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