58

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND SUMMER PROGRAMS GUIDE FEATURE: THE SECRETS OF PICKING A COLLEGE (AND GETTING IN!) > PARENTS’ GUIDE TO THE COLLEGE PROCESS COLLEGE FAIR FAUX PAS > >

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F rom making the initial list to going to college fairs, from visiting the colleges to doing the interviews, from taking the standardized tests to composing the application, from figuring out the finances to making the final choice—applying to college is a multiyear process fraught with uncertainty, anxiety, and opacity. Professors Lynn F. Jacobs and Jeremy S. Hyman have teamed up with Jeffrey Durso-Finley, former admissions officer at Brown and now head of college counseling at the prestigious Lawrenceville (NJ) School, to offer parents and college-bound students The Secrets of Picking a College (and Getting In!): Over 600 Tips, Techniques, and Strategies Revealed. Available at www.bit.ly/tsopac (or wherever books are sold.) Download a free chapter at www.tsopac.com/download. All materials © 2016 Professors’ Guide LLC. All rights reserved. 10 TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR INITIAL LIST With over 4,000 colleges to choose from, many students feel pressure to settle on a few choices as soon as possible. The sooner I get this list down to three or four , they think , the better. But, in truth, this isn’t the best strategy. At this stage in the process (which for many students is at the beginning of their junior year) it’s APPLYING to COLLEGE

#1 Cast the net widely . Don’t assume that there necessarily is only one type of college that will satisfy your needs and interests. Someone interested in music might do just fine not just at a music conservatory, but also at a liberal arts college with a good music program, a big state university with a famous marching band, or even a college with a limited music

much better to assemble a pretty good-sized list (ten to twenty entries wouldn’t be too many), and then refine the list as you get more data. How the final list of colleges you apply to turns out depends in no small measure on which colleges “inhabit” the initial list. Follow our ten best tips and you’ll have an excellent list to build on:

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program but lots of music-making opportunities in the community. So too, you might find that your interest in life-in-the-big-city could be satisfied not just at big city schools but also at more bucolic schools that are an easy commute to the bright lights. #2 Figure out what matters to you in a college. While there’s no need to have an exact list of your priorities, you should be starting to try to locate some key characteristics of schools that appeal to you. Are academics and the availability of particular majors particularly important? How important are things like location, weather, campus life, facilities, the “look and feel” of the campus, or the school’s mission or social values? Will your religious affiliation affect your selection? EXTRA POINTER. Know what your “deal breakers” are (most people have some). There’s no point putting a single-sex college or a school 3000 miles from home on your list if you already know that you absolutely, positively, 100-percent wouldn’t go to a school like that, even if it were the last one on the planet. IF WE COULD TELL YOU ONLY ONE THING. Don’t start your search looking for “the one.” For any given person, there are any number of schools that will provide a wonderful college experience and there’s no one school that will actually be a perfect fit. #3 Use the resources: both web and flesh and blood. As you start to “populate” your initial list, consider all sources of information, both virtual and real. If you know some living, breathing human beings who’ve been to college recently (or are now at college), poll them about the colleges they considered, which one they picked and why, and how they liked the one they went to (make sure to ask about the good, the bad, and the ugly— you want a complete picture). Then follow up by surfing the colleges’ own websites and other general-purpose websites that might include videos as well as traditional e-content. And prepare to get even more ideas from the various “events” that await you: the meeting with your high school counselor, college fairs and college nights, visits to the colleges, and even interviews with admission folks or admissions professionals can all provide ideas of college you might like to go to. #4 Generate relevant alternatives. Many students start out with a very sparse list of names of colleges, maybe even only one of two choices. This is not necessarily a bad strategy, especially if the school embodies the characteristics you are looking for in a school. There are many ways to move from a single “focal” college to schools with similar features. One good way is simple “word of mouth”: find some student, perhaps a recent graduate of your school or a friend’s older brother or sister, who got into the school you’re considering and ask what other schools they applied to with the same characteristics. A more scientific, and extremely useful way, of finding alternatives is to use the website College Results Online . Go to www.collegeresults.org/search_basic.aspx, click on the tab

