INDEPENDENT SCHOOL GUIDE
Darrow School SMALL COMMUNITY, BIG OPPORTUNITES
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arrow School is a college-preparatory boarding and day school where students in grades 9–12 are motivated to reach their potential and become their best selves. Darrow’s low 4:1 student-teacher ratio, small classes, challenging hands-on curriculum, inspiring National Historic Landmark campus, and personalized attention encourage students to become critical thinkers, confident learners, and creative individuals. Darrow is a place for students to stretch themselves and reach new horizons. At Darrow, respect for different cultural backgrounds, experiences, learning styles, and interests is emphasized. All students have the opportunity to assume leadership roles, whether on the playing field, in the classroom, in various prefectships, or in the dorms. Students also participate in Hands-to-Work, a community-service program based on the Shaker motto “Hands to work; hearts to God” that allows them to learn about the benefits of purposeful effort and use of time, as they work alongside their peers, faculty, and staff to maintain our historic campus and reach out to the local community. Another long-standing tradition at Darrow, stewardship of the earth, also harks back to a Shaker legacy. Darrow students study sustainability across the curriculum, helping them to become not only responsible caretakers of our historic campus, but also knowledgeable decision makers and future leaders in global environmental issues. Darrow is the only secondary school in the United States with a Living Machine, an all-natural
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wastewater treatment facility and learning laboratory, and its Samson Environmental Center has been featured as an example of green building on the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s Green Building Open House for six consecutive years. Living within Darrow’s close-knit community makes it easy for students to learn about collaboration and teamwork. The combination of personalized feedback from highly accessible faculty and the hands-on effort of each individual allows every student to clearly see that he or she makes a difference. Darrow students learn that success may not come on the first try, but can be achieved through persistence and reflection. They also learn that it’s okay to make mistakes—it’s part of the process of becoming a life-long scholar and a responsible citizen. Because of this approach to educating the entire individual both in and out of the classroom, Darrow students feel comfortable being themselves as they learn how to express who they are through academics, visual and performing arts, sports, and a variety of stimulating social activities. Whether a student is looking for new opportunities or a fresh start, Darrow School provides a welcoming environment in which all students can excel if they apply themselves conscientiously, and then graduate feeling prepared for the challenges of college and beyond. For more information about Darrow School, visit www.darrowschool.org. 110 Darrow Road, New Lebanon, NY. 518/7946000; Toll Free: 877/432-7769.
Fordham University MBA VS EXECUTIVE MBA: WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU? A discussion with Francis Petit, Ed.D. – Fordham University Assistant Dean & Director of Executive Programs, Graduate School of Business Administration Q: For those who are not willing to give up their high paying jobs or derail their career track, yet are looking to further their education with an MBA degree, what are the options? MBA Programs and Executive MBA Programs sometimes have a similar curriculum, but the class format and admission requirements vary. Typically, the applicants to an Executive MBA Program must have a minimum of five years professional work experience. Executive MBA Programs are designed to meet the needs of upper level managers and functional specialists. Candidates are often evaluated based on what they will bring to the program. In some cases, taking the GMAT is not required. MBA Program applicants are not required to have professional work experience, but they must take the GMAT. An MBA degree is essentially a significant management degree. Class format also differs between the two programs. In an MBA Program, students usually choose the classes they will take each semester. In an Executive MBA program, students often complete classes in a step-lock method, attending courses with the same classmates for the duration of the program. Q: What is the difference in the actual degree of an MBA and Executive MBA? The same degree is issued: a Masters of Business Administration, known as an MBA. However, differences do exist in the programs. EMBA vs. MBA - Some Differences MBA is an individual effort. EMBA is far more of a grouporiented approach. EMBA lends itself to lifelong relationships and friendships among students. MBA is more flexible in course selection, time to degree and selection of majors. EMBA is structured and uniform. Q: What are some other differentiators of the EMBA? Price is certainly a difference with some schools. Class sizes range from 14 to 60+. An International trip is now a big component of some EMBA programs: students visit/tour companies at international locations. At Fordham, part of the cohort’s last semester is a solution-based project that will be presented to an international company.
