Read more details about Cranbrook Schools on their 2025 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
I believe that Cranbrook Schools is unique due to their campus atmosphere. Set up similar to a college campus, it gave students independence and the ability to make their own.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I am so grateful for my time at Cranbrook. I feel like the atmosphere gently nudged me to mature and become a more well-rounded individual.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
If anything, I would have maintained better contact with my professors and fellow graduates after graduation. My advice to any child going to boarding school would be to make as many friends and connections as possible, because you are all in this together.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The thing I loved most about Cranbrook was their willingness to give independence and responsibility to us at the same time. They were not afraid to let us reach our full potentials, and they were ready for us to take them on with their help.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
The absolute best thing on the Cranbrook campus are the chocolate chip cookies from the bookstore at Cranbrook. Do not miss out!
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I loved the way that each and every teacher wanted the students to learn. Yes, grades were important, however, learning was always more important. There were so many diverse AP and honor class offerings that it was impossible for you not to be challenging yourself through education.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
As a team captain, I most enjoyed the traditions that accompanied the athletics at such a unique and historic school. Simply playing in a gymnasium older than my parents was a treat, and being able to wear the Cranbrook varsity jacket meant something more than me as an individual, it was me as a team.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I most enjoyed the passion of the students and instructors involved in the arts programs. There were several offerings of visual arts, and I was able to participate in orchestra, as well as be involved in a Metalsmithing class. Some of my closest friends became experts in weaving, ceramics, drawing and painting as well.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
So many extracurricular activities were celebrated at my school, and in my opinion, the best part about it was that if you were not interested in any of the clubs offered, you could create your own. This greatly encouraged the independence of students into pursuing what they were passionate about individually and collectively.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
The Cranbrook atmosphere is like no other- it is nearly impossible to describe, but it is embodied by the phrase "Cranes fly together"
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
With a dining hall on each campus, it was always perfectly convenient. Food selections were numerous, and there was always a salad bar and sandwich bar if none of the hot food offerings were pleasing that day.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Bloomfield Hills is a unique town, but my favorite thing about it was Downtown Birmingham, the downtown area about 10 minutes away. Downtown Birmingham had quaint coffee shops and cafes, as well as great shopping.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
The social life at Cranbrook was incredibly vibrant, and I most enjoyed the vast diversity of friendships that I was able to make there. In a unique way, the Cranbrook atmosphere overcame classic high school cliques, and allowed each person to create their own identity.
Read more details about Cranbrook Schools on their 2025 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Extremely diverse educational community that encourages students to get involved.
The school has a very well-rounded educational team that makes you feel home whilst providing with an excellent academic schedule.
All the teachers and staff. . .
Definitely its renowned Harkness discussion. The principal is based off the idea that the students are of such a high intellect that they are able to teach each other, and thus the teacher of the. . .
For me, living and working on a boarding school campus that was surrounded in nature made Cranbrook a very special place. Everyday was like finding a new adventure to embark on - from the small. . .
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