Brooks School - Review #1

I was an international student at Brooks School for 3 years. Brooks School was very unique in two ways. The first is that the school size was very small and most of the faculty lived on campus, which allowed for an amazing amount of attention for the students. The student body size was about 350, and the faculty size was about 70. The faculty definitely devoted all their time to the students. They not only knew all the students' names but also their strengths and weaknesses. Of course, the advising system was excellent as well since the faculty could devote all their time to every single student. My advisor was my best friend by the end of third year. Also, it was more than just a school. The school formed a great community. We had chapels, sit down dinners, and school meetings that tied the members of the school together. The students learned "properness", independence, and responsibility as well as received a great education. The education was excellent because the faculty really cared about every single student. Students could get any help they possibly needed-- we had peer tutors, writing tutors, quantitative tutors, a writing center, and so on.Another great aspect of Brooks school is that the environment of the school is just perfect for a boarding school. It's surrounded by a New England signature forest, beautiful fields, and a big lake called "Great Pond". It's just very beautiful. And this environment doesn't end with the scenery. It is great for sports. You can try any sports (Crew, Squash, Lacrosse, etc.) that you might want with great coaches in this perfect environment. And, we are excellent in almost all the sports. We are always on top of New England leagues. If you like the competition, you will feel the thrill of the winner.

I was on my own as a person from a home thousands miles away. I learned how to be responsible and independent on top of all the knowledge I gained. I also learned how to interact with all different kinds of people. This is definitely a plus in college.

I have to admit that I stayed in a comfort circle of friends. I stayed with other international students and asian students. If I were to go back, I would like to explore all kinds of people.

The size of school is optimum. I loved the closeness, attention, and the tradition.

It might be little too strict. I think the school can use little more flexibility. Plus, we had classes on Saturdays. I think that could definitely change.

You need to go down to the Boat house down the lake if you visit. It's not only beautiful but also the boat house is breathing the tradition of our Crew team.

We don't offer ESL, but there was plenty of support. If you need it, you can get help with anything. Telephone or computer access was not a problem since every dorm room has a phone and computer access.

The school is small so I could create my own class as an independent study. I finish BC calculus in junior year. Afterwards, I studied "Multivariable Calculus" with a teacher who graduated from Oxford (who is a math teacher in Brooks School.)The classes are small and easy to follow. The teachers would not let you fall behind or just get lost. If you are in trouble, they come and get you out of trouble.

We could have had more AP classes. Since the school is small, we didn't have as many AP classes as P.A's. But I got enough out of the school with independent studies and such.

We were competitive. And, the facility was great. Since I graduated, the facility only got better with our new gym. Plus, the coaches are very dedicated. We all want to win. And, the team spirit never dies.

Sometimes, sports took over the academics. The school put a lot of emphasis on sports.

We have a great theatre. The school plays were always fascinating. As I mentioned above, you can create all the independent studies you want to excel more in these areas. The school required you to take at least a semester of each (visual arts, music, and theatre) so that you learn a little of everything and are well arounded. Our ceramics and photo classes are awesome.

I felt like the music department was weaker than art and theatre.

The community service system is awesome. You get to do really anything you wanted. The same goes with student organizations. If you had a good idea and really wanted to do it, you could create any organization plus you could make any event.

I wish they made more off-campus extracurriculars. The campus is gorgeous but it's small, and it is kind of in the middle of nowhere. Getting out of the campus sometimes was essential.

Dorm was close to the school. Dorm parents were teachers that you can just ask questions about your school work. Plus, you make the best friends with your dorm-mates.

The dorm life was pretty strict. For freshmen and sophomores, there was a lights-out at 10:30pm. And you were not allowed to go out after 11pm. You had to come back to the dorm by 11 or so at night on Saturday. You were not supposed to bring boys to your room without a special permission from the dorm parents.

The food was very decent. We had fresh fruit salad for every breakfast as well as great muffins. I still miss the muffins. I have never had better muffins than Brooks School's. For lunch and dinner, they always had great salad bar, stir fry, and pasta on top of any main menu that you could pick whatever you want. For sitdown dinners (twice a week), they had chicken, lamb, skewers, and so on. (All the delicious stuff)

All the cafeteria food gets repetitive. And, it was the same for Brooks.

The school is extremely delighted to have you. And, the students are very welcome. I was an international student who didn't speak much english but I still felt welcomed.

Even though the school is small, there are students from more than 15 countries and 20-something states with a good amount of hispanics, blacks, and asians.

I usually went to a movie and dinner. About once a month we went to Boston.

The town is pretty far away. This means that you have to take a cab into the movie theatres or restaurants. The cab used to be 2 dollars one way for each student if you go as a group (bigger than 3 or so).