The Webb Schools - Review #16

When I first began at Webb I was coming from a life of public schooling. One of the greatest aspects of the school that attracted me was the campus. It is a gorgeous grounds that not only provides the common areas for students to socialize and grow socially but it also combines private areas conducive for study (outside of the library) and creative thought. This aspect of boarding life contributed to the growth of one of my favorite past times: walks.I also found that the college guidance counselor at Webb is unique. His approach and his skill are top notch and his experience is masterful. I genuinely believe that his understanding of the application process and a students aptitude are spot on. I also think that he and his team put forth the best in effort to mature a student from their junior year to applications to the highest potential.

The greatest acquisition I received from my tenure at Webb was friends. I gained a few of my greatest friends I could have ever found while being here. There was a lot of growth that transpired, there was a lot of fun, there were some tumultuous times and there were some accomplishments; but the best thing I have to reflect on from then and to enjoy today are these people who are still in my life today.

Make the most of it! It's a unique experience. Don't be the typical student. Don't be a typical you. Learn, grow and experience something new. Learn something from someone you never otherwise would have met and make a few friends you'll never forget. No one else will better understand your high school experience.

I appreciated the people most at this school. The personell, the staff and the students made this schools experience memorable. You will find it hard to encounter a set of people as special as the ones here. You must see for yourself!

When you go here, go all the way to the top of gym hill, go onto the track and look out from the shot-put ring. The view is extraordinary. Those were the sights i lived for.

I believe that the academic programs at Webb were dedicated to educating capable students to a level beyond what is necessary for college entry. The AP offerings and the teachers that teach those classes are aimed at taking students from a state of eagerness to a state of comprehension. I found that the structure of the school was completely organized around creating an atmosphere for students to not only learn the knowledge to pass classes but to learn the skills necessary for study of all subjects.Studying is the primary focus of this institution and that is seen in the structure of a student's day and the focus on being disciplined for success. If a student truly takes advantage of the tenured teachers, the study sessions, the other students at school and the structure that Webb provides they will definitely be successful and will definitely be prepared for their college experience.I also found that a student must be prepared to take responsibility for their own academics. A student that isn't ready to fully engage with and take responsibility for their own academics will easily be left behind and fall through the cracks. The school's structure is such that a student only gains access to the classes the already demonstrate the ability to master of their own accord (or have already taken every other class ahead of it). There is no, or little, opportunity for a student to push their limits to experience a new level of challenge.

The athletics programs at Webb are not designed for an avid sports player. A student is required to participate in an after school program (not limited to sports) every season. This means that the teams are not necessarily comprised of individuals who are interested in playing the sport for anything more than recreation.The school, as an academic school attracts academic oriented students. This means sports are often after or after after thoughts. The coaches are often teachers who play the sports for fun.That being said the camaraderie that is prevalent on the teams is noteworthy, friends I made through the sports teams at Webb I kept for years and years after.

Though I participated in the chamber choir at Webb my participation was minimal and the program has changed dramatically since then.

I loved that the school had volunteer opportunities and service days. Webb did its best to create a spirit for giving back in its students. Not only does this build character in the students who often receive more than they know with the opportunity of being at the school, but it also fills out a students application because they are not a uni-dimensional student any longer but have become a multi-dimensional applicant.A wonderfully active student may propose that a service opportunity that takes place happen outside of the school. This type of service and volunteer opportunity would be superior to the service opportunities that currently happen on campus.

In my years since being a boarding student at Webb the dorm life experience has changed in many ways. I don't know that my experience is still comprable to the experience a new student would have. I will say that it does prepare you for living away from home. It prepares you for the dormitory life of a university. I also believe that it provides a secure place for a student to study and develop study skills appropriately.

I genuinely enjoyed the personell that worked in the dining halls. I also genuinely like the concept of our formal dinners that happened twice a week. These formal dinners were designed to instruct the student body in proper dining etiquete and to provide the students with meals that a bit less typical. I Also felt, however, that the purpose of the dinners were often lost in the redundancy of them and that etiquete wasn't always the focal point.

Webb is nestled away from the local downtowns giving it a private and removed atmosphere. Webb does provide short excursions to the locations that are frequented by the local college students. Webb student favorites include the movie theater that neighbors an In-n-Out (a California favorite burger joint) and trips to ''the Village'' which is near the Claremont Colleges. Long retreats and extended day trips are infrequently granted so the school also tries to create school sanctioned day trips to more distant locations i.e. malls, theme parks, other locations. Students can also suggest outings as long as enough other students are willing to participate.

I loved our student center. We had dances there (that were timid but fun). I learned and perfected my ping-pong game there. I passed time in front of the large television and or playing pool. Many of my best memories were spent with friends in this small building. It was home.