to
think ACADEMICS AT
WESTOVER SCHOOL
from the westover motto series: to think. to do. to be.
Westover provides rigorous academics within a collaborative community, as we prepare our students for the world and the world’s best colleges. Students benefit from our all-girls environment, becoming active participants in their education. Through Westover’s boarding program, every moment is an opportunity for learning, and our talented faculty challenge students both inside and outside of the classroom. Our curriculum continually evolves, and signature academic programs allow for in-depth exploration in a number of areas of study. Westover girls are global citizens with the skills needed for success in the 21st century.
to
think
“Since 1909, Westover has remained true to its motto: Cogitare, Agere, Esse. ‘To think, to do, to be’ is more than a catchphrase. Westover develops young women who will be prepared to think their way through problems, to take action, and to make a difference with their lives.” — ann pollina, head of school
ac ademic highlights
Of the 1.5 million students who take the SAT annually, only 16,000—or 1%—qualify as National Merit Scholars. Virtually every year Westover has a qualifying studenttwice the national average.
ac ademic signature progr ams WISE (Women in Science and Engineering): Collaborative program with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for students interested in engineering or science. OSG (OnLine School for Girls): As a founding member of a national consortium of all-girls schools, Westover provides online courses for students taught by consortium faculty. Global Exchange Programs: Westover offers unique two- or three-month academic exchange programs in Australia, South Africa, and Jordan, six-week language-immersion exchanges in France and Spain, and a two-week volunteer program in Rwanda. Investing in Girls (IIG): A two-year pilot program with the National Council for Research on Women offering students
financial education workshops and one-on-one mentoring with financial professionals. The Westover Poets Program: As part of this 2011 pilot program, students develop skills in the craft of poetry through English electives, a series of special writing workshops, and individual work with visiting poets who have included Billy Collins, Katha Pollitt, and Eamon Grennan. Sonja Osborn Museum Studies Internship (SOMSI): With Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, CT, this program provides students with an interest in art history practical experience working with curators and museum educators culminating in a final project. For signature programs in other areas of study, visit westoverschool.org/signatureprograms.
In 2012, 87 Westover students in grades 10, 11, and 12 took 181 AP exams; 87% of the tests had scores of 3 or better. The Westover mean SAT I score was 1773 in 2012. 1500 was the 2011 national mean score.
college pl acement Westover students from the last three graduating classes have attended these colleges, among other institutions. For the full list of colleges, visit westoverschool.org. Bates College Bentley University Boston College Brown University Columbia University Connecticut College Dartmouth College Emerson College Emory University Furman University Johns Hopkins MIT Middlebury College New York University Northeastern University Skidmore College Smith College Swarthmore College Tufts University University of Michigan University of Pennsylvania Washington University, St. Louis Williams College Yale University
Westover School
1237 Whittemore Road · P.O. Box 847 Middlebury, CT 06762-0847 203.758.2423 · westoverschool.org
alumnae accomplishments Our distinguished alumnae have achieved professional success in all fields, from starting their own companies to writing books to directing citywide planning initiatives. Katie Hallaran ’02 was awarded Westover’s Distinguished Young Alumna Award in 2012 for a variety of pursuits sharing the common thread of helping those in need. She worked in South Africa for HIV prevention, Cambodia for climate change education, and most recently with Kinyei supporting Cambodian grassroots enterprise programs. Rosa Gattling Williams ’77 earned Westover’s 2012 Volunteer Service Award for her extensive volunteer work at Westover, being actively involved with the School since her graduation, giving countless hours to the future of Westover. Barrie Hogan Landry ’62 received the 2012 Westover Award for her work in building the Maranyundo School for Girls in Rwanda. She was recognized for her commitment to girls’ education at Westover, in Greater Boston, Rwanda, and throughout the world.
cogitare, agere, esse—to think, to do, to be
Look for the next two in our series:
“To Do: Arts, Athletics, and Extracurriculars at Westover School” and “To Be: Character Development and Leadership at Westover School.”
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