In 1995, three visionary women - all mothers and
OUR APPROACH
graduates of girls’ schools - turned a dream into a
TEACHING & LEARNING
19
reality and founded The Archer School for Girls.
WHY A GIRLS’ SCHOOL
34
COLLEGE & BEYOND
42
A contemporary girls’ school, Archer offers a 21st century education fostering intellectual leadership, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
7
EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS 46 LIFE AFTER ARCHER
At the heart of an Archer education is
Ambitious, Joyful Learning
54
Who is an
Archer Girl?
Your daughter. Always a learner. Now she’s at that crucial stage where she’s beginning to realize what moves her. The stage where, under the careful guidance of teachers who understand her interests and motivations, she can go from steps to leaps.
The next seven years are all about her - who she’s becoming, what she’s pursuing, where her natural curiosity and well-practiced talents can take her. That’s where Archer comes in. We founded this school to orchestrate ambitious and joyful learning for every girl who steps through our doors. That means getting to know every girl on a personal level, uncovering what moves her, and giving her every opportunity to showcase her emerging intellect and talents. An Archer education is all about learning that there are no limits to a girl’s possibilities.
3
Archer is
Innovative & Intentional
Every programmatic decision is based on current research about how girls develop and thrive. As a school, Archer consistently reaches out to the knowledge base and partners with some of the nation’s leading universities to discover the ways girls learn best. Similarly, the curriculum is highly integrated and steeped in the experiential so that girls develop the confidence to become drivers of their own learning.
5
Our Approach
7
Archer does school differently. At Archer, we never allow
“Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow.�
our successes to keep us from continually evolving. We support and expect our students to achieve at the highest levels but remind them, and ourselves, that
- William Pollard
complacency and arrogance are obstacles to true excellence. Archer is a young, dynamic institution. We are not burdened by heritage or the false sense that the way we did things even five years ago is enough to prepare our students for achievement in the 21st century. In fact, it is in our mission to be reflexive and responsive to the changing landscape of education. Your daughter will experience the classroom like never before, surrounded by collaborative teachers who are expected to learn and continually improve their craft.
8
Excellence without arrogance
OUR APPROACH
High Stress does not equal
High Achievement OUR APPROACH
At Archer, we know that happy girls are highly motivated. School shouldn’t hurt. All the research shows that chronic stress impedes learning and high-level achievement. We do our best work when we are happy. The truth is that high expectations do not have to be stressful, and at Archer we know this hinges precisely on the quality of teaching. Any school can hold the bar high for students, but the best schools have teachers who take responsibility for getting them there. Thus, Archer takes pride in our unparalleled, research-based teaching methods, excellent outcomes, and healthy culture, which translate into our motto – ambitious, joyful learning. In the 2017 NAIS High School Survey of Student Engagement, Archer scored above the national average in each dimension of student engagement including Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Engagement. Archer girls want to do it all; it is our job to help them hone their passions and channel their strengths so that they learn to lead generative yet balanced lives.
11
Independent Schools do not breed
“Mean Girls”
12
At Archer, it’s clear: girls are not natural enemies. There’s a surprise in store for first-
A culture where girls think learning is
time Archer visitors: It’s precisely
cool, where they honor achievement,
not the common stereotype of an all-
applaud success, and have each
girls’ school. Gone are the exclusive
others’ backs when times get tough.
cliques, the petty jealousies, judgments based on shallow circumstances.
It’s almost too unexpected to imagine. But once you see it for
In their place? A supportive sisterhood
yourself, you’ll probably find yourself
where every girl feels welcomed. Highly
watching the interactions around
spirited lunch where your daughter
you and thinking, “lucky girls.”
can sit anywhere and feel at home.
OUR APPROACH
For Archer girls, it’s all about healthy competition. But here are some things Archer girls don’t compete about: boys, clothing labels, class rank, college choice. Competition at Archer transcends the superficial because it’s healthy– and productive. Your daughter– surrounded by supportive, highachieving girls–emulates the work ethic and dedication of her peers. She and her best friend discuss how, even though their essays on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein adopt different points of view, they still arrive at similar conclusions about how society views “otherness.” She might ask her lab partner, “How did you balance that chemical equation?” In explaining it, both girls gain a deeper understanding of the material and concepts. Archer girls take pride in their classmates’ achievements and learn from them along the way.
