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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.
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“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 student— twice 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.
financial education workshops and one-onone 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. For signature programs in other areas of study, visit westoverschool.org/signatureprograms.
Investing in Girls (IIG): A two-year pilot program with the National Council for Research on Women offering students
In 2011, 80 Westover students in grades 10, 11, and 12 took 144 AP exams; 89% of the tests had scores of 3 or better. The Westover mean SAT I score was 1802 in 2010. 1502 was the national mean score.
college pl acement Below is a sampling of recent college acceptances. 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 Grinnell College Massachusetts Institute of Technology Middlebury College New York University Skidmore College Smith College Swarthmore College Tufts University University of Michigan University of Texas, Austin Washington University, St. Louis Yale University
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. Nkiruka Emeagwali ’96 received the 2011 Distinguished Young Alumna Award for her research in HIV biology and sickle cell anemia. She plans to practice general medicine and HIV treatment in underserved communities. Xiania Foster ’95 was awarded Westover’s Distinguished Young Alumna Award in 2010 for her work with literacy programs in the Newark Public Schools and for co-founding the Newark Educator Community Charter School. For her studies in Arab culture, Tiffany Bradley ’99 earned Westover’s Distinguished Young Alumna Award in 2009. She coordinates the National Arts Marketing Project for Americans for the Arts.
Westover School
1237 Whittemore Road · P.O. Box 847 Middlebury, CT 06762-0847 203.758.2423 · westoverschool.org
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.”