“Similar Colleges” (on the top of the page in the middle), and you’ll be presented with ten to fifteen alternatives to the school you’ve inputted—some of which you might not have thought of, or even heard of (for those in the latter class, navigate to those colleges’ websites and see what the school is all about). #5 Don’t overshoot–or undershoot. As you learn more about the college selection process, you’ll discover the sad fact that some schools have far, far more qualified candidates than they have places for—at some of the very best schools, as many as ten times. While you may have a straight “A” average, excellent boards, and lots of extra-curricular activities, you may not realize just how many other students around the country (and, gasp, in other countries) also have qualifications that match or exceed yours. On the other hand, if you have a strong record, don’t just play it safe by applying to the less competitive schools that most everyone in your class applies to. Your final list will need to have some variety in degree of selectivity, so make sure there’s some variety in your initial list. REALITY CHECK. Disregard comments such as “it’s all a crapshoot” or “you’d be better buying a lottery ticket than applying to that school.” There’s some rhyme or reason to the selection process, and even at the selective schools 10-percent of the applicants get in (when was the last time you bought a lottery ticket with a one in ten While it’s not yet time to raid your and your parents’ savings, it is time to give some preliminary thought to what four or five years worth of college is going to cost you. If, like for the majority of college students, financial aid is going to be a factor, then you should pay some attention to cost in making your initial list. But beware. Some seemingly expensive private colleges have large endowments and can provide very generous financial aid—sometimes even more than state universities, especially out-of-state state universities. On the other hand, many community colleges and some state universities can be incredibly cheap (some have lottery funds dedicated to subventing your college tuition or offer generous aid to academically-accomplished students), so don’t assume that just because it’s a state school it has no money to offer. 5-STAR TIP. Virtually every college has a tool on their website called the Net Price Calculator . Here you can put in some basic figures about your family’s income, savings, and other assets and get some estimation of what they’ll be charging you if admitted. And notice how the “offer” is put together: typically, they’ll tell you how much is gift and how much loan (which of course has to be paid back one day), and whether you’re expected to work and, if so, how much. #7 Get input from your high school counselor . These days, when college admissions are important to the reputation of a high school, many college counselors are quite WESTONMAGAZINEGROUP.COM 177 chance of winning the grand prize?). #6 Start thinking about the finances .

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knowledgeable about the college scene. Even better, if they know you and have some sense of your individual interests and talents, they can come up with names of colleges that you might not be familiar with, but which would be great choices for you. Also, some counselors know of colleges—sometimes in the region, sometimes not—that are especially generous with financial aid or simply are good values. Keep in mind though, that some counselors may be less helpful than others, especially ones who have developed an artificially narrow range of schools they recommend to students—maybe because they limit their suggestions to colleges in the area or to schools that others at your school have attended. EXTRA POINTER. As youmove forward on the college search, new schools will occur to you to consider. Run these by your counselor. Many high schools counselors welcome additional visits from students looking at colleges and, as a bonus, they’ll know you better when it comes time for them to write a letter of recommendation for your application. #8 Keep the “rankings” in perspective. Many colleges proudly trumpet their “rankings,” especially those published by US News and World Report, ( www.usnews. com/education) in an attempt to woo prospective students. While these rankings can provide some useful information, keep in mind that minor differences in the rankings don’t reflect significant differences in the quality of the schools; a school that ranks a few points down from another really isn’t in any significant way worse than the one a few points up on the ladder. Also realize that a significant portion of the data can be “gamed” by the colleges and that some of the data really has no impact on how good a college is. #9 Deal in all the “stakeholders.” Whether you like it or not, your parents—and in some families also grandparents or other relatives—are going to have a big say in where you end up going to college—especially if they’ll be the ones footing the bill. So it’s a good idea to hear their ideas about possible schools and add some of them into the mix (especially if they strike you as reasonable choices). That said, you don’t have to swallow what everyone else tells you if it doesn’t match your personal goals and interests—and even worse, if it falls into the category of deal breaker. Keep in mind that, at the end of the day, you’re the one who’s going to have to go to the school, so you might as well construct your initial list with that in mind. #10. Keep it fluid . In the good case, names of colleges will be added and deleted from the initial list as the process continues and you gain more and more sense of the colleges you’re considering. Don’t feel that your initial list is set in stone and that it’s some kind of no-no to change your mind. Eventually you will need to narrow your choices and firm up your decisions. But not now.

TOP 12 WEBSITES TO HELP YOU CONSTRUCT YOUR INITIAL LIST

A Google-search for “college websites” returns 335,000,000 hits; a search for “picking a college,” 13,400,000. Talk about information overload. How’s anyone supposed to find any useful information to help them compose their initial list of colleges? To help you narrow your search, here is a list of our dozen favorite all-purpose college websites: 1. Big Future: www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org This comprehensive site powered byThe College Board, should be every college-seeking student’s first stop on the web. In addition to helpful information about finding colleges, paying for college, and an interactive making a plan engine, the site includes information about majors and careers and how to find one that’s right for you. While you’re there, you can also register for SAT and AP tests. 2. College Compass: www.usnews.com/usnews/store/college_compass.htm This is the U.S. News & World Report premium tier, and hence the only site on this list that you’ll have to pay for (about $30 a year), but, in addition to the complete rankings, it offers a tool that’ll enable you to put in 23 “filters,” which will then generate a list of colleges they think appropriate for you (very good if you’re short on ideas of how to populate your list). Also includes a wealth of information about admission standards, financial aid, college life, and sports programs. 3. NACAC : www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/Pages/Default.aspx The National Association of College Admission Counselors offers loads of information in one site, including tips for college prep, a college search engine, advice about applications, and information about paying for college and succeeding in college. You’ll also find a complete schedule of college fairs, links to various rankings as well as interesting reports on various issues in the college application procedure. 4. Unigo: www.unigo.com The brainchild of Jordan Goldman, Unigo is the first twenty-first- century-ready college website. Combining student reviews with actual student videos, Unigo offers a real-time glance at the “look and feel” of over 1000 colleges. An excellent choice for learning about colleges you’re not able to visit in person, Unigo should be a part of every student’s college search. Like any user-generated content site, though, be sure to take it with a grain of salt; opinions can vary widely and you shouldn’t use one student’s pissy comments to rule out a college. EXTRA SITES. If you like Unigo, you also might like College Click TV (www.collegeclicktv.com) Here you’ll find student submitted videos, complete with tags (very helpful for searching out specific aspects of campus, such as student body, spirit, professors, and even tailgating). Again, it’s the good, the bad and the ugly—so be sure to look at lots of videos. Also recommended: www.ecampustours.com virtual panoramic tours of over 1300 campuses.

