West Nottingham Academy - Review #4

West Nottingham's weekend culture credits were one of the most unique experiences I have ever encountered in my life. By requiring all students to sign up for trips to a historical or educational site during the weekends, the student body gains insight into different aspects of the state, school, and world they most likely had not known before. Each culture credit was a treat in and of itself, and because of how tightly connected the school was,, it is very easy to hold discussions about the entire ordeal.

Winning the district championship for Varsity soccer, meeting some of my most cherished friends of today, participation in the production of a play with only four people, sharpening my ping-pong skills, prom night, the tournaments we had in the dorms on weekends, learning to effectively live with a roommate, and so much more! My time at west Nottingham had a profound effect on my life and I will never forget it.

If I could've done anything differently, it would have been to take more photos to remember all the memories I had. Coming from a public school in Texas to a boarding school in Maryland, there were too many sights and events that happened that went un-recorded or taken for granted that can only stay in my memory. Please cherish the time at boarding school; even at times you may not like it at a particular moment, in years when you look back it'll weigh heavy on your memories.

Overall, I believe the admissions office does an excellent job recruiting because the students and friends I made at WNA was the best part of it all

Try to make friends and do as much as possible, meaning events and activities. Do not get hung up on relationships and drama. Enjoy yourself! Rush dormitory for life! The cantina is the best hang out spot, and be ready to challenge someone at ping-pong during off hours between classes. Do not stay in your room, but try to be social and reach out of your clique.

Looking back, the academics at WNA were exactly what the school was meant to be: college-preparatory, especially the mathematics and science courses. As a now recent college graduate, freshman year of college was especially easy as all of the core classes were ones I had already taken; in fact, most courses at WNA were more challenging than collegiate level courses! Further supporting my success at my university was the study-hall function for boarding students. With a mandated 2 hour study period, your habits will definitely change, but for the better. It may seem bothersome at first, but this is one of the things I look back at and say aided the most in college, because higher-level engineering courses required a study-hall that you need to impose on yourself if you want any chance of passing.

The athletic program may be biased on my part because our Varsity soccer team was quite successful, as we won the district championship the year I graduated from WNA. I almost lived every day to get away from school and go out to the field or courts to play any number of sports (and there is a large plethora of sports and activities to choose from). Some recreational activities you never played before, you'll become a pro just by the sheer competition and emphasis the other students place on them including ping-pong, pool, and football.

The theatre program was spearheaded by my soccer coach, and the professionalism he brought to our athletic program was doubled when it came to productions and plays. In just a group of 4 students, an entire 7-part play was performed in front of the entire school, something worked on throughout the entire year. We learned how to be on time, learned how our actions affect others immensely simply because of how few people were available on staff, and you get a sense of confidence and pride in your work. The way I project myself today and tackle impromptu social situations today can be heavily attributed to the program I went through under Mr. Mark Templeton People

Culture credits as mentioned above were informative and that knowledge helps shape your personal character. The school-wide Spartans v Athenians event definitely brought together the school in unity where you could showcase any skills you had to bring about success. Another thing to mention is that you can really become independent at WNA through many means. For example, my lacrosse

Being around international and domestic students from all over the world/ country and learning their backgrounds.

The dining experience was enjoyable. Meals were plentiful and diverse, and you were well-fed. Anyone looking for extra food could order from the several options in the area.

The trips to the grocery store were the best common social outings the school offered, something as simple as going to the store was enhanced by the people going.

The social life was as expected of a school anywhere, however one thing to note is that anything done out of the ordinary will most likely get known throughout the entire school body quickly.