List of 8 items.

• A.J. Yates, The Thacher School

  What’s your #1 pro tip for students preparing for admissions interviews?

  Relax, breathe, and be yourself!

  
  

  What's one question you ask every student applying for your school?

  Why Thacher?

  
  

  What’s one of the most important things a student should consider when inquiring about boarding school?

  Alignment of interests, activities, and personality.

  
  

  How does a student know they would be a good fit for boarding school? How do you ensure a student can thrive in a boarding school environment?

  Are they excited (maybe a little nervous) for new experiences away from home?

  
  

  How do you personalize a student’s education? What systems are in place for different educational needs? 

  Our faculty members are not only masters of their content areas, they’re also deeply committed to building real relationships, inside the classroom and out. This allows them to carefully design curriculum with a special focus on work that engages real, practical challenges facing our world—and that ignites genuine interest and engagement.

  
  

  What does a typical school day look like?
  For 9th-grade students:

  • 6:45 AM - wake up, head to barns to feed horse and muck stall
  • 7:30 AM - breakfast
  • 8:45 AM - Classes begin
  • 10:00 AM - All-School Assembly
  • 11:30 AM - Lunch
  • 3:15 PM - Class day ends
  • 3:45 PM - Afternoon Activities (Barns and riding for 9th-grade students)
  • 6:15 PM - Community dinner
  • 7:30 PM 9:30 PM - Study Hall
  • 10:30 PM - Lights Out

  What do you offer students outside of class – extracurriculars after school, during weekends and school breaks, etc. –  to make sure you’re continuing to keep students engaged? 

  • Horse Program
  • Backcountry Program
  • Performing Arts
  • Interscholastic Athletics
  • Weekend Trips
  • Dances
  • Open House - all-school party at the Head of School House (most weekends)

  What is your most interesting school tradition? 

  First-year Horse Program

  
  

  How do you ensure parents stay connected or involved when their child is away at boarding school? 

  Advisors serve as primary liaison between school and home.  Additionally, dorm heads, teachers, coaches, and other members of the community communicate regularly with parents and families.

• Allison Letourneau, Kimball Union Academy

  What’s your #1 pro tip for students preparing for admissions interviews?
  Engage thoughtfully with questions; take advantage of opportunities to include stories, aspirations, inspirations, and experiences when you’re answering a question asked by an interviewer. 
  
  

  What's one question you ask every student applying for your school?

  Some variation of: What does belonging mean to you? What does it look like for you to feel a deep sense of belonging in community? In which communities do you feel a deep sense of belonging? What does it look like for you to contribute to creating and sustaining a culture of belonging for others?
  
  

  What’s one of the most important things a student should consider when inquiring about boarding school?

  Students should consider in what ways they aspire to actively participate in their high school experience. [Note: I said aspire; students don’t necessarily need to be ready to do this before they come to us. Part of the boarding school experience is equipping our students with the skills and habits that will allow them to build this capacity.] Boarding schools provide incredible opportunities for students to be at the center of their learning; the myriad of opportunities offered in a boarding school setting coupled with an environment that prioritizes meaningful relationships, personal exploration, and perpetual growth, provides you, the student, with the tools you need to design a transformative experience. 
  
  

  How does a student know they would be a good fit for boarding school? How do you ensure a student can thrive in a boarding school environment?

  Determining a great “fit” between a student and a school is of critical importance in ensuring that a student can access, benefit from, and contribute to the mission of a school. When we think of a mission-driven school with mission-minded community members, determining fit is some of the most important work we do. In the end, I think establishing or predicting the likelihood of reciprocity between the student and the mission is a strong indicator of fit.
  
  

  How do you personalize a student’s education? What systems are in place for different educational needs? 

  At KUA, we believe that creating a deep sense of belonging for all community members sets the foundation for everything we do. We personalize a student’s education by harnessing the power of knowing them; we take the time to develop relationships and we anchor them in all learning in which we engage with our students. Through a wide range of programs and opportunities, we leverage our knowledge of our students and our knowledge about the science of learning to design intentional challenges and experiences that serve each individual student. These intentional challenges and experiences serve as a mechanism through which students develop the knowledge, voice, and character to live a life of purpose and integrity. 
  
  

  What does a typical school day look like? 

