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Academics: Advanced Placement

At some point in your evaluation of boarding schools, you will examine the academics.

• That bucket covers a lot of ground.
• Academics broadly include teaching style and philosophy, the number and depth of subjects offered, and curriculum.
• Let's discuss curriculum and specifically one of the most commonly used, Advanced Placement (AP), as it is known colloquially.

The Advanced Placement logo is a trademark of the College Board and it's in the Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

What is AP?

AP or Advanced Placement Program is a three-year sequence of high school coursework offered by the in over 40 subject areas.

AP courses provide college-bound high school seniors with a level academic playing field. It doesn't matter whether you are a high school student in Dubuque, Iowa, or Darien, Connecticut, because AP courses and their end-of-course examinations are the same regardless of where they are offered.

• The course content is the same.
• The teaching objectives are the same.
• The preparation for the final examinations is the same.

College admissions professionals can compare student academic achievements with confidence because the standard is the same everywhere, and the final examinations are proctored and graded by the College Board.

• They know precisely what AP means when they see it on your transcript.
• They know exactly what your AP scores represent.

That is the intrinsic value

Wait A Year Before Going to College

As you approach the end of high school, you might be considering whether to head straight to college or take a different path.

• For many students, the idea of diving into college right away can be daunting, especially given the significant investment of time and resources.
• If you're currently at a residential school, you might wonder if staying for an additional year or taking a gap year could be beneficial.

Your experience at a boarding school has likely taught you the importance of structure and community, which can be valuable as you consider your next steps.

• However, college campuses are often much larger and more open, which can present different challenges compared to the secure environment of your current school.
• Additionally, the transition to college life involves adapting to new academic demands, social environments, and personal responsibilities.
• If you're unsure about what to do next, staying at your school for an additional year or taking a gap year might be worth considering.
• Both options offer unique benefits that can help you prepare for college and beyond.

Let's explore these possibilities in more detail.

This TedTalk explains why everybody should take a year off before going to college.

A Post-graduate Year

Staying put in your present school for another year has several advantages. First of all, you know the

2020-2021 have been unusual, depressing years as we all coped with the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, notwithstanding all the gloom and doom, there was some good news in 2021. Several announcements of major gifts to private schools have lifted our spirits and given us, and the recipients, hope.

In October 2021, in Sheffield, Massachusetts, announced that an alumnus had left to endow three faculty chairs. Also in October, the in Washington, Connecticut, reported that a current trustee and his wife had . The munificence of these donors supports the stated mission of these schools.

The Berkshire School's notes:

"Rooted in an inspiring natural setting, Berkshire School instills the highest standards of character and citizenship and a commitment to academic, artistic, and athletic excellence. Our community fosters diversity, a dedication to environmental stewardship, and an enduring love for learning."

This video offers an overview of Berkshire School.

In its mission statement, The Frederick Gunn School states:

"In 1850 Frederick Gunn established a school based on the belief that strength of character was the goal of education. Today, The Frederick Gunn School rests on the four cornerstones of character: scholarship, integrity, respect and responsibility. Character is forged in a cohesive, diverse community informed by a challenging college preparatory curriculum, a

Things That Keep Me Awake At Night

2020 was a most unusual year. The coronavirus pandemic has turned everything upside down and inside out. Nothing is normal. All of this has impacted boarding schools in ways they never expected. While most private school boards of trustees are smart enough to have a resumption of business plans in place and adequate insurance coverage for the school plant and the usual liability issues, very few school trustees ever expected to be dealing with so many challenges converging simultaneously. Against that backdrop, I thought it would be helpful to conduct a fictional interview with a head of school. After all, her concerns are probably yours as well.

Rob: What challenges at school in the fall of the next academic year keep you awake at night?

Head of school: Oh, Rob! Where do I begin? There are so many things demanding my attention. My workday starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. if I'm lucky. And I work every day to keep my head above water.

Rob: What, then, is your most pressing concern?

Head of school: My number one concern is the financial condition of my school. The board and I had not budgeted for dozens of COVID-19-related expenses. Tasks such as wiping down all the frequently touched surfaces like door handles, light switches, stair rails, and so much more are essential while the pandemic is all around us. We had to hire a deep-cleaning service to sanitize

2020 has turned out to be a most unusual year. The coronavirus pandemic has turned everything upside down and inside out. Nothing is normal. All of this has impacted boarding schools in ways they never expected. While most private school boards of trustees are smart enough to have resumption of business plans in place and adequate insurance coverage for the school plant and the usual liability issues, very few school trustees ever expected to be dealing with so many challenges converging at the same time. Against that backdrop, I thought it would be useful to conduct a fictional interview with the head of a boarding school. After all, her concerns are probably yours as well.

Rob: What challenges at school in the fall of 2020 keep you awake at night?

Head of school: Oh, Rob! Where do I begin? There are so many things demanding my attention. My workday starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. if I'm lucky. And I work every day just to keep my head above water.

Rob: What then is your most pressing concern?

Head of school: My number one concern is the financial condition of my school. The board and I had not budgeted for dozens of ofCOVID-19-related expenses. Tasks such as wiping down all the frequently touched surfaces like door handles, light switches, stair rails, and so much more are essential while the pandemic is all around us. We had to hire a deep-cleaning service to sanitize our common