14
Healthy Competition is a good thing
OUR APPROACH
We’re in this
Together
16
At Archer, we know a positive partnership between school and home is key to your daughter’s success. New parents at Archer are often
A positive school-parent partnership
surprised by how diverse and down-
is central to your daughter becoming
to-earth our families are. Our students
a healthy, high-achieving girl. Archer
come from 79 different zip codes, and
offers its parents ongoing education on
over half of our students come from
issues facing girls today – leadership,
public elementary and middle schools.
resilience, self-esteem, positive body
Our community reflects the face of
image, digital literacy, and more.
Greater Los Angeles; this is intentional
We foster thoughtful conversations
since we know that diverse communities
at school and at home to support
are more inclusive and kind.
parents as their daughter’s academic and social journey unfolds.
OUR APPROACH
Teaching and
Learning 19
Great  Teachers
are not just experts in their subject area
20
Archer faculty are also experts in teaching children. We believe that every teacher should
Independent schools are famous for
have to take the Hippocratic oath:
hiring teachers with content area
“Do No Harm.” An experienced
expertise; however, having a Ph.D. in
teacher of girls knows that relationships
math does not necessarily mean one
are at the heart of everything.
can teach math. An Archer teacher
If you’ve ever heard your daughter say, “I don’t like (fill in the subject area); my teacher doesn’t like me,” that’s because for girls the relationship comes first. Archer girls know their teachers care deeply about them as individuals. As a result, they are willing to take risks and embrace challenges they might otherwise avoid in a less
recognizes that if a student has not mastered a concept, he or she may not have taught it effectively. This is what we call reflective practice. As a community, we are explicit and extremely literate about what good teaching looks like – including the girls themselves who typically thank their teachers at the end of each class.
supportive and connected environment.
TEACHING & LEARNING
22
Taking notes all day does not result in
Real Learning Archer girls learn by doing. We take a brain-based approach to
Through programs such as the Saban
teaching and understand that the very
IDEAlab, Honors Research & Science,
structure of the school day must be
and the Institute for Film & Video
designed to optimize every student’s
Literacy, students have the chance to
learning. Believe it or not, the seven
transfer and apply skills and concepts
period, 45-minute schedule to which
to authentic learning experiences.
many schools still cling derives from a turn-of-the-century factory efficiency model. It’s sufficient if all a teacher does is lecture. An Archer teacher never just lectures, and our schedule reflects this.
The results speak for themselves. In 2019, an Archer student won first place in the California Science and Engineering Fair for her study of microplastics in sea salts. Three
We train our faculty in research-based
students also placed first overall at the
pedagogy and equip each teacher with
Raytheon Engineering Games after
an instructional tool box and common
cracking cyphers of increasing difficulty
language with which to reflect on and
and participating in a math challenge.
improve their practice. Our teachers
Archer’s InvenTeam, which challenges
ensure that students engage actively
Middle and Upper School students to
with the material, think analytically,
solve real-world problems in teams, has
and construct their own meaning.
been named twice by the Lemelson-MIT program as an Excite Award recipient.
TEACHING & LEARNING
Schools should be among our most
Dynamic Institutions Archer partners with the country’s leading research institutes to hone our approach. We know a lot more today than we
partnerships with Stanford,
did over 20 years ago about educating
UPenn, USC, UCLA and others,
girls. While Archer’s ultimate goals and
our teachers study issues of gender
standards are those of any fine liberal
in education for the ultimate benefit
arts institution, we pay close attention
of their students. Indeed, it is in our
to the research to better understand the
very mission to remain focused on
rapidly changing educational landscape.
the ways girls learn best. Archer has also been a finalist for the
We take pride in our skillful faculty
Lemelson-MIT grant and a Lemelson-
who make Archer the dynamic and
MIT Excite Award recipient.
innovative place that it is. In our
24
TEACHING & LEARNING
26
Technology is not a fad
At Archer, the future of education is happening now. Today’s students use technology regularly to
Let’s face it, paper is quickly becoming a
access information and construct knowledge.
thing of the past. At Archer, students can
This reality has fundamentally changed the
connect with classmates and teachers outside
nature of formal education and the role of the
the classroom, access online course notes and
teacher. Through the purposeful and natural
digital resources, and have 24/7 access to
integration of digital tools, Archer teachers
assignments and grades - as do their parents.
develop more innovative and individualized learning opportunities for all students.