  A typical day includes a few meals in the dining hall with friends, an all-school meeting outside on the quad, a conversation with your advisor about the upcoming weekend, a few classes, sports or an afternoon activity, a club meeting, and social and study time in the dorm. 
  
  

  What do you offer students outside of class – extracurriculars after school, during weekends and school breaks, etc. –  to make sure you’re continuing to keep students engaged? 

  We offer a wide range of afternoon activities including competitive and recreational athletics, arts, and service opportunities. Students must participate in something each afternoon and each of the three seasons. In addition, we offer a robust suite of weekend programming, led by our student activity board, a prestigious and sought-after student leadership opportunity at KUA. 
  
  

  What is your most interesting school tradition? 

  We begin each and every year with a camping and hiking orientation trip for all new students and returning student leaders. It’s such a strong statement of values to prioritize building belonging and community ahead of anything else, and we do this because we know that creating community doesn’t just happen, we have to design, build, and sustain it each year. 
  
  

  How do you ensure parents stay connected or involved when their child is away at boarding school? 

  We host monthly virtual parent and caregiver meetings as an opportunity for families to engage with the School in a meaningful way. In addition, parents and caregivers are in frequent touch with their student’s advisor, dorm parent, and teachers. 

• Christopher Barnes, Midland School

  What’s your #1 pro tip for students preparing for admissions interviews?

  Be yourself! We want to know what your passions and interests are and why you’re interested in bringing them to our school. 

  
  

  What's one question you ask every student applying for your school?

  What stands out to you the most about Midland? Why do you want to attend and how do you see yourself thriving here?

  
  

  What’s one of the most important things a student should consider when inquiring about boarding school?

  What can you not live without (make sure it exists on that campus), but more importantly, how can you most challenge yourself by trying something new and exciting? Boarding school is all about trying new things. 

  
  

  How does a student know they would be a good fit for boarding school? How do you ensure a student can thrive in a boarding school environment?

  Anyone can be/is a great fit for boarding school. You just have to be ready to challenge yourself, try new things, and be up for an adventure. By showing up and diving into new clubs, activities, sports, etc. you’ll thrive! 

  
  

  How do you personalize a student’s education? What systems are in place for different educational needs? 

  As a boarding school, supporting students is a foundational part of our program. Academically, Midland students have access to invaluable resources including after-hours time with faculty, as well as the support of a dedicated learning skills faculty and access to peer and adult tutors. Socially and emotionally, our program fosters a tight-knit community where students feel seen, heard, and valued; each Midland student knows that they are a crucial part of our community and that their unique talents and passions contribute greatly to our school. Students also have emotional and social support from a live-in nurse and health practitioner, a school counselor, in addition to our Faculty advisors (each student is placed in an advisor “family” and the advisor serves as a pseudo-parent while the student is at Midland) and prefects (seniors who check the students in each evening and provide support to students as they navigate the ins-and-outs of growing up at Midland).

  
  

  What does a typical school day look like? 

  A typical day at Midland starts with a delicious home-cooked meal in Stillman Hall. After breakfast, students contribute to the community through our jobs program, by helping to clean classrooms or wash dishes, among many other things, before heading into their first class of the day. Depending on the day of the week, classes end at lunchtime or in the later afternoon and are typically followed by Sports & Activities — featuring many of the extracurriculars detailed below — or a free afternoon to hang with friends, finish homework or head out on the 35+ miles of trails for a horseback ride, bike ride, hike, or swim in the reservoir with friends. 

  
  

  On Mondays and Thursdays, dinner is preceded by a non-denominational “Chapel,” a community gathering in which a Senior or Faculty member shares a story or lesson with the community. Evenings are dedicated either to study hall or “Club Night” — time for movies and games, roasting marshmallows around a fire, or another student-planned activity. Then, students begin heading back to their cabins, checking in with their prefects, and a hearty night’s sleep!

  
  

  What do you offer students outside of class – extracurriculars after school, during weekends and school breaks, etc. –  to make sure you’re continuing to keep students engaged? 

  Midland offers an incredible array of extracurricular activities, including Natural Horsemanship, Outdoor Leadership (hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, wilderness skills), Arts & Ceramics, Farm & Garden, as well as many of your more traditional competitive sports (Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, etc.). We also have a diverse array of clubs and activities offered in the afternoons, evenings and weekends, including an incredibly active LGBTQ+Ally Club, Latinx Club, Environmental Club, drive-in movies, ping-pong tournaments, beekeeping, overnight camping trips and more!