SPECIAL SCHOOL SECTION
Non-academic, business-related events add to class bonding and camaraderie. Some examples includes: Extensive Wine Tasting Courses Teambuilding exercises Group Dinners Jazz modeling For additional information contact: Fordham University, Graduate School of Business Administration, 400 Westchester Avenue, West Harrison, NY. 914/ 367-3274; www.bnet.fordham.edu.
small classes and a big 200-acre campus. From every window there are views of mountains and a pasture where horses, sheep and a llama graze. The school operates a working farm, woodlots, maple sugar production and offers seasonal outdoor sports and play—from horseback riding and soccer fields to ice skating and ski hills. The challenging traditional academic curriculum (4th – 9th grade) integrates the surrounding environment for meaningful class projects. For instance, math students conduct a cost analysis to determine if raising our own pork is cost effective while another class collects data to measure our monthly utility use. An extensive daily arts and theater program taps children’s creative instincts. Julie Berglund is the parent of a 6th grade student. She remarks, “We love the outdoor orientation of the school and its focus on non-electronic activities. I am delighted that the students learn to make practical choices in their daily dress and the “style” or brand name is not the important factor. This is one of the many factors that contribute to my daughter building her self-confidence from the inside out, rather than the outside in. She’s learning to be a well-rounded person through the hands-on teaching, being creative, being close to nature and being unplugged! The school reinforces the positive in students in whatever learning process serves them individually.” Joe Scafidi talks about why NCS is a good match for his sons: “NCS allows children to go back in time; it provides them with the opportunity to be kids again—the way it was 30+ years ago—but with many of the advantages we enjoy today, including an appropriate exposure to technology.” He continues, “It is a very difficult decision to send your young child to a boarding school. While nobody can replace Mom and Dad, NCS is a very nurturing environment. It emphasizes the importance of family, community and the responsibility that go with that. The diverse background of the student body helps foster the needed ability to remain open minded of others’ views and interests. The school offers a beautiful
North Country School ADDRESSING THE CRITICAL MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS “What’s the most important educational decision you’ll ever make for your child? It’s not college, it’s not grad school, and it’s not high school.” Pausing, the headmaster of North Country School shakes his head before continuing; “Middle school is the most determining factor in a child’s academic and personal well-being. Middle school is where the action is. A North Country School education affects the child, thus, the teen and the adult of the future. Our children leave with a solid foundation. They are robust, resilient, and carry a healthy perception of themselves. They develop strong leadership skills and have the confidence to ask questions. Our residential program is different from other boarding schools; we are smaller and personal. Our children live in houses with their houseparents.” North Country School is a co-ed day and boarding middle school in the Adirondack Mountains just outside of Lake Placid, NY. It’s a school with
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combination of structure and discipline. It encourages children to try different things. My oldest son has been involved with everything from ice climbing to constructing the set for the school play. We have a lot of experience with other boarding schools; NCS stands apart from most in their commitment to activities and community responsibilities. What you learn in the classroom is only a small part of what NCS delivers. North Country is the complete package.” Headmaster David “Hock” Hochschartner concludes, “It is critical for children to pursue projects with passionate intensity — that is the key to all future academic, artistic, athletic and business success. Children do that here. They have the opportunity to reach their potential.” North Country School also operates Treetops Summer Camp; both are very welcoming, inclusive places. The staff and faculty work together to create meaningful projects for the students and campers. For example, NCS students plant seeds in the spring, summer campers from Treetops tend the plantings throughout the summer, and the students at NCS harvest in the fall. The animals are a natural tether for all: the camp family tend and love them in the summer and the school community carry on that care during the rest of the year. Like the family dog, students and campers grow very attached to the sheep, horses, llama, and even the chickens. Treetops summer camp is a natural transition to the boarding school. Campers often beg to stay on for school and many students who graduate from NCS come back to work at camp. NCS is proud to have multiple generations of family connections from all over the world. It’s that kind of place. 4382 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid, NY. 518/523-9329; www.nct.org.
The Ross School A GLOBAL EDUCATION, RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER Classrooms filled with active learners. Electives that take place on the beach, in the woods or on a farm. A global curriculum that offers a chance to travel the world. This may sound like a utopian vision of education, but it is alive and well at Ross School. Serving students in pre-nursery through grade 12, Ross School is located in the Hamptons, just two hours from New York City and Connecticut. The Upper School is nestled in the woods in East Hampton while the Lower School is surrounded by farmland in Bridgehampton. This private institution also boasts an innovative and thriving boarding program for students in grades 8–12. Only in its second year, the program has more than doubled its enrollment, starting with five students and growing to include 50 boarders, or 25% of the High School. A major draw is the school’s dynamic learning environment. Cultural history is at the core of its global curriculum, weaving together math, science, language arts, visual arts, performing arts, media studies, technology and physical education/wellness. Students are provided with a 21st century skills set and are encouraged to become environmental stewards and compassionate citizens, following the school’s motto, “Know Thyself in Order to Serve.” With an educational focus on cultures and peoples around the world, it is only fitting to have a student body that represents all corners of the globe.
