Academics at BLAIR
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Blair’s academic program prepares students to excel in college & beyond.
Our broad and varied curriculum includes introductory to advanced classes in nine different disciplines; thus, students at every level experience rigorous traditional coursework and explore exciting electives designed to help them develop the skills necessary for success in an ever-changing world. Learning at Blair is a demanding, creative and collaborative process, one that increasingly urges students to pursue their own academic interests and seek knowledge without limits. Interdisciplinary exploration of questions, problems and ideas inspires students to seek deeper understanding of a subject through reflection and analytical thought, while hard work and the mentorship of Blair’s faculty spark intellectual curiosity and lead to learning habits that last a lifetime. We invite you to delve into our academic offerings in this publication and learn more on our website at www.blair.edu/academics
The Blair diploma is granted to students whom the faculty and Head of School judge to be members in good standing of the School community and who have met the following requirements for graduation: English: Minimum 4 years for a total of 12 units for a four-year student Mathematics: Minimum 3 years (Algebra I, Geometry & Algebra II or their equivalents) for a total of 9 units for a four-year student
The AP examination is required of all students enrolled in an AP course. Such courses end in either an examination or, in the case of the arts, a portfolio of work. The examination or portfolio is an integral part of an AP course and its final focus. Thus, the examination is required if a student is to receive credit and designation for an AP course. For more details about our graduation requirements, please visit www.blair.edu/course-catalog
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses & Exams
Languages: Minimum 2 years of one modern or classical language for a total of 6 units for a four-year student Sciences: Minimum of 2 years in sciences (2 of which must be laboratory sciences, Biology & either Chemistry, Robotics or Physics) for a total of 9 units
The academic year is divided into two semesters and a student receives 1.5 units of credit for the successful completion of a single-semester course and 3 units of credit for a successfully completed yearlong course.
First-Year Seminar: 1.5 units for all 9th graders
History: Minimum of 2 years in United States History/Modern European History. In addition, four-year students must take Global Issues for a total of 9 units for a four-year student Fine & Performing Arts: Minimum of three semesters of study for a four-year student Religion & Philosophy: Minimum one semester of study
Overview of general requirements
Students in the 11th or 12th grade wishing to take a course that the School does not offer or a course that does not fit their schedules may propose an independent study as a fifth or, in exceptional cases, a sixth course. Students select a faculty advisor with whom they work to create a written proposal. A student may undertake only one independent study per term.
Blair LEADS (Leadership Communications, Global Engagement, Self Awareness, Ethical Decision-making & Service): 1.5 units for all students in 10th grade Independent Study
Lights out 11 P.M. Study hall 8–10 P.M. Get ready for bed & hang out in dorm 10–11 P.M. Breakfast 8 A.M. Classes 8:30 A.M.–3:15 P.M. Free time Meet up with friends in the Can 7 P.M. Activities/rehearsals/athleticpractices 3:45 –5:30 P.M. Dinner 6–7 P M Art Openings (Thursday)7P.M. Society of Skeptics Lectures (Tuesday)7P.M. DiscussionsRoundtable (Wednesday)7P.M. Clubs (Monday, Wednesday &7Friday)P.M. Family-StyleDinner (Tuesday & 6:15–7Thursday)P.M. WHAT WILL MY DAY LOOK LIKE?