  
  

  What is your most interesting school tradition? 

  Bringing your pet to school with you! 

  
  

  How do you ensure parents stay connected or involved when their child is away at boarding school? 

  Our faculty advisors reach out several times throughout each term with updates on your child(ren)’s academics and extracurriculars to ensure you stay up to date with everything happening on campus. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to reach out to their child(ren)’s advisor at any time with questions, concerns, or feedback. One of the best ways to stay connected is by setting up a dedicated time each week to check in with your child(ren) via phone or zoom. 

• Dana Anselmi, Berkshire School

  What’s your #1 pro tip for students preparing for admissions interviews?

  Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer - this is your chance to get to know more about our schools as well

  
  

  What's one question you ask every student applying for your school?

  There is a lot going on in the world right now - tell me about a global issue, current event, or topic that interests you.  How have you leaned into this interest?   

  
  

  What’s one of the most important things a student should consider when inquiring about boarding school?

  There is a school out there for everyone so try to embrace the process and don’t allow the stress to keep in

  
  

  How does a student know they would be a good fit for boarding school? How do you ensure a student can thrive in a boarding school environment?

  Are you ready to stretch yourself? Do you want to learn to be more independent and self-reliant?  When interacting with our schools, especially if you are able to come to campus, something will click.  Maybe it’s the people, might be the campus, could be a program offered that really resonates with you -- either way, trust your intuition and the feelings you feel.  

  
  

  We ensure students thrive by wrapping our arms around them.  Each person has a team of adults looking out for them (advisors, teachers, coaches, form deans, dorm parents, and more).  We meet regularly in spaces to both challenge and support kids as everyone embraces this journey in their own ways.

  
  

  How do you personalize a student’s education? What systems are in place for different educational needs? 

  Every student has access to exciting academic, athletic, and artistic offerings along with clubs and activities.  There are independent study and research programs offered in all disciplines and students can truly pursue their passions even if they are not offered in our traditional curriculum.  See our Academic webpage to get a better sense of our courses and the depth and breadth of our program, all tailored to a students’ individual interest.  

  
  

  Advisors work with students to find the right balance in academics, co-curriculars, and social time.  If students need support beyond extra help sessions offered twice weekly by our teachers, there are a number of academic resources - the Math Resource Center, Writing Center, and the Kenefick Center for Learning to arrange for tutoring offer tutoring in a variety of formats.   

  
  

  What does a typical school day look like? 

  8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.- Classes, lunch, assembly, club meetings, advisory, free periods, and more

  3:30-5:00 p.m.- Afternoon program (sports, arts, RKMP, community service)

  5:00-7:00 p.m.- Dinner

  7:45 p.m.- Check-in

  8:00-10:00 p.m.- Study Hall (except for seniors)

  11:00 p.m.- Lights Out (except for seniors)

  
  

  What do you offer students outside of class – extracurriculars after school, during weekends and school breaks, etc. –  to make sure you’re continuing to keep students engaged? 

  Possibilities are endless! Students are required to participate in an afternoon program all three seasons.  Visit our athletics webpage for information about sports and the arts page for all that we offer in the creative realm.  

  
  

  Weekends always center around a fun Saturday night activity for the whole school.  I suggest following our Instagram for snapshots into student life, especially on the weekends.  Transportation is provided to the town of Great Barrington for meals, movies, and shopping.  Our trails are alive with hikers and bikers taking advantage of the beautiful Berkshire mountains with the guidance of our Ritt Kellogg Mountain Program.  

  
  

  What is your most interesting school tradition? 

  Winter Carnival!  This week-long competition between dorms encourages spirit, creativity, and bonding. Think costumes, ice dancing, human dogsled races, trivia night, scavenger hunts, snow sculptures and more.  

  
  

  How do you ensure parents stay connected or involved when their child is away at boarding school? 

  We invite family members to campus three times a year for Fall, Winter, and Spring family weekends. There are volunteer opportunities for families and lots of organic connections on the sidelines at games or through Berkshire gatherings off-campus in communities all over the world.

