Wayland Academy - Review #2

Wayland is a college-prep boarding school in the Midwest. That is not seen very often. Wisconsin only has 2 other boarding schools, and one being a Christian School, the other being a military school. That makes it a unique experience being in Wisconsin.

The friendships are easily the best part of boarding school. You make great friendships that stay with you a long time.

I would have gotten involved right away, instead of waiting for the involvement to come to me.

I like the atmosphere. It is a very laid-back campus. The people are the most important part of the school.

Check out the school, any school really, before you commit to coming. Get here early Saturday of Orientation to meet people. Come in open-minded and you will find success. Eat at Walker's in Beaver Dam as much as physically possible. Check out Hotel Wayland, aka the newly renovated Wayland Hall, which houses underclassmen boys. Incredibly nice.

The academics are challenging, and yet I was always able to take the classes I wanted. The best part of Wayland and the classes we're offered is that the teachers are always available for help, guidance, and tutoring. I never hesitated to ask a teacher a question.

The athletics are unusual, because we have to participate in sports. I've been on Varsity Volleyball for 4 years and Varsity Softball for 4 years. The teams I've played on have won 2 conference championships and 2 softball conference championships, along with a 2009 regional championships. So needless to say, I've seen a lot of success on the woman's sports side. I cannot really speak for the boy's side.

The arts have transformed a lot in my four years, particularly the choral and theatre programs. They have enjoyed a lot of success and are quite entertaining.

I loved MUN and the extracurriculars that were offered. The best part of Wayland. There are many different options for success and finding your own niche.

Dorm life is Wayland life, in my opinion. I was a day student for three years, and my senior year I boarded. The best part is the friendships you make, not only with your fellow students, but also with teachers who supervise you.

The dining hall is not so great. My freshman year it was fantastic, but the economy has really affected the food budget.

Beaver Dam is a quintessential Midwestern town. It has about 15,000 people, a Walgreens conveniently kitty-corner from campus, and many other shopping opportunities (not in means of a mall, but Wal-Mart, grocery stores, Shop-Ko, Kohl's, Boston Store.. There are a few places to shop). There is a movie theater 5 blocks from campus, and many other small coffee shops. It is a small town, but you can find things to do.

Weekends and weeknights after study hall are full of people littered on campus. The teachers and prefects organize weekend activities and trips to Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago. There is plenty to do if you are willing to come out of your dorm and do it.