INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES, GAP YEAR AND SUMMER PROGRAMS GUIDE FEATURE: THE GAP YEAR ALTERNATIVE BY ETHAN KNIGHT
MA R I N E M I L I TA R Y A C A D E MY
THE CASE FOR TAKING A GAP YEAR BY ETHAN KNIGHT
CAMPS INTERNATIONAL SARAH ALLINGHAM
A cademic burnout is a growing issue for students across the U.S. Far from being “the best years of our lives,” most will recount that high school was like living on a conveyor belt of SAT tests, extracurriculars, and self-doubts while under extreme pressure to rack up achievements that might help you to stand out from the crowd. Students graduate with a sigh of relief, hopefully anticipating a future full of opportunities, only to be body-slammed by another four years of even more intense academic pressure. Some students roll with the punches and learn to juggle essays and schedules and “adulting,” but a growing number are being leftbehind. Anxiety, depression, and even suicide rates skyrocket for US and Canadian teens in their first year of university (www. macleans.ca/education/uniandcollege/the-mental-health-crisis-on- campus/). Launching from a high-pressure high school directly into higher-pressure university is proving increasingly difficult for some young people to handle successfully. But of course, how could a young person ever hope to be successful at life and academia when they haven’t taken the time to decide what ‘success’ looks like to them? Absent self-awareness to inform their choices and life-experience to demonstrate their own particular genius, perhaps the answer to this growing crisis is simple: take some time off, already! Who says that education can’t continue outside of a classroom? Do we really need to immediately follow up the four-years and four-walls of high school with four more years of university? The statistics suggest that we shouldn’t. At our current rate, 53% of university students still have not completed their Bachelors Degree within six years, meaning there’s work to be done. (www.nytimes.com/2016/06/02/upshot/why-college- students-drop-out-follow-the-dollars.html) As a way of combating this issue, many universities are beginning to encourage their applicants to take a Gap Year before arrival, citing the many academic and personal benefits that Gap Year alumni possess when entering academia. The idea of the Gap Year was created with the intention of allowing students time to explore the world, to get in
touch with their passions, and to mature before pursuing higher education. It is rare to find high school graduates who truly know what they want for their future. They might have a foggy idea, but most have never experienced enough life outside of their family home to know not only what kindles their fire, but also what they can get paid for and hopefully even what the world needs. The best way to discover a lifelong passion is to get out in the world and explore. Ask questions. Try new things. Learn a new language. Stop worrying about test scores and start worrying about what you truly want to do with the next ten/twenty/thirty years of your life: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world truly needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman On average, 98% of Gap Year students reported that their year helped them to develop as a person. Personal anecdotes and some peer-reviewed studies have shown that students who take a Gap Year are likely to increase in maturity and will enter university confident in their abilities as adults. It’s not hard to see why. While most students leave home the day they move into their dorms, Gap Year students have spent a year traveling the world and learning self- sufficiency. Most have also spent a good deal of time planning and
saving money for their Gap Year, learning valuable life skills along the way. With these experiences under their belts, moving onto a university campus is less like moving into a new world and more like one more step along a greater journey. Without the stress of learning how to “adult,” students can spend more time focusing on their studies and less time panicking over how to balance a budget. According to the 2015 National Gap Year Alumni Survey, (Hoe, Nina PhD, Institute for Survey Research, 2016), after taking a Gap Year students are more likely to know what direction they’d like to take in life. 77% of Gappers felt that their time away helped them to find a purpose in life and led them towards a career they were passionate about. Gap Year programs are designed to help students to get hands-on with the world and
leadership roles on campus, while also choosing to study a topic with which they’re more connected. These students are more likely to stick with their original major of choice and more likely to have a game plan for life after graduation. As a result, Gappers are often well equipped to handle the new workload and to perform at the top of their game. Studies have shown that students who took a Gap Year almost always over performed academically in college, usually to a statistically significant degree, and most importantly, the positive effect of taking a Gap Year was demonstrated to endure over all four years. (nordic.businessinsider.com/benefits- of-a-taking-a-gap-year-2016-9/) Worried that your student might never return from her Gap Year? Don’t be. According to three separate studies, 90% of students who
took a Gap Year returned to college within a year. (wsj.com/articles/SB 10001424052970203513204576047 723922275698). Most students set goals during their Gap Year and use their college years to achieve them. Universities have begun to notice the academic success of Gap Year students. As time goes on and these statistics hold, universities are making it easier for their applicants to take a Gap Year. Across the U.S., no fewer than 160 colleges and universities have begun to embrace
THINKING BEYOND BORDERS
CROSS CULTURAL SOLUTIONS
