vermont academy viewbook 2016
DESCRIPTION
Learn more about academics, athletics, arts, leadership, and community at Vermont Academy, a coed boarding school located in southern, Vermont.TRANSCRIPT
Education for Life one student at a time
“ A Vermont Academy education is ignited by curiosity and marked by exploration, discovery, and innovation. You’ll have room to soar, room to learn from mistakes, and room to set meaningful goals. From academics and leadership to arts and sports, the focus is on you—how to help you grow, make connections, and hold learning in your hands. Purpose, compassion, and service are more than words for Vermont Academy graduates, they are guides in a life well lived.”
— SEAN BRENNAN P ’14, ’17, ’19, HEAD OF SCHOOL
Make a
positive difference
Sean Brennan, Head of School
Guided by our Core Values you’ll exercise your mind, body, and spirit. Passion and hard work will prepare you to make a positive difference in the world:
You are important, have worth and dignity, and are viewed as an asset
You will act with the highest level of honesty and integrity
grow and develop and are given the opportunity to do so here
seek and give help when appropriate
strive to achieve high and reasonable standards in the pursuit of personal excellence
cultivate strengths and seek to overcome challenges
embrace personal and direct interaction to address issues and resolve differences
consider the impact of your actions, on both the immediate and world community, for the benefit of present and future generations
Your path to success
There are many paths to success. The personal attention you’ll receive from faculty will help you find your best path, explore new opportunities, and attain—and even surpass—your goals. Sure, you’ll gain an education that elevates your knowledge across many academic subjects, but you’ll also discover and develop your talents by participating in sports, arts, leadership programs, and clubs. When you live your passion, success naturally follows.
“ You’re free to write your own story here,
with support at every step.”
— ANAIS ’17
Education for life one student at a time
Abby ’16
Vermont Academy developed its distinctive MAPSsm program to encourage students to reflect on their strengths and challenges, think about their future, and set and achieve goals. You’ll work closely with your advisor to:
• determine how you best engage with learning, your interests and talents, and where you’d like to improve
• draft a plan of three to five goals that can be academic, athletic, social, or aspirational
• assign action steps to achieve each goal
• meet with your advisor twice a week to specifically review MAPS
Abby’s Senior Year
Classes: AP statistics, AP psychology, physics mechanics, honors French, senior writing seminar
Academic Honors: High honors, Annamae D. Fenney Award, University of Rochester Award in Humanities and Science
Activities: Varsity fall and spring crew - captain, varsity ice hockey, proctor, jazz ensemble, stage crew, Long Trail hiker
University of Indiana, Class of 2020 Kinesiology major, psychology minor, crew
MAPS MY ACTION PLAN FOR SUCCESS
“ I like MAPS because it allows me
to set attainable goals and keeps
me motivated to reach them.”
— ABBY ’16
“ Teachers spend time figuring out what makes
their students tick—goals, hopes, dreams, fears,
motivations. It allows them to teach the student
first and the subject matter second.”
— GLENN DELANEY, HISTORY DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Courses will be challenging. They’ll ignite your curiosity and inspire you to make connections across academic and non-academic activities. Guided by an emphasis on learning by doing, you’ll pursue a path of intellectual growth across science, mathematics, history, English, world languages, fine arts, and music. The skills you’ll gain to think creatively, collaborate, and effectively communicate your ideas will help you succeed at Vermont Academy and prepare you for college.
Roll up your sleeves
Academics
Average class size: 10
Student to teacher ratio: 5:1
Course selections: 120
AP and honors courses: 24
AP exams given over the last two years: 213
Percent of AP students scoring a 3 or higher: 68%
Advisory sessions per week: 6
Connect through community
One of the best parts of joining Vermont Academy is the connections you’ll make as you collaborate in class, team up in sports, and have fun on and off campus.
Your dorm parents are teachers and coaches, but they’re also a sounding board, homework helpers, and snack makers. You’ll get to know one another outside of formal roles, translating to a trust and support that yield benefits in the classroom and on the field.
Weekend activities and clubs will keep you busy with friends. A few options include shopping trips, dinner and a movie, skiing and riding at Okemo, and clubs from creative writing to bread making to app building.
You’ll come to love our traditions including Winter Carnival—the country’s first and founded by Vermont Academy in 1909! Run for a pumpkin pie, ring the Mountain Day bell, and dress to impress at the Snow Ball!