As educators in the digital age, we teach our students and parents about the mindful
Archer is a leader in the use of educational
and responsible use of technology. We
technology. Our well-established 1 to 1
believe that the best way to do this is
program provides every student with an
by embracing technology’s permanence,
Apple iPad or MacBook, fully loaded with
recognizing its potential for misuse, and
the most current and educational software
ultimately enjoying its endless benefits.
on the market. This commitment assures equity of access to the tools our teachers need to provide a true 21st century classroom.
TEACHING & LEARNING
It’s not your mother’s
P.E. 28
At Archer, fitness goes beyond running the mile. Being a teenage girl today isn’t easy.
of the curriculum focuses on topics
Archer takes a holistic approach to
such as personal values, mindfulness,
fitness and wellness. Our curriculum
healthy decision-making, self esteem,
develops the whole girl and encourages
relationships, and body image.
her to live a balanced, healthy life – physically, emotionally, and socially.
Archer girls are encouraged to be self-advocates and take ownership of
The fitness component of our program
their own well-being. Programs like
is uniquely designed to introduce
Peer Support, X-Block, and Advisory
students to a wide variety of activities,
provide a safe space for girls to discuss
from kickboxing and flag football to
what matters most. The supportive
Ultimate Frisbee and yoga. Students
atmosphere that exists among our
learn the importance of working as a
students is genuine, healthy, and fun.
team and making fitness a long-term personal goal. The wellness piece
TEACHING & LEARNING
It’s more than just a
Game 30
Archer Athletics push girls to new heights. Archer girls take to the field and court, competing in a variety of sports each season. While some of our graduates go on to compete in college, all of our student athletes gain valuable life skills through participation in athletics. Sports at Archer strengthen bonds, promote healthy competition, and foster resilience.
Fall Sports
Winter Sports
Spring Sports
Cross Country
Basketball
Softball
Tennis
Soccer
Swimming
Equestrian
Equestrian
Equestrian
Volleyball
Beach Volleyball Track & Field TEACHING & LEARNING
32
Moving beyond a
Simple Elective Archer girls discover their creative voices through Visual and Performing Arts. An Archer education begins in the
Our heralded performing arts program
classroom, but girls find outlets–creative
stages plays and musicals for Upper
and athletic–across our campus.
and Middle School students twice a
Archer provides an intensive visual
semester. Likewise, Archer’s award-
arts program that supports girls’
winning choir, a cappella, and orchestra
burgeoning talents and trains them in
groups give public performances and
genres ranging from drawing, painting,
play in competitions throughout the
sculpture, and ceramics to printmold,
year, while our dancers perfect their
photography, and graphic design.
technique for our annual Night of
As an Archer artist, each girl has the opportunity to develop an in-depth portfolio for art school or explore photography as a novice. She can put on her own exhibition as part of a senior-year independent study or learn the basics of advanced design software.
Dance and Dance Showcase. For girls interested in working behind the scenes, the Archer Tech Crew provides students an opportunity to experience stagecraft from the inside – designing lights and sound, building sets, and managing the stage.
It all depends upon her personal
Whether they specialize in visual or
interests, motivations, and talents.
performing arts, Archer girls quickly find their individual niches and excel.
TEACHING & LEARNING
34
Why a
Girls’ School? It’s about climate. And the climate in co-ed schools remains “chilly” for girls. Dr. Bernice Sandler, co-author of the
In a girls’ school, the girls are always
landmark Title IX legislation, which
called on first, always the president
afforded girls equal opportunity in
of the student body, the captain of
education and athletics, coined the
the engineering and design team, the
term “chilly climate.” It describes the
CEO of the student store, and the
well-documented gender dynamics
lead chair in the orchestra. So, it’s
and biases inherent in co-ed
not surprising that comprehensive
environments. Whether in a classroom
studies done by the U.S. government
or a corporate boardroom, we call
and UCLA found that girls’ school
on men more, give them more praise
graduates exhibit higher achievement,
for what they say, and interrupt them
greater confidence, and more
less. Over the course of 12 years
inclination to assume leadership.
of schooling, this has a cumulative
Archer alumnae underscore these
and damaging effect on a girl’s self-
findings as they earn advanced degrees
esteem, confidence, and aspirations.
and top awards in medicine, law, business, journalism, and science.
