What is it like to be a Storm King student?

Your Experience What is it like to be a Storm King Student?

BOOK 2 of 3

The Storm King School

The Storm King School

prides itself on being a caring, open and accepting place, and our students follow our lead. We value the differences within our community and work hard to make every individual feel welcome, supported and safe.

DAILY SCHEDULE

WHAT DOES MY DAY LOOK LIKE?

7:00 am

Dining Hall opens for breakfast.

8:00 am

Attendance and announcements

8:15 am

Classes begin. The class day is divided into seven periods ranging from 45 to 80 minutes.

10:45 am

All School Meeting (Mondays)

12:00 noon

Lunch in the Dining Hall

and off ). However, if you want to just unwind in your

1:00 pm

Classes resume

dorm or in the Commons, or catch up on some studying,

3:00-6:00 pm

Athletic practices, tutoring, outdoor adventure, music, voice lessons and clubs

6:00 pm

Dinner in the Dining Hall (On Thursdays, faculty preside over family-style dinner.)

7:00-8:30 pm

Study Hall or Performing Arts rehearsal (Sunday-Thursday)

8:30-9:30 pm

On your own (Students may use the gym, Student Center, or their dorms.)

9:30 pm

Dorm sign-in (Sunday-Thursday)

10:30 pm

Lights out

The school day is jam-packed with classes, athletics, arts, club meetings, and study hall. Don’t worry; there is time to relax and socialize. And the food in our dining hall that overlooks the scenic Hudson River is amazing.

On the weekend, we offer a ton of options (on campus

that’s fine, too.

WEEKENDS

10:30 am-noon

Brunch

Noon-6:00 pm

Weekend activities run the gamut from cultural trips to NYC, shopping excursions, and movies to outdoor adventures to community-based service events. Students are welcome to join an activity or relax on campus.

6 :00 pm

Dinner

10:00 pm

Dorm sign-in (Friday-Saturday)

11:30 pm

Lights out

Athletics and activities are scheduled five afternoons a week.

On Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, varsity and junior-varsity teams participate in interscholastic competitions.

WHERE DO I FIT IN?

OUR STUDENTS ARE A DIVERSE GROUP

22 countries represented 13% students of color 60% male Slovakia

United States

Japan

Russia Germany

China

The Bahamas Turkey Colombia

Thailand

England Italy

Lebanon Korea Vietnam Indonesia

Angola

Mexico Venezuela

Rwanda

Singapore Taiwan

ALLISON VLADIMIR ART CENTER

WHAT WILL I LEARN? As a college prep school, The Storm King School offers all the standard courses and sequences that are typically required by colleges —and much more.

REQUIREMENTS

To graduate, a student must earn a minimum of 20 academic credits. Generally, 1 credit equals one full academic year of instruction. Students are scheduled for at least 5 academic courses each semester.

Here’s how those 20 credits break down

English – 4 credits

Social Studies – 4 credits

Mathematics – 3 credits

Science – 3 credits

Foreign Language – 2 credits

Visual Arts – 1 credit

Performing Arts – 1 credit

Math/Science Elective – 1 credit

Physical Education - (requirement met through sports)

Health Science – 1/2 credit

Community Service – 1/2 credit

Total Required: 20 Credits

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE:

10 Students

COURSES & ELECTIVES ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES

Art History Biology Calculus Computer Science English Literature and Composition Macroeconomics and Microeconomics Physics Psychology Statistics Studio Art

INTERDISCIPLINARY & STUDENT-DIRECTED COURSES

Some of our most popular classes combine elements from different subjects to provide unique points of view.

Here are a few of them: Art, Culture & Global History

A course in world history, described through the art and culture that shaped historical events.

American Studies

This class examines both the history and the literature of American culture.

ELECTIVES

Students take elective courses beginning in the 11th grade. Often faculty offer additional electives based on a personal passion, or when relevant to current cultural or political events.

Recent elective offerings (a partial list): Modern American Fiction Psychology, Mythology and Literature Philosophy, Film and Literature Comparative Government and Law Economics: Money, Economy and Society Environmental Science Digital Photography Drawing & Painting Music Production Songwriting/Composition Music & Video Production I & II Acting & Theater Dance/Advanced Dance

Creative Writing & Art/Design

A mix of creative writing and visual art, this class is project/ portfolio based. Students enrolled in this course produce The Voice, the school’s literary and art magazine.