to find ways to apply those experiences to their daily lives. As a result, 86% of Gappers report being “satisfied or very satisfied” with their careers once they begin them. As an example, one Gap Year student spent her time in Northern Canada, working with indigenous groups. She’s now studying indigenous law. Others may become doctors, journalists, business managers, or scientists, drawing from their own direct experiences and again, thankful for the first-person experience of being involved in the work prior to committing Junior year in college. Best of all, Gappers will find that their Gap Year experiences not only have personal benefits, but they also translate directly into resume boosters, inevitably launching them into the top percentile of applicants (https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/how-use-your- gap-year-improve-your-resume), garnering greater attention for the unique accomplishments they’ve achieved, and global perspective their experiences demonstrate. Just recently, another student who graduated from Yale was being interviewed for a position only to find that the overwhelming majority of his job interview was focused on his Gap Year as the more defining and informative element of the interview process. As colleges get behind the Gap Year in greater numbers and support, they are also understanding better the benefits to their own campuses: Gappers have real-world experience to aid them in balancing budgets, keeping up with their schedules, and managing the stress of university life. In fact, many colleges are now offering Gap Year programs, Gap Year Scholarships, and Leadership awards for which Gapping qualifies students. Additionally, most Gap Year students tend to take on greater
the idea of a Gap Year. Many universities now have deferral policies (www.americangap.org/fav-colleges.php) in place for Gap Year purposes and some are beginning to prioritize Gappers over other applicants. The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill offers some leadership in this way, offering scholarships to students wanting to take a Gap Year through their Global Gap Year Fellowship at the Campus Y. (admissions.unc.edu/explore/ enrich-your-education/global-gap-year-fellowship/). Other schools such as Tufts, Princeton, Elon, Warren Wilson, Naropa, Florida State University, Portland State University, and many others have emerged with their own methods to engage and reward Gap Year students. Feeling like a Gap Year might be exactly what you’ve been looking for? Getting started is easy.The AmericanGapAssociation provides free access to hundreds of resources for students, parents, and Gap Year organizers alike. This is where you’ll find guides to planning your very own Gap Year, questions to ask a potential Gap Year provider or program, Gap Year statistics and articles, and Gap Year counselors to answer your questions and start you on your way. Good luck! --- Ethan Knight is the Executive Director and Founder of the American Gap Association. He has traveled to over 50 countries, led countless leadership training seminars, been a TEDx speaker in Portland, OR., and worked with over 2,000 students over the course of his career. Ethan co-wrote this article with Hannah Miller, a Gap Year alum and current university student, who took an independent Gap Year prior to starting college.
{ I N D EPEN D EN T S C H OO L G U I D E }
G A P Y E A R THINKING BEYOND BORDERS
WHERE THERE BE DRAGONS THE LEADER IN CROSS-CULTURAL + EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION SINCE 1993 Mapmakers once drew Dragons to represent lands unknown. Bold explorers who ventured beyond the map’s edge were said to go “where there be dragons”… Dragons offers summer and semester programs in 19 countries, each one custom-crafted by instructor teams who bring their unique vision and expertise to the course design. Our educators are united by a mission of nurturing understanding across borders through authentic cultural exchange. Our goal is to help participants develop the self-awareness and cross-cultural competencies to be active participants in the world. What makes a Dragons course different? Small Groups: A typical Dragons group consists of 12 students and 3 instructors.This 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio ensures that we are able to individually challenge and support every student with careful mentorship. Professional Instructors: We work with the best international guides and educators in the industry. Our instructors are carefully selected based on their group facilitation skills, local language fluency, regional experience in the country, and their connections with our host communities. Typically, when a Dragons instructor team heads into the field they collectively represent at least four languages, multiple citizenships, ten or more years of in-country experience, and 300+ field days managing student groups abroad. learn by doing. Dragons itineraries are flexible to create space for unscripted, serendipitous, and candidmoments of surprise and discovery. The world is constantly changing and we believe our programs should too. Backpacks, not roller bags, are on the packing list because it’s a novel combination of gravel roads, local transportation, and dirt paths that make each program an original adventure. Ethical Travel: We think it’s important to travel responsibly. We define ethical travel as environmentally conscientious, culturally self- aware, and focused on developing mutually meaningful connections with local communities. Dragons has over 25 years of experience guiding groups and managing risk in the context of international education. In more than two decades of operations, we’ve established crucial risk management relationships with International SOS, key locally- based safety and security officials, and a global network of reputable health care professionals and hospitals. Dragons has collaborated to design custom programming for Carleton College, The Thacher School, Milton Academy, and Princeton University, in addition to partnerships with over 50 other esteemed schools and universities. Going ‘where there be dragons’ takes curiosity…we go there. Will you? wheretherebedragons.com/students info@wheretherebedragons.com 1-800-982-9203 Authentic Immersion: We travel like locals, live with families, apprentice with artists, and learn from scholars, factory workers, sages, and community leaders alike. Our goal is to connect participants to a direct experience of a different place through hands-on and meaningful engagement. Dynamic Itinerary Design: Our participants