Study - Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Difference in their Characteristics and the Transition to College, Linda J. Sax, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
36
The Reality is Men Still
Run the World Archer is determined to change that. According to the 2019 Catalyst Research
Of those who do ascend to the highest
findings, women currently constitute
level of government and business, girls’
half the total U.S. workforce, earn 57%
school and women’s college graduates
of bachelors degrees, 59% of masters
are leading the way. Take for example
degrees, and 53% of doctorate degrees.
the first three female U.S. Secretaries of
Yet women hold only 5% of CEO
State, or the fact that over two-thirds
positions and only 21% of board seats
of female Heads of State worldwide
in S&P 500 companies. Women also
are graduates of single-sex schools.
suffer a pay gap that begins with their very first job and increases over time.
It’s clear: single-sex environments empower future leaders and Archer
Additionally, while the 116th U.S.
girls come to learn that leadership,
Congress boasts the highest numbers
in essence, is service and requires
of women in the Senate and the House
abundant courage, self-reflection,
of Representatives, women still only
and a great deal of good humor.
represent 25% of senators and 23% of representatives. Of the nation’s 50 governors, only nine are female, a mere 18%.
WHY A GIRLS' SCHOOL
Taking on the
“Real World” Girls’ school graduates have the edge. Girls’ schools have enjoyed a
Contrary to the claim that single-sex
renaissance over the past decade,
schools don’t prepare girls for the
and with good reason. Girls’
“real world,” research continues to
schools create a proven culture of
validate and quantify the advantages
achievement. Think about it. During
of an all-girls education, citing higher
the school day your daughter is free
test scores, superior math, writing,
to focus on what actually matters:
and science skills, higher numbers of
finding her passion, developing her
girls majoring in STEM fields, and a
voice, and ultimately building the
more positive approach to learning.
confidence that will underlie her every
Simply put, Archer graduates exhibit
achievement. At Archer, girls expect
higher confidence which, in turn,
to be called on, heard, and afforded
results in higher achievement.
every opportunity to succeed.
38
WHY A GIRLS' SCHOOL
Traditions, without being
Traditional
WHY A GIRLS' SCHOOL
Archer’s oldest tradition is joy. Being a young school has many benefits. As a community, we are willing to embrace change, but we also understand the importance of traditions as a way to foster school spirit and pride. Community-wide events such as Founders’ Day, One Book, Spirit Week, the Halloween Celebration, Moving Up Day, and the beloved Maypole Dance ensure a cohesive, happy culture where we celebrate the accomplishments of today, stay connected to Archer’s past, and look ahead to the future.
41
College Guidance Program 42
Your daughter deserves to attend a college worthy of her achievements. We are exceedingly proud of our college
The college application process can
acceptance record, and admissions
be stressful, but it doesn’t have to
officers routinely praise Archer girls
be. Balance is a word often used at
for their maturity, poise, humility,
Archer. In 9th and 10th grades, deans
and creativity. In any given year,
help students make appropriate course
Archer’s graduating seniors matriculate
selections, monitor individual student
to a wide range of highly selective
progress, and work directly with
colleges and universities. Our students
teachers and parents. Developing sound
attend small liberal arts colleges,
study habits while finding a balance
large public and private universities,
between academic and extracurricular
engineering schools, art institutes, and
endeavors positions every student to
professional academies specializing
thrive after graduation. While the
in visual and performing arts.
conversation about college starts early, we believe that freshman and sophomores should be focused primarily on their lives as Archer students.