Language, Logic & The Golden Mean

This senior-level course incorporates elements of mathematics, English, history, music, art and science through a series of in-depth studies pairing two or more of the disciplines.

Wilderness - What Do We Think and Why?

This course provides a broad historical perspective of what wilderness is, and discusses the differing values, ethics and expectations of wilderness. Students spend part of their study exploring the wilderness with their teacher. However, the course focus is mainly on reading, “reacting,” critical thinking, writing and debate.

AREAS OF STUDY

ESL

SKS is a richer place because of its many international OUTDOOR EDUCATION

students. We recognize the challenges non-native English

Outdoor Education is woven into much of what we do.

speakers face. Our extensive ESL program covers grammar,

Whether in a class examining the concept of “Wilderness,”

writing, reading, vocabulary, listening and speaking, and

conducting a sustainability audit of the School’s water and

provides students with the knowledge and training they

energy use, climbing the majestic cliffs of the Shawangunk

need to succeed in college and their careers. ESL students

Ridge or trekking to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, SKS

take their core classes and electives alongside their domestic

students have many opportunities to think about their

counterparts. We prepare our students for the Test of

relationship with our planet.

English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and for entrance into US colleges & universities.

The School’s spectacular location in the Hudson Highlands provides students a unique opportunity to

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES

connect with the environment. Our hope is that, during

SKS’s Academic Support Program works with bright, college-bound students

their time at SKS, students develop a life-long appreciation

ARTS EDUCATION

who benefit from additional support. All students in this program enroll in our

for wilderness and the importance of a sustainable lifestyle.

Our renowned Arts program boasts an accomplished

Metacognition class (“Metacog” for short). While this class is dependent on

faculty, state-of-the-art technology and a variety of

the learning requirements of the student, it generally focuses on helping each

GLOBAL EDUCATION

exciting courses to inspire and stimulate creativity. The

student understand his or her learning needs. The class is taught by a teacher

Global education is a part of our day-to-day experience,

Arts program consists of two disciplines: Visual Arts and

who specializes in working with students who have language-based learning

realized in special events such as our annual International

Performing Arts. Visual Arts offers such courses as drawing,

differences, executive functioning needs or similar challenges that may stand in

Fair, our speaker series and through discussions with

painting, digital design, digital photography, ceramics, and

the way of a bright student’s preparation for college.

advisors and a constant monitoring of current events.

3-D art. Performing Arts provides instruction in theatre,

Within the academic program, students regularly tackle

dance, music (voice & instrumental) and stagecraft. Digital

global issues of poverty, energy and climate change.

media and video/music production are categorized as both Visual and Performing Arts.

The Storm King School has a long tradition of graduating outstanding and acclaimed professionals across the arts spectrum including: Walter Reade Jr. ‘35: President of the Walter Reade Organization Jack Hemingway ‘41: Author Balasz Szabo ‘63: Artist David Parks ‘69: Photographer and film director Steven Zirnkilton ‘76: Actor Wally Pfister ‘79: Academy Award–winning cinematographer & director

WHAT ABOUT ATHLETICS? SKS offers 18 different sports. We field 27 teams at the varsity, junior varsity and club levels. Whether students are working towards playing at the college level or they have never participated in sports of any kind, Storm King students will find something inspiring in our athletic program. Students participate in at least two seasons of Athletics each year in order to meet their Physical Education requirement.

SPORTS WE OFFER:

Fencing Softball Wrestling Tennis Lacrosse Basketball Volleyball Crew Baseball Golf Fitness Cross Country Rock Climbing Ultimate Frisbee Mountain Biking Outdoor Adventure Soccer Sailing

WHAT ABOUT CLUBS? SKS offers a full roster of clubs, ranging from arts

BOAT BUILDING CLUB

to sports to service and beyond. Students follow

In this unique club, students build a cedar-strip canoe that

their passions—or find a new one. And sometimes

is auctioned off as a fundraiser for the school.

student interest sparks a new club.

