Read more details about Brooks School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
One quality of Brooks that I am not sure is unique but will always stick out in my mind is the quality of the college counseling office. I do not believe I would have had such a great college experience if it wasn't for John McVeigh and is advice to take a look at Lake Forest College. Looking back, it is as if he knew me better then I knew myself from his time coaching me in basketball and teaching me in AP Environmental Science. I originally wanted to go to a large university, but he told me to take a look at Lake Forest and with that, I found my way to Lake Forest and believe it was the best decision I've ever made.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best thing to happen to me in Brooks was to be given my first challenge in my life. Prior to Brooks, I was able to always excel in school without any effort. Brooks was the first opportunity that I had to actually put effort into. I value this experience because it prepared me moving forward in life. I was given the lesson that I must work hard to perform at high levels in all I do.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
Starting out at a boarding school, throw all fear out the window and embrace the opportunity. You will learn so much and grow immensely by doing so.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The relationships I built while on the Brooks School campus. To this day, beside my family, many of my greatest relationships began at Brooks. Also, the campus is gorgeous.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
You must got to the lake on a nice spring day and watch the sun bounce off the water or during the winter when the water freezes over. At the dining hall, you must microwave a brownie for 30 seconds on the dot and the put some vanilla soft serve ice on top of it! The best dessert you will ever have.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Brooks School provides students with a challenging academic workload that will prepare them for the next levels of education and for life after school. Not only does Brooks provide a challenging academic experience, but it provides the academic resources to help grow as a scholar while also having the freedom to grow as a person as well.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
At Brooks, you will have the opportunity to compete at whatever level you are most comfortable with. I personally wanted to always compete at the highest level which I was able to attain. Other students I knew on the other hand, enjoyed competing, but were more interested in the fun of team sports. There were also Junior Varsity and thirds level teams for growing as an athlete and enjoying the fun of sports.If you are someone interested in competing at the highest levels, Brooks is a great place for such. Here you will have the opportunity to be coach by some of the greatest coaches in the New England area. Brooks has produced many athletes who have gone on to have great collegiate careers at all levels(DI/II/III).
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I personally cannot speak at great lengths in this area. There are many after school programs that can stand in place of athletics. Three feature length theatre productions were performed each school year.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Again, I cannot speak to these areas that well because I played sport all three season of each of my years at Brooks. Every season there is community services and other extra curricular opportunities for students interested.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life is amazing at Brooks! It gives you another method of immersing yourself in the school. Dorm parents begin to become much like actual parents. At nightly check in, many students will hang out with the dorm parents and their family's while enjoying each others company and conversation.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
One thing that all my friends from Brooks that went to different colleges from myself seemed to think the same as I did. Brooks blew our college dining halls off of the maps. The ever changing menu provided students with many options that were healthy and promoted good eating habits. Those brownies at the dessert bar are to die too haha.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Brooks School is located in North Andover which is not very far from Boston. This provides student with many opportunity to leave campus and enjoy all the historical city has to offer!
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
At Brooks, I was able to foster many of the strongest relationships I have to this day in my life. The school captivates an environment that help students to build relationships that will last a lifetime! To this day, my best friends are my buddies I met at Brooks.
Read more details about Brooks School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Strong sense of community, lack of judgment for unique individual qualities (bullying because of different personalities), adaptive teaching techniques for individual needs. . .
The community at Brooks, including teachers, staff and students, all share an extremely tight-knit bond that I've never experienced at any other institution. Teachers care about the students, and get to know them extremely well. . .
Be prepared for a 6-day class week at Brooks. While Saturday classes are a requirement, schedules even out with a half day schedule on Wednesdays. . .
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