A gap year should be the experience of a lifetime, shaping your future with passion and purpose. For the last ten years,Thinking Beyond Borders has set a new standard for gap year programs while empowering students to become lifelong change makers. Thinking Beyond Borders is the cutting edge in experiential learning, with the safest and most impactful programs available. Each group is facilitated by the highest quality Program Leaders who take you out of the classroom to work alongside real experts solving real world problems, all while gaining from incredible cultural immersion. Thinking Beyond Borders programs are designed to be transformational: • Safest Operations – TBB has an impeccable record of maintaining student health and safety. •Culturally Enriching Experiences – Now more than ever, understanding global cultures is of the utmost importance. TBB offers meaningful cross-cultural learning. •Highest Quality Program Leaders – TBB goes beyond the standard for Program Leaders among gap year programs. Each program group is led by teams of Program Leaders with Master's degrees, years of experience, and the talent to be among each student’s favorite teachers. •Curriculum for College Readiness – TBB's programs are designed to meet the specific needs of students transitioning to college and adulthood. Here’s what alumni students and parents say: “The Global Gap Year gave me the time and unique experiences necessary to hone my interests and figure out how I wanted to spend my time in college. Before arriving at Georgetown, I wasn’t really sure which path of study to take; there were so many options that interested me, and TBB helpedme find connections among these interests, which translated into a plan of action in college. My interest in healthcare management is a product of my time with TBB in South Africa, where I first experienced studying health problems andworking with patients every day.” – Nick Gardiner, Thinking Beyond Borders Alum “After TBB, Lucy went on to her freshman year of college and took classes that were meaningful to her, not just classes that filled a requirement. She finished the year with all A’s and, more importantly, she was more engaged with her college classroom experience because of the time spent traveling with TBB. Ultimately, her college experience is more valuable as a result of the gap year with TBB.” – Betsy Blankenbaker, Thinking Beyond Borders Alum Parent thinkingbeyondborders.org info@thinkingbeyondborders.org 203.993.0236
{ I N D EPEN D EN T S C H OO L G U I D E }
S U M M E R P R O G R A M S THE BOSTON LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE Wellesley, MA
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Cambridge, U.K. INTERNATIONAL SUMMER PROGRAMMES For centuries, the University of Cambridge has shaped and changed the world through its visionary ideas and groundbreaking discoveries. The University’s International Summer Programmes (8 July–18 August 2018) offer a mixture of tradition and innovation, as new and returning students absorb the atmosphere of this remarkable place, learning from some of its finest academics – and from each other. The programmes have a reputation for excellent teaching, fascinating courses, and intriguing lectures. Every year, graduates, undergraduates and other adults of all ages and backgrounds bring their learning and life experience to the classroom. There is no shortage of new ideas and opinions. Over 170 courses make up our open-access programmes: Science, Literature, Shakespeare, Creative Writing, Ancient and Classical Worlds, History, Medieval Studies , Interdisciplinary and, new for 2018, Art and Visual Culture . Some students stay for all six weeks, others just for one or two. The Interdisciplinary Programme comprises three independent two-week terms, which allow for two-, four- and six-week study periods. You can focus on courses in the same discipline, or choose courses in different subject fields. The three-week English Law and Legal Methods Programme is primarily for lawyers and law students with no knowledge of the English legal system. Adding to the academic experience, you can choose to stay in a choice of historic Cambridge Colleges. Each is different in character, but all offer a warm welcome and the opportunity to meet fellow students studying other subjects. Participants become familiar with Cambridge in a way that few are privileged to experience as they enjoy meals in magnificent dining halls and have time to discover parts of the University that tourists seldom see. Long, light summer days provide opportunities to explore the beautiful Colleges, visit the many museums and art galleries, relax in a punt on the river, or share a traditional English tea in nearby Grantchester. In the evenings there are talks, concerts and ceilidhs (traditional folk dances). At weekends, you can join a variety of excursions. 2018 sees the launch of our Pre-University Programme, which has been designed specifically for 16-18 year-olds seeking to study at any of the world’s elite universities, and to help with the transition from school to university study. Apply online: ice.cam.ac.uk/intsummer or email intenq@ice.cam.ac.uk CU TRINITY BACK GATE PHOTO BY JAMESAPPLETON.CO.UK
The Boston Leadership Institute offers award-winning summer STEM research programs at the Dana Hall School, Bentley University and the LongwoodMedical Area, all located inGreater Boston. Students develop high-level research skills and subject matter expertise that strengthen credentials valuable for college admissions, interviews, and essays. High achieving 8th graders through rising high school seniors apply and undergo a selective admissions process. The Boston Leadership Institute was named among five top summer
