Westtown School - Review #10

I like how the school lets us choose our own classes and activities. The advisors we get are really helpful as well, because they not only tell us to focus on our classes, but also our sport events. I really appreciate weekly advisor meetings because we usually talk about our weekly events, progresses and so.

I loved my boarding school experience because I became more independent. Since my high school's setup is a lot like those of liberal art colleges, so the students got a feel of what college life is at a young age (those who choose to board understand even more). Since high school is a preparatory period for college life, WT did really well on preparing students mentally and physically. We were challenged constantly on academics and creativity. The school wants to develop our interests, which really prepared me for college.

I would not have done anything different, because I really enjoyed my time. My advice for kids going to boarding school is to be open but also be careful. Since people at the school range from 14-18, it can be hard to have self control--and that is something you need to practice.

I liked everything. I really miss high school. There is not a single thing to point out, you just have to experience yourself.

Be adventurous, be open, be creative, be observant, be grateful and be respectful.

All the teachers are very supportive of us, and they encourage us to speak of our minds. If we don't do well in the class, they will help us voluntarily after class so that we understand the concepts. The material is challenging, yet totally manageable if we do the assignments. The homework assignments also don't take too much time, and the review sessions are insightful. Since there is no ranking in the school, there is rarely any competition academically. Many classes are offered, but I wish there are more business classes for those who are interested in business (i.e. accounting, finance). WT is a STEM focused school because it offered many science and technology classes, but not as many liberal art classes.

I love how we can choose whatever we want to do. But if you do choose the sports you want to do, you have to stick with it. The only sport that our school doesn't have is football because it is too much of a violent sport. Other than that, we have almost all the sports that normal private schools provide. The environment is competitive but only when competing with other school and during tryouts. Even during tryouts, people among the team support each other. The coaches are always there to cheer for us.

I think this is a great area. I am not too familiar with it since I didn't participate too much. However, what I do know is that the teachers in these areas always encourage creativity. The shows are always inspiring, which reflects students' and teachers' ability.

Our school requires 40 hours of volunteer work, and also weekly work on campus. The jobs rotate every two weeks, so that every student gets to do at least one different at the school. This is a great way of running the school because we get to really experience the school life.

Dorm life is great. There are strict rules, but everyone on the floor is friendly. The freshmen live off the main campus near the tennis courts. Then sophomores, juniors and seniors all live in the main building where the dining hall and the classrooms are. The selection process is quite fair because it is based on a lottery system. Roommates get a number, which indicates the order they can pick the room they want. Food is almost always available in dorms because the teachers live on campus with us, so they sometimes prepare food for us.

I like how the staff are all very friendly. I used to work and help in the kitchen, so I know how difficult it is to prepare food for the entire school. Some students complain about the food sometimes, but the kitchen already what they can do at best. The school dinner is usually buffet style except Thursday. Thursday is usually family style, which we were served food by the serving team on job that day. All students have to attend and sign in to dinner on Thursday. The hours are reasonable-breakfast starts 7am, recess is around 10am, lunch is around 12/1pm, dining is usually open before/during sports time, dinner is usually around 5:15pm, and it is opened all the way to 9pm.

There is no town life near us, because we are in the mountains. The closest town is west chester. There is something else nearby, but I can't remember.

Social life is really chill. It is a lot more lenient nowadays because girls and boys and hang out together. I don't think that was a thing 20-30 years ago. There are no strict rules in terms of interactions among boys and girls, but even if there are, I doubt people follow it.