EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD FOR THE WHOLE WORLD
Ross Upper School G RA D E S 7–1 2, PG
Educating the Whole Child for the Whole World Ross School is a co-educational boarding and day school. Ross Upper School comprises two divisions: Middle School focuses on grades 7–8, while the High School serves grades 9–12 and postgraduate students. Ross School’s mission is to change the way education meets the future; to foster interdisciplinary, integrated thinking and innovative leadership; to engage fully in the global community; and to facilitate lifelong learning. Ross provides students with the opportunities to expand and grow in the classroom and as members of the community by educating the whole child for the whole world—mind, spirit, and body.
“ Ross School gave me the confidence, skills, and ability to thrive... and made me a world citizen.” PHILOSOPHY
THE SPIRAL CURRICULUM
At the heart of Ross School’s educational philosophy is the firm belief that all students can become successful learners. We recognize that each child is splendidly unique, and believe school ought to be flexible and adaptive, rather than standardized or one-size-fits-all, in order to meet the needs of all our children. The innovative Ross curriculum is based on a framework of cultural history, interwoven with all the other disciplines into a rich tapestry. A Ross education offers learning experiences and assessments to accommodate all different types of learners, giving our students a great sense of inclusion and value, and allows students to view the world with an integrated perspective, preparing them for citizenship in the global community.
Cultural history is at the core of the Ross School curriculum. The curriculum follows an ascending spiral of historical events plotted chronologically, from prehistory to the future, with the student educationally situated in the center of this expanding form. Ross uses a cultural history lens to examine other disciplines—mathematics, science, languages and literature, visual arts, performing arts, media and technology, and wellness. This integrated, multidisciplinary approach helps to foster students’ criticalthinking and active problem-solving abilities.
CORE VALUES Students, faculty, and staff alike aspire to leave the Ross learning environment in a better condition than they encounter it, whether by contributing to the school’s intellectual journey or by preserving the comfort and beauty of the physical space that nurtures that journey. These goals are reflected in the Core Values that all members of the Ross community aspire to: Compassion
Cooperation
Courage
Gratitude
Integrity
Mindfulness
Respect
Responsibility
The Upper School curriculum begins in 7th grade with world empires and universal religions in 356 BCE. Subsequent grades study the climax of hierarchical civilizations, the emergence of the modern perspective, revolution and the rise of the individual, global economic consolidation and visionary revolts, and the evolution of consciousness.
ELECTIVES There are more than 100 electives available to students in grades 9–12, which vary each term and range from Modern Dance, to World Religions, to Electronics, to Logic, with yearlong and single-term options. Students in good standing whose interests are not found in the offered electives, or those who wish to pursue more in-depth studies in a particular area, may propose independent study under the tutelage of a faculty mentor.
Boarding GRADES 7–12, PG
Ross School offers two residential options for students in grades 7–12: full-time and five-day boarding. Being a boarding student at Ross is an exciting experience that introduces students to other cultures, prepares young people for the increased independence and responsibility of university academics, and sparks lifelong friendships. After their academic day, Ross boarding students take part in athletics and extracurricular activities, and have dinner with friends and faculty and staff members in the Ross Café. Each evening, house parents supervise homework and leisure time back at the boarding houses. On weekends, students can enjoy organized activities or take time to study and unwind. Weekend offerings may include recreational sports tournaments, local shopping, movies, amusement parks, or trips to New York City for a show, museums, or exploration. Five-day boarding students participate in the boarding program as their “home away from home.” Benefiting from the camaraderie of housemates from
all over the world, meals at the Café, and the structure of extracurricular activities and homework sessions with classmates, they also enjoy being able to return to their families on weekends. ACCOMMODATIONS Boarding students reside in luxurious family-style houses with Ross faculty and staff as house parents in a safe, welcoming living environment. Each house features spacious bedrooms, private bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and study rooms. Students share their bathrooms and community living spaces with one or more roommates. All accommodations include Internet access, a closet, and a study area. Meals are taken three times a day at the renowned Ross
Learn more at www.ross.org
Café, although it is not uncommon for a house to celebrate certain occasions with a communally prepared dinner. SUPPORT Learning to live away from home and to be independent is a major milestone for any teenager. The Ross boarding houses are designed to give students a home-like feeling. House parents communicate regularly with students’ parents and work closely with both the Director of Residential Life and faculty advisors to ensure students are doing well emotionally, physically, and academically. Ross boarding students have a strong support network on which to rely, including house parents, faculty, ESOL teachers, and the Director of Residential Life.