science programs in the country by New York Times subsidiary, about.com , in 2012 and was again included when the list was updated in 2015 and 2017. The Boston Leadership Institute was named Top 101 Best Summer Camps, appearing among three top academic summer programs on the 2013 list. Programs are led by teachers who hold major teaching awards, teach at top ranked schools, and/or
hold advanced degrees from universities such as Yale, Harvard and Princeton. Students take advantage of Boston’s prime location to visit premier research universities such as Harvard and MIT as well as world-renowned hospitals. Boston contains one of the world’s heaviest concentrations of leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies and students tour these as well. Graduates have been accepted by top universities all over the world, including Yale, Dartmouth, McGill, Tufts, Columbia, Michigan, Northwestern, Johns Hopkins and Cornell. Students from 35 states and 10 foreign countries enjoyed hands-on research programs last summer. Comparable numbers of males and females attend. Dana Hall is located in Wellesley, MA, one of Boston’s most affluent suburbs, and is a 7 minute walk to the commuter rail providing access to downtown Boston. Fully equipped science labs contain state-of- the-art features. For students choosing to board, dormitories are air- conditioned and contain kitchens. The indoor recreational complex contains a 21,000-square-foot gymnasium with two NCAA regulation- size basketball courts; a three-lane, suspended indoor track; an Aquatics Center featuring a 25-yard, six-lane pool; squash courts; and a large exercise room with pond-views. Boarding students also enjoy weekend trips to Boston, the second most popular tourist destination in the country and a magnet for students. Three-week STEM research programs are offered in Applied Physics Research; Biomedical Engineering; Biological Research; Biomedical and Surgical Research; Biomedical Research: ContagiousDisease; Biomedical Research: Genetics and Clinical Trials; Chemistry Research; Engineering Research; Forensic Science; Veterinary Medicine; Marine Biology;
Neuroscience Research; and STEMEntrepreneurship. Visit our website, www.bostonleadershipinstitute.com or call 781- 431 - 2514.
{ I N D EPEN D EN T S C H OO L G U I D E }
SMITH COLLEGE PRECOLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS Northampton, MA For talented young women entering grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 in fall 2018
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY SUMMER COLLEGE Syracuse, NY “Summer College was genuinely the best six weeks of my life,” Nicole Azubuike says as she reflects on her experience at Syracuse University
Smith College Precollege Summer programs offer intellectually stimulating and unique opportunities for young women in high school who wish to pursue their academic interests in the classroom and beyond. Annually, these programs, offer 250 young women the freedom to explore challenging and intriguing subjects, to strengthen their college applications, and to increase their exposure to the Smith undergraduate experience while living and studying with other motivated and ambitious students fromaround the world. The program offerings include Summer Science and Engineering, Women’s Writing, Discovering Women’s History, Field Studies for Sustainable Futures, and a College Admission Workshop. Each summer, Smith welcomes to these programs young women from many nationalities and diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds who together form an extraordinary intellectual community. The learning environment is hands-on, collaborative,
NICOLE AZUBUIKE (CENTER, IN PINK TOP) FORGED LIFELONG CONNECTIONS AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY’S SUMMER COLLEGE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.
VALLEY FORGE MILITARY ACADEMY AND COLLEGE during the Summer of 2017. The rising senior at Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics in Bronx, New York, attended Summer College for High School Students, a precollege program on the sprawling SyracuseUniversity campus in central NewYork State. Nicole enrolled in a 6-week program called Media Literacy, Popular Culture, and Democracy, one of 40 credit and noncredit programs offered through Summer College. The program invites high school students to experience college life, explore interests, and identify possible majors before beginning the college application process. “I gained massive amounts of knowledge from the Media Literacy course,” Nicole says, adding that even though she expects to be on a pre-health career track in college, the classes she took prepared her for college-level work. “I explored abstract concepts and ideologies that are present in our society. The workload was strenuous, but filled with valuable information. My professors did not go easy on me. They treated all of us like college students.” Nicole also took a writing class during her stay at Summer College. “I learned the writing techniques and skills that are needed to analyze, explain, evaluate, and execute rhetoric flawlessly,“ she says. “I also learned how to prioritize and manage my time so that I can balance school work, friends, and my personal down time.” A scholarship from the Charles Hayden Foundation made Nicole’s participation possible. After being nominated by a college counselor, she eagerly submitted two essays, two letters of recommendation and had an interview before being notified that she had won. “I couldn’t have hoped to spend my summer any other way,” she asserts. Syracuse’s program focuses on helping students develop time management and college-level study skills, as well as learning how to live independently on a college campus. Workshops and tours of local universities also help students prepare for the college selection and application process. “This experience helped me discover what I want in a college, and what kind of environment I wish to be in,” Nicole says, adding, “I hope to return to Syracuse as an admitted student!” Social engagement and networking is a welcome benefit. “I have made the greatest friends that I now consider my family, and we have created the strongest, unbreakable bonds,” Nicole says. “There are so many memories I’ll never forget.”