COLLEGE GUIDANCE
Archer graduates can be found on the campuses of: American University The American University of Paris Amherst College Bard College Barnard College Bates College Brandeis University Brown University Carnegie Mellon University Columbia University Connecticut College Cooper Union Cornell University Dartmouth College Duke University Emerson College Emory University Eugene Lang College Fordham University Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering The George Washington University Georgetown University Harvard University Haverford College Harvey Mudd College Howard University Lewis & Clark College Middlebury College Mount Holyoke College New York University Northwestern University Occidental College Parsons School of Design Pomona College Pratt Institute Princeton University Reed College Sarah Lawrence College Scripps College Skidmore College Smith College Stanford University Swarthmore College Syracuse University Tulane University University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles University of Chicago University of Miami University of Pennsylvania University of San Diego University of Southern California Vanderbilt University Vassar College Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Wesleyan University Williams College Yale University For a complete matriculation list, please visit www.archer.org/admissions/college.
44
College Guidance at Archer Archer boasts two full-time college
Just before classes resume in senior
guidance counselors who work closely
year, Archer offers a College Jumpstart
with students and their families
to work intensively on applications,
throughout the process. Every girl is
interviewing, and essay writing.
assigned her own guidance counselor,
Students continue to meet during the
and the Human Development
first semester to discuss their individual
curriculum in 11th grade is designed
application process. Archer’s thoughtful
to help them navigate the college
college curriculum ensures an ambitious
search process. Junior year is an
yet healthy future for all its graduates,
opportunity for the counselors to
empowering them to choose a college
get to know each student and her
worthy of her achievements and dreams.
family personally. This partnership begins the process of creating a list of schools that meet the student’s interests and push her to new heights.
COLLEGE GUIDANCE
Given the right tools, an Archer girl creates
Her Own Learning 46
The Eastern Star Gallery at Archer On the surface, the gallery is an
Girls occupy every position within
attractive, modern space for displaying
The Eastern Star Gallery at Archer.
the artwork of students and guest
Co-directors, managers, docents,
exhibitors. But like many things at
communications directors, exhibition
Archer, it’s more than meets the eye –
designers, historians, and photographers
it’s experiential learning at its best. We
all work together to create a publicly
start with girls in love with art. Then
attended, professional-level art
we put them under the guidance of an
exhibit. Our inaugural show in
expert teacher who knows the landscape
2006 featured the photography of
of the contemporary L.A. art scene and
the late Leonard Nimoy. Since then
the ins and outs of running a gallery.
we’ve hosted sculptors, painters,
Our philosophy: set up the perfect
photographers, and ceramicists.
conditions where the girls’ passion
And the girls do it all. They consult
for art helps them learn in areas
with museum professionals as well as
that diverge far from typical “art
with our own gallery director, getting
appreciation.” The girls form a
advice, tips, and techniques. They read
student board that oversees the
the books and do the research. They
production of a fully realized art
keep track of the finances. They help
show from conception to exhibition.
choose and mount the artwork. Most of all, they learn to surpass their own expectations every step of the way.
EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS AT ARCHER
48
Empowering Women in Film The film industry has a long-standing
Archer strives to encourage a new
reputation as a men’s club, and recent
generation of female filmmakers
statistics certainly support this claim.
through its courses in Film,
According to a 2019 report from the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, only 29% of the top grossing
visitors and experts speaking on campus, the MediaSpace, and the annual Archer Film Festival.
family films had a female lead, even
Archer’s annual student-run
though films led by women grossed
festival is open to high school
more on average than films led by
students internationally, dedicated
men. Two males appear onscreen in
to empowering female filmakers.
speaking roles to every one female
Each year, participants get the
and, in films with a male lead, male
rare opportunity to screen their
characters appeared and spoke nearly
films at the festival and learn from
twice as often as female characters.
high-level industry professionals at a series of panel discussions.
EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS AT ARCHER
National Outdoor Leadership School
Calculated risk-taking is part of Archer’s mission. Students are expected to explore their limits and in doing so discover their strengths. Our Arrow Week program allows students to gain self-knowledge and skill through challenging experiences outside of the classroom.
50
Learning the Art of Leadership Archer partners with the National
risk management, and environmental
Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
studies. Students learn about what it
to provide a program that promotes
means to lead effectively and discover
self-discovery and personal growth.
their own leadership “style” as they
Founded in 1965, NOLS is a proven
venture out on five-day backpacking
leader in worldwide outdoor education.
courses. Trips are an integral part
Archer is in good company, as NOLS
of an Archer education. While most
partners with such notable organizations
independent schools offer some form of
as NASA, Harvard Medical School,
outdoor education, Archer surpasses its
the United States Naval Academy, The
peers by offering the NOLS experience.
