Kents Hill School: Motivating students to pursue their interests

My student tour guide during a recent visit to Kents Hill School (Kents Hill, ME) reminded me about the unique opportunities of small schools. Her enthusiasm was infectious (wouldn't expect less from a tour guide). Kents Hill does what small schools often do best- bring its students to life.

Kents Hill encourages its students to extend themselves beyond the recognized programs- an Advanced Placement program that received the 2003 Siemens Foundation Award for Advanced Placement, the Waters Learning Center for academic support and environmental science- into the areas of personal direction and accomplishment.

When I asked, "what makes Kents Hill?"  She answered the community and the supportive nature of the everyone- faculty and students. She posited that a student might want to build a violin- a difficult task for even the most experienced wood worker.  In many settings the student might be hamstrung by two issues- no wood shop and adult discouragement.

Kents Hill has a wood shop so that students can work with their hands and a Kents Hill faculty member would approach the question differently. Rather than dissuading the student, a Kents Hill adult might say, "O.K., lets look at the situation. If it can be done, lets put together a plan and we'll support and help you through the process."

This exchange provides the quintessential example of the small school experience. Small schools tend to be much more student driven and focused than their larger counterparts. This student centered focus and flexibility allows students to pursue and grow in personal and unique directions.

Visit Kents Hill's website to learn more about the school.