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5. Niche : www.niche.com

EXTRA SITES. For data seeking techies, College Navigator www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator, run by the National Council of Education Statistics, and College Insight www.college-insight.org, provide entertaining reading. And many will enjoy Parchment www.parchment.com, where not only can you search out colleges right for you, but you can use their user-submitted results to gauge your chances of getting in to the college of your choice (of course, there are no guarantees…). Good tools are also available at College Reality Check www.collegerealitycheck.com, an informative and “newsy” site run by the Chronicle of Higher Education . 10. College Results Online: www.collegeresults.org An incredibly useful site, College Results Online gathers data from a wide variety of sources (including Federal, State and private databases) and enables you to find relevant and informed alternatives to the college you might have your eye on. 11. Common Data Set: To find, search “Common Data Set” plus the name of the individual college you’re looking at (not available for all colleges). An intriguing and unbelievably revealing source of information, in which the colleges themselves give their own data on a multitude of issues, including what factors they consider in admissions, the number of students admitted in each “band” of SAT and ACT scores (700-800, 600-699, etc.), the percentage of admits in each tier of class rank (top 10%, top 25%, etc.), what types of financial aid are offered and what the average award is, and much, much more. Also includes information about instructional programs, class sizes, and general student life. EXTRA POINTER. Be sure to focus on Section C: that’s where the most useful information about how they actually pick is contained. If you haven’t already heard of this site in your college search, you will. Most noteworthy here is the “web’s busiest discussion community” (if they do say so themselves). Some of the threads here are unpleasantly angst-filled and some have misinformation and rumor, but others have answers from people who’ve either “been there, done that” or who are particularly knowledgeable about the topic you’re interested in. Just stay away from this site around college notification days (both early- and regular decision). You won’t welcome the very stressful, minute-by-minute posts of where people got in, where they got deferred, or where they got axed. College fairs are the ‘speed dating’ of admissions: you meet a lot of potential partners, have a few minutes to size up the chemistry, then make some snap judgments (many of which need further investigation). So what’s the point of a college fair, then? Admissions WESTONMAGAZINEGROUP.COM 179 12. College Confidential: www.collegeconfidential.com DO’S AND DON’TS FOR ATTENDING COLLEGE FAIRS

This unusual site (formerly College Prowler) ranks colleges in 30- plus categories, including “Best Social Scene,” “Campus Strictness,” and “If I could do it all over again.” A very useful complement to Unigo and College Click TV, it includes thousands of student reviews, organized by categories. Check out special features such as “Frequently Compared” (similar schools, each with their own rankings), “Students Often Come From” (high schools from which many students come), and “Campus Tour” (informative videos, though be careful, the schools often have a big share in the content presentations). 6. The University of Illinois’s College and University Rankings: www.library.uiuc.edu/edx/rankings The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign gives an informative overview of various ranking services, including a master list of over 20 different rating services (complete with URLs). These range from well-known favorites such as US News and World Report , Forbes , Kiplingers , and Princeton Review , to lesser-known sites such as Parchment, Students Review, College Factual, Asian Nation’s Best Colleges for Asian Americans, and Black Enterprise’s Top Colleges for African Americans. An excellent and useful meta- site on college rankings thanks to the nice folks at U of I. 7. Fair Test: www.fairtest.org Bombed the ACT or SAT? Or think that standardized testing doesn’t really measure anything important? Then you’ll like Fair Test, the site of the National Center for Fair and Open Testing. Their mission is to try to end the misuse or overuse of standardized testing, and so, its website includes a list of over 800 colleges and universities that have flexible, or optional, standardized testing requirements. Fun to look at even if you have awesome test scores. This new entry in the college admission arena ranks colleges from the other end: it focuses on how well students do after they graduate, rather than on how accomplished they are coming in. The rankings here are based on factors such as intellectual, social, and spiritual development, as well as, most important, career success. You can actually customize the ranking formula (which is applied to 227 schools) by adjusting the weighting to reflect how important (or not) each of the rating factors is for you. 9. College Data: www.collegedata.com This beast of a site provides a wealth of information about admission, money matters (including tuition, profile of financial aid recipients, and financial aid programs), academics (including majors, gen ed requirements, faculty, and AP policies), and campus life (including weather, housing, security, sports and student activities). Also available is a College Admissions tracker—see how you compare to real students who got in, and calculate your chances of following in their footsteps—and a Net Price Calculator—get a rough idea of how much each of these colleges is going to cost you. 8. The Alumni Factor: www.alumnifactor.com