Life at Ross School
COLLEGE COUNSELING
SENIOR PROJECTS
The process of preparing for postgraduate study begins in the spring of grade 9 with a workshop for both students and parents to outline the process they will work through as each student progresses through the Upper School. College workshop evenings are offered at key times for all parents, and representatives from universities and colleges from across the country visit each fall.
The Senior Project is the culmination of a student’s learning experience at Ross. Students embody their passions through a process and product that integrate such Ross principles as multiple intelligences, cultural and historical context, personal reflection, application of technology, and pursuit of excellence. A faculty mentor, acting as facilitator, teacher, advisor, editor, critic, and advocate, works individually with each student and is critical to the evolution and realization of the project.
ADVISORY The advisory program seeks to provide a caring and supportive environment where academic excellence, social skills, self-esteem, and respect for others are emphasized. Advisors and advisees meet on a regular basis each week. For each student, the advisor is the primary point of contact for issues related to academic achievement, completion of graduation requirements, conduct issues, and any additional areas in which the student may need guidance.
SERVICE LEARNING Community service and humanitarian projects play a significant and varied role in the Ross School curriculum. The school’s motto, “Know Thyself in Order to Serve,” reflects Ross School’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful lives and leadership in the global community. Some recent service initiatives have included building Habitat for Humanity houses locally and internationally; maintaining local trails, beaches, and roadways; hosting Veterans Day luncheons; and organizing holiday toy drives for local families in need.
ATHLETICS Students are required to participate in at least one team sport while at Ross, though many choose to participate and develop their athletic skills beyond that requirement. Athletic offerings at Ross include the following: Grades 7–8 Basketball, Volleyball, Lacrosse Grades 9–12 Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Rowing, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Surfing, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball
FIELD ACADEMY Field Academy is an opportunity for students and teachers to travel and work intensively on group and individual projects during the three weeks between Winter and Spring Terms. Classes and programs in a wide variety of subjects are offered to expose students to in-depth study, new interests, possible college/ career paths, volunteer opportunities, and recreational pursuits. Many of these occur in conjunction with travel, both abroad and within the United States. Independent study projects may also be proposed. Projects often form the basis for continued study or interaction, expansion into a Senior Project, or the impetus for fundraising or other community service efforts.
CAFÉ The Ross School Café serves breakfast and lunch to all students and faculty, and dinner to boarders. It is the mission of the Café to create healthy, nutritious, wholesome, and flavorful food from regional, organic, seasonal, sustainable ingredients. From the garden outside the Center for Well-Being to the tables upstairs and then to the compost pile to restart the process, Ross students actively participate in a natural food cycle that is healthy for them and for the planet.
The design achieves a balance of the tactile and the technological, as well as an integration of the elements of light, fire, stone, water, and wood. The school is home to original art, fine reproductions, and artifacts from all over the world, as well as advanced technology campuswide, a state-of-the-art treetop dining area, and incomparably beautiful and versatile performing arts, science, visual arts, media, and sports facilities spread across a sprawling campus in East Hampton, New York.
FACILITIES
LOCATION
Ross Upper School inhabits a unique set of spaces that reflect an unparalleled educational and aesthetic standard. The emphasis of the buildings and grounds is on intention; these are places that waken the senses and inspire people to interact significantly, to inquire broadly and deeply, and to seek the highest of themselves.
Ross Upper School is located in the beautiful village of East Hampton, on the East End of Long Island, New York. The Hamptons feature beaches, wetlands, farmland, and village life, as well as elegant houses, fine dining, and film festivals, only two hours away from New York City.
CONNECT Connect with the Ross School community. www.facebook.com/rossschool www.twitter/rossschool www.instagram/rossschool
APPLY Apply online today! www.ross.org
INQUIRE We look forward to hearing from you! Email admissions@ross.org or call 631-907-5400. UP P E R S C HOOL 18 GOODFR I E ND DR I V E EAS T HAMP T ON, NE W YORK 1 1 9 3 7 TE L: 631-907-5000 FAX: 631-907-5557 LOW E R S C HOOL 739 B UT T E R LANE P.O. B OX 604
VISIT Enjoy a Wednesday Walkabouts campus tour every Wednesday at 9:00am and 3:00pm at Ross Upper School. Email visit@ross.org or call 631-907-5400 for more information. 6
BRI DGE HAMP T ON, NE W YORK 1 1 9 3 2 TE L: 631-537-1240 FAX: 631-907-5885
W WW.R OS S .OR G 9/ 20 1 7
Ross School is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA), and was awarded the first International Credential ever given by MSA. MSA has also recognized Ross as a Program of Distinction in Global Literacies.