Your potential is limitless
Learning Skills Program
Vermont Academy’s teaching philosophy centers on understanding that students bring different learning styles and varying pace to their academics, and one third of our students enroll in Learning Skills. Through a partnership with highly qualified teachers, students identify how they learn best and excel in the classroom by developing individual techniques to set priorities, manage long-term projects, and take tests. Confidence soars as students realize their potential academically, and success in college becomes an achievable goal.
Academic benefits:
2:1 subject-specific tutoring
ADHD coaching
Universal Design
Executive Function strategies
Study skills and test prep
Time management and organization
Standardized testing accommodations
Support every step of the way
A Day in the Life at Vermont Academy
James ’17
8:15 a.m. BreakfastMy favorite is pancakes with maple syrup we tap on campus.
8:45–9:35 a.m. Free BlockA great time to catch up on work.
9:40–10:00 a.m. MAPS advisoryI meet with my advisor twice a week to review MAPS.
10:05–10:55 a.m. Physics MechanicsMy favorite class. We’re investigating the dynamics of Rube Goldberg machines.
11:00–11:50 a.m. Honors GeometryWho knew the law of cosines could be so mind-boggling? I’ll definitely be getting extra help with this class.
11:55–12:50 p.m. Community LunchEvery Friday, we eat together as a community and share announcements.
12:55–2:05 p.m. Modern Comparative CulturesToday I’m handing in my report on the Irish Republican Army.
2:10–3:20 p.m. Free BlockI’m drafting a plan for Vermont Academy’s student fire club to attend a search and rescue training session.
3:45 p.m. Lacrosse PracticeOur team chemistry is great this year. It really elevates our playing.
6:00 p.m. DinnerChicken parm never disappoints!
8:00–10:00 p.m. Study HallMy project team is excused to go work in the science lab.
10:30 p.m. Lights Out Goodnight!
Vermont Academy promises close personal attention, and we deliver at all levels, including mentorship. Through MAPS, you and a few of your classmates will be matched with an advisor as part of your support team. You’ll get together with your advisory six times a week for 40-minute blocks to dish about classes, sports, activities, and everything in between. Two of these sessions are devoted to checking in on MAPS and reviewing progress.
Come to Vermont Academy and
experience the world
Through Vermont Academy’s Global Programs, you’ll have the opportunity for an authentic cultural immersion experience like none other. Explore and study for a full trimester in the breathtaking and diverse landscapes of Spain, Chile, or China. By taking trips to famed historical locations and living with host families, you’ll experience firsthand local customs, cuisines, and different viewpoints of the world.
“ Studying in Spain, my son not only survived,
he thrived, and brought home a love of travel,
adventure, and thirst for knowledge about people
and places. He has since added Ireland, Scotland,
and England to his passport. It started in Spain
and, I’m quite sure, will be a lifelong passion.”
— LINDA, PARENT
Trimester Abroad Programs
Continue your Vermont Academy academics, while also studying adapted immersion curriculums:
China fall trimester Explore China’s 5000-year-old history, learn calligraphy, and study China’s modern economy. During weekend homestays, travel to Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu.
Chile winter trimester Attend workshops on leadership, science, and social awareness. Live with host families and spend time with indigenous cultures.
Spain spring trimester Immerse in rich culture through family stays and visits to Florence, Rome, Madrid, Toledo, and the Sacred Galician Riviera.
Finding the perfect fit between student and college is an exciting and rewarding process. As early as sophomore year, students meet with their college counselor to identify best-fit schools based on their strengths, interests, and goals. During junior year, students take the college seminar and focus on SAT/ACT test prep, the college essay, and teacher recommendations. Counselors help students and parents navigate the process of applying to schools, applying for financial aid, and registering for appropriate tests.
Ready, set, college
BROOKE MOONEY ’14
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ’18
Major: Premed
Minor: Nutrition
Activities: Varsity women’s crew, student athlete advisory council
Vermont Academy in a word: Community
JULIAN STOLPER ’15
BATES COLLEGE ’19
Major: Physics
Minor: Philosophy
Activities: Varsity men’s crew
Vermont Academy in a word: Support
“ At Vermont Academy, I learned that success in academics or extracurriculars is more valuable when accompanied equally by the other.”
“ Vermont Academy prepared me well for college academics and athletics by expecting more from me. It made me work harder and push myself further.”