9:308:30 A 9:308:30 E 10:409:40 F 12:1511:15 G1 12:5511:55 G2 9:308:30 H 10:409:40 B 9:308:30 D 10:409:40 C 9:308:30 B 10:409:40 F 12:2511:25 H1 1:3012:30 H2 2:401:40 E 12:2511:25 A1 10:409:40 G 12:1511:15 F1 11:5010:50 G 12:5511:55 A2 12:5511:55 F2 2:051:05 E 3:152:15 A 2:001:00 D 2:051:05 H 3:152:15 C 10:409:40 D 12:4011:40 School Meeting & Advising 10:45 – 11:40 School Meeting 2:45 – 3:15 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday LabBlockConference&APExtension 10:45 – 11:10 ConferenceBlock 10:45 – 11:20 Student Clubs & AP ExtensionLab 10:45 – 11:10 ConferenceBlock 1:35 – 2:10 C1 1:3012:30 C2 Chapel 10:45 – 11:20 ProfessionalFaculty Time/ Student Sleep In 8:30 – 9:30 SPANISHHONORS2 SPANISHHONORS2 SPANISHHONORS2 GLOBALISSUES GLOBALISSUES GLOBALISSUES HONORSBIO HONORSBIO HONORSBIO FREE FREE FREE FREE CERAMICS SEMINAR-YEARFIRST 3:152:15 B ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH GEOMETRYHONORS GEOMETRYHONORS GEOMETRYHONORS LUNCH LUNCH LUNCHLUNCH LUNCH CERAMICS CERAMICSFIRST-YEARSEMINAR CLASS BLOCK SCHEDULE Sample of 9th-grade schedule.
JAMES MOORE • ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CHAIR
ENGLISH “Developing an appreciation for literature and fictional characters helps us become thoughtful and engaged members of the global community who better understand and empathize with real people.”
Blair’s English department teaches students to read closely and perceptively, write clearly and incisively, and speak confidently and effectively, while helping them acquire a familiarity with and appreciation for English, American and world literature. We emphasize the development and practice of rhetorical skills, social awareness and empathy that will serve students well throughout their lives. Students write regularly about themselves, their communities, and the characters and ideas they encounter in literature. Bolstered by regular exploration of grammar and rhetoric, they construct and revise essays, short stories, poetry and, as part of our focus on public speaking, scripts for The Blair Leadership Stories Project and the annual 10th- and 12th-grade public speaking contests. Twelfth-grade students may choose to spend the spring term in English 4 Capstone, which allows them to conceive, develop and present significant writing projects on topics of their choice. Our reading lists provide grounding in important fundamental texts of the anglophone literary tradition and exposure to a diversity of voices, old and new. In the first three years, for example, all classes study Shakespeare and also more contemporary works. Recent English 4 electives have explored a range of narrower topics, including Homer’s The Odyssey, modern drama, the Harlem Renaissance, dystopian literature, and novels and the films they inspired.
COURSES • English 1, 2 & 3 • English 3 AP English Literature • English 4 Capstone • English 4 AP English Literature • English 4 AP English Language DystopianHorror Literature The Meaning of Life Narrative Writing Three Shakespeare Plays Religious Themes in Modern Literature – Women & Wit “Effective storytelling and the ability to convey your values are key leadership skills. Blair students hone these skills each year as they build relationships on campus and beyond. Our graduates are prepared to communicate effectively as they become the leaders of tomorrow.” PETER G. CURRAN • HEAD OF SCHOOL BEYOND THE CLASSROOM • Filming Blair Leadership Stories in 9th & 12th grade • Tenth- & 12th-grade public speaking contests • Debate Team • Book Club • AP Literature critique & defense of Shakespeare essays • Workshops with writers in residence • All-school summer read • Weekly student Chapel talks • Weekly School Meeting announcements • Literary magazine, Between the Lines • Online student newspaper, The Oracle • Blair yearbook, the ACTA
In addition to the regular curriculum, the Society of Skeptics offers weekly lectures by a wide variety of speakers, including noted historians, authors, and business and educational leaders. Skeptics speakers have included: CNN’s Lou Dobbs, Columbia University history professor Eric Foner, Lafayette College professor of history Joshua Sanborn, George Mason University history professor Peter Mandaville, two former governors of New Jersey, chair of the 9/11 Commission Governor Thomas Kean, and former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam Raymond Burghardt ’63.
JASON BECK • HISTORY DEPARTMENT CHAIR
“Blair students develop critical academic skills that lead to success at the college level, including reading comprehension, written expression, speaking, critical thinking and research skills.”