• David Flynn, Holderness School

  What’s your #1 pro tip for students preparing for admissions interviews?
  It is most important to have done some research prior to your visit so you can ask questions about specific programs in order to really understand the differences between the schools you are considering. Visit websites. Check out  social media posts. It is obvious to admission reps who have genuinely taken the time to learn about a school vs. those who do not. 
  
  

  What's one question you ask every student applying for your school?

  In what ways do you think you will make a positive impact in our community?
  
  

  What’s one of the most important things a student should consider when inquiring about boarding school?

  You want to attend a school where you can see yourself driving across the country in a Volkswagon Beattle with your peers and teachers and when you arrive at the other coast, you can honestly say you liked the trip and still enjoy the people you traveled with. All schools offer strong academic programs, sports, arts, etc. None of these things matter if you do not feel good and comfortable with the students and adults in your community.
  
  

  How does a student know they would be a good fit for boarding school? How do you ensure a student can thrive in a boarding school environment?

  This all comes down to really doing your homework, asking questions, researching schools, etc. Not every school is a good fit for a student despite a strong interview and application. Often we hear it just felt right or I followed my gut instinct. It is OK to be nervous about saying yes to a boarding school but there should be lots of excitement as well. 
  
  In admissions, it is our job to get to know students well throughout the application process. We need to be honest with the family and ourselves about fit in the classroom, dorms, theater, clubs, athletics, etc. Will a student be able to take a deep breath and feel like they belong? The tour and interview is an important piece to determine fit as are your recommendations. Grades are easier to understand but we also need to know how hard one has to work to earn those grades? Do you receive support outside of the classroom? Are you being challenged? We also are not afraid to call a family or a recommendation to get clarity around an area of concern.  In the end, our jobs are to make sure kids are set up for success in our communities and so we take the time to really know our applicants.
  
  

  How do you personalize a student’s education? What systems are in place for different educational needs? 

  -Strong advisory program to support students in and out of the classroom.
  -Knower Academic Support is a 1-1 support program meeting with students meeting either 2x or 4x a week focusing on executive functioning skills, subject-specific support, test prep, etc. Our faculty are excellent and want to support their students. At times, there are students who need additional support. This is where Knower Academics comes in.
  -Teachers are always available for questions and to offer support.
  -Holderness students do not need to have their classwork remediated and they do not need lots of accommodations outside of perhaps extended time on tests. 
  
  

  What does a typical school day look like? 

  Classes run Monday-Saturday with Wednesday and Saturday being half days.
  Thursday
  8:40-10:00 Block 1
  10:10-11:00 Block 2
  11:10-12:30 Block 3X
  11:45-1:00 Lunch
  1:20-2:10 Block 4
  2:20-3:10 Core3 Programming
  3:40-5:30 Sports and Afternoon Programming
  6:00-6:15 Chapel
  6:20-7:05 Family Style Dinner
  8:00-9:45 Study Hall
  10:00 Dorm Check-In
  11:00 Lights Out
  
  

  What do you offer students outside of class – extracurriculars after school, during weekends and school breaks, etc. –  to make sure you’re continuing to keep students engaged? 

  Every student is required to participate in a sport or activity each season. Sports offered include traditional sports like soccer, field hockey, basketball, etc. We also have non-traditional sports like mountain biking, rock climbing, winter mountaineering, and skateboarding. Lastly, Holderness is known for its world-class snowsports programs to include alpine, freestyle, big mountain and nordic skiing. Holderness has had 17 Olympians and many more world cup qualifiers in snowsports and many more kids simply out there having fun. Games are played on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Students can also take art in the afternoon to include ceramics, music, band, photography, theater, etc. On the weekends, our campus overlooks a college town. Students are allowed to walk into town to visit Cafe Monte Alto and grab a coffee, enjoy one of the restaurants, or even take in a show or concert at the Flying Monkey in town. Because of our location in the Lake Region and White Mountains, we also often have hiking trips, fishing, canoeing, and skiing trips. All of this is done in addition to dances on campus, lip sync competitions, Brownie Night at the Head of School’s house, Spike Ball Tournaments, etc. There is always so much to do to make sure our kids are engaged and happy. However, it is important to have some downtime as well. Balancing your day and your week is something we value and will support our students in doing.
  
  

  What is your most interesting school tradition? 

  Out Back - Out Back has been around since 1969 and has evolved into our most powerful expression of our philosophy of simultaneous challenge and support as the core components of leadership training. It fuses Holderness School’s love of the outdoors, commitment to experiential learning, and core values of curiosity, character, and community into an unforgettable wilderness challenge.
  