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DON’T approach only the colleges you’ve heard about. It’s the most natural thing in the world to visit only the colleges you’ve heard of, whether at your school or on ESPN. But the college fair is a very excellent way to expand your horizons, and to find relevant alternatives to the few colleges you might already be considering. Take a chance on a college rep who looks lonely. Many great college matches have been made randomly, so widen your view and give the less popular colleges a shot. DON’T be a wallflower. A familiar face to any rep at the college fair is the “cruiser”: the student who walks up and down the aisles at a quick pace, making it seem like he or she is taking in the passing show but never really stopping to engage any of the college reps. Most often, one would guess, it’s simply shyness: this student is not quite sure what to do, not quite sure what to say, not quite sure how to put him or herself forward to best advantage. Remedy? Realize that the reps are there for you and would actually like to meet you, answer your questions, and hear your concerns. Get what you came to get: a sense of the Prepare a number of questions that you wouldn’t expect to be readily available on the college website. Try to probe how you would fit in the college (Do you have an out-of-the-way major in mind? Are you interested in working with a professor or getting an internship? Is it important to you to meet students from different backgrounds and from different countries? ) Whatever your specific concerns, ask away. EPIC FAIL! While admission reps love thoughtful questions, they bristle at awful ones, because they make them feel that your curiosity about their college is surface-level. Does it really matter if freshmen can have cars? Will you decide whether or not to apply based on the AP policy? Don’t come across as indifferent or shallow by asking poor questions. DO write it all down. Keep a college notebook or folder for business cards, brochures, mailings and your own notes on what you learned—and the name of the person you met. When it comes time for you to fill out the applications you might be able to use those details (for instance, by referencing in the supplemental questions on the application your discussion with the admissions rep). And trust us—you won’t remember. DO fill out the “contact card.” Many college representatives will offer you a small card or information sheet to fill out; in every case you should . You might think “the hell I need more email cluttering up my inbox or more catalogues jamming my mailbox,” but you probably don’t know that some colleges use these forms as expressions of interest in attending their college (some colleges even tabulate how many contacts you’ve made with their college as a way of gauging how likely it is that you’ll come, if accepted). Come next fall, you might even get a special application via email called the “Fast App” or “Snap App” in the college and how you might fit in there. DO be prepared with a few questions.

officers use these mass gatherings to get as much information, both verbal and written, into as many students’ hands as possible, and to begin their work of building an applicant pool. Students, on the other hand, can use these outreach efforts by admissions professionals to get a glimpse at what a large variety of colleges are about. As in any look-over for a potential relationship, these are some basic rules for getting off on the right foot. DO get thyself to the fair. While some of the larger college fairs might seem a little intimidating to students starting the college quest, it’s really quite a painless experience. College reps (or sometimes a local alumnus (or alumna) of the college) would like to meet you and see what you have to offer (just as you’d like to meet them and see what they have to offer). There’s usually a casual, good-natured atmosphere to be had, if you stop to chat for a few minutes, take a brochure, and get yourself on the mailing list. IN OUR HUMBLE OPINION. College fairs are probably the most useful in the fall or winter of your junior year, as that’s the jumping- off point for your search. Any earlier and you’re likely not to be ready to ask the right questions; any later, and you’re beginning to fall behind the pack. DO dress the part. If your school has a dress code, follow it at the fair. If it doesn’t, then just look presentable, i.e. polo or collared shirts, khakis/pants, etc. You don’t need a coat and tie, especially if you’ll be pulling on the collar in discomfort the whole time. You don’t need a party dress, but don’t come straight from the soccer field in your sweaty jersey, or looking like you are on your way to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In general, avoid the extremes. DON’T bring the folks (or, at least, DON’T walk around with them). College fairs are meant to be student-to-admission rep interactions. Parents, no matter how well-meaning, interfere with that valuable time (and in the worst case, are seen by the rep as helicopter parents (hovering uncomfortable over their students, or, worse, lawnmower parents (mowing down everything in sight). If your parents have questions, write them down, ask them yourself, Know the “Amusement Park Rule?” Whether it’s Six Flags, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, or your local waterpark, always head right to the most popular ride as soon as the gates open, because the line will grow ridiculously long very quickly. So too, college fairs, especially in larger cities or when lots of high schools are invited. EXTRA DO. Some college reps will get lots of attention; others might not talk to a single person. Be respectful of a less popular college and its space. Don’t borrow their pen, lean on their table, or block access for students who might want to talk to that college. It’s just polite. and bring a report back to your parents. DO head right for your first choice(s).