HISTORY
Beginning in ninth grade Global Issues, students have an opportunity to explore three important regions in the developing world: Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The 10th-grade year focuses on Modern European History, with a special emphasis on the roots of the United States. The 11th-grade year continues this theme through courses in United States history. During 12th grade, history students may choose from a number of electives, including Economics and Intellectual History Honors.
COURSES • Global Issues • Modern European History • U.S. History • AP U.S. History • AP European History • Intellectual History Honors: Existentialism & Modern Thought • AP Comparative Government/Politics • 1968: A Year in Crisis • History of Women’s Rights • Race in America • American ConstitutionalGovernment:Law • AP Microeconomics • AP Art History • America at War: Conflicts That Shaped a Nation “Our daughter immediately felt she belonged at Blair. The School offers a strong foundation for a lifetime of opportunity, mixing leadership and academic excellence within a value system that promotes kindness and decency, which is incredibly important in this day and age.” BILL & KRISTY • PARENTS OF STUDENT FROM NORTH CAROLINA BEYOND THE CLASSROOM • Weekly Society of Skeptics lectures • Alumni Roundtable & Current Events Forums • Master classes taught by Skeptics & Alumni speakers • Diplomacy Club • Student government • Model United Nations • Trips to Intelligence Squared debates • Travel to the Washington Ideas Forum & other lectures & museums in New York City, Philadelphia & Washington, D.C. • School break trips to Europe, Asia & Africa • Young Republican & Young Democrat Clubs • Blair in Kenya
MATHEMATICS
DANYELLE DOLDOORIAN • MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT CHAIR
“Student mathematicians at Blair learn to speak math. Below the surface of each concept is a complex interplay of why and how, and our curriculum encourages students to dig into those deeper questions and to use them as a basis for communication, connection and collaboration.”
The heart of mathematical thought starts at the intersection of logic and creativity. Blair math teachers create rigorous and reflective learning opportunities that teach students to build connections, explore patterns, craft arguments, reason logically, make creative leaps, discover fascinating conclusions, understand the world better and, ultimately, enjoy the intellectual struggle of a uniquely beautiful art form. The objectives of all Blair math courses are to foster analytical and critical thinking and to allow students to understand and appreciate the beauty inherent in mathematics. Blair math courses also prepare students for success in mathematics at the university level and create an awareness of the need for mathematical literacy in the modern economy. Our faculty articulate mathematical thinking clearly and accurately and use appropriate technology to support the goals of the Thedepartment.departmental graduation requirements are Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2, but virtually all students take at least one math course beyond the required sequence, with more than three-quarters of the 12th-grade class enrolled in one level of Calculus. The math department comprises 14 faculty members with an average teaching experience of 15 years.
COURSES • Algebra 1 • Geometry • Geometry Honors • Algebra 2 • Algebra 2 Honors AB • Algebra 2 Honors BC • Mathematical Modeling & Applications • Precalculus • Precalculus Honors AB • Precalculus Honors BC • AP Calculus • AP Calculus AB • AP Calculus BC • Advanced Statistics • Multi-Variable Calculus • Number Theory & Proofs • Linear Algebra BEYOND THE CLASSROOM • Math Team • American mathematics competitions • Independent mathematics competitions • Investment Club • Peer Tutoring • Women & Girls in STEM Club “Our teachers could be working on Wall Street, in industry or doing research, but they choose to live and teach at Blair. Their care for students and their commitment to adolescent development in the classroom, on the field and in the dorms are extraordinary, and we feel it every day.” APAAR • STUDENT FROM NEW YORK
“ Our curriculum encourages students to develop a competent grasp of language and exposes them to a variety of cultural material, both historical and current.”
LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
Our modern-language teachers are all native speakers or near-native speakers, and our classics faculty focuses on the art of close reading, fully appreciating the nuance of language and introducing students to the achievements of ancient literature. Connecting students to the broader cultural context of the languages Blair teaches is paramount. Beyond the classroom, students have the opportunity to travel outside of the United States to countries such as Costa Rica, Cuba and Italy—once-in-a-lifetime trips during which they immerse in other cultures, meet local leaders and visit ancient ruins. Closer to home, faculty and students regularly engage with members of Spanish- and Chinese-speaking communities in towns and cities within driving distance of campus.
