Cranbrook Schools - Review #10

The campus is simply amazing. Cranbrook is considered a gem of Michigan, and the reasons are apparent. Cranbrook is a fairly large campus surrounded by nature, lakes, and historic architecture which give the school a historic and grand feel. The Harkness table is also used, prevalently in the liberal arts department. The class sits around the table and conducts the discussion itself, with the teacher moderating the conversation. This method enabled me to voice my opinions and participate in class like I never had before.

The best things are those small little moments when you achieve something that has eluded you, such as hitting a series of notes in band or the teacher laying that last puzzle piece of a novel in that helps you understand the meaning in a larger context. There little things happened at Cranbrook every day and largely helped me to improve in an academic and social standpoint.

During my arrival, I didn't immediately embrace the environment and participate as much as I later did. If I could do it over, I would have immediately gotten more friends and concentrated academically, which would have improved my overall experience and my college prospects.

I loved the environment of Cranbrook and how it has nurtured me as an individual. From the students and staff to the opportunities afforded by the school in a variety of already discussed aspects, Cranbrook gave my life direction and meaning and has allowed me to mature into a critical thinker and contributor to the world.

Venture through the campus alone once in a while. The sheer beauty allows wonderful contemplation.

Academics are simply amazing at Cranbrook. You generally take 5 or 6 classes each semester. Until 11th grade, English and History classes are single gender, which encourages the students to share their views and speak up. The teachers are all very supportive of the students ambitions and the teachers are very involved in all aspects of the school. In fact, 100% of the staff at Cranbrook donate back each year, showing their dedication. So many classes are available to meet any students interests. I took advanced jazz band during my Freshman year and a calculus based physics course along with some post-AP math courses during my senior year. This amount of breadth really enhances your opportunities and helps you to explore your interests. Cranbrook doesn't rank or anything like that, but there is some level of competitiveness, especially since Cranbrook attracts the smartest and brightest of Michigan and elsewhere. You will generally have a few hours of homework each night, during study halls and such, during your tenure at Cranbrook.

Cranbrook athletics is likely the best in the state of Michigan. I won't go in depth, but there is mandatory participation in extracurriculars, although it doesn't have to be sports. The teams are frequently state champions and often times the best athletes come to Cranbrook. A wide variety of sports are available, including crew, boys and girls hockey, and lacrosse. The facilities are top notch, including the Natatorium and indoor hockey rink. All the athletics facilities are picturesque and wonderful. The coaches are dedicated to their players and demand effort and perfection from each athlete.

Cranbrook is very committed to the arts. In fact, Cranbrook has a college division that grants masters degrees in architecture and other fine arts. Art facilities present, such as the weaving gallery, afford students so many unique opportunities. The picturesque and historical setting of the campus further enhance art opportunities. I wasn't involved in theatre, but each year I attended their performances and they were brilliant to say the least. As I've already noted, I was in jazz band and played the trumpet. I enjoyed the dedicated music teachers and the advice and instruction they offered. The facilities available for band practice and performance were by nothing to write home about, but they served their purpose. Overall, there is significant commitment to the arts, but it is not something to start during your tenure as a student at Cranbrook, there things should be started during middle school or elementary.

There are so many student organizations here. Essentially every teacher runs a student organization or more and this just shows their dedication to the school. The participation by students enables everyone to explore their interests and follow their dreams. Everyone at the school volunteers as well, whether it be to help the homeless, improve the school, help out in Detroit, or raise money for cancer, it is all done by the dedicated Cranbrook students.

I was assigned a room with an international student from China. This enabled me to help him learn English better and helped me to better understand his culture and heritage, so I really appreciated this opportunity. Rarely there are room transfers, because they make such an effort to match people together in a way that promotes friendship and cooperation.

Dining at Cranbrook is nice. The dining hall, not cafeteria, is open all day long and serves various foods to students. Options are available for vegetarians and kosher abiding Jews for the food they need. The dining hall resembles the great hall from Hogwarts, and you and your friends can sit wherever you please, even outside during a nice day. The food is high quality and they have a host of chefs available to cater to the students.

Bloomfield hills is a very affluent and cultured city. There are many opportunities for recreation, such as shopping at Twelve Oaks or Somerset or in downtown Bloomfield, seeing a Red Wings game or Pistons game, or even staying at your day school friends house overnight.

Everyone is just so welcoming and humbled by the school that the social environment is beautiful. Not many cliques form and everyone is accepted by everyone else. I enjoyed the ease of making friends with similar interests and associating with those who have completely different beliefs and interests. The social life enabled me to grow as a person and become more self-reliant and confident, while also improving my teamwork skills.