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trade; for more information on this check out: www.propublica.org/article/the-admission-arms-race-six- ways-colleges-can-game-their-numbers and www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/education/edlife/innovation.html?_r=0 EXTRA DO. Worried you won’t have time to fill out all the contact cards or forms? Pre-print a page or two of labels with your name, address, email, high school, and academic areas of interest, then at the fair all you’ll need to do is peel, stick, and move onto the next. INSIDER INSIGHT. You might not have thought of this, but after the fair some admissions officials go back to the contact form and fill in their own notes about things that might have struck them about one or other student they met: a sort of instant recommendation. DON’T stay Past the Closing Bell. College fairs, especially evening fairs, can be wearing on college reps: It’s their last task of the day, they’ve been standing the entire time, and as the fair draws to a close, they start thinking about Writing an admissions person, or a college rep, or (in some cases) even a departmental advisor or professor, is a different kettle of fish than texting, tweeting, or snapchatting your best buddy. what movies are available in the hotel or how far a drive they have. Actually, you’ll see some reps packing up their banners and displays before the fair ends in order to get a head-start out the door. Be respectful and kind to let them get rolling, even if they seem like they will stay to answer more questions. They’ll appreciate it. EMAIL ETIQUETTE In the course of your college quest, especially at schools where “demonstrated interest” (that is, your having repeated contact with the admissions staff) counts, you’ll have occasion to reach out by email many times. But writing an admissions person, or a college rep, or (in some cases) even a departmental advisor or professor, is a different kettle of fish than texting, tweeting, or snapchatting your best buddy. Here are some things to consider before clicking “Send”: Email is forever. Once you send it off, you can’t get it back. Anything you send to

admissions personnel might actually go into your application file— and be there when they’re considering whether or not to let you in. Email goes where it’s told. Check—and double check—to see that the right address appears in the “TO” line. Just because your mom and regional rep are both named Megan is no reason to send “all your love” to an admissions officer. Admissions officers might not like — or even open—mail from youwantme@hotbod.com . Make sure you use an “acceptable” email address, like your. name@gmail.com Subject lines are for subjects. Put a brief explanation of the nature of the email (like “question about early decision” or “financial aid question”) in the subject line. Never include demands such as “Urgent request: immediate response needed” (it’s not their fault that you haven’t thought to ask ‘til the day it’s due). Salutations matter. The safest way to start is with “Dear Mr. or Ms. So and So” (using their last name)—or use the title on their business card or the admissions web page. Less good: “Hey, Kate, “ or “Yo, Joe.” Clear and concise is best. Your admissions rep might get twenty-five to thirty emails a day. So it’s best if you ask your questions in as focused and succinct a way as possible (hint: it’s often good to number your questions). And if your question is very elaborate or multifaceted, it’s best to call the admissions or financial aid office. You’ll get better service that way. THIS IS NOT A SHOUTING MATCH. Don’t write in all uppercase letters (which is an email convention for anger or other strong emotion). No one likes being yelled at. No one really likes emojis and smileys. Trust us on this one. This is not Facebook. Don’t write the admissions rep in the same way you’d post on your friend’s wall. This is not texting. So pls dun wrte yor profeSR lIk ur txtN. uz abbrz @ yor own rsk. coRec me f Im wrng. (Translation thanks to www.transl8it.com , which features a neat little Facebook widget.) Spelling mistakes make you look like a doofus. So always use the spel check and proofread yyour email, two. Grammar mistake are not so good, either. Sign-offs and signatures count. Always end by thanking your admissions rep for his or her time and closing with “Best wishes” or “Regards” (or some other relatively formal, but friendly closing). And always sign with your (entire) real name, not some wacky nickname like Ry-Ry or Biff. Your rep doesn’t want to hear your philosophy of life. Skip the cute quotes or statements of your religious or political views at the bottom of your e-mail. You never know what offends. * WESTONMAGAZINEGROUP.COM 181

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D A Y & B O A R D I N G S C H O O L S FRENCH-AMERICAN SCHOOL Mamaroneck, NY

WINSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL New York, NY/ Whippany, NJ/ Norwalk, CT

PEOPLE DON’T ALWAYS learn in predictable ways, which is why Winston Preparatory School (WPS) is committed to reaching all kinds of learners. Students often come to one of our campuses in the tri‐state area after struggling in traditional school settings. Many of these students, ranging from fourth to twelfth grade (and our new Transitions program– young adults!), have been diagnosed with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, executive functioning difficulties, ADHD, and nonverbal learning disorders. At WPS, the faculty assesses and understands students where they are, helps them advance at a meaningful pace, and teaches them to move forward independently. The research‐based education model used by the WPS faculty has been shown to profoundly expand the possibilities for students with learning disabilities. Providing a fundamental shift in the process of education at every level of the school organization, WPS faculty and leading educational experts have designed and implemented a model that reflects the best practices in the field, as well as research in learning, teaching, neuropsychology, and school climate. The results? Our specialized academic process typically results in more than 90 percent of WPS students being admitted to college. WPS’s mission is to