Blair language classes support energetic interaction as students work with one another and their instructors to learn to speak, understand, read and write in Spanish, French, Chinese, and traditional Latin and Greek. In the modern languages, classroom immersion is key: Students pledge to speak only in the language they are studying for the duration of each class, a teaching tool that has become a hallmark of the language department’s philosophy.
LANGUAGES
JOYCE LANG • CHAIR
COURSES • Spanish 1, 2, 3 & 4 • Spanish 2, 3 & 4 Honors • Spanish Literature & Conversation Honors • AP Spanish Language & Culture • French 1, 2, 3 & 4 • French 3 & 4 Honors • AP French Language & Culture • Chinese 1, 2, 3 & 4 • Chinese 3 & 4 Honors • AP Chinese Language & Culture • Latin 1, 2 & 3 • AP Latin • Ancient Greek • Ancient History: Greece & Rome “Blair was a game changer for our son. To say that he came out of his shell is an understatement. His confidence, as well as his oral and written communication skills, expanded significantly, making him well prepared for college and beyond.” MARK & MARGOT • PARENTS OF STUDENT FROM CONNECTICUT BEYOND THE CLASSROOM • Spring & summer break trips to Spain, Central & South America, Italy, Greece, France, China & Canada • Blair International Awareness Club (BIAC) • Annual International Weekend festivities • American Sign Language Club • La Conexión • Trips to New York City’s Chinatown • Classics trip to Rome & other iconic destinations
The department’s goal is to foster in students a strong interest in and genuine enthusiasm for applying their scientific knowledge to everyday phenomena in the world around them, especially to parts of the world about which they are most curious. Within our curriculum, students have the opportunity to explore their interests by enrolling in courses such as AP Psychology, Marine Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Engineering, Astronomy, Environmental Science, Analytical Chemistry, Robotics and Integrated Science Research. Designed by our teaching faculty, all of these courses aim to appeal to the varied science interests of Blair students.
KELLY HADDEN • SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Students gain an understanding of the techniques and processes for gathering and analyzing evidence to support common scientific theories in Blair’s science classes. Our traditional courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics stress this extensively. As students move through grade levels and respective coursework, expectations increase, and students enrolled in Advanced Placement Biology, Chemistry or Physics courses are expected to display a significant level of confidence and comfort in the lab environment.
SCIENCE
“Laboratory and fieldwork enhance learning, foster excitement for the subject matter and reinforce understanding of complex scientific topics.”
COURSES • Biology • Biology Honors • Foundations of Integrated Science Research • Integrated Science Research • Chemistry • Chemistry Honors • Robotics • Physics • Physics Honors • Environmental Science • Marine Science • Astronomy • Biochemistry Honors • Biomechanics • Applied Psychology • Engineering Science • Anatomy & Physiology Honors • AP Psychology • AP Biology • AP Chemistry • AP Physics C: Mechanics • AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism “My parents continuously praise how well my teachers, and especially my advisor, know me. While faculty members are obviously here to teach us and to help us grow as people, they really are on your side, eager to help you with any struggle, inside or outside the classroom.” CLARA • STUDENT FROM SOUTH CAROLINA BEYOND THE CLASSROOM • Research Fellows Program • Earthshine Club • Integrated Science Research • Marine Science class trip to the Jersey shore • Annual Science Expo • Robotics Team • Rutgers University Oncology Olympiad • Chemistry Club • Evening astrology sessions & summer minisessions
ARTS
“Blair’s vibrant arts program inspires students to participate at every level and prepares them to become true artists.”