“Our curriculum has always been global in nature, but with the boarding program, we have been able to truly expand our student body beyond the immediate region. With students from all over, our community is a richer one in terms of experiences and backgrounds,” said Mark Frankel, PhD, Director of Ross High School. The current student body represents China, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Japan, Colombia, Brazil and the United States, including students from Texas and New York City.
Fara Kaner has been attending Ross School for the last three years, first as a day student and now as a boarder. Originally from New York City, she attended the United Nations International School before coming to Ross. “The best thing about Ross would have to be the innovative nature of the curriculum and the warm environment the classes create, to make learning enjoyable,” she said. Boarding students follow the same integrated curriculum as day students and are expected to maintain strong academic standing. A support network of house parents, faculty and the Director of Residential Life offer boarding students assistance at every turn. There are two options for housing. Boarders can choose between living in a family-style home or with a host family. The boarding houses offer beautiful, spacious living environments and are supervised by Ross faculty house parents. Students living with host families are able to experience life in a home with siblings who are, in most cases, Ross students themselves. Hosted students are encouraged to attend all boarding house activities and excursions as well. Ultimately, the boarding program at Ross exposes day students to their peers from across the globe and around the corner, while providing boarders with a home away from home. “Being a boarder as opposed to a day student is a very unique experience. I feel that it creates a sense of independence that I would not have necessarily developed living at home,” said Fara. “I also believe that it creates long lasting bonds between people who would not have necessarily formed strong friendships unless under these circumstances.” Upper School: 18 Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton, NY. 631/9075000. Lower School: 739 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton, NY. 631/5371240. www.ross.org.
SPECIAL SCHOOL SECTION FACTS ABOUT ROSS SCHOOL • Ross School is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA), with an International Credential; it is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS). • Boarders eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Ross Café. The Café uses regional, organic, seasonal, sustainable foods and serves a variety of fresh, healthy and flavorful meals each day. • Ross High School students can take international trips as part of Winter Intersession. Students and teachers work intensively on group and individual projects for three weeks, including service projects, either home or abroad. • Ross School’s state-of-the-art athletic facilities feature two gymnasiums, a dance and martial arts studio, four multi-sport fields that can be configured for soccer, lacrosse and baseball, six indoor/outdoor Har-tru tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, and a Field House. • The school has excellent college placements, including Columbia University, Emerson, Oberlin, Tulane and Yale. Since 2001, 369 students have received 1480 acceptances at over 340 colleges and universities both in the US and internationally. • The Ross School boarding blog features a review of weekend activities as well as upcoming events, photos, and changes in school schedule or travel alerts. Visit www.ross.org/boardingnews.
Westover
ular program in conjunction with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) offers a variety of electives aimed at preparing students for careers in science or engineering. WISE graduates also receive special consideration for RPI’s engineering program. A number of Westover graduates who have participated in these programs have later pursued studies in dance, music, science and engineering in college and have gone on to establish careers in these fields. In addition, Westover offers three signature programs that further reflect the School’s commitment to giving students opportunities to gain experience and knowledge in special areas of interest: the Sonja Osborn Museum Studies Internship, the Online School for Girls, and Westover’s Summer Programs for girls entering grades 7, 8 and 9. • The Sonja Osborn Museum Studies Internship. The Museum Studies Internship, designed for students with interests and aptitude in the study of art history, consists of a ten-week program. The first eight weeks are spent at Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, CT, the home designed and lived in by Theodate Pope Riddle, Westover’s architect. The final two weeks are spent working on a project that investigates the historical ties between the museum and Westover. • The Online School for Girls (OSG). Westover was one of four all-girls schools in 2009 to establish a consortium to offer online education for girls. Girls taking part in the program are offered courses taught by faculty members from the consortium over the Internet. Courses range from multivariable calculus and differential equations to women in art and literature. All classes focus on collaborative projects for participating students. • Westover’s Summer Programs. The School’s residential one- or two-week summer programs in the arts and academics are an extension of the Westover experience, allowing girls to benefit from courses taught by Westover instructors while enjoying a range of summer activities. Recent course offerings have included ceramics, creative writing, dance, drama, Model United Nations, and photography. These six programs reflect the diverse offerings that Westover pro-