  It begins early in the junior year, when the junior class begins a series of meetings and training with our faculty Out Back leaders. Then, in March, after a thorough course in wilderness safety, information sessions on everything from the best gear to the right kinds of nutrition, and a few reassuring emails to parents, the junior class disperses into the White Mountains. There, they meet the challenges of an 11-day experience in winter survival skills, orienteering, snowshoeing, winter camping, and above all, team-building. Not only do the students bond with each other and their leaders, but during the three-day “Solo” experience, students are given the opportunity to spend time alone, in the peace and quiet of the woods—a powerful and increasingly rare opportunity for self-reflection.
  
  Generations of Holderness students have discovered endurance, resilience, and self-confidence through Out Back. Ask any Holderness alumni or alumnae about Out Back and you’ll hear not one, but dozens of stories and insights about the Holderness experience that shaped their lives.
  
  

  How do you ensure parents stay connected or involved when their child is away at boarding school? 

  With technology today it is easier than ever for parents to be in touch with their child. Anything from a quick text or call to a Zoom or Facetime conversation a few times a week, parents will “see” their kids frequently. We have monthly Town Halls where information is shared and updates given to parents by faculty and administrators. Parents are able to contact the advisor if they have a question or concern or simply have not heard from their child. Games are live streamed so parents can watch the game even if they can’t physically be on campus. We value the school/parent partnership and believe we all need to work together to ensure the overall happiness and success of a child.  We are in this together.

• Jack Flanagan, Choate Rosemary Hall

  What’s your #1 pro tip for students preparing for admissions interviews?

  Do a little research about the school and think of some questions you want to ask your interviewer - the interview is meant to be a chance for you to learn more about us, too! Also, relax and be yourself - it will be a casual conversation; we don’t try to stump you.

  
  

  What's one question you ask every student applying for your school?

  What are some activities/interests that you wish to continue at Choate, and what are some things you think you’d like to try for the first time?

  
  

  What’s one of the most important things a student should consider when inquiring about boarding school?

  Listen to your gut and find the best fit - obviously consider whether a school’s programs/facilities/courses fit your unique goals and interests, but also listen to your gut and make sure a school feels like a place you can call home for the next few years. 

  
  

  How does a student know they would be a good fit for boarding school? How do you ensure a student can thrive in a boarding school environment?

  We find that successful Choate students are curious, open-minded, compassionate, and self-sufficient yet unafraid to ask for help. We at Choate say that we offer students “guided independence”: we let them figure things out for themselves and build independence, but we are always there to support them if need be. We have a multi-tiered support system in place for our students; each student is paired with a faculty adviser who they meet with at least once a week, each grade has two deans who support that grade’s students, and every dorm has prefects (seniors who are selected to be leaders/role models/resources in the dorm). We also have an Equity & Inclusion Team as well as a full-time Counseling Staff in place to provide support to our students. https://www.choate.edu/community 

  
  

  How do you personalize a student’s education? What systems are in place for different educational needs? 

  Students at Choate have an incredibly wide array of academic opportunities: 300+ courses and 8 signature programs to be exact. Students meet with their advisers to talk about their academic interests and goals, and their adviser walks them through the course selection process when the time comes to register for courses for the next year. Some students like to take advantage of the breadth of our curriculum and try a wide variety of different courses to figure out what they’re most passionate about; others quickly find something they’re passionate about and dive deeply into that particular area through a signature program or combination of courses. Either approach is accepted and encouraged at Choate; there is no one right way to learn here. Our average class size is 12 students, and our teachers use a wide array of teaching styles, ranging from roundtable discussions to experiential learning in or outside of the classroom. 90% of our teachers live on campus, making them easily accessible for extra help sessions. Our academic support systems include a Teaching & Learning Center which helps students with study skills, a Writing Center, and a peer tutoring program. https://www.choate.edu/academics 

  
  

  What does a typical school day look like? 

