BECOMING A FORD Preparing Boys for Life
Preparing Boys for Life We welcome boys of all backgrounds who are ready to become the men the world needs.
COLLEGE PREP, GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 12
Founded on the ideals of academic and moral excellence, The Haverford School prepares boys with the knowledge, compassion, thoughtfulness, and intention to lead and flourish.
HAVERFORD ALL SCHOOL POPULATION
2023– 2024
977 boys from 90+ ZIP codes in the Philadelphia area 30% students of color*
16.9% faculty of color
*Compared to 10%–23% students of color at top Main Line public high schools
9:1
student-faculty ratio 24 CORE VIRTUES GUIDE STUDENTS AND INFORM THE CURRICULUM
100%
of graduates admitted to four-year institutions
ABOUT
Relational
TEACHING At Haverford, extraordinary educators, experts in their fields as well as in the art and science of teaching boys, personally connect with and mentor each student, providing powerful learning experiences. Our teachers employ research-based best practices in boys’ education to foster intellectual curiosity and ambition as well as lifelong values and cultural awareness. They actively engage students, encouraging them to take risks, make mistakes, focus their energy, and embrace all they are.
HEAD OF SCHOOL TYLER CASERTANO
of faculty have tenures of 10+ years
200+ teachers, coaches, and mentors
2/3 of faculty hold
advanced degrees 100% attend professional development each year Accredited by Middle States and PAIS
LEADERSHIP AND FACULTY
40
Grades
PRE-K–5
Curriculum Lower School faculty create sensory-rich lessons with movement for more focused and engaged learning. They emphasize expressive language, reading and writing, fine motor development, and socialemotional awareness. LITERACY
SCIENCE
Haverford’s science-backed literacy program starts in pre-kindergarten and blends phonics, reading, and writing in an engaging, language-rich environment to provide a strong foundation for boys.
The applied science curriculum encourages students’ natural curiosity. Boys learn to use their five senses in their explorations, asking questions and making observations that lead to discovery and deeper learning.
MATHEMATICS
SOCIAL STUDIES
Mathematics classes at all grades emphasize practical problem solving and logical reasoning. Differentiated learning engages every student, expanding each boy’s potential.
History, hands-on projects, writing, and character development merge in Haverford’s social studies curriculum, through which boys gain understanding of themselves, their School, the greater community, and the world.
LOWER SCHOOL
71% of students perform above grade level in reading by fifth grade. 75% of students perform above grade level in math by fifth grade. 100% of students engage in immersive service learning projects as part of the curriculum. 100% of students engage in the design thinking process to develop problem-solving skills.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT Lower School community time and our social-emotional learning curriculum help boys apply the School’s 24 virtues in their daily lives.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical education courses build the foundations for an active lifestyle, fostering coordination and endurance alongside camaraderie and sportsmanship.
ART Haverford's interdisciplinary and dynamic Lower School visual arts classes teach boys fine motor skills, self-expression, artistic technique, and art history.
MUSIC Haverford was one of the first schools in the country to adopt the Kódaly approach to teaching musicianship, emphasizing collaboration and exploration.
LIBRARY In Tabas Library, boys learn to love reading, use information technology responsibly, and—starting in our youngest grades—practice coding.
Grades
6–8
5 SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING LABORATORIES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM 100% of students engage in collaborative service learning days. 100% of students participate in 3 artistic disciplines and 3 seasons of athletics every year.
Boys stretch themselves through: • A world-ranked robotics program
• INK, Haverford’s diversity group
• Award-winning choirs
• Crosman Chronicles student newspaper
• Outstanding musical productions • MATHCOUNTS • Reading Olympics • Math Olympiad • Model UN
30,000-SQUARE-FOOT MIDDLE SCHOOL, NEW IN 2020
• Arduino, an electronic prototyping club • Leadership programs like Student Council, House Council, and Peer Mediation
The Middle School helps boys grow in intelligence, creativity, and strength through a daily blend of liberal arts classes, fine arts, and sports. The program emphasizes leadership, character, organization, public speaking, and moral and social development.
ENGLISH English courses build students’ skills of text analysis, writing in varied registers, and public speaking. Boys learn to make meaningful connections between the texts they read and the world around them.
MATHEMATICS Middle School mathematics courses develop the problem-solving skills necessary for all students to complete Algebra I by the end of eighth grade, with accelerated students able to complete Geometry.
SCIENCE Haverford’s inquiry-based science curriculum establishes a foundation in physical science, chemistry, and biology to prepare boys for full engagement in rigorous Upper School science courses.
HISTORY Project-based, contextualized history courses inspire boys’ interest in the past and its influence on the present. Students explore American history and then study world cultures.
65% of students score among the top 5% in the nation to qualify for the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES Along with studying their choice of either Latin, Spanish, or Chinese, Middle School boys engage with the cultures that formed these languages.
MUSIC Haverford music classes inspire student creativity: by eighth grade, boys are composing and performing their own original songs.
