"I’ll admit, I wasn’t always the biggest fan of science. But when we started talking about things like musical overtones and harmonics in my physics class, I was able to connect my passion for music with science in a way I’d never expected. I’m so glad I took this class, because it truly inspired a newfound love of science, and forever impacted my perception of music and the way that I compose."
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF CSW'S ACADEMIC PROGRAM?
I love CSW's unique ability to incorporate pretty much every niche into academics. Without the Mod System, I don't know if there is much of a way to go from studying communist Russia to studying the legal system of the US to then studying hipsters and greasers.
OF ALL THE CLASSES YOU'VE TAKEN HERE, WHICH HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITES?
Physics 1 and 2
These classes allowed me to see connections in my life to math and science that I had not seen before. I am so glad I took these courses, because the experience made me both a better scientist and a better musician.
Music Theory 2
Before taking "Music Theory 2," I wasn't interested in composition, but now I hope to make it my major in college—specifically with a focus on jazz!
World Religions
Before I came to CSW, I was used to courses like "U.S. History," and "Social Studies." I didn't realize that there were so many interesting subcategories to these subject-areas. The History Department's "World Religions" class, in particular, changed my view on the world and on education and learning in general.
Physics 1 and 2
These classes allowed me to see connections in my life to math and science that I had not seen before. I am so glad I took these courses, because the experience made me both a better scientist and a better musician.
Music Theory 2
Before taking "Music Theory 2," I wasn't interested in composition, but now I hope to make it my major in college—specifically with a focus on jazz!
World Religions
Before I came to CSW, I was used to courses like "U.S. History," and "Social Studies." I didn't realize that there were so many interesting subcategories to these subject-areas. The History Department's "World Religions" class, in particular, changed my view on the world and on education and learning in general.
- My most outstanding experience was from before I even came to CSW. I was on campus for Revisit Day as an accepted student, and one of the music teachers (who is now my advisor), slipped me a note telling me that he wanted to talk to me about music at CSW. Our conversation made me completely certain that CSW was the place for me.
- One incredible moment for me at CSW was performing in Rock Pop Ensemble my first year here. I had never performed in such a large-scale performance before, and getting the chance to do so in front of my friends, family, and teachers changed my life forever.
- I'll always remember when, in one of my physics classes, we began to talk about overtones and other aspects of music. I suddenly started to see all the connections between music, math, and science and from that point forward, I knew I'd found a new passion.
HOW HAS YOUR TIME AT CSW SHAPED YOU AS A PERSON?
CSW has transformed me into a confident musician and scholar, ready to tackle the real world and the music industry.
Day Student from Lexington, MA
Favorite Spot on Campus: The Music Wing.
Favorite Dining Hall Menu Item: Grilled cheese.
Favorite D Block: Rock/Pop Ensemble. In taking this course, I met my best friend and became a much better musician and team player.
Course Snapshot:
Songwriting
20th Century Jazz Theory & Composition
Canterbury Tales
Critiquing Music
Graphic Novels
Harry: Revisiting Masculinity and Lust in Literature
Discrete Math
Discrete Math
Musical Mathematics
Songwriting
Statistics
STEM Integration
U.S. Jailhouse Nation!: History of Crime, Punishment, and Mass Incarceration
World Religions
Analytic Geometry
The Art of Prediction
Physics 2b: Electricity
Analytic Geometry
The Art of Prediction
Physics 2b: Electricity
Clubs and Activities:
Chamber Ensemble
Diversity Day (presenter)
Evening of the Arts (performer)
Fall Theatre Production
Gender and Sexual Minorities (GSM)
Gryphtones A Cappella Group
Diversity Day (presenter)
Evening of the Arts (performer)
Fall Theatre Production
Gender and Sexual Minorities (GSM)
Gryphtones A Cappella Group
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.