"For my senior capstone project, I studied the history of the Northeastern United States through the lens of a single tree, the Eastern white pine. The project developed into an intersection of so much of what I love—science, environmental history, writing, printmaking, the forestand trees—all passions that I discovered and fed during my four years at CSW."
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF CSW'S ACADEMIC PROGRAM?
The idea of breadth and depth that is inherent in the mod system is, I think, so powerful. By enabling students to both try new things and cater courses to what they already know are passions, the program can generate really well-rounded and adaptable learners. Both technical interdisciplinary courses and that mindset within single discipline courses that allows for students to explore connections across their learning has meant the world for me. Courses are active and ever-expanding, even after the last day of the mod.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS AT CSW? OF ALL THE CLASSES YOU'VE TAKEN HERE, WHICH HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITES?
U.S. Environmental History
Learning that this field existed was one of the most important steps in my own learning. It was like coming home, finding libraries of analysis on feelings that I hadn't been able to put well into words on my own. Finding out formal ways of examining the relationship of humans and place has been a meaningful tool not only in formal study, but also in everyday choices and processes of thought.
Major Author: Flannery O'Connor
I had written many an essay before I walked into Flannery O'Connor, but in this class I absolutely loved to write each one, which hadn't always been the case. Short stories, like poems, pack so much into each page, paragraph, line, and choice of word. It was like opening a floodgate with the smallest of keys.
Chemistry
I had been worried at the prospect of this course. The very big and very small numbers, the fine calculations—this was the piece that made me most so. But after getting into the swing of the class, I found a whole new way of understanding applied mathematics and so, the universe. Big, I know. But how exciting is that? My teacher, Kevin, described it as poetry. Chemistry reignited my thrill for learning by showing me how much I didn't know, and the possibility of loving those things I hadn't yet found.
U.S. Environmental History
Learning that this field existed was one of the most important steps in my own learning. It was like coming home, finding libraries of analysis on feelings that I hadn't been able to put well into words on my own. Finding out formal ways of examining the relationship of humans and place has been a meaningful tool not only in formal study, but also in everyday choices and processes of thought.
Major Author: Flannery O'Connor
I had written many an essay before I walked into Flannery O'Connor, but in this class I absolutely loved to write each one, which hadn't always been the case. Short stories, like poems, pack so much into each page, paragraph, line, and choice of word. It was like opening a floodgate with the smallest of keys.
Chemistry
I had been worried at the prospect of this course. The very big and very small numbers, the fine calculations—this was the piece that made me most so. But after getting into the swing of the class, I found a whole new way of understanding applied mathematics and so, the universe. Big, I know. But how exciting is that? My teacher, Kevin, described it as poetry. Chemistry reignited my thrill for learning by showing me how much I didn't know, and the possibility of loving those things I hadn't yet found.
- When, in Calculus class, a student asked "How is it possible to find the finite value of an infinite thing?" Our teacher responded, "Well, let's play!" Until reaching calculus, I found math complex and interesting, but not necessarily joyful. This moment showed me how much it could be—how expansive, exciting...how full of good fun.
- On my first winter wilderness trip, our second day was incredibly long and taxing. We were all strung out when we reached the warmth of the hut. Another student and I made the biggest pot of ramen I have ever seen, all while talking about our favorite memories of early childhood. Prior to this moment, we hadn't known each other all that well, but we built an undeniably deep connection quickly over the steaming pot. The willingness of people, students, and teachers to share themselves, their stories, the times of challenge, and those little moments is what I think makes for such a vibrant community.
HOW HAS YOUR TIME AT CSW SHAPED YOU AS A PERSON?
My time at CSW has meant the world for who I am now, undoubtedly—as a leader, a learner, and a citizen of the world.
Day Student from Watertown, MA
Favorite Spot on Campus: The woods behind the George, of course!
Favorite Dining Hall Menu Item: I just discovered the soup bar this year! Mushroom and barley on a snowy day? Amazing!
Favorite D Block: I don't think I can pick! What I have loved about D Block is that it has given me the space to fully inhabit those parts of myself that don't come into play in class. I get to be an athlete or a musician, find new pockets of people to make connections, and collaborate to share a passion with the wider community.
Course Snapshot:
Life Drawing
Calculus: Differentiation
Calculus: Integration
Rock/Pop Ensemble
Cell Biology
U.S. Environmental History
An Exploration of Spiritual Practices
Portrait Photography
Chemistry
Short Fiction: Beauty
Field Research Seminar
The Activist Print
Memoir Writing
U.S. Native Americans
Marine Biology, including off campus research trip to Hurricane Island
Calculus: Differentiation
Calculus: Integration
Rock/Pop Ensemble
Cell Biology
U.S. Environmental History
An Exploration of Spiritual Practices
Portrait Photography
Chemistry
Short Fiction: Beauty
Field Research Seminar
The Activist Print
Memoir Writing
U.S. Native Americans
Marine Biology, including off campus research trip to Hurricane Island
Clubs and Activities:
Advisory Board to the Head of School (leader)
CSW Wilderness Trips
Empty Bowls Community Fundraiser (performer)
Graduation Speaker
Gryphtones A Cappella Group (leader)
Varsity Lacrosse (captain)
Varsity Soccer (captain)
CSW Wilderness Trips
Empty Bowls Community Fundraiser (performer)
Graduation Speaker
Gryphtones A Cappella Group (leader)
Varsity Lacrosse (captain)
Varsity Soccer (captain)
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.