THEATER Middle School theater classes and projects build confidence, improve public speaking skills, nurture creativity, and promote compassion.
VISUAL ARTS In visual arts classes, students learn to communicate through drawing, sculpture, pottery, photography, video production, and more.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Courses promote boys’ physical fitness and overall well-being, building both athleticism and good decision-making skills.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Curriculum
Grades
9–12
10 SCIENCE LABORATORIES
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND CLUBS The student-run Honor Council ensures Haverford’s Honor Code is a vital presence in boys’ lives. Other leadership opportunities include Student Council, the Character Mentorship Program, and Peer Counseling. More than 35 student organizations engage student interests and passions, including the Entrepreneurs Club, Diversity Alliance, Poetry Club, and more. Students regularly earn regional and national honors in: • Robotics—with the most signature event wins of any robotics team in the world
• Pegasus literary magazine
• Index newspaper
• Model UN
• Speech and debate • Mock trial
ENGLISH
In the Upper School, core study in six major disciplines pairs with elective offerings, health and wellness classes, and robust leadership and service learning programs. Faculty offer the handson, minds-on, collaborative problem-solving exercises that young men enjoy, and the structured direction and clear expectations that they need.
All students take four years of English, including their choice of a topic-based, college-style spring seminar during senior year. Haverford’s entire curriculum is writing intensive.
MATHEMATICS Students complete at least three years of math, with options through Calculus II. Several applied math electives are offered, including Statistics, Economics, and Software Programming.
SCIENCE Haverford’s laboratory science core includes physics, chemistry, and biology. Through the Advanced Laboratory Research Cooperative, students may work with investigators at regional research labs and submit their research to competitions or publications.
HISTORY 10 ART STUDIOS FOR CERAMICS, DIGITAL ART, WOODWORKING, AND MORE
48
advanced courses
54
unique electives
5
global studies trips each year
100% of students take part in service learning. 100% of students take arts courses. 100% of students compete in individual or team sports.
The history core includes two years of global history followed by an indepth study of U.S. history. Through the Advanced Research Program in History, students may work with an advisor to complete thesis-oriented research on a topic they’ve selected.
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES All students take at least two years of either Chinese, Latin, or Spanish. Courses intertwine culture, language, and immersive experiences.
ARTS Through fine arts foundational courses and electives, students explore visual arts, theater, and music. All students complete at least one year of arts courses.
UPPER SCHOOL
Curriculum
COLLEGE and Careers
College Counseling Students are assigned a college counselor in the middle of their sophomore year. During junior year, students meet individually with their college counselor and attend weekly “college seminar” classes.
4 college counselors 100+ colleges visit Haverford each year
ADMIT RATE AT TOP 25 NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES & TOP 25 NATIONAL LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES*
92% of students admitted to one of their top three college choices (Classes of 2019–23)
12% National Admit Rate 32% Haverford Admit Rate (Classes of 2019–23)
65% attend their first-choice college (Classes of 2019–23)
*as defined by U.S. News & World Report
COLLEGES AND NUMBER OF ATTENDEES CLASS OF 2023 American University Appalachian State University Auburn University Bates College Binghamton University Boston University Bucknell University (2) Case Western Reserve University Colby College Colgate University Cornell University (4) Dartmouth College Dickinson College Drexel University (2) Elon University Emory University Florida Institute of Technology Fordham University (2) Franklin & Marshall College Gettysburg College Hampton University (2) Harvard University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Howard University Indiana University (Bloomington)
Jewish Theological Seminary of America Johns Hopkins University Lafayette College (2) Lehigh University (2) Morehouse College North Carolina Central University Northeastern University Norwich University Occidental College Penn State University (Brandywine) Penn State University (University Park) (7) Princeton University (2) Queen’s University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rice University Rutgers University (New Brunswick) Saint Joseph’s University (2) Santa Clara University Southern Methodist University (2) St. John’s University SUNY at Albany Swarthmore College (2) Syracuse University (2) Temple University (2)
The University of Alabama Thomas Jefferson University Tulane University of Louisiana United States Air Force Academy United States Military Academy at West Point (2) United States Naval Academy (3) University of Colorado Boulder (2) University of Delaware University of Miami (3) University of Notre Dame (2) University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania (4) University of Pittsburgh (3) University of Richmond University of Rochester University of South Carolina University of St Andrews University of Virginia (2) University of Wisconsin (Madison) (2) Wake Forest University (3) Wesleyan University West Chester University of Pennsylvania Williams College (2)
OUTCOMES
A Worldwide Network of 5,000+ Alumni Campus visits to share insights and experiences with current students
1,130
alumni connected in Haverford’s online networking platform
CAREER FIELDS, CLASSES OF 2009–18 Financial & Banking
26%
Countless internships and first jobs from Haverford connections
Business & Management
28%
Engineering & Technology
13%
Advice and funding for student and alumni business startups
Arts, Entertainment, Media, & Sports
8%
Sales, Advertising, & Marketing
7%
Online professional and social networking platform
Medicine & Healthcare
7%
Law, Government, & Military
6%
Education & Nonprofits
5%
THE BONDS OF BROTHERHOOD START ON THE FIRST DAY WITH THE WALK OF VIRTUES TRADITION, WHERE SENIORS ESCORT KINDERGARTENERS TO THEIR FIRST ALL-SCHOOL ASSEMBLY.