BLUE KEY CLUB

Here are some examples:

This volunteer-based club is made up of Storm King students who want to play a role in the SKS admissions

ART CLUB

process. Members train to be student tour guides and answer

Students work beyond the traditional art classroom and

questions during Open Houses.

GOLF CLUB

Through a partnership with the nearby Storm King Golf

instead focus on their personal artistic interests. Group art projects (murals, sculptures) and visits to museums,

DRAMA CLUB

Course, this club is intended for students who want to learn

galleries and artist studios allow students to engage with

The Drama Club produces a play and a musical production

to play golf, or those interested in furthering their golf

art in a profound way.

every year. Students learn and practice every aspect of

abilities. Competitive play is available.

creating a live performance: directing, stage management,

.

performing, light and sound technology, set design,

MUSIC

construction and more.

The Music Club explores the various aspects of the world

GIRLS FITNESS CLUB

From Boot Camp classes to spinning and self-defense,

of music, from performance to production. Ensembles form and practice together.

female members demonstrate current fitness levels

SOCIAL DANCE

while they set personal, attainable and measurable goals.

Students learn and explore a variety of ballroom dance

Information on nutrition and healthy habits are also at the

styles from around the world.

core of fitness instruction.

COMMUNITY SERVICE CLUB

The dedicated members of this group go beyond the school’s required community service commitment. Activities include maintaining wellestablished relationships with local food banks and shelters, partnerships with organizations in disadvantaged countries, cemetery and trail clean ups, weekend fundraisers and Earth

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

The Storm King School’s student government ensures that the needs and concerns of the student body are heard and addressed in the decision-making process.

Day and MLK, Jr. Day activities.

2XIST

STUDENT ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE

Storm King’s women’s group empowers and educates

The SEC runs all student events on campus and organizes Spirit Week, Homecoming, Halloween, Casino Night, and Prom.

girls in awareness of women’s issues and healthy living.

COLLEGE? Here’s what we offer:

COLLEGE PREP

first choice schools. But we also want to help you figure

• Guidance and support throughout the

Our Four-Year Plan

out what the right school is—based on your interests and

application process by an experienced,

talents, preparation and potential.

professional college counselor who

We want you to get into the college of your choice. This past year, 85% of our students were accepted into their

provides timely, personalized attention • Assistance in developing a thoughtful

8TH GRADE & FRESHMAN YEARS

and balanced application list of colleges • Assistance in the creation of portfolios

SOPHOMORE YEAR

or the preparation for auditions • Clearly identified tasks and deadlines for students, parents and guardians

JUNIOR YEAR

• Frequent and meaningful communication throughout the selection and application

Students are settling into their new environments and college seems a long way off. Now is a good time for parents to start the conversation about their expectations and student outcomes.

• PSAT exam • At the end of this school year, sophomores meet with their college counselors.

• Students are encouraged to begin visiting colleges in the summer of their sophomore year.

• Students and their families visit college campuses and attend open houses.

• PSAT exam • Students begin to develop the college list that will be refined and adjusted in preparation for the senior year application process.

• Every English class dedicates a unit to“Writing the College Essay.”

process • An open door and a willingness to listen to questions, ideas, frustrations, fears, disappointments and successes

JUNIOR YEAR SPRING

• Coordination of on-campus visits from college admissions representatives and visits to local college campuses and college fairs

• Weekend SAT prep course is offered on campus, and private SAT tutoring is available.

• ACT/SAT, SAT Subject Tests and TOEFL for international students • Students meet with their advisors for thoughtful discussion about the college process.

• Students who need to schedule auditions or prepare portfolios are in close contact with faculty members for help and support.

• Juniors are required to take the SAT near the end of the school year.

SUMMER BEFORE

• Continue (or begin) visiting colleges and universities. Request formal interviews if possible.

SENIOR YEAR

• Students fine-tune their college lists.

WE WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO

• Senior-only meetings with SKS college counselor to review the application process, the Common Application and the use of the Collegeboard website.

• The final college list is in place.

• College application process begins (usually runs November through February).

• Advisors work individually with seniors as they finish their applications.

• Storm King hosts college admissions representatives on campus, schedules visits to local

THRIVE AT A GREAT COLLEGE.

college campuses, and attends a variety of college fairs throughout the year.