The French-American School of NewYork is the only school in the tri- state area offering its students to prepare either for the International Baccalaureate (DP program) or for the French Baccalaureate, in addition to graduating

them with a New York State High School Diploma. This international and bilingual school located in Westchester County, NY provides a global education to approximately 850 students in Nursery (3 years old) through Grade 12. The school boasts a bilingual immersion program

in Nursery (3 years old) through Kindergarten, bringing children fluency in French and English. In grades 1 through 10, students follow a rigorous bilingual program which combines and exceeds the standards of official French and best-in-class American curricula. In grades 11 and 12, students have the option to take either the IB Diploma Program track taught in English or bilingually, or to continue with the French Baccalaureate track taught in French or bilingually. The strong Arts, Music and Athletics programs along with many clubs ensure a well-rounded education and encourage leadership. The community of teachers and students represents over 50 nationalities, and the fabric of the school is one of tolerance, acceptance, and appreciation of diversity. French and American school life traditions are mixed, creating a warm and engaging experience for the students. A strong Community Service program, international educational trips, and a team of counselors who interact daily with the students contribute to the development of balanced and caring individuals. FASNY’s mission to educate internationally minded students occurs within the context of a track record of academic excellence. Its average SAT scores are well above the national and independent schools average, and its French Baccalaureate results places it at the top of the French-American schools in North America. Each year FASNY sends students to the best colleges and universities. Since its first graduating class in 2009, its acceptance list has included: Cambridge, Columbia, Harvard, Imperial College, London School of Economics, MIT, Oxford, Princeton, Sciences-Po, Stanford, UC Berkeley, University College London and Yale. FASNY is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization, the French Ministry of Education, and the New York State Association of Independent Schools. With campuses located in Westchester County, FASNY is just 20 miles north of Manhattan (35 minutes from Grand Central Station by train) and 9 miles south of Greenwich, Connecticut. www.fasny.org. admissions@fasny.org (914) 250-0401

“facilitate the independence and meaningful participation of students with specific learning disorders through a Continuous Feedback System that develops skill acquisition and the Qualities of a Sustainable and Independent Learner. WPS also seeks to influence the field of education with research and implementation models that

achieve these ends, in this way.” This means that the leaders and faculty at WPS are working within a model that requires educators and students to assess, understand, and design curriculum (and all aspects of the school experience) based on individualized understanding, and to continually re‐evaluate the program. This model focuses not only on skill development, but also the development of characteristics that lead to independence such as resilience, self‐advocacy, and self‐regulation. The science behind WPS is how we understand and help students. To help students with learning problems we must be experts in learning and cognition. We are also compelled to be active leaders in bridging the gap between research and practice. At WPS we research so that we can understand, we understand so that we can individualize each child’s school experience, and we do so in a way that makes this school all about them. As we understand them as individuals, they begin to feel understood–and this is where the Winston Prep magic begins. Please visit www.winstonprep.edu to learn more and join us for an upcoming Open House.

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FUSION ACADEMY Fusion Academy is a revolutionary private middle and high school where positive relationships unlock academic potential. We are a non-traditional community of learning with the smallest class size possible: one student and one teacher per classroom. This allows us to personalize and customize curriculum for each student’s unique strengths, interests, and learning style. We are also able to personalize scheduling; students may enroll at any time (even during the summer) and take classes at a time of day that works best for them. Our supportive staff and campus environment provide a safe space for students to flourish emotionally, socially, and academically. It includes a state-of-the-art recording studio and a mixed-media art studio for students to express their creativity. Our Homework Café® is where students complete all their homework before they leave for the day with help and supervision from a teacher. Classes are offered at three levels: essential, college prep, and honors. From algebra to yoga and everything in between, we have a wide variety of classes to choose from. Students can enroll full-time, take classes for credit, or utilize our tutoring services. In addition to academics, we partner with outside therapeutic professionals to support students’ emotional health and help foster a balanced life. While it’s impossible to put our students into categories, we generally serve students with the following backgrounds: ADHD, accelerated/gifted learners, dyslexia, mild learning differences, social challenges, school anxiety, or students with challenging schedules. Students who attend Fusion have one thing in common: traditional school isn’t working. Fusion has over 30 campuses across the country in California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas. This year we will also be opening schools in Washington D.C. and Virginia. To find your nearest campus, visit FusionAcademy.com/campuses. Chevie, a parent at our Dallas, TX campus, says “I’m so grateful for Fusion and what its done for my son. He suffers from anxiety and some learning differences… [The staff has] done an amazing job of getting to know him and teaching him in a way that engages him. The entire staff welcomes him and he finally feels like he fits in. He loves the one on one with the teachers and is able to learn at his pace. Fusion has saved his life and brought happiness back into his school world.” Connect with us at FusionAcademy.com to learn more. si i l ti i i l r iti l ti i l i . -t iti l it f l i i l s i l : t t t l . s t li t i i l ’ i t t , i t t , l i l . li li ; t l ri t t l i st f t . s ti st a c i t t i ti l , i l , . t t f t t i i t t t i i i . t t l t l t i it l i i f . l s t t l l : i l, ll , s. l t i i , i i t f l t f . f it, tili i . i , t it i t t t ’ ti l l l il it’s i i l t t i , l t t it t f l i : l t / i l , l i , il l l , l i , l . t t t i l l i ’t i . si ti t, Il i i , , . il l i l i i . . t , i i i . i , t t l , , ’ i t it f . s l i i j f t i t i t i i i i . ti t l i l i . l t it is . i i lif is s l l .” t it s t i . l . t f r st i l st i f t is t t l t s s i l s tr iti f r