“ I owe infinite thanks to everyone at Vermont Academy for being instrumental in my development as a student, athlete, and person. The supportive community gave me the tools to both transition to college and excel in it.”
JAMIE LUMLEY ’15
MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE ’19
Major: International relations
Minor: Russian
Activities: Cross country skiing club, running club, a cappella
Vermont Academy in a word: Balance
Here are just some of the colleges Wildcats have gained acceptance:Allegheny College
Babson College
Bates College
Boston University
Bradley University
Brown University
Bucknell University
Carnegie Mellon University
Centre College
College of the Holy Cross
Colorado College
Connecticut College
Cornell University
Dalhousie University
Dartmouth College
Dickinson College
Emory University
Franklin & Marshall College
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Lawrence University
Lehigh University
McGill University
Middlebury College
New York University
Northeastern University
Occidental College
Pitzer College
Reed College
Saint Michael’s College
Skidmore College
St. Lawrence University
Syracuse University
Trinity College
University of California, Davis
Union College
University of Miami
University of Richmond
University of Washington
The University of Vermont
Wake Forest University
Wesleyan University
Get your
game on
No matter at what level you compete, your coaches will mentor and challenge you to support your highest achievement as a student and an athlete.
Facilities
Campus ski hill and jump
Snowboard/freeski terrain park
Ice rink
30 km of trails
Indoor climbing wall
6 outdoor tennis courts
40 minutes to Okemo Mountain
5 playing fields
Technical, single-track mountain biking course
38teams
Get your
game on
Express your inner
artist
“My job is to make sure all students have music in their life.”
— STEVE CADY, MUSIC INSTRUCTOR AND PERFORMING ARTS CHAIR
The Arts:
Facilities Horowitz Performing Arts Hall and 350-seat Nita Choukas Theater.
Freshman Arts To explore their inner artist, freshmen are exposed to all art offerings including theater, music, digital arts, and pottery.
Theater Along with several theater courses, each year Vermont Academy produces a musical, play, and student-generated production performed in a black box format.
Music and Vocal Aspiring musicians participate in classes, lessons, jam sessions, and concerts. Ensembles include jazz, chamber, and mixed and male choruses.
Visual Arts Classes explore drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, pottery, photography, graphic design, and filmmaking. Several times a year, our artists visit museums, galleries, and historical sites.
A big benefit of the Vermont Academy experience is that you’re encouraged to try everything. With so many arts to explore, you’re bound to find something that excites you. Creativity is a process, so be prepared to stretch yourself and be inspired!
Lights! Camera! Action!
During Vermont Academy’s 24-Hour Play Festival, in a hectic and zany 24-hour-period, students write, direct, produce, and perform seven plays before a packed house.
Developing your leadership style will serve you well during your lifetime. In the classroom, on the field and stage, and even across the globe, Vermont Academy provides opportunities for you to challenge yourself, tip toe (or leap) outside your comfort zone, and hone your leadership skills. Here are some roles through which you can lead and inspire: class officer; dorm proctor; admissions tour guide; Writing Center tutor; study abroad participant; team captain; club founder; Model UN, Orange Key Society, or National Honor Society member; school publication staff; and Long Trail hiker.
Take the
Lead
You know it’s Mountain Day when you hear the bell ringing on Long Walk!
Fast facts:
Vermont Academy is a private, coed boarding and day school serving grades 9–12 and a postgraduate year.
Founded in 1876
450 acres and 30 km of campus trails
240 students from 20 states and 15 countries
80% boarding students
5:1 student to teacher ratio
120 courses with 24 AP and honors classes
Located in southern Vermont at the base of the Green Mountains
Vermont Academy is easily accessible from Interstate 91 and Route 121.
Driving times: Hartford 1.5 hours, Boston 2.5 hours, New York City 4 hours, Montreal 4 hours.
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Vermont Academy
NEW YORK
VERMONT
MAINE
NEWHAMPSHIRE
MASSACHUSETTS
CONNECTICUT
RHODEISLAND
Boston
Albany
Springfield
Providence
Portland
NewYork
Hartford
New Haven
Burlington
BrattleboroKeene
Logan International
Airport
BradleyInternational
Airport
ManchesterAirport
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Find your place at Vermont Academy
Education for Life — One Student at a Time
Office of Admission, PO Box 500, 10 Long Walk, Saxtons River, VT 05154 | (802) 869-6229 | vermontacademy.org