  • Earliest classes start at 8:00 a.m., latest classes end at 3:15 p.m. (except for Wednesdays when classes end at 12:50 p.m.) - no Saturday classes
  • We use a rotating schedule, meaning students don’t have the same classes at the same time every day. Classes meet three times a week for 70 minutes each. On a typical day, students will have three classes and two free periods, or four classes and one free period. 
  • Every Thursday, classes don’t start until 9:20 a.m., giving all students a “sleep-in”
  • Every Tuesday, we have an all-school meeting at 10:00 a.m. which serves as a weekly community gathering
  • 4:00-5:30/6:00 p.m.: Afternoon Activities
  • After classes, every student participates in an afternoon activity (options include team sports, intramural sports, performing arts, robotics, community service). 
  • Students can eat dinner in the dining hall at any time between 5:00-7:30 p.m.
  • We offer more than 100 student clubs and organizations, and many of these clubs will meet periodically between 6-8 p.m. Many of our musical ensembles will also rehearse around this time.
  • Study Hall
  • 3rd formers (9th graders): study hall in their dorm rooms from 8-10 p.m.
  • 4th formers (10th graders): study hall in their dorm rooms from 8-9:30 p.m.
  • 5th and 6th formers (11th and 12th graders): no formal study hall
  • Lights Out
  • 3rd formers: Lights out at 10:45 p.m.
  • 4th formers: Lights out at 11:00 p.m.
  • 5th & 6th formers: In their own rooms at 11:00 p.m., quiet hours

  What do you offer students outside of class – extracurriculars after school, during weekends and school breaks, etc. –  to make sure you’re continuing to keep students engaged? 

  Extracurriculars:

  • Over 80 different interscholastic sports teams between Varsity, JV & Thirds levels
  • Intramural sports
  • Performing Arts (Dance, Theatre, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, 2 choruses, 8 a cappella groups)
  • Over 100 clubs and organizations
  • Student Activities Office 
  • “Office of Fun” - plans activities on- and 0ff-campus* (chaperoned) including school dances, trivia nights, outdoor movie nights, museum trips, chaperoned trips to Boston/NYC/New Haven
  • *pending COVID restrictions
  • https://www.choate.edu/community/student-life/student-activities 
  • Term Abroad Opportunities*
  • 10-week semesters abroad, 5-week summer sessions abroad, 2-week spring break service trips abroad
  • *pending COVID restrictions

  What is your most interesting school tradition? 

  • Most popular: Deerfield Day
    Deerfield Academy is our longest-standing athletic rival going back 100 years. On the last Saturday of each fall sports season, all of our fall teams compete against each other (varsity, JV, thirds). It alternates each year whether it’s hosted at Choate or Deerfield. When it’s at home, the campus is filled with alumni, parents, and students supporting each other. Even when it’s hosted at Deerfield, we bus our students up to Massachussetts to cheer on our teams!
  • Most interesting: Physics “Phlotilla”
    All 3rd formers at Choate take physics as their science class, and at the end of the school year, physics students are separated into small teams and given the same amount of cardboard and tape. They’re tasked with building a cardboard boat that can make it across a small campus pond and back. The teams race each other on the pond behind our admission office, and it’s a great scene with students and faculty turning out to watch and everyone having some laughs to finish off the year.

  How do you ensure parents stay connected or involved when their child is away at boarding school? 

  Each student’s adviser will regularly check in with the student’s parents throughout the year and make themselves available as a resource whenever parents need them. Our deans will similarly keep in touch with parents throughout the year. We have a Director of Parent Relations who oversees making sure that parents are kept in the loop and supported, and she also facilitates volunteer opportunities for parents. We also have Family Weekend every fall, in which parents/families are invited to visit campus, sit in on their child’s classes, and take part in parent-teacher conferences.

• Joe Mallen, Middlesex School

  What’s your #1 pro tip for students preparing for admissions interviews?

  Be yourself. Think about your passions and interests in all areas such as academics, athletics and extracurriculars before you interview.

   

  What's one question you ask every student applying for your school?

  What are your thoughts regarding diversity?
  
  

  What’s one of the most important things a student should consider when inquiring about boarding school?

  The size of the student population. 

   

  How does a student know they would be a good fit for boarding school? How do you ensure a student can thrive in a boarding school environment?

  If they are intellectually curious. If they are involved in multiple facets and if they are ready and willing to join a community. 
  
  

  How do you personalize a student’s education? What systems are in place for different educational needs? 

  Small classes, the Advisor program, and the mindfulness program are a few of the factors. Teachers are available for academic support as well as peer academic support.
  