WESTTOWN West Chester, PA

Take a look at Westtown, a day and boarding school in West Chester, PA, 30 minutes from Philadelphia. At Westtown we expect much of our students as intellectuals, care deeply for them as individuals, and provide platforms for them as inventors of their own futures. We believe that young people and their parents deserve a school that offers academic rigor and an uncommon level of attention. Since 1799, we remain steadfast in our commitment to develop very smart, extraordinarily prepared and deeply ethical adults ready to lead and serve. Our graduates thrive in some of the world’s most admired colleges and universities. They accomplish much and

succeed in every endeavor. At Westtown, we have a distinctive approach that prepares students differently than many other schools, which organize their curricula around high-stakes tests. Here, we place action in the center of each student’s experience. We teach our students to see themselves not as passive consumers of knowledge or culture but as active, deeply knowledgeable and confident doers. The Action-Based

VALLEY FORGE MILITARY ACADEMY AND COLLEGE

Education results in part from our heritage as a Quaker school. It also, however, comes from a recognition that the world has changed and that schools need to as well.

Westtown’s Global Leadership Initiative immerses students at all grade levels in an international curriculum and community. Westtown students do not just read about other cultures; they experience them firsthand through international programming and from the direct perspectives of their classmates who hail from 18 states and 18 countries, including Nigeria and Spain. “We don’t just put kids in a dorm and expect magic,” notes John Baird, Westtown’s Head of School. “We have a residential curriculum that teaches them how to live together.” By the time students reach the Upper School, they have the opportunity to take part in a variety of unique international travel experiences and faculty-led senior trips. Imagine exploring the wonders of France, Ghana, Israel, Palestine, Mexico, Martinique, or Spain; it’s all possible through organized travels and Senior Projects at Westtown. Ultimately, graduates of Westtown truly understand what it means to live and learn in an interconnected world. One thing is for sure: Westtown’s approach provides opportunities to learn in a way that results in students who find their voice and use it to develop the rare confidence to take action, to declare themselves as leaders, to risk failure, and to stand up for deeply held beliefs. For more information - Visit: www.westtown.edu Call: 610.399.7900 Email: admissions@westtown.edu

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KNOX SCHOOL St. James, NY

THE HUN SCHOOL OF PRINCETON Princeton, NJ

The Knox School in Saint James is the North Shore of Long Island’s best-kept independent school secret, serving students in grades 6-12 and Post Graduate. We offer a comprehensive, challenging curriculum infused with the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Kindness and Scholarship. Our college preparatory program includes Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, prepares students for success at the university level, and provides them with the necessary skills to survive in our globalized 21 st Century. Class sizes are small – 12 students per class is our maximum. Knox also offers an on-campus Crew Team and Equestrian Program, competitive athletic teams and co-curricular programs such as Model U.N., Student Government, National Honor Society, Visual, Performing and Fine Arts and so much more. Rich in the fine and performing arts, Knox students can sing and act in a musical and play, dance, draw, sculpt, paint, design and sew clothing and costumes, capture life in photos and display their personal talents in our Solarium Art Gallery. What Knox does not offer is the confinement of the Common Core and the rash of testing that goes along with it. Instead, our focus is on building intentional learning communities in which our educators teach to the standards and levels of our global competitors. Our students are safe, accepted and tolerated, and the only “common” thing about our Knox environment is the commitment our entire school community has to education, success, and the advancement of each individual that makes up our diverse student body. One-on-one college counseling begins the summer before Junior year and continues until your child decides to which college or university he or she will commit. Recent college acceptances include: Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, Brandeis University, George Washington University, Northeastern University, Emerson College, Sarah Lawrence College, University of Miami, University of Connecticut, Syracuse University, Rutgers University, Michigan State University, Penn State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and many more…. Call to schedule a private tour or to speak to an admissions associate about The Knox School difference. We would be happy to share our honest, professional opinion with you about your child’s education, and the best way for you as a parent to help him or her realize his or her true potential. You can reach Knox admissions at 631-686-1600 EXT. 414. Or visit www.knoxschool.org

AtThe Hun School of Princeton, faculty members combine academic vigor with a joyful learning environment because they believe that students do their best work when they can find joy in the process. The Hun School combines its deep roots in Princeton with a highly diverse student body. Students from 18 states and 29 countries enjoy

a broad range of academic programs designed to ensure they will thrive in an ever-changing world. Our global education curriculum is enhanced by the diversity of our community, a menu of domestic and international travel programs, visiting thought-leaders, cultural celebrations, and the Wilf Family Global Commons, a state-of-the- art classroom and campus center. The School’s Humanities, STEM, and Arts curriculums are taught in a hands-on, student centered learning environment, with an emphasis on seven essential skills: creativity, critical thinking, collaborative problem solving, cultural competency, ethics, communication, and leadership. Faculty members believe learning to analyze, create, and present your own work is essential. Whether students are using a 3D printer to bring an engineering design to life, discussing cardiac bypass with a cardiac surgeon (during a live surgery), or participating in a Harkness- style discussion, they are fully engaged in their classes at Hun. However,Hun teachersdon’t just direct learningwithinaprescribed timeframe and model. Rather, they facilitate it at every opportunity with warmth and welcome. Strong character and conduct are demonstrated and encouraged through a wellness curriculum and a living community expectation. Teachers who also serve as advisors, coaches, and dorm parents get to know their students well, ensuring that every student receives the individual mentorship needed to maximize their personal and educational journey. The Hun School of Princeton is located on forty-five idyllic acres in Princeton, New Jersey. It is conveniently situated between New York City and Philadelphia, and easily accessible by car, train, or air. One of the most academically minded communities in the world, Princeton is also home to Princeton University, the Institute for Advanced Study, McCarter Theater, and a bustling town center. The Hun School by the numbers: 640 students; 150 courses; 95 members of student government; 71% of faculty hold advanced degrees; 58 clubs; 52 athletic teams; average of 12 students per class; 4 spirit houses; 3 scholars tracks; and 6 different global immersion trips. T he Hun School of Princeton: 176 Edgerstoune Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08525. (609) 921 – 7600; @hunschool www.hunschool.org