NOT ONLY WILL WE HELP YOU GET INTO A GREAT COLLEGE,

SENIOR YEAR

Dates and times are posted on campus, announced at all-school meetings and posted on the website.

• Students have two additional options to take the SAT.

WHERE WILL I LIVE?

DAY STUDENTS

We encourage our day students to become fully involved The Storm King School’s 5 dormitories on campus house

members of the community by participating actively in campus

from 10 to 40 students apiece. For the most part, students

life. In addition to classes, day students who play on teams,

live in either a male or female dorm, though Highmount

join clubs, perform as members of the School’s music, dance

House occasionally hosts both boys and girls, living on

and theater groups or get involved in student government

alternating floors.

make friends and soon find themselves barely distinguishable from boarding students. Day students participate in weekend

DORM LIFE

activities, furthering the inevitable camaraderie that comes

Every dormitory is home to several faculty members (dorm

from socializing in a non-academic setting.

parents) and their families. These living arrangements encourage close relationships among students and between students and their dorm parents. All the dormitories contain a mix of students from all class years, which creates an environment of mentorship and role modeling. Students

Day students comprise 15% to 20% of our enrollment.

usually room with someone at or near their grade level.

Within each dorm there are common areas where students can socialize or study.

Within each dormitory, upper class students apply for and

The lounges have couches, tables and a big-screen TV, plus a microwave, refrigerator,

are selected as Resident Assistants (RA). These students are

a water cooler and board games.

crucial in the role of a supportive advisor and counselor. They work closely with the dorm parents to help ensure that SKS’s core values of Truth, Respect and Responsibility are observed in the dorms. They are also available to assist students in navigating life at SKS whether academically, athletically or socially.

Most students live in double rooms (with one roommate), with the occasional triple.

For many students, dorm life is one of the most valuable aspects of their time at SKS. Whether it’s studying for a history mid-term or watching a late-night movie, sharing it with people from different backgrounds is a rewarding learning experience.

Each dorm room is equipped with the basics: a bed, a desk, a dresser, and a closet/wardrobe.

Bathrooms are shared

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? Our food philosophy and our food-service program is designed to provide the best choices for student health, the local community and the environment. Meals are made with natural, seasonal and organic ingredients from local farms in the Hudson Valley.

Students, faculty and staff have the pleasure of eating three wholesome meals per day in the Walter Orrs Commons dining hall, known for its large windows overlooking the Hudson River and offering stunning views of the distant Catskill Mountains.

SPECIAL DIETS

We take dietary needs and food allergies seriously. Some students and staff are sensitive to nuts, dairy and other foods. Our food service director works to accommodate all dietary needs by providing varied options at every meal.

STUDENT CENTER SNACK BAR

Outside of regular meal hours, the Snack Bar located in the Student Center serves a menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, chicken wings, hot dogs, French fries, onion rings, milk shakes, soft drinks, smoothies, chips, cookies and Asian noodle bowls.

HERE’S WHAT’S ON THE MENU 99% of our produce is organic

Our meat & poultry HORMONES

is free from

ADDITIVES

additives, hormones

ANTIBIOTICS

and antibiotics (including deli meats)

Organic local dairy, milk, butter, cream, SALAD BAR

HOMEMADE SOUPS

Highlighted by fresh, locally grown produce and organic field greens

Two daily choices: 1 vegetarian or vegan & 1 with meat

cottage cheese, and yogurt

Our eggs come from cage-free chickens HOT MEALS

Meat & vegan/vegetarian options every day

No high fructose corn syrup

Paper products SANDWICH BAR

NOODLE BAR

Premium Boar’s Head deli meats, cheeses, and fresh bread, all grilled to order

Create your own bowl stir fried to order from a choice of noodles, veggies, meats, seafood and sauces

made of 100% renewable plant material (sugar cane and bamboo)

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Take part in our Student for a Day Program and see if The Storm King School is right for you. You may shadow a student in the morning, attend classes, and meet other Storm King students and faculty. Students come away with a better understanding of life at The Storm King School.

314 Mountain Road, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520 The Admissions Office

845.458.7542 or 845.458.7510 admissions@sks.org

www.sks.org