EDUCATION PLUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIRLS IN SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST Westover, a selective boarding school of 200 girls, grades 9 - 12, in Middlebury, CT, has students from 16 countries and 19 states. Because the Westover community values the ideas and talents of every student, its students have endless opportunities to distinguish and challenge themselves. In addition to its rich and varied curriculum, Westover offers three specialized programs for those students with more concentrated interests. These programs provide co-curricular experiences for Westover students with the Brass City Ballet, the Manhattan School of Music, and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). • Brass City Ballet. As participants in this program, a joint venture between Westover and the Brass City Ballet, select students have the opportunity to study dance at one of the region’s leading dance schools. Students audition in the fall of their entry year and take six dance classes a week in ballet, modern, and jazz. • Manhattan School of Music. This joint program between the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Division and Westover offers talented musicians and vocalists the opportunity to study music and play in an orchestra or ensemble at one of the country’s leading music schools. Students must complete a separate application and audition to be accepted into the program. • WISE (Women in Science and Engineering). This advanced extracurric-
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vides for all of its students. As Head of School Ann Pollina has noted, “Westover’s small, all-girls’ environment forces students out of boxes and into a bigger picture of themselves. Our girls are artists and athletes, musicians and mathematicians, poets and physicists – sometimes all at the same time.” ❉ 1237 Whittemore Rd, Middlebury, CT.; www.westoverschool.org. For admissions information, or to arrange a visit, contact Westover’s Office of Admission at 203/577-4521 or e-mail admission@westoverschool.org.
Discover Ross School A BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR PRE-NURSERY—GRADE 12 Ross School is a co-educational boarding (grades 8–12) and day school (PN–Grade 12) located on two beautiful campuses in East Hampton and Bridgehampton, about 2 hours east of New York City. The School offers a global, integrated curriculum with engaging courses in science, arts, humanities and wellness, while offering opportunities for independent study, competitive athletics, extracurricular activities and travel. Ross has a successful college placement program with
100% of applicants receiving acceptances at competitive colleges and universities. Ross School attracts a world class faculty and
INFO SESSION IN NYC JANUARY 13, 2010 UNION CLUB, 6–8PM RSVP TO 631-907-5400 ROSS UPPER SCHOOL BOARDING AND DAY GRADES 5 – GRADE 12 EAST HAMPTON, NY ROSS LOWER SCHOOL PRE-NURSERY – GRADE4 BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY
serves over 500 domestic and international students.
visit us online at www.ross.org/boarding
Middle school is one of the most important educational decisions you and your child will ever make. A North Country School education is active and all-encompassing. We are a co-ed day and boarding school for children in grades 4-9. Our 200-acre campus is located in the heart of the Adirondack high peaks, just outside of Lake Placid. Let our challenging curriculum, extensive arts program, and working farm expand your child’s curiosity and creativity. “The only bad question is the one that is not asked.” ~David Hochschartner, Head of School
Schedule your visit today! Christine LeFevre, Director of Admissions 518.523.9329 ext. 111 admissions@northcountryschool.org
www.northcountryschool.org North Country School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, nation or ethnic origin.
Darrow School
A College-Preparatory Boarding and Day School for Grades 9-12
Small Community. Big Opportunities. That’s Darrow. And there’s more… Challenging Academic Program – Real-world learning using a unique combination of classroom instruction and community involvement
Hands-to-Work/Community Service – A tradition that cultivates an appreciation for purposeful work and builds connection to the community
Individualized Approach– Inspiring Inclusive Athletic Opportunities – classroom environment and one-on-one Eight competitive team sports and several Tutorial Program offer strategic mentoring non-competitive sports, including skiing for academic success and snowboarding five days a week Commitment to Sustainability – Visual and Performing Arts – Robust Responsible stewardship of environmental art offerings, in-depth music curriculum, resources and environmental awareness and a dynamic theater program foster permeate the Darrow culture creativity and collaborative learning
Please join us for an Open House! January 18 | March 6 | April 17, 2010 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Experience the Darrow School Community Attend a Darrow class, meet our dedicated faculty and enthusiastic students, enjoy lunch, and take a tour of our distinctive campus. Ask questions, hear the chorus sing, learn about Shaker history and so much more!
You may register by sending an e-mail to admission@darrowschool.org or online at www.darrowschool.org/openhouse. If you are unable to attend an open house, we also welcome visits throughout the year. Call (877) 432-7769 to schedule a visit today!
110 Darrow Rd., New Lebanon, NY 518.794.6000 | admissions@darrowschool.org www.darrowschool.org Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
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