Read more details about Westtown School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Westtown was like a big family. Every student had a work job (chore) which must be performed daily and your dorm room was like home. Everyone was on the honor system and you felt safe when in your room and when on the school's campus. I loves those aspects of campus life which taught you mutual responsibility and respect.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I appreciated meeting people from all over the country/world and sharing a common experience. Westtown is a Quaker school, and for this Baptist girl, the exposure to a different way of Worship was an eye opener for me. I loved the history of Quakerism and to this day appreciate all they have contributed to our nation's history. Westtown was a part of the Underground Railroad and seeing where they hid runaway slaves in the basement of the school's main building was truly history come alive for me.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I would not have done anything differently. Westtown was a wonderful experience.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The world that it exposed me to and the requirement that I experience many things, from work jobs, to reading about the world (Newsweek, Time and The Atlantic were required reading) to the opportunity to participate in the arts. Westtown was a wonderful place for me and I can't imagine any student would not excel there.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Ask questions of current student. They will let you know what a fantastic place Westtown is.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Before arriving at Westtown, I earned A's at my public school with almost no effort, but I found I actually had to study to achieve the same grades at Westtown. This was a challenge for me and I appreciate that in that it prepared me well for college. And for the first time, I appreciated history which was taught beautifully by my American History teacher.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I had always been a physically athletic person, and I liked that sports was mandatory. I learned to swim as a child, so being on the swim team was a natural. But I had never played field hockey or lacrosse and learned to love both in my three years at Westtown. I left with a Varsity letter in Lacrosse and a JV letter in Field Hockey.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I loved that even though I was extremely shy I was able to participate by being a member of the chorus and also behind the scenes in makeup and set building.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Again, there was never a time of day where there was not some activity you could take part in. From sports to theater and chorus, things like pottery. I'm sure there is more diversification since I was a student many decades ago.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I liked the family atmosphere. No locks on dorm rooms and the element of mutual respect that existed.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Again, the family atmosphere. Meals were required and meals were served family style at assigned tables which rotated every three weeks. You got to know many more students that way which ensured students did not just keep to their own cliques.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Westtown is about 5 miles outside West Chester and the isolation was good for focus. I do know the area has grown and expanded since I was there so what it was like 40 years ago is probably not relevant today.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Again, probably not relevant today as I was a student 40 years ago.
Read more details about Westtown School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Westtown has a beautiful campus. It was beautiful and especially safe to walk around any time of day. Also the style of teaching is very hands on and has small classes, usually with. . .
Small Quaker school, tight group, not so much focused on strong academics as much as creating good individuals in society.. . .
Extremely beautiful campus. It is a Quaker boarding school with wonderful teachers. They require a senior project where students can travel the world. Also encourages volunteer work and has a campus farm. . .
Show more reviews (41 reviews)
Recent Articles
Boarding School Myths
This article debunks common myths about boarding schools, addressing misconceptions about wealth requirements, diversity, student life, school types, and family communication. It provides valuable insights for families considering boarding school education and highlights the modern realities of these institutions.
A Partnership of Three
This article explores the three-way partnership between the school, parents, and students in boarding school education. It outlines the obligations and responsibilities of each party, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and commitment to ensure a successful boarding school experience.
Admissions Checklist For Boarding School Applicants
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed checklist for boarding school applicants, covering key aspects of the admissions process such as testing, recommendations, interviews, and financial aid. It also includes additional information for international students applying to U.S. boarding schools.