FINE
KATE SYKES • FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIR
From introductory to advanced, Blair art course offerings include everything from painting and drawing (including mechanical and architectural) to ceramics, graphic design, print-making and art history. For those who want to pursue art beyond Blair, the fine arts department offers a unique course designed to allow students to develop a comprehensive portfolio. Fine arts students regularly bring their ideas to life using the digital designand-fabrication tools in Blair’s maker space, and the department encourages student artists to incorporate multimedia into project work of every kind. Blair art teachers are passionate artists. They not only teach the arts, they also live the arts through their own work. Our teachers share their love for the arts and professional experience with their students. Many students—even those who do not intend to pursue degrees in the arts—continue to take art classes in college and beyond, developing a talent discovered in Blair art classes. In addition, student filmmakers and photographers capture the life of the school community in creative and inspiring projects that focus on academics, the arts, athletics and other aspects of campus life.
COURSES • Two-Dimensional Art 1 & 2 • Advanced Drawing • Advanced Painting • Photography 1 • Digital Photography • Advanced Analog Photography • Advanced Digital Photography • Art Portfolio • Graphic Design • Advanced Graphic Design • Architecture 1 & 2 • Introduction to Film Production • Advanced Film Production • Meaning & Media • Art for Social Change • Functional Design • Ceramics 1 & 2 • Advanced Ceramics • Sculpture/Ceramics • AP Art History 1: Survey of Art History • AP Studio Art Portfolio • Independent Study in Art BEYOND THE CLASSROOM • State-of-the-art ceramics room • Blair Art Stars • Trips to art venues in New York City & Philadelphia • Trips to iconic art destinations in Europe during School breaks • Student art critiques • Professional art exhibitions in the Romano Gallery • Master classes with visiting professional artists • “Empty Bowls” project • Off-campus art shows • Opportunities to display artwork throughout campus, including the Romano Gallery • Photography Club • Annual Student Film Festival • Opportunities to create videos for class councils & more
Computer science connects theory and practice, combining mathematics, programming and engineering. Students taking computer science classes are encouraged to think in both abstract and concrete terms, and faculty encourage students to develop technical aptitudes that will serve them well as they transition into college. Emphasis is placed on projectbased learning, with hands-on work dominating class Studentstime.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
“ We focus on modern computer science, including underlying theory, knowledge and skills that transcend specific and ever-changing technologies.”
taking our multilevel programming course use the Python programming language to complete projects that emphasize all aspects of computational thinking. In addition to developing fundamental skills, students develop new areas of interest and a deeper understanding of the real-world connections of their work. Our AP Computer Science course closely follows the Advanced Placement curriculum, exploring the type of material and concepts a student might expect in a first-year college course. Students gain a working familiarity with the Java programming language and study concepts that apply more generally to all programming languages. Robotics integrates programming concepts with physical mechanisms such as motors and sensors. Students study both the hardware and software aspects of robotics and build working robots that perform complex tasks. Software design brings programming concepts to students in very real and practical ways as they create working real-world applications.
SAMUEL G. ADAMS IV • DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR
COURSES • Robotics • AP Computer Science • Post-AP Computer Projects • Introduction to Programming • Software Design • Advanced Software Design • Artificial Intelligence • Real-World Robotics “Blair teachers care about more than your grades; they want to make sure you are happy and successful here. Their support gives students confidence and teaches us how to be independent.” IGNACIO • STUDENT FROM SPAIN BEYOND THE CLASSROOM • Competitive Robotics Team • State-of-the-art technology in Bogle Science Center • State-of-the-art technology in the Chiang-Elghanayan Center for Innovation & Collaboration • Open use of Blair’s maker space • Blair Girls Who Code Club • EdAccess Technology & Education Conference • Independent study projects • First-Year Seminar • Maker space digital design & fabrication • Headmasters’ Societies Games maker space projects • Real-World Robotics Seminar • Hands-on introduction to Da Vinci© Surgical System • Girls Go CyberStart National Championship
“Students learn by doing, whether they are working out the tricky fingering for a Bach string piece or handling a complicated phrase from an Aeschylus monologue.”
