Leo Marshall
What Will You Do With Your Child’s Moment in Time?
I recently took at peak in the door of the Hall of Life in our (The Webb Schools’) Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology. Its renovation is nearing its end but I just couldn’t resist a look. Without divulging the details of what will certainly be a glorious new exhibit hall, I will say that I [...]
Read MoreLest We Forget Our Teenagers Are Children
We have a wonderful tradition at Webb, just prior to our students leaving for winter holiday. Our boys line the walkways to the girls’ dormitories with candles in preparation for an evening of caroling, hot chocolate and, of course, Santa Clause (actually one of our revered venerable teachers but, then, no one is telling). They [...]
Read MoreEngaged Faculty: The Not So Secret Formula of Boarding School Success
I remember those very large classes in high school where anonymity was more common than notoriety. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my high school – it was large, noisy, and just plain fun. But it was so easy to cruise by being in the middle where most of us lived. No, I am not [...]
Read MoreBoarding Schools: Don’t Rank Them, Understand Them
The fall admission season has opened and admission directors everywhere are facing the same questions – the most enduring of which is the “Where is your school ranked?” We all respond with the same mantra: There is no such thing as official rankings of U.S. independent schools, boarding or day. Our schools have not participated [...]
Read MoreIdentifying and Serving the Highly Capable Child
As an independent school educator of some thirty-plus years and a director of admission at a number of highly-selective independent schools for twenty-two of those years, I must admit that I am becoming increasing concerned about the overuse of the term “gifted child.” Now, as a disclaimer, I believe profoundly that every child has a gift [...]
Read MoreSelecting a Private School: It’s not easy nor should it be
After fielding questions from a caller inquiring about our school (The Webb Schools), it is inevitable that I get: “So, where can I find your ranking among other boarding schools?” Happens all the time. Much to their dismay, I have to tell them that there is no such thing and happily so. Yes, there have [...]
Read MoreWhen Market Realities and Mission Conflict
You’re a seasoned admission director, new at your current school and enthusiastic about this exciting opportunity. Within a year, you have established a marketing strategy that includes the usual glossy viewbook, flash presentations, E-Newsletters, bump mailings along with the requisite round of school fairs and informal receptions. By the third year, application numbers have improved [...]
Read MoreAn Admission Director’s Perspective on Athletics
I spent 20 years of my 32+ yrs. in education coaching 12-18 yr old students in cross country and track and field. I still believe it was the happiest time of my life as there is nothing more satisfying than to see youngsters challenge themselves in sport and learn the enormous lessons that can be [...]
Read MoreBoarding School Fit: It’s Complicated Matching Student & School
Editor’s Note: A recent exchange between onBoarding Schools contributor Leo G. Marshall, Director of Admission, The Webb Schools and a reader requires its own space. Daphne, reading Leo’s post (In Defense of Childhood), wrote expressing concern that perhaps she had not structured her child’s time or pushed and programed her child harder. Achievement, it seemed [...]
Read MoreIn Defense of Childhood
I recently received a call from a mother, a doctor, who wanted me to give her names of elementary schools in the area. After offering a list of public and private schools without suggesting which was best, I was then asked what I thought the best way to prepare her child for our school. I’ve [...]
Read MoreWhat makes Boarding Schools different from other good schools?
Twenty-two of my thirty-two years in independent schools were spent in day schools, some very good and some fairly mediocre, but all of them had good students with dedicated teachers. Their debate teams did well; the football teams reigned supreme. Most went on to colleges and parents were fairly pleased with their investment. However, it [...]
Read MoreBoarding School Admission Test Scores and Their Place in the Selection Process
Editor’s Note: We’re thrilled to welcome Leo Marshall as a contributor to onBoarding Schools. Leo is the Director of Admission and Financial Aid at The Webb Schools in Claremont, CA- a coed, boarding school offering grades 9-12. It seems inevitable at the end of any presentation about our school that we face questions about test [...]
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