West Coast Boarding Schools
Fountain Valley School Builds Global Perspectives into Curriculum
Fountain Valley School recently affirmed and expanded the school’s commitment to diversity and global experiences through the creation of the Global Scholar Diploma Program (GSD).
Program Chair, Dr. Susan Carrese describes the program this way:
“Globalization is a 21st century reality…At FVS we believe it is essential to embrace the world beyond our campus, our borders and [...]
Private School A Special Opportunity- Not A Signifier of Social Status
Peter Baron of AdmissionsQuest forwarded an e-mail to me today from a woman wondering how open her children should be with their peers about their prep school applications and asking whether I thought the parents academic credentials carried any weight in the admissions process.
The question of how open to be is a sensitive one.
Some children [...]
Benefitting from Understanding Fundamental Principles: Midland School Ninth Graders Build Pinhole Cameras
It’s easy to send photo students into the field, digital cameras in hand, to begin their photography studies. It’s quick and easy; go take some pictures.
But the quick and easy assignment skips over some fundamental understandings and history.
In this classically hands-on exercise of progressive education, Midland School 9th graders build pinhole cameras and process their [...]
William M. Lowman Idyllwild President and Headmaster Announces Retirement
We recently learned that William Lowman, Idyllwild Arts President/Headmaster and founding head of Idyllwild Arts Academy, a performing arts boarding school, will retire effective June 30, 2010 (correction: June 30, 2011).
Mr. Lowman assumed leadership of Idyllwild in 1985 as the school became independent from the University of Southern California. Idyllwild prospered and grew during his Lowman’s [...]
Getting to Know San Domenico School
Stacie Grant, admission officer, introduces San Domenico School.
She describes San Domenico students as involved, well rounded, and passionate. Whether it’s trying new things, pursuing social justice, or contributing to the community, San Domenico lives the school’s mission.
Some interesting details- San Domenico is is the only boarding high school (all-girls) in Marin County and the [...]
Identifying 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 MoreStudents at The Webb Schools Experience Thoreau by Disconnecting, Slowing, and Simplifying Their Lives
Students at The Webb Schools (Claremont, CA), in Dr. Gail Lewis’ American Literature class, recently set aside their technology to gain experience and insight into Thoreau’s arguments regarding the transcendent nature of a simple life.
Dr. Lewis asked her students to disconnect for 36 hours- not long, but long enough to feel the withdrawal when you’re used to [...]
Colorado Rocky Mountain School Student Columnist Featured
The Aspen Daily News ran a column (Beetles: The Big Picture) written by Colorado Rocky Mountain School freshman Lea Linse.
Linse nicely sets-up the conundrum faced by mountain residents as the pine beetle wreaks havoc eating its way through evergreen forests.
Residents want to do something in the face of damage never seen before. But, untested, [...]
Getting to Know Colorado Rocky Mountain School
Next up in Getting to Know, my conversation with Tracy Wilson from Colorado Rocky Mountain School (Carbondale, CO).
We kicked off the segment by learning about the incredible outdoor opportunities available to their students. Did you know that CRMS students can compete in a mountain biking league? From there, the majority of our conversation focused on the [...]
Holiday Mindfulness
I came across Katie Grant’s presentation to the Colorado Rocky Mountain School student body chronicling her involvement with “Face Aids” (Colorado Rocky Mountain School junior inspires student body with Face Aids presentation). Great cause. Katie sounds like a great student.
But, I like most her closing exhortation. As we travel home or spend time [...]
Our First Year
After writing frequently last year about our daughter’s search for a boarding school, it seemed timely now to post an entry about how her first year is progressing. Our daughter, now 14, looked at a number of schools last year, both in New England within driving distance of home and in California. The [...]
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