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WESTOVER SCHOOL Middlebury, CT

AVON OLD FARMS Avon, CT

Westover School is large enough to offer a deep and broad academic program while small enough to be certain every girl’s voice is heard. The School’s mission is to provide an environment that inspires the intellectual, artist, athlete, and philosopher in each student. Westover challenges young women to think independently, to embrace diversity, and to grow intellectually and spiritually. Westover encourages integrity, responsibility, and commitment to community in every student. Westover offers a range of Signature Programs to enhance educational opportunities for students: •Manhattan School ofMusic Program inNewYorkCity, for talented musicians and vocalists at one of the country’s leading music schools; • WISE (Women In Science and Engineering), for students interested in engineering or science; • The Westover Poets Program helps students develop skills in the craft of poetry through English electives, special writing workshops, and individual work with visiting poets, who have included Billy Collins, Katha Pollitt, and Eamon Grennan; • Global Exchange Programs provide students experiences in unique two- or three-month academic exchanges in Australia, South Africa, and Jordan; six-week language immersion exchanges in France and Spain; a three-week cultural and academic exchange in England; a two-week cultural exchange in China; or a two-week cultural immersion and service experience in Rwanda; • Online School for Girls – as a founding member of a national consortium of all-girls schools, Westover offers online courses for students taught by consortium faculty; • Invest In Girls, a three-year program offering students financial education workshops and one-on-one mentoring with financial professionals; • The Sonja Osborn Museum Studies Internship with Hill- Stead Museum in Farmington, CT, through which students with an interest in art history gain practical experience working with curators and museum educators, and culminating in a final project. Westover offers a range of fitness activities. Interscholastic teams include basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, squash, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Nontraditional teams include the Dance Ensemble, offering ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance, and the Outdoor Program, offering camping, canoeing, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, spelunking, and trail work. Other fitness activities include aerobics, dance classes, fitness and strength training, physioball, rock climbing, snowboarding and skiing, yoga, Zumba, and physical drama (stage combat, fencing, dance). Westover will host an Open House on Monday, October 10, for prospective families (pre-registration required). To attend the open house, call Lea Lavoie, Admission Assistant, at 203/577-4518 or e-mail llavoie@westoverschool.org

Nestled among Cotswold-inspired architecture on 860 acres in the Farmington Valley, Avon Old Farms stands as the leader in preparing young men for higher education. The school’s founder, Theodate Pope Riddle, was one of America’s first, successful, female architects, and she serves as the cornerstone of our school’s motto, Aspirando et Perseverando – To Aspire and to Persevere. Mrs. Riddle’s fortitude and vision in 1927 created the groundwork for an institution that challenges boys in the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. Throughout this process, students find unwavering support and create fraternal bonds that will last a lifetime. At the core of the Avon Old Farms experience are dedicated and passionate teachers that understand the intricacy of educating boys. Teachers demonstrate expertise in their disciplines, and they also contextualize learning; this helps students to explore meaningful roles as men in today’s complex society. Small classes allow teachers to cater to the learning needs of each individual. As relational learners, boys derive tremendous benefit from faculty that serves as advisors, teachers, mentors, and coaches. Athletics is an honored tradition at Avon Old Farms where boys learn the value of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship. Experienced coaches, state of the art facilities, strong competition, and countless athletes at the collegiate and professional level shoulder our athletic program. Each year, Avon Old Farms competes as one of the best programs in the United States. Avon Old Farms possesses a top-tier curriculum in visual and performing arts. Our rich and varied programs provide many opportunities for boys to express themselves creatively. From our top choral group, the Riddlers, to our exquisite visual artists, students are consistently honored on local, regional, and national levels for their talent. Avon Old Farms is a special place for young men to explore drawing, painting, singing, or acting. The College Counseling Office is fully engaged with every student, which allows us to be one of the most successful college preparatory schools in single-sex education. We identify and facilitate the proper matches between Avon students and institutions of higher learning. The foundation of Avon Old Farms, and all that the school offers, will always be rooted in our core values of brotherhood, scholarship, integrity and sportsmanship; these lessons are fundamental to success at Avon and stay with our graduates for a lifetime. Avon Old Farms School: 500 Old Farms Road, Avon, CT 06001 800-464-2866 www.AvonOldFarms.com

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