exploratory, challenging and rich in role models. Professors who are world-class scholars offer personal attention in the classroom while encouraging students’ interests and passions and helping them develop new academic skills. Here young women are taken seriously and inspired to excel—as scholars, scientists, leaders. smith.edu/academics/precollege-programs
{ I N D EPEN D EN T S C H OO L G U I D E }
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY – SUMMER 2018 New York, NY Columbia University’s Summer Sessions offer the opportunity to take classes or begin a certificate program from across the University. Taught by world-class faculty, courses are available in over 50 subject areas, including Arts, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Human Rights, International Affairs, Mathematics, Prelaw, and Statistics. Summer is a terrific time to learn something new, advance a career, and meet like-minded people in the setting of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Each summer, Columbia attracts students already enrolled in degree programs, individuals looking to improve their knowledge in anticipation of applying for higher education programs, professionals who want to move toward the next step in their career, and individuals seeking personal enrichment through Postbaccalaureate Studies. Summer students have access to the state-of-the-art student center, gym, and recreational facilities, as well as one of the most renowned library collections in the nation. The varying academic needs and backgrounds of students who attend Summer Sessions make the community one of the most diverse and dynamic on campus. Advisors help students customize a summer plan of action, whether they have their goals lined-up andneed a fewmore courses to fulfill them, or they’re starting a new career and want to deepen their knowledge in a field. Taking advantage of the resources of one of the world’s most esteemed universities can help any student reach his or her next step. Columbia University’s Summer Session 1 runs from May 21– June 29, 2018, and Summer Session 2 from July 2–August 10, 2018.
SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM AT WAGNER COLLEGE
Staten Island, NY Be Part of the City
The Summer Pre-College Program at Wagner College invites high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to become Wagner students for the summer with a unique opportunity to explore the greatest city in the world, New York City. If you are adventurous, highly motivated and passionate about making a difference in the world, Wagner College is where you belong. As a Pre-College student, you will experience college-level
academics in a small class setting. Our instructors are experts in their fields and are fully committed to sharing their passion and experience with all students. The pre-college program is designed to challenge your critical thinking and problem solving skills, both in the classroom and during exciting field trips. Programs Offered From July 8 to July 27, students will have an opportunity to earn up to 6 college credits in programs. Academic topics for 2018 may include psychology, economics, pre-medical/ healthcare studies, microbiology, music technology, filmmaking, English & writing, history, musical theater and stagecraft. Living at Wagner Residential students will have the added benefit of experiencing campus life, building friendships and independence. In addition to exploringNewYorkCity, theywill have the opportunity to meet with college counselors who are experts in navigating the challenges of the college admission process. Value The Summer Pre-College Program offers substantial savings on tuition of more than half the regular cost of college credit courses at Wagner College and similar institutions. Each course will help students get a jump on their college education. But the real value lies in the independence learned, confidence gained and sense that you are on your way towards being college ready. The Wagner College Difference Immerse yourself in a curriculum incorporating both classroom and off-campus experiences that models the nationally-recognized undergraduate curriculum, TheWagner Plan for the Practical Liberal Arts , where “Learning by Doing” is the focus. It is the bridge that connects your experiences in class, across campus, and around New York City to your specific goals for tomorrow. To apply or to learn more, visit wagner.edu/pre-college lifelong-learning@wagner.edu or call 718-390-3221 Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @WagnerLifelong for an inside look at our programs!