Nature Conservancy, and Google.
Archer’s tenets of leadership, respect,
The Arrow Week curriculum for grades 7, 9, and 11 is an opportunity for
and responsibility are incorporated into all aspects of the daily life.
students to gain an appreciation and
Our students have backpacked through
respect for the natural environment,
the mountains in southern Arizona
while learning valuable leadership
and New Mexico, the canyons and
and interpersonal skills. The core of
Anasazi ruins of southern Utah,
the Arrow Week/NOLS curriculum
and the mountains and lakes in the
centers on leadership, technical skills,
North= Cascades in Washington.
EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS AT ARCHER
52
Interdisciplinary Studies Program How Girls Learn Best A progressive learning environment,
These innovative course offerings
Archer remains committed to meeting
teach cognitive skills and encourage
girls where they are, developing
students to pursue connections in
and evolving its programs based on
meaningful contexts. Interdisciplinary
research of how girls learn best.
learning deepens understanding,
In 2016, the School introduced the Interdisciplinary Studies Program (ISP), offering students classes that integrate coursework in innovative classes including ​A rt + Technology and Sustainable Living and Design.
improves retention, and enhances critical thinking and problemsolving abilities while developing students’ capacity to develop multiple perspectives. Skills and knowledge are assessed through complex tasks and project-based assessments
ISP offers students the ability to
that will require the synthesis of
grapple with complex issues and
multiple domains of learning.
ideas that span multiple disciplines.
EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS AT ARCHER
54
STEM @ Archer Engaging Girls to Succeed Archer believes that every girl can excel
a connected approach to see the
at Science, Technology, Engineering,
dynamic relationship between algebra,
and Math (STEM). Students are
geometry, statistics, and probability.
engaged in a challenging curriculum that provides a deliberate balance between cultivating scientific and mathematical literacy and encouraging innovation. Technology is incorporated into all aspects of the curriculum with student-driven research at the core.
In high school, students have the opportunity to take a year-long Honors Research in Science course. During the first semester, students explore current research topics through close readings of scientific journals and presentations from local scientists.
Classes are open-ended, with inquiry
During the second semester, they work
labs in science allowing students to
closely with an advisor to design and
design their own procedures and
execute an original scientific study
processes to answer a question or solve
utilizing cutting edge technology in
a problem. Engineering and robotics are
Archer’s on-site research lab. At the
integrated into the science curriculum
end of the semester, students present
beginning in 6th grade, with a coding
their findings at an annual conference.
class as part of their year-long study of the foundations of language. All Archer students learn to design, build, and program through class offerings including Web and App Design, Introduction to Computer Science, and advanced Computer Science courses. Our integrated math curriculum
Each year, Archer proudly hosts a collegiate-level STEM symposium where local high school scientists are invited to submit their work for consideration at the event. The symposium provides an opportunity for students to present their work and exchange ideas with peers and industry professionals.
provides girls the opportunity to study all strands of math in
EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS AT ARCHER
Ambitious &
Joyful
56
Archer is Transformative We begin with exuberant, multi-
After Archer, she sees all the possibilities
talented girls. We surround them with
in front of her and possesses the
expert teachers attuned to how girls
wherewithal to seize them. She goes
learn best. We offer them a challenging
on to college with a keen intellect, a
curriculum, a classical visual and
healthy self-confidence, an awareness
performing arts program, competitive
of global realities, and the passion
athletics, and experiential learning
to make her contribution matter
opportunities ranging from study
in whatever field she chooses.
abroad to community service. We see their abilities accrue, their energy build, their confidence reach new heights. And we send them into the broader world, where they become leaders and pursue productive, joyful lives. We’re not in the business of changing
When we founded The Archer School for Girls in 1995, we broke the mold of Los Angeles independent schools. Today, Archer girls continue to break the mold of what girls can accomplish. It’s an attitude we instill, and one that lasts a lifetime.
a girl’s essential nature, but rather of drawing out her unique potential.