ATHLETICS Athletics at Haverford fosters teamwork, character, dedication, and selflessness. Each student participates in individual or team sports, whether intramurals or interscholastic competition. Haverford fields 55 teams in 17 sports to meet the interests and develop the abilities of all student-athletes. Most sports include varsity, junior varsity, freshman, and Middle School teams.
16 varsity sports
Strongest record in the Inter-Academic League 4 athletic fields, full fitness center, 25-meter pool, and more
TEAMS Baseball Basketball Crew Cross Country Football Golf Hockey Lacrosse Soccer Squash Swimming and Diving Tennis Track and Field Ultimate Frisbee Water Polo Winter Track Wrestling
ATHLETICS AND ARTS
ARTS Art, music, and theater are an integral part of each Haverford student’s education. Students at all levels work with skilled artists in visual arts courses. Individual and group music lessons are available, and choral ensembles have sung at Carnegie Hall, the Academy of Music, and on tour throughout Europe. The theater program stages several productions each year in the state-of-the-art Centennial Hall and consistently earns Independence Awards.
10 art studios
9
music studios
2
performance halls
VISUAL ARTS Ceramics Drawing Industrial Design Painting Photography Video and Animation Website Design Woodworking
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES Lower School Strings GRADES 2–5 Chime Choir GRADES 4–5 Concert Band GRADES 4–8 Orchestra GRADES 6–12 Advanced Chamber GRADES 9–12 Jazz GRADES 9–12
VOCAL ENSEMBLES Coro Primo GRADE 2 Treble Choir GRADES 3–4 The Centennial Singers GRADES 5–8 The Haverford Boys Choir GRADES 5–8 Glee Club GRADES 8–12 The Notables GRADES 9–12
ADMISSIONS Haverford Admissions works to build a community where boys from prekindergarten through 12th grade prepare to transform our world. Here, boys develop character, intellect, and compassion. They learn about themselves and their communities, and explore the connections among them. Here, boys thrive.
STEPS TO APPLY STEP 1
STEP 4
Submit an Application Sept.–Dec.
Request Teacher Recommendations Nov.–Jan.
Visit haverford.org/admissions to start online application by Oct. 1. On application, indicate if you are interested in tuition assistance.
Submit the teacher recommendation form(s) for your student’s upcoming grade to your student’s school after Nov. 15. Forms are available at haverford.org/apply.
STEP 2
STEP 5
Set Up a Visit Sept.–Nov.
Contact admissions@haverford.org after submitting the application to schedule the required campus visit for your family. STEP 3
Submit Student Records Oct.–Dec.
Submit the Request for Student Records Form to your student’s school after first quarter grades are ready. The form is available at haverford.org/apply.
Testing Oct.–Dec.
Register for the entrance test required for your student’s upcoming grade. Test information is available at haverford.org/apply. STEP 6
Apply for Tuition Assistance Optional
Apply for tuition assistance simultaneously with the School application process.
Our admissions process is tailored to each division and consists of the following key components: student and parent/guardian visit, academic records, teacher recommendations, and standardized assessments.
ADMISSIONS AND TUITION ASSISTANCE
TUITION ASSISTANCE We aim to make a Haverford School education available to all remarkable boys, regardless of their financial resources. Haverford offers flexible payment plans and awards more than $10 million annually in need-based tuition assistance. Families must apply each year for tuition assistance. We make every effort to help all eligible applicants. All grants are funded by the School. Grants are made only to students who qualify for aid on the basis of financial need. The Haverford School does not give athletic or academic scholarships. Apply at haverford.org/apply
The application process is confidential and secure.
$10 million+ awarded annually in tuition assistance
$26,485
average tuition assistance grant offered
42%
of all students receive tuition assistance Haverford spends
54%
more per student than the region's top public schools
WE SHARE YOUR VISION FOR YOUR SON:
HE WILL GROW INTO A GREAT MAN HAVERFORD.ORG
484-417-2780 admissions@haverford.org
30-ACRE CAMPUS ACCESSIBLE BY SEPTA AND BUSES FROM 20 DISTRICTS 135+ YEARS OF LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATING BOYS 95% OF FAMILIES CHOOSE HAVERFORD YEAR AFTER YEAR—THE HIGHEST RE-ENROLLMENT AMONG AREA INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
TRANSPORTATION A nonsectarian college preparatory day school for boys, pre-kindergarten through grade 12 450 Lancaster Ave. Haverford, PA 19041
Haverford is easily accessible by public transportation, including regional rail, bus, and trolley. We facilitate a convenient door-todoor private van service for Lower School students who live in Center City Philadelphia.