JENNIFER PAGOTTO • PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIR
At Blair, art is not just a creative outlet, but also an ingrained part of the curriculum and the academic day. Our theatre, vocal and instrumental music groups perform broad repertoires that challenge students technically and conceptually; Blair performing artists range from the inexperienced-but-curious beginner to the tried-and-talented old hand who has performed for Theyears.Blair Academy Players entertain the Blair community with four major productions each year (including a musical), and our outstanding music department boasts a Symphony Orchestra, the Blair Academy Singers and Chamber Choir, as well as a host of smaller musical ensembles. In addition to performing at seasonal concerts in Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts and collaborating with groups from other prep schools across the Northeast, the Blair Academy Symphony Orchestra and Singers have performed in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, Budapest, and throughout Italy and the United Kingdom.
PERFORMING ARTS
COURSES • Theatre 1 & 2 • Theatre 3: The Theatrical Self • Improv • AP Music Theory • Digital Music • Advanced Digital Music • Independent Study in Music • Blair Academy Singers • Chamber Choir • Religious Roots in Choral Music • Religious Music of the World • Religious Roots in Orchestral Music • Symphony Orchestra • Chamber Orchestra • Jazz Ensemble • Chamber Ensemble BEYOND THE CLASSROOM • Three theatrical productions a year, including at least one musical • Student-run A Cappella group • At least five concerts on campus each year • Solo recital each spring • Annual Bartow Series performances featuring internationally renowned performers • Student composers/arrangers featured at Blair music concerts • Private lessons • Spring break performance tours across the United States, United Kingdom & Italy • Master classes with visiting professional musicians & actors as part of endowed Bartow Series • Trips into New York City to watch concerts & Broadway shows • Blair Academy Dancers & Dance Company
Blair’s religion and philosophy courses are designed with the goal of educating the whole student—mind, body and spirit. To this end, students may select from among eight one-semester courses that span a wide range of unique academic topics and inquiries. Except for postgraduates, all students at the School are required to take one of these courses during their time at Blair. While academically rigorous, religion and philosophy courses involve assessments that cover a breadth of styles and allow students to reflect very personally on significant life issues. The curriculum presumes no creedal commitments and endorses no particular religious or philosophical stance. Generally speaking, our course offerings seek to teach students material that is provocative and challenging, even while it is potentially encouraging and grounding as we study the most influential voices in philosophical and religious history. Finding ways to express our individual understanding of the world in order to invite conversation rather than foster antagonism is a singular goal of the department, as is promoting healthful practices of mind, body and spirit. This includes coordinating with the Thursday Chapel and Sunday Evening Reflection programs when appropriate to introduce traditions from among the student body.
RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY
COURSES • Human Rights • Introduction to Ethics: The Art of Living • Morality & the Modern World • World Religions: Visions of Transformation • Gandhi & Non-Violent Revolution • Meaning & Media • Religious Themes in Modern Literature • Mind, Body & Spirit BEYOND THE CLASSROOM • Thursday Chapel • Christian Fellowship • Jewish Student Union • Perspectives Club • Philosophy Club • Service Corps • Interfaith Council • Healthy Relationships Committee • Sunday Evening Reflection • Christmas Vespers • Annual service trips to destinations such as St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis
“Studying religion and philosophy challenges students to deepen their sense of self and their commitment to the well-being of others in the world through a variety of options meant to meet students where they are in their particular personal and intellectual journey.” MOLTENI • DEAN OF ACADEMICS
NATHAN
Superior academic preparation inspires a lifetime of learning.
The S
Principles of a Blair Education
An inclusive and connected community expands horizons. At Blair, integrity, responsibility and respect for others shape campus life. With kindness and empathy, our inclusive and dynamic community welcomes people of many backgrounds; as we embrace challenges and opportunities, close relationships are forged and learning on many levels results.
The ability to concisely and compellingly convey one’s message is an essential leadership skill; at Blair, teaching the art of effective communication is among our highest priorities. As a School, we are committed to communicating purposefully and effectively with parents, students, alumni and with one another as colleagues.