LIFE AFTER ARCHER
Moving Archer Forward In August 2015, after four years of
The Archer field and sport court
a rigorous and comprehensive public
underwent improvements in the
engagement and review process, the
summer of 2019. Features include an
Los Angeles City Council unanimously
additional 1,000 square feet, built-in
approved The Archer School for
seating on the hillside for up to 100
Girls’ Campus Preservation and
students, a state-of-the-art irrigation
Improvement Plan – the foundation
system, sustainable drought-tolerant
for the future of Archer.
Bermudagrass and 30 new trees,
In April 2019, Archer opened the
and ADA access for all facilities.
new Diana Meehan Center. The new
Learn more about the Campus Master
facility, complete with state-of-the-art
Plan at www.archer.org/forward.
classrooms, a kitchen, and a student center, houses teaching and learning spaces that encourage creativity and collaboration across disciplines while also providing updated facilities to Archer’s students and faculty.
Across the Curriculum At a Contemporary Girls’ School
Research shows that adolescent girls’ brains exhibit high levels of communication between the left and right hemispheres, which means
Founded in 1995 by three mothers in search
girls naturally make connections
of the ideal school for their daughters,
between different subject matters,
Archer’s arrival on the L.A. educational
different cultural milieus, different
scene provided families an alternative that
time periods... the list goes on. At
didn’t previously exist. Combining the latest
Archer, we teach to that strength by
research on how girls learn best with a 21st-
engaging girls in cross-curricular
century approach to pedagogy, technology,
projects and by widening the scope
and social issues, Archer provides more than a
of assignments to cover not just the
traditional, girl-centric learning environment.
subject matter, but also to embrace
The school equally prepares young women
the relationships to other disciplines
for leadership in our global world.
that emerge during discussion.
In a National Historic Landmark
At Archer,
Archer occupies the former Eastern Star Home for Women, a 1931 Spanish Colonial Revival building on Sunset Boulevard in Brentwood. Designated a National Historic Landmark
Alongside Creative, Dedicated Teachers
in 1989, the structure provides
Teachers choose Archer for specific reasons. They’re
Archer girls with a one-of-a-kind
passionate about teaching girls, passionate about
learning environment complete
their subject matter, and dedicated to continual
with dark wood beams, colorful
professional development that keeps them on the
mosaic fountains, and intricate
cusp of emerging best practices in the classroom.
architectural details around every
You won’t find rote lectures or passive learning
corner. True to its origins, the
at Archer; rather, in each classroom, you see
building feels more like a “home”
teachers learning shoulder-to-shoulder with
than a school, and girls quickly
students, engaging their minds in the type of active
grow attached to its unique charm.
learning that’s as effective as it is memorable.
About Finding Her Best-Fit College
Within an Energetic, Supportive Sisterhood
Archer girls choose schools that are worthy of their talents and accomplishments. Each year, they
Archer girls believe that excelling at school shouldn’t
collectively gain acceptance into
come at the expense of their classmates. They put
the finest colleges and universities
that belief into practice each day, sharing their
in the country and also wisely and
emerging interests, their newfound curiosities,
responsibly select the colleges that are
and their opinions on topics ranging from genetic
right for them, as individuals. That
engineering to national politics. And if an Archer girl
means you can find Archer girls just
happens to be going through an adolescent rough
about anywhere, from the Ivy League
patch, she has hundreds of sisters right beside her to
to art schools, regional liberal arts
support her, cheer her up, and see her through it.
havens to national research universities.
your daughter can learn... All That’s Possible in Her Life Because an Archer education instills an abiding love for learning in girls, it’s an experience that shapes graduates for the rest of their lives. Each Archer girl emerges as a stunningly confident young woman, fully prepared for her next endeavor and equipped with Archer’s lifelong gifts: the belief in a life full of possibility, the capability to achieve in most any circumstance, and the unquenchable desire to keep learning every day.
We invite you to contact us at 310.873.7037 to learn more, join a campus tour, or just talk about how Archer and your daughter might be a good fit. The Archer School for Girls 11725 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049
archer.org
62
THE ARCHER SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 11725 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049
archer.org