To apply, see a complete summer calendar, and learn more about summer options at Columbia, visit www.sps.columbia.edu/summer18 In addition to classes for visiting and returning students, Columbia University’s Summer Programs for High School Students offer high-achieving students the opportunity to experience college life in the Ivy League while sampling the vibrancy of New York City as well as an international program in Barcelona. All programs combine academic rigor and instructional excellence with lively extracurricular offerings and careful supervision and support. To learn more and apply, visit www.sps.columbia.edu/hs18
{ I N D EPEN D EN T S C H OO L G U I D E }
WESTCOAST CONNECTION GLOBAL TEEN SUMMER EXPERIENCES
PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS AT BROWN UNIVERSITY: SUMMER 2018 Providence, RI A True Residential College Experience Brown’s Pre-College Programs attract serious college-bound students from around the world. As a student, you’ll live in a Brown University residence hall, eat at a Brown dining hall, and join your fellow students on The College Green—just as you would if you were a Brown undergraduate. You will be surrounded by peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures—all sharing a passion for high-level academics and a desire to succeed at a selective
For over 35 summers we’ve been creating life changing experiences that teens remember as the best of their lives and inspired more than 31,000 teens to gain a broader perspective of the world and themselves. With an incredible range of over 70 summer programs across 24 countries, students completing 7th - 12th grades have the opportunity to get a head start exploring the world and discovering their passion. Our TRAVEL, LEARNandVOLUNTEERprograms offer different types of experiences, all while staying true to our philosophy of perfectly planned, perfectly paced itineraries and positive group dynamics. By traveling to new places with peers their own age, teens not only make everlasting friendships, they also get to step out of their comfort zone, which is key to building confidence and independence. Discover a few of our featured programs: Pre-College Enrichment Programs Students who want to preview college life can take enriching courses and live on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles, at McGill University in Montreal, at Florence University of the Arts or at prestigious schools in Barcelona. An exciting selection of courses includes: 3D Animation, Art History, Business Management, Cooking, Entrepreneurship, Filmmaking, Health and Wellness, Improv, Photography, Psychology, Social Media Marketing, Surfing, Web Design and more! Community Service Programs By participating in community service, teens are rewarded with an authentic cultural experience while helping others. With our longstanding service partners, teens learn about the impact these projects have on the local communities and gain a greater understanding of the role they play as a global citizen. Plus, service hours can bolster future college and work applications as they can be used towards earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award. More About Our Programs Itineraries range from 10 to 40 days and cater to a variety of interests, including pre-college enrichment, adventure travel, community service, baseball, fashion, language programs and so much more. And it’s easy to get excited about traveling to popular destinations such as the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, South Africa and Thailand. Contact Us With our wealth of experience and passion for personalized attention, we’d love to get to know you and answer any questions you may have so that we can recommend the most suitable summer experience. There are many subtle differences in choosing the perfect program and having that conversation with you is an important start. westcoastconnection.com 866.925.2370 info@westcoastconnection.com
institution like Brown University. A student who completes a Pre-College course is better prepared, more confident, and better positioned to succeed during one of the biggest transitions of his or her life: the move to college. Brown University: 250 Years of Academic Excellence Brown is known in the Ivy League for an innovative open curriculum that challenges students to be actively engaged in their own intellectual development. Pre-College Programs are an opportunity to explore this stimulating learning environment. Academics are at the program’s core, with more than 300 courses in one- to seven-week sessions on campus, online and abroad. Dive deeper into a subject you love or a new area of learning you may never have considered. You will face exciting challenges and accomplish more than you can imagine. Come to Brown Pre-College Programs to experience college life, prepare for academic success, and make new friends from around the world. Brown University Pre-College Programs
Providence, Rhode Island www.brown.edu/summer
{ I N D EPEN D EN T S C H OO L G U I D E } FORDHAM UNIVERSITY PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM Manhattan and the Bronx, NY
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Baltimore, MD
Qualified high school students can have the opportunity to take JHU undergraduate level courses during the summer. In addition to earning college credit, students experience life at Hopkins while living on campus and engaging in academic and social activities with their peers. This Summer Do More! Achieve More!
Set yourself up for success. Even if you have waited to perfect your college resume, there is still time to set yourself apart this summer. Consider the advantages of taking a class at Fordham: You’ll strengthen your college applications with a proven record of your abilities, show initiative, learn something new, and gain real college experience in the classroom and beyond so you can choose the right school for you. Most of all, unlike other pre-college programs, this one offers college credits that can be easily applied at whatever college you choose. Fordham Summer Session More than 250 courses at two New York campuses, in Manhattan and the Bronx Fordham University invites visiting college students to catch up or get ahead this summer. Meet your goals with day and evening classes in two convenient locations, affordable tuition rates, and top- tier instruction. Because of Fordham’s strong academic reputation, credits usually transfer easily. Looking for work experience? Fordham’s Summer in the City Internship Program helps students secure New York internships, receive credit, and make the most of their positions with valuable career guidance. Need to fulfill pre-med requirements? Fordham’s extensive offerings in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics help you stay on track for graduate or medical school applications. Did you switch or add a major? Do you want to study abroad? Core and advanced classes in every discipline can help you catch up on requirements and graduate on time. Hybrid, online, and study abroad courses are also available. Registration is open to all high school graduates. Think Summer, Think Fordham. Call 718-817-4665 or visit fordham.edu/summer