Blair’s robust curriculum features rigorous traditional coursework and innovative electives. In every classroom, as teachers challenge students with new ideas and skills, they ensure that students learn how to learn, preparing them to confidently and creatively address the demands of college and our ever-changing global society.
Blair students look beyond themselves by engaging in the world around them and serving others. Our traditions of School Meeting, Chapel and more help students develop a strong character and value system as they become global citizens. On-campus speakers, local and international service endeavors, and school break travel opportunities create impactful connections and experiences.
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We know our students. Blair teachers are experts in their subject areas and they know our students exceptionally well. Faculty members meet frequently to discuss student progress; they are active in every aspect of student life; and an assigned academic monitor and a student-chosen advisor guide each student. As a result, teachers expertly support, mentor, and challenge students, and profoundly impactful relationships are formed.
We have purposefully chosen to be a midsize boarding school. Our personal knowledge of individual students distinguishes us as a school, and we are well aware that such knowledge is possible only in a community small enough for genuine relationships. Yet, providing a variety of programs and diversity of student experiences requires a certain breadth and scale. At Blair, we believe that being a midsize, residential school allows us to achieve both goals. even
The Blair experience is a personalized one that provides students many opportunities to achieve excellence and to become service-minded leaders and adults of outstanding character. From Blair, we expect students to attend a college or university that furthers their intellectual and personal development and to achieve worthwhile accomplishments in life. Excellent communication is a top priority.
We prepare our students exceptionally well for a lifetime of accomplishment.
Real-world engagement & service to others engender meaningful experiences.
The dual-advisor system is a foundational element of relationship-based learning at Blair. Students are known and supported by two faculty mentors: an assigned academic monitor and a faculty member of their own choosing, who serves as their advisor. The advisor-advisee relationship is often the most influential one a student develops at Blair, and monitors play an essential role in Blair’s feedback loop about students’ accomplishments and challenges. Should the need for academic support arise, advisors and monitors work together to guide students to one of Blair’s many resources, including our director of academic support, school counselors and peer tutors.
Blair’s Integrated Science Research (ISR) program offers scientifically motivated students an opportunity to closely examine and contribute to the resolution of real-world challenges. As part of this curricular program, students delve into scientific writing, explore current industry research, learn how to connect with mentors, and design and execute research experiments, all under the guidance of Blair science faculty members who are experienced researchers. The enlarged and fully renovated Bogle Science Center includes dedicated laboratory space for independent research, giving students a fully equipped platform from which to engage in meaningful, long-term projects.
Blair is a midsize school of 465 students, giving us a small-school feel, while at the same time, offering big-school academic, athletic and arts programs. Learning extends far beyond the classroom on our hilltop campus as our signature programs broaden students’ horizons, introducing them to new ideas and teaching them critical leadership and communications skills that will give them a competitive advantage in college and in life. “Blair students are not only prepared for college, they are ready to navigate the challenges they will inevitably face in our ever-changing, 24/7 world.”
PROGRAMS OF DISTINCTION
Dual-Advisor System
Integrated Science Research
PETER G. CURRAN • HEAD OF SCHOOL
Society of Skeptics
Public Service When students apply academic studies to real-world issues and serve others for the good of all, impactful connections to people, places and ideas develop. That’s why Blair faculty members connect on-campus classroom experiences to real-world service opportunities. The meaningful and scholarly work in which our community is engaged allows students to act with purpose in exploring and tackling real-world problems and making a difference for our neighbors. Service at Blair takes many forms, ranging from partnership with local nonprofits and campus clubs such as Earthshine, La Conexión and the Healthy Relationships Committee to service-oriented trips to U.S. and global destinations. The entire Blair community spends a day each spring, as part of our Day of Service, volunteering at more than 20 area nonprofits.
