Westtown School - Review #39

I attended Westtown from 1974-1977 as a boarder, and graduated in 1977 and it literally changed my life. The education there was nothing short of remarkable, and the living-learning dynamic worked incredibly well for me, and added to my informal education (outside of the classroom). By far, Westtown is the best investment that my family made (and I went to some high end colleges)... probably because of the Quaker ethos and culture which values inquiry and doesn't see education as an end unto itself, but rather as a means to creating a better world.

Boarding school was so exceptional for me that I ended up returning as a teacher and administrator. Now, I serve the association of all independent private schools since I am committed to this particular model of education and feel that every kid deserves to have a Westtown in their lives. The experience of connectedness and community is forever ingrained in your DNA and carries you (buoys you actually) through life.

Go! Just GO! It will be the best decision that you ever make, if you are ready to be independent, more academically focused, challenged by a community of learners and teachers, AND if you want to find out a lot about yourself too.JUST DO IT!

When I look back on my experience at Westtown, the single greatest gift that was given by my education, was the knowledge that I could make a difference and indeed, I SHOULD make a difference in this world. That is quite empowering at age 16 and even more empowering at mid life.Also -- Westtown is just absolutely a beautiful campus. While the buildings and interior design might not be Architectural Digest level, the physical plant is something to behold. When I return to Westtown (now as a trustee), I am always touched by the aesthetics of it.

Sit in a classroom with Tom Woodward or Spencer Gates (two of my favorite teachers who are at the top of their game now!)Walk to the lake.Visit the organic garden.See if you can meet the wonderful head of school John Baird.

The academics were excellent; I had many teachers who had a great deal of experience and passion for their subjects. Because of my senior art history teacher (the late Warren Krebs, a well known artist on Nantucket), I majored in art history at Mount Holyoke College.The atmosphere did not embrace conventional competition between students, but it played a very high emphasis on your "personal best." This ethic was served me well, ever since, in my work environments where teaming is a far better skill to possess, than outright competitive cut throatedness.

Everyone participates in athletics at Westtown. During my time there (late 1970s) the men's soccer team dominated our various athletic leagues and the wrestling team was extremely powerful. (Note: the wrestling team to this day, is exceptional and coached by very strong directors.)There is a brand new athletic facility on campus that is state of the art, which should continue to support the already excellent athletic program and philosophy at Westtown.

The arts program is exceptional at Westtown and the school is committed to offering strong theater, music, fine arts. During my day, I dabbled in all of those areas and also took weaving and ceramics. Some of my greatest memories relate to putting together a play -- and doing everything from performing to building the set to constructing the costumes -- an incredibly rich experience and one which ignited my ongoing passion for theater.

Because Westtown is a residential community, it has many extracurricular programs for upper school students. Increasingly, according to the alumni magazine, the school has embraced more active and global experiences so a lot of the extracurricular activities have those themes in them -- and the school is a leader in environmental activism, with appropriate organic gardening and "green" clubs to support volunteerism in this area.

Dorm life was great for me and it has been upgraded with newer facilities since my days there... excellent new dorm for girls in the 9/10 grade years and the main building dorm space has been improved for juniors and seniors. The best part, of course, are the close friendships formed with the people who live with you 24/7.

Dining at Westtown is part of the communal experience and the man who directs the kitchen is one of the most beloved people on staff at Westtown. (in fact, students have dedicated the yearbook to Ernie more than once!) Increasingly, the school has moved to organic and nutritious foods and they offer great salad/hot bars for students at lunch and dinner, so you always have a choice when eating. The best part, again, of dining at Westtown, is the community gathered experience... and there are still nice tables with white tablecloths which makes everyone slow down, pause and dine together in a casual, but refined setting.

There is no town -- Westtown is an island unto itself, surrounded on all of its side (total 600 acres) by development. It used to be in rural farmlands and when you enter the campus, you can still sense the old bucolic culture... in fact, part of Westtown's lands are still farmed which helps to make the viewscape absolutely breathtaking for students.West Chester -- the nearest town -- is a hip and happening town, with a university and it is only 5 minutes away.

People (students and faculty both) are incredibly at ease with one another. Socially, all types are accepted... what is NOT accepted in the Westtown culture is arrogance. No one puts on airs, and everyone is free to be themselves -- which is a blessing -- especially in adolescence. I remember going off to college and feeling that I was suddenly surrounded by prima donnas (I was actually!), and missing those very natural relations that I had at Westtown.