"One of my favorite upper-level classes—while definitely daunting and demanding—was Advanced Drawing Studio. With guidance from a member of the Art Department faculty—all incredible artists themselves—we each managed our own studio practice and self-directed our course of study. The class helped me to become a better, more focused and motivated artist, and really embodies the trust, responsibility, and creative freedom CSW grants its students."
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF CSW'S ACADEMIC PROGRAM?
I believe the Module System is CSW's greatest academic strength. Its unique structure allows students to explore a wide variety of subjects, and to dive deeper into them within each class period. In addition, I find the discussion-based classes to be a really engaging and interactive alternative to the typical lecture-based class you might find at other schools. Whether it's an organized debate, a Socratic student-led seminar, or an informal popcorn-style discussion, I always feel I have an active role in class.
OF ALL THE CLASSES YOU'VE TAKEN HERE, WHICH HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITES?
Advanced Drawing Studio
In this course we were tasked with creating a series of drawings that explored any subject we wanted. It was a challenging course, but I'm so glad that I took it. I'm now a better, more motivated artist because of it!
Alexander the Great
Ancient history can be kind of a dry, dense subject, but the teacher's enthusiasm for the content brought it alive. We also participated in several interactive activities, like recreating battle formations and holding several debates, which helped us see the relevance of studying history.
Wearable Art
In "Wearable Art," we created garments out of unconventional materials, and explored the intersection between fashion, sculpture, and fine art. I loved how we were pushed to think as innovators, and how we had to problem-solve through a creative lens.
Advanced Drawing Studio
In this course we were tasked with creating a series of drawings that explored any subject we wanted. It was a challenging course, but I'm so glad that I took it. I'm now a better, more motivated artist because of it!
Alexander the Great
Ancient history can be kind of a dry, dense subject, but the teacher's enthusiasm for the content brought it alive. We also participated in several interactive activities, like recreating battle formations and holding several debates, which helped us see the relevance of studying history.
Wearable Art
In "Wearable Art," we created garments out of unconventional materials, and explored the intersection between fashion, sculpture, and fine art. I loved how we were pushed to think as innovators, and how we had to problem-solve through a creative lens.
- My first mod of my first year, I was enrolled in "Cultural Studies of Dance." As a timid 9th grader, I was absolutely terrified, especially since I had never danced before in any capacity. I ended up loving the class! The course combined movement with academic research in really intriguing ways, and I felt I could try something totally new without judgment. That's when I realized CSW is an accepting, open environment, and one that encourages risk-taking.
- During my junior year, I enrolled in the off-campus course to Panama, which explored the neotropics of Latin America. For five weeks, we conducted hands-on field studies, took Spanish classes at a local school, and spent time with host families. I can honestly say it was one of the most formative experiences of my life. Studying in a foreign country allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom to a real world context, and to push myself on a personal level to try new things and venture outside my comfort zone.
- In "Algebra 2," we learned all the fundamental techniques and content of algebra, but we took it a step further to apply what we learned to the real world. For our final project, we conducted global health studies, in which we examined various health indicators of a country of our choice, and made predictions about future health trends. It was the perfect synthesis of traditional mathematical concepts and real world problem-solving, and it was a really engaging project.
HOW HAS YOUR TIME AT CSW SHAPED YOU AS A PERSON?
CSW has transformed me from a reserved teen to a confident, self-assured leader. From the many leadership opportunities to the general atmosphere of acceptance, CSW has taught me how to feel comfortable in my own skin and confident in my strengths. This school has formed me into someone unafraid to take risks, advocate for myself and others, and express myself.
Day Student
from Lancaster, MA
from Lancaster, MA
Favorite Spot on Campus: My favorite spot on campus is the "beach." You can lounge against the rocks and relax during lunch, and see the entire community milling about. You really feel connected when you're on the beach.
Favorite Dining Hall Menu Item: I am probably the biggest fan of the dining hall's chicken fingers. They always make them perfectly!
Favorite D Block: I absolutely loved the D Block course "Japanese Cooking." The course really intertwined the history and cultural context of Japanese cooking with a hands-on approach. It was also, by far, the best-tasting D Block I've experienced!
Course Snapshot:
Drawing: Naturalism and Observation
Latin American Writers
The Ramayana: An Avatar's Journey
Art and Idea
LGBTQIA Literature
U.S. Jailhouse Nation: History of Crime, Punishment, and Mass Incarceration
Art and Science of the Human Body
Wearable Art
Sculpture: Raku
Shakespeare
Major Author: Kurt Vonnegut
Drawing: Otherness and Social Justice
Spanish 5/6
CSW Off-Campus to Panama
Latin American Writers
The Ramayana: An Avatar's Journey
Art and Idea
LGBTQIA Literature
U.S. Jailhouse Nation: History of Crime, Punishment, and Mass Incarceration
Art and Science of the Human Body
Wearable Art
Sculpture: Raku
Shakespeare
Major Author: Kurt Vonnegut
Drawing: Otherness and Social Justice
Spanish 5/6
CSW Off-Campus to Panama
Clubs and Activities:
Art Club (leader)
Assembly Coordinator (leader)
Diversity Day Planning Committee
Peer Mentor
Senior Night Planning Committee and Emcee
Social Justice Day Planning Committee
Sustainability Committee (leader)
United Students of Color
Varsity Soccer
Assembly Coordinator (leader)
Diversity Day Planning Committee
Peer Mentor
Senior Night Planning Committee and Emcee
Social Justice Day Planning Committee
Sustainability Committee (leader)
United Students of Color
Varsity Soccer
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.