Students and faculty debate important global issues in this unique forum that has grown to become a premier high-school lecture series. Speakers of myriad backgrounds come to campus to share their unique perspectives with students, who are encouraged to engage with presenters, ask questions and debate points of view. Tuesday-evening presentations often extend into Wednesday as students and teachers continue to debate salient issues in classrooms and dormitories. By participating regularly in the program, students demonstrate that they can direct their own learning, engage with the world beyond Blair, and place what they are learning in the classroom into a larger global context.
Blair LEADS Through the combination of formal leadership opportunities and applied-learning experiences, Blair guides its students to become the leaders they are meant to be, leaders who are needed across every college campus and every profession. Every student participates in Blair LEADS, our signature cross-curricular leadership training initiative, and faculty members emphasize the importance of different types of leadership and adapting leadership style to specific situations. Whether they are helping to run campus organizations, supporting classmates in the dorms or serving Blair’s neighbors, our students get a well-rounded view of leadership and what it means to serve others. Effective Communication At Blair, teaching the art of effective communication is among our highest priorities. Our cross-curricular communication initiative and myriad public speaking opportunities prepare students to express their ideas, advocate for themselves, and engage with others in ways that build vital relationships and lead to success in life. As they collaborate in small or large groups, our students learn the value of teamwork, problem solving, and articulating their beliefs and passions. Building strong relationships requires effective communication, and mastering these skills before entering college puts our students a step ahead of their peers when they enter the worlds of higher education and professional life.
Global Engagement
Leadership Stories Project
First-Year Seminar
Through The Blair Leadership Stories Project, students develop their storytelling ability by crafting and sharing, on video, a compelling personal narrative. Participation in the project teaches students to concisely and confidently tell a story as they reflect on a challenge they have resolved while staying true to their beliefs. Students film stories during their first and last years at Blair, benchmarking their progress as effective communicators.
Blair encourages students to interact with people around the world through meaningful travel opportunities. Trips range from student-organized missions (such as our annual expedition to St. Jude Children’s Hospital) to European tours to immersive experiences (such as trips to Central America and visits to “Blair in Kenya” schools in Africa). We’ve been everywhere from Cuba to Europe, as well as to nearby destinations, including Philadelphia and New York City. Such travel provides students with new perspective about our global society and gives them the opportunity to forge meaningful relationships with their classmates and teachers as they share incredible experiences.
Every 9th-grade student takes a yearlong seminar designed to build connections and skills that will help them succeed throughout their Blair careers. They learn how to be effective students, carefully consider their values and beliefs, and gain experience in design and prototyping. The first-year seminar has two modules: health and wellness and maker space training. With the Chiang-Elghanayan Center for Innovation and Collaboration serving as its home, the seminar encourages students to use their new skills across other coursework and classes. Ninth graders also engage in maker space training, where they learn about the design process and prototyping. J-Term Each January, our J-term gives students a chance to learn about a fascinating array of topics not usually covered in our standard curriculum. Students enroll in one of nearly 40 unique, facultydesigned minicourses, where they meet and interact with peers of every grade level both on and off campus. In these small-group settings, participants experience the pure joy of learning as they delve into topics that pique their interest.
OF DISCUSSIONSROUNDTABLE# # of Skepticslastspeakersyear OF THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONSINDISTANCEFROMTHEUNITEDNATIONSNYC# 3 820+WHO COME TO CAMPUS EACH YEAR #OFARTISTSPROFESSIONAL 70 MILES14 # OF LABS IN THE 720213210MAKER FABRICATIONFORMACHINESSPACEDIGITAL # WHEELSPOTTERYOF MILES OF INTERNET WIRING # OF DATABASESLIBRARY 2,000 MINUTES OF STUDY HALL PER WEEK 4 MILLION Number of years Classics has been studied at Blair CLXXIV (174) # MONTHBLACKOFHISTORYSEMINARS ACADEMICS by the #s 25 BOGLE CENTERSCIENCE OF QUIET STUDY SPOTS IN THE LIBRARY FOR GETTING YOUR STUDY ON! 160
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