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) offers four exciting summer options for qualified high school students: Discover Hopkins, Summer University, Mini Term, and EducationUSA Academy. The DiscoverHopkins Program is an intensive programdesigned to expose selected students (ages 15-18) to various programs such as Introduction to Lab Research, The Hospital, Medical Intensive, Introduction to Biology and Medicine, Psychological Profiling, Application of Abnormal Psychology to Forensic Cases, The Psychology of Police Deadly Force Encounters and more. The Discover Hopkins program runs for two-weeks and is available to both residential and commuter students during three different terms. Students may enroll for one, two, or all three terms. The JohnsHopkins SummerUniversity Program offers high school students the opportunity to take freshman and sophomore JHU credit classes in arts and sciences and engineering with many of the same faculty that would teach the course during fall and spring terms. Mini-Terms offer benefits of the Summer University program, but the courses are condensed into two intensive weeks. The one- credit courses offered during Mini-Term focus on a specific topic and offer a great opportunity for academic exploration. EducationUSA Academy provides you with a world-class academic and cultural immersion experience for international high school students ages 15-17. Improve your academic English, and learn about the U.S. education system with visits to historic colleges and universities. The educational and cultural activities immerse you in the American experience. Must be non-US citizens only. See www.sites.krieger.jhu.edu/educationusa For more information on the programs, please visit our website at www.jhu.edu/summer and click “I’m a Pre-College Student.” If you have any further questions about our application and admissions process, please contact the Summer Programs office at 410-516-4548 or summer@jhu.edu
{ I N D EPEN D EN T S C H OO L G U I D E }
D A Y S C H O O L S THE IDEAL SCHOOL OF MANHATTAN New York City, NY
HOPKINS New Haven, CT
Hopkins is an independent, coeducational day school of 714 students in grades 7-12. Located on a 108-acre campus overlooking New Haven, the School takes pride in its distinguished faculty and a dedicated staff. We define ourselves as a community of civility and learning, one that educates students from diverse backgrounds to a full measure of their talents and humanity. Together, we seek to: • develop in our young people the habits of mind of scholars as the foundation for a lifelong love of learning • foster the courage to live and think as distinct individuals who embrace their responsibilities in the larger world • expose every student to the deep satisfaction that derives from service to others • enlarge the educational experience to include the creative joy and aesthetic sensibility of the artist, and the vitality and competitive spirit of the athlete • provide, through the School’s advisers, the wisdom and goodwill necessary to guide our young people to confident self-reliance • nurture the development of character essential to leading a rich and purposeful life These tenets are made manifest in the daily life of the School and in the hopes and ambitions we share as an educational community. Taken as a whole, these values provide us both definition and direction as we strive to fulfill Hopkins’ mission. Hopkins School, 986 Forest Rd, New Haven, CT 06515 hopkins.edu
The IDEALSchool ofManhattan is theonly independent, K-12, inclusion school in NYC. IDEAL’s mission is to affirm and accept the full identities of all people, while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world. IDEAL is built on the principles of diversity and inclusion. Every aspect of the IDEAL experience — instruction, assessment, program, enrichment — reflects a research-based commitment to inclusion
education as ameans for academic excellence. Because IDEAL teachers know their students as individuals in and out of the classroom, they are able to design instruction that builds upon the unique talents and strengths of the learners in their room. Rather than a one-size-fits-all curriculum, differentiated instruction allows students to pursue the same subjects at multiple levels of complexity. Supportive faculty, low student-to-teacher ratios, small class sizes, and teams of experienced general educators and learning specialists create a learning community where every student can succeed and every student has a voice. Furthermore, at IDEAL, no one leaves their identity at the door. IDEAL’s curriculum and programs are multicultural by design, and social justice and anti-bias instruction are both infused throughout the curriculum and given dedicated instructional time. Experiential learning opportunities including a signature eighth grade trip to Alabama, a rich experience in the Arts, and a differentiated Athletic program round out the IDEAL experience. IDEAL’s unique program cultivates empathy and collaboration. With the confidence that comes from being known and celebrated, students not only strive for excellence in their own academic and personal pursuits, but they also support and encourage their peers in their endeavors and accomplishments. At IDEAL, we are proud of our mission and the way inclusion fosters compassionate students who are not afraid to take risks and who develop not only the desire but also the leadership skills to create a more just and equitable world. Please visit our website at theidealschool.org to learn more about IDEAL and to sign up for an Open House or a Tuesday Tour. theidealschool.org 314 West 91st Street, NYC, 10024 (212) 769-1699
{ I N D EPEN D EN T S C H OO L G U I D E }
D A Y & B O A R D I N G S C H O O L S AVON OLD FARMS Avon, CT
TRINITY-PAWLING Pawling, NY
The goal of a Trinity-Pawling education is to unlock the potential for greatness that exists in each boy. The School pursues this goal through a vigorous learning environment that emphasizes 21 st century skills such as innovation, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. A commitment to project-based and experiential learning acknowl- edges the research that has identified learning paradigms proven to be successful for boys. A camaraderie of “brotherhood” is enhanced by the mutuality of educators and students who are dedicated to building a culture of excellence and honor.The Trinity-Pawling learning experi- ence combines a timeless commitment to character with a dedication to prepare young men for an ever-changing world. With 90% of faculty living on campus, students learn and grow in a close-knit community. Students are guided by teachers who are also their coaches and dorm parents, establishing strong faculty- student collaboration and providing for 24/7 learning. Trinity- Pawling serves 300 boys in grades 7-12 and offers a postgraduate program. The School offers over 100 academic courses and 18 AP courses, interscholastic competition in 13 sports within the New England Founders League, and a diverse menu of activities, clubs, and trips allowing students to explore many interests. Trinity-Pawling’s Center for Learning Achievement houses a number of support services to assist students in recognizing and reaching their academic potential. Specific instructional programs are available for students who have language-based learning differences, and for students with executive function difficulties. Inspired by inquiry, our Learning Labs are the unofficial help desks of Trinity-Pawling.