  

  What does a typical school day look like? 

  • Classes held generally from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    Athletics from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Free time/optional club meetings, dinner from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Study hours from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. (7 - 9 p.m. on Fridays)

  What do you offer students outside of class – extracurriculars after school, during weekends and school breaks, etc. – to make sure you’re continuing to keep students engaged? 

  There is a full lineup of Athletic teams, numerous clubs, open Art and music venues accessible day and evening, and fun planned weekend activities such as dances, trips to the mall, visits to Boston, and a lot more.

   

  What is your most interesting school tradition? 

  Every student has to carve a wooden plaque that adorns the walls all over the campus. Some plaques are over 100 years old!

   

  How do you ensure parents stay connected or involved when their child is away at boarding school? 

  There is a regular weekly newsletter (The Pond) that is published weekly. Advisors also write letters to parents on a couple of occasions during the year.

• Vanessa Cruz Santana, Cate School

  What’s your #1 pro tip for students preparing for admissions interviews?
  The interview is the time for the School to get to know you! It is best to spend that time talking about your interests, why boarding school, and what you want out of high school instead of using that time to gather the information you can find on the website or in admission materials.
  
  

  What's one question you ask every student applying for your school?
  Sometimes boarding school can be challenging. When times have been tough for you, what value keeps you going?

  
  

  What’s one of the most important things a student should consider when inquiring about boarding school?
  Every school has its own personality, values, and style. A lot like people, we are not all the same. Therefore, doing research is important. We all want the same things for students, but we all go about it in different ways.

  
  

  How does a student know they would be a good fit for boarding school? How do you ensure a student can thrive in a boarding school environment?
  Students who tend to thrive in boarding school are independent, eager to learn, open to pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, and excited to live amongst their teachers and classmates. Boarding school is the kind of environment where you get out of it what you put into it, so students have to put forth a valiant effort to maximize their experience. 

  
  

  How do you personalize a student’s education? What systems are in place for different educational needs?
  Size matters; choosing a small school like Cate with 300 students assures that everyone is truly known. We have wrap-around support systems from the advisor to the dorm parents and the coaches and teachers that ensure a student is thriving in every setting. Cate believes a student’s education extends far beyond the classroom, so the personalization emerges in how a student decides to spend their time while on the Mesa: are they going scuba diving, are they painting on a Saturday morning in our art studio, do they engage in our community service projects…. The list can go on and on because the possibilities are many and varied since we all live together! 

  
  

  What does a typical school day look like?
  A typical school day various grade level-to-grade level but for the most part this is what an academic day looks like at Cate:

  • 8 a.m. room check - making sure you are out of bed and ready for the day
  • 8:30 a.m. First Period Begins 
  • 3 p.m. Academic Day Ends
  • 3:30 p.m. Sports and Extracurricular Period
  • 5 - 7 p.m. Dinner
  • 8 p.m. Study Hours
  • 10:30 p.m. Lights Out

  You can see more on the homepage of our school website. 
  
  

  What do you offer students outside of class – extracurriculars after school, during weekends and school breaks, etc. –  to make sure you’re continuing to keep students engaged?
  There is a lot that all boarding schools offer. A lot of what we all offer varies on where we are located and our weather patterns. For example, at Cate, we are situated about 10 minutes from the Pacific Ocean, which allows us to use the ocean as a classroom and a place to explore. Also, our California weather allows for a lot of outdoor activities year-round. It is important to note that Cate does have Saturday classes, although they are half-day and not every weekend. Cate has a lot to offer to keep students engaged. You can learn more here:  https://www.cate.org/life-at-cate/

  
  

  What is your most interesting school tradition?
  Servons Speeches - Every senior has the opportunity to address the entire school and share their experiences and wisdom. This culminating experience is both a gift to the younger students and an opportunity for the senior to contextualize their time on the Mesa. Servons is our School motto which means “to serve” and we feel the ultimate way to serve our Cate community is to share our experiences and time with each other. 

  
  How do you ensure parents stay connected or involved when their child is away at boarding school?
  We see the Cate experience as a shared partnership with families in raising wonderful young people. Through the connection with the advisor, hosting two family weekends a year, and always welcome on campus. Another way our parents stay connected is through our Cate Parents Organization which hosts events on campus for students and ensures that parents have a way to engage with each other and the school from their far-flung locations.