"Teachers here challenge us to look at the major issues of our time, consider patterns of causality, and explore different approaches to conflict resolution. These skills were so useful in my role as one of the elected student representatives on CSW's board of trustees."
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF CSW'S ACADEMIC PROGRAM?
The specific class topics are a strength because they allow students to dive into what they are interested in and receive a thorough education on the topic. I'm grateful to have learned things that matter, and that the work here is not busywork.
OF ALL THE CLASSES YOU'VE TAKEN HERE, WHICH HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITES?
The Art of Prediction
The material was quite challenging, but working through it was especially rewarding because it brought together so many seemingly disparate subject areas like philosophy, probability, history, and science. This course got me thinking about things I'd never considered before.
Big Book: Moby Dick
"Moby Dick" helped me develop an appreciation for literature. It was filled with applicable life lessons, and we really dove into the material so that would could get everything out of it that we could. There was so much more to the text than I ever could have imagined.
Calculus
In taking "Calculus," I really appreciated how I was able to bring together all of the other math skills I had learned at CSW. Math is such a huge part of everyday life, and there was so much about this course that felt directly applicable to me, which can be rare for a math course. The work was difficult, but that just made it all the more satisfying each time I figured out a problem on my own.
The Art of Prediction
The material was quite challenging, but working through it was especially rewarding because it brought together so many seemingly disparate subject areas like philosophy, probability, history, and science. This course got me thinking about things I'd never considered before.
Big Book: Moby Dick
"Moby Dick" helped me develop an appreciation for literature. It was filled with applicable life lessons, and we really dove into the material so that would could get everything out of it that we could. There was so much more to the text than I ever could have imagined.
Calculus
In taking "Calculus," I really appreciated how I was able to bring together all of the other math skills I had learned at CSW. Math is such a huge part of everyday life, and there was so much about this course that felt directly applicable to me, which can be rare for a math course. The work was difficult, but that just made it all the more satisfying each time I figured out a problem on my own.
- The first memory that stands out to me is playing Polonius in Hamlet in 9th grade. I had never really done theatre before, but everyone in the Theatre Department did their best to help me be the best actor I could be. Both the rehearsals and the performances were a lot of fun. I made lifelong friends, and I found that I had a passion for theatre!
- I'll never forget the first time I participated in blindfolded musical chairs at assembly. My first year here, the assembly coordinators came up with the idea to lead a rousing game of blindfolded musical chairs, and in a moment of bravery, I volunteered to participate. Amazingly, I won! I can still remember the support the community gave me on that first day, even though no one knew who I was. Since then, I've contonuited to play blindfolded musical chairs every time it's offered. I have a solid record of two wins and two losses!
- Serving on CSW's Board of Trustees as the Day Student Representative has definitely been a highlight for me. I am so grateful that the student body supported me in my candidacy. I upheld the promises I could, and worked hard to properly represent the students on the board. In return, I was able to learn a lot from my fellow trustees. I did my part in ensuring the longevity of this school that I love, and I was taught how to see an academic institution from a critical perspective that most students do not get to see.
HOW HAS YOUR TIME AT CSW SHAPED YOU AS A PERSON?
My time at CSW has made me a much more confident person. CSW really taught me to believe in myself, to value my skills, and trust myself. It has also helped me realize that I can do anything, and has fed my ambition. I really value attending a school that wants me to be my best self and wants to support me in finding out who I am.
Day Student from Somerville, MA
Favorite Spot on Campus: I really appreciate the Garthwaite pond. I love the novelty of having a pond in a building.
Favorite Dining Hall Menu Item: Sub sandwiches.
Favorite D Block: Competitive Ultimate Frisbee. I was welcomed into the sport with open arms and Ultimate quickly became a passion of mine. Now I know that whenever I go to a practice, game, or tournament, I will be spending time doing what I love with people I love, and it doesn't get much better than that!
Course Snapshot:
U.S. Black Studies
Mixed Messages: Conceptual Art & Dance
Social and Political Theatre
The Art of Prediction
Topics in Music History
Alliance Building Across Cultural Differences
Statistics
Dante's Inferno
Totalitarianism: Past and Present
Sketch Comedy: Writing and Reacting
Developmental Psychology
U.S. Women's Movements
Epics and Heroes
What is Human Nature?
CSW Off-Campus to Panama
Mixed Messages: Conceptual Art & Dance
Social and Political Theatre
The Art of Prediction
Topics in Music History
Alliance Building Across Cultural Differences
Statistics
Dante's Inferno
Totalitarianism: Past and Present
Sketch Comedy: Writing and Reacting
Developmental Psychology
U.S. Women's Movements
Epics and Heroes
What is Human Nature?
CSW Off-Campus to Panama
Clubs and Activities:
Comedy Night Planning Committee
CSW Board of Trustees (Day Student Representative)
Diversity Day Planning Committee (presenter)
Empty Bowls (lead planner in fundraiser for a local shelter)
Fall Theatre Production
Interfaith Club (leader)
Junior States of America
Model United Nations (leader)
National School Walkout (local organizer and participant)
PADD (Playwrights, Actors, Directors, Designers)
Social Justice Day Planning Committee
Ultimate Frisbee (captain)
Varsity Soccer
White Students Against Racism
CSW Board of Trustees (Day Student Representative)
Diversity Day Planning Committee (presenter)
Empty Bowls (lead planner in fundraiser for a local shelter)
Fall Theatre Production
Interfaith Club (leader)
Junior States of America
Model United Nations (leader)
National School Walkout (local organizer and participant)
PADD (Playwrights, Actors, Directors, Designers)
Social Justice Day Planning Committee
Ultimate Frisbee (captain)
Varsity Soccer
White Students Against Racism
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.