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 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
Trinity-Pawling is located on 150 acres overlooking the Hudson River Valley, 90 minutes north of NYC. The Campus includes turf and natural grass athletic fields, an all-weather track, tennis courts, squash courts, hockey rink, a contemporary art center with 400-seat theater, state-of-the- art science, technology, and innovation spaces, and a new 20,000 sq. ft. field house.
One of the School’s most distinctive attributes is the Effort System, which began 45 years ago. Each boy at Trinity-Pawling is assessed and recognized for the effort he devotes to a given endeavor: academics, athletics, dormitory responsibilities, civic engagement, attendance, and extracurricular activity. The learning objective inherent in this ethos of effort is to teach young people that the more they invest of themselves the greater their accomplishments will be. JP Burlington, Director of Admissions 845-855-4825 700 Route 22, Pawling, NY 12564 admissions@trinitypawling.org trinitypawling.org
{ I N D EPEN D EN T S C H OO L G U I D E }
THE ETHEL WALKER SCHOOL Simsbury, CT Open Houses: November 9 and December 4, 2017 Students: 251 (216 Upper and 35 Middle)
THE KNOX SCHOOL St James, NY Be a Part of Something Special at The Knox School
Imagine living and learning in an inclusive community in which people thrive in an environment where taking risks is revered and achieving more than one ever imagined is a reality. Imagine athletes performing in musicals and choir, and artists being competitive fencers. Imagine students affectionately calling their school campus their “home beside the shore” where they have experiences that impact their lives in ways they never dreamed possible. Imagine students graduating high school with the self- confidence to try new things, the work ethic to thrive in a college or university and with a true belief in the power of their own efforts. You don’t have to imagine or look any further than The Knox School; all of these images are what comprise the “Knox Difference.” The Knox School, located in Saint James on Long Island’s North Shore, is a student-centered, college preparatory school serving local day students and domestic and international boarding students in grades 6-12 and PG. Our students hail from 11 countries and the continental U.S., with half from Long Island and the Tristate area. Our team of administrators and educators are proud of the diversity and talent these young men and women bring to the School, and work tirelessly to prepare them for the challenges they will face in the ever-changing world in which we live. With unique programs in STEM, Crew, Equestrian, Fencing, Prep Basketball, Visual and Performing Arts, our students receive an education like no other, and our students are part of something special. Visit us at KnoxSchool.org to learn more about the Knox Difference and to begin the application process.
Boarding: 55% Day: 45% Student/Teacher Ratio: 7:1 admissions@ethelwalker.org ethelwalker.org/openhouse
The Ethel Walker School is an independent, all-girls college preparatory, boarding and day school in Simsbury, Connecticut. The Upper School is for boarding and day students in grades nine through 12; a post graduate year is also offered. The Middle School is for day students in grades six through eight.
People who know Walker’s will tell you that when girls first arrive here, they fall in love with the all-girls environment, the serene beauty of our campus and the power of learning in our classrooms that elevates academic performance and produces lifelong relationships. Walker’s is guided by the principle and pursuit of integrity. By this we mean that we are a school where every aspect of a girl’s life — academic, athletic, social, and personal well-being — comes together. Our school’s new Centennial Center seamlessly integrates all dimensions of our students’ lives and includes two dance studios, a health and wellness center, four squash courts, an eight-lane pool, a fitness center, a double gymnasium, and student social and gathering spaces throughout.
Across every area of instruction, we place a strong emphasis on doing . Education at Walker’s is accompanied by direct action, experimentation and improvisation. The effects are immediate and lasting. Walker’s girls become the intellectual leaders and stewards of their own education. The curriculum at Walker’s combines the traditional areas of liberal arts studies — science, math, history, English, world languages, and the arts — with electives that are relevant to the world today. The faculty, including both exciting new educators and well-tenured teachers, animate the coursework with discussion-based exploration and project-based learning. More than 80% of our faculty hold advanced degrees. During the 2017- 2018 school year, the student to faculty ratio is 7:1. Since 1911, The Ethel Walker School has excelled at preparing young women to make a difference in the world. Members of this diverse community are dedicated to scholarship, the arts, athletics, wellness and service. The satisfaction of achievement and the joy of friendship are at the core of the school's fundamental principles. At Walker's, girls are empowered to lead with integrity, respect, confidence, courage, conviction and love of learning. The Ethel Walker School 230 Bushy Hill Road Simsbury, CT 06070 ethelwalker.org
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker