Middlesex School - Review #16

What I think makes Middlesex stand out from other schools are the people. The relationships you make during your time there will last a lifetime. From the moment I stepped on campus to tour as an 8th grader, I could feel the warmth and genuine kindness of the people there. Middlesex is full of teachers and students and staff members who are happy and excited to be at the school, doing what they're doing, and that attitude sets Middlesex apart in my mind.

The best thing that happened to me at boarding school, the best thing Middlesex gave me, is confidence. I have confidence in myself and my intelligence, something I lacked before Middlesex. The school helps you realize your potential, and the confidence you gain from believing in your abilities (be they academic, athletic, or artistic) is something that will help you in life after Middlesex.

There were times, looking back, that I let the stress of Middlesex get to me a little too much. I needed to take a step back and realize that the paper or test I was freaking out about wasn't life or death. Just do your best, and you'll do fine.

The beautiful campus, the strong sense of community, and the amazing faculty members. So basically everything.

Don't sweat the small stuff and don't take yourself too seriously.

By far the best thing about Middlesex academics are the faculty members. They push you to do your best work everyday in demanding classes but they're always there to help a student in need. Teachers spend hours each week meeting with students to make sure that student truly grasps the material at hand. The teachers are unwavering in their support of students; they honestly want every student to succeed. From the lower level classes to the AP classes, every teacher is willing and enthusiastic to give extra help or to just sit and talk with a student about anything, be it class related or not. Middlesex classes are hard, but the Middlesex faculty are there to help students excel in any subject matter.

I can't say much about the athletics program at Middlesex as I tore a ligament in my knee and subsequently couldn't play sports my Sophomore or Junior year, but I can say some things. Athletics at Middlesex are fun. Some more than others, of course, (generally the Varsity level is more intense than the JV level) but everyone who goes to sports is excited to go. As a Freshman and Sophomore, students have to participate in 3 seasons of athletics each year. As a Junior, that commitment drops to 2 seasons, and as a Senior it drops to 1 season. While the requirement seems like a lot, students find it easy to choose the level of athletics that they are most comfortable with each season and the requirement teaches students how to be a good team member.

The best thing about Middlesex Arts (music, theatre, and visual arts) is the broad student participation. Middlesex requires 4 semesters of arts credits (to be fulfilled by Music, Drama, Art History, and Painting) so virtually every student does some form of art whilst at MX. There are a variety of Art classes, allowing students of any level to get into art, not just the AP kids. Also, between student run productions and school productions, there are around 8 or 9 productions each year with varying levels of commitment, not including the actual Drama class productions. Additionally, any student can take music (instrument or singing) lessons once a week, set up through the school, and the chapel chorus encompasses almost a third of the student body. There are also higher level music classes and commitments, like Chamber Ensemble, AP Music Theory, and Small Chorus. As a whole, the Arts department offers numerous opportunities to get involved in every aspect of Middlesex Arts.

The great thing about Middlesex extracurriculars is the sheer number. There are so many clubs and opportunities to join this group or go to that meeting, it can actually be overwhelming. The trick is finding a few groups you love being a part of and not spreading yourself too thin. That said, there are always chances and ways to expand, by joining a club or starting a new one. Also, each club varies in seriousness and level of commitment, so it's easy to find a balance between the serious and the silly.

Dorm life was one of my favorite aspects of my Middlesex career. I lived in a dorm all 4 years and absolutely loved it. The dorm becomes like a giant family, with tons of siblings and a few parents there to make sure you get your work done and don't stay up too late. The dorm feels like home and after a long day of school and sports it's nice to come back to a place that feels comfortable. Also, the room selection committee usually does a pretty great job of putting students who will get along together to make the dorm a haven for stressed kids. Also, the faculty members in the dorm are always there for you, whether you need to go to the health center, someone to talk to, or some home cooked food.

Honestly, Middlesex hot dining is really hit or miss. The hot lunches and dinners range from 'that looks delicious' to 'maybe I don't want that.' However, despite the fluctuating hot meals, there are several constants that ensure something to eat at every meal. There's the salad bar, the sandwich bar (complete with a panini machine), the cereal station, the pasta station, and the bagel station. Though you might not always like the hot food, there isn't a shortage of options for non-hot dining.

Concord is a great little town, with emphasis on the little. It's a very nice place, with several eateries, a grocery store, a CVS, and other shops, but, after 4 years, Concord does begin to feel a little bit small. However, with a bus to Boston every other Sunday, the smallness of Concord doesn't become overwhelming and I don't think I can come up with a better place to grow up and mature than Concord.

The Student Activities Committee does their best to provide fun activities every Saturday night, activities ranging from dances to movies to laser tag. Also, as a whole, Middlesex is an inviting place with nice people who make it easy to find your place at school but will never constrict you to one group of friends. It's easy and encouraged to branch out and meet new people.