Stoneleigh-Burnham School - Review #8

I attended Stoneleigh-Burnham School for 4 years. The combination of academics, extracurricular activities, and athletics far exceeded my expectations. SBS has a welcoming and diverse community, - exposing students to the meaning of community service and challenging students to be their best selves. The whole school participates in regular house-meetings to learn about on campus events and strengthen the sense of community. SBS has many traditions - including: Big Sister/Little Sister, Mountain Day, Spearth Day, 100 Nights to recognize seniors, Vespers, formal dinners.

Attending SBS was one of the best decisions of my life. Instructors challenged me both academically and socially. SBS helped me identify my passion for studying history and politics. I also developed lifelong friendships and am proud to be an alumna.

I had a smooth transition from public school to boarding school. I would recommend joining extracurriculars in your first year.

I loved house meetings, which brought the entire school together on a regular basis. I loved the sense of community and camaraderie among classmates. I felt supported by my classmates and instructors alike. Academics and extracurriculars challenged students to reach their full potential and contribute to their community.

SBS is a unique campus and just recently renovated the student lounge.

SBS has trimesters. My instructors challenged me academically and helped me develop my own voice. Instructors were always open to meeting with students for extra help if necessary. Instructors were very knowledgeable in their subject area. SBS has small class sizes. Class assignments included research papers, writing poetry, class presentations. SBS prepared me for college and I felt an advantage over my public school classmates.

Each student is required to participate in athletics - ranging from Dance, team sports, to horseback riding. SBS has a renowned Equestrian program. I participated in Beginner and Advanced Dance and was very pleased with my instructors/fellow dancers.

SBS has a strong performing and visual arts program. Students can audition for the annual musical or play each winter. Course offerings include ceramics, photography, Yearbook, chorus, jazz band, dance.

SBS offers a variety of extracurricular activities. Students are encouraged to be actively engaged in extracurricular to both contribute to their community and develop their leadership skills.

All first years are on the same floor, including day students. As upperclassmen, day students have rooms on "day student hall." Teachers serve as houseparents on each hall and are accessible to students. Since I was a day student, I very much appreciated having a room on campus.

Every Wednesday was Donuts day. Students have assigned seating at occasional formal dinners (At these dinners, there is 1 faculty per table and 1 student server per table). There is always a salad bar in addition to the hot meal.

SBS arranges weekend activities for students both on and off campus. Greenfield is a small town, with a traditional Main Street shopping area. The surrounding area has many historical and cultural institutions including, Yankee Candle flagship store, Historic Deerfield, Six Flags in Agawam, theaters.

Since SBS is a small school, I was able to develop strong friendships with my classmates and instructors. SBS is a very supportive environment encouraging all students to speak their mind and develop leadership/social skills.