Oldfields School - Review #5

I don't know what other boarding schools are like, but the teachers and coaches at Oldfields cared about me learning, growing, and being happy in a way I never could have imagined. I was surrounded by the nicest people (students and teachers) I had ever met! The small classes made me come out of my shell, and the teachers used all different types of activities to make learning fun for me again. I was getting all As in my other school, but dreaded it every day. me The way our day was scheduled made me much less stressed. I liked the longer classes with breaks in between to see teachers, do homework, or even relax.Also, I got to do things like be on the varsity soccer team and sing on stage in a musical that I never would have any where else!

Definitely growing in my ability to speak out and share my views, ask for what I need, and aspire to bigger things that seemed impossible before. When I got a standing ovation at my Senior Speech (an Oldfields tradition) I was beyond blown away.I also feel much more empowered as a woman - the strength, love, and support between my Oldfields sister is very special and will help me professionally and personally the rest of my life.

Jump in with both feet! Try everything! I wasted time being afraid and by the end wish I would have tried riding, dance, and badminton. Experience as much as you can and don't get stuck in one group - their are fascinating people all around you - get to know them.

It's just a feeling, a magic, a special togetherness that only a lucky small group gets to experience. It actually is hard to put into words.

Everyone must try theatre.

Classes were challenging, but I could always get help. I was much less stressed about achieving good grades. The "extras' like spontaneous fields trips, classes outside, special speakers, all really added to my education. The fact that I was sitting next to a girl form Rwanda or Germany made me see the world in a very different way. The class discussions were amazing.

Everybody makes the team! As not the most natural athlete, but someone who loves soccer, I felt so lucky to practice, ride the bus to games, and compete. I learned their is so much more than winning and my coach had the best perspective on how to contribute even if you are not a star!

I have always loved art, and my raw talent was honed in the high level art classes I took at Oldfields. I loved that I could take ceramics, photography, digital design, in addition to my regular studio classes.And as for the theatre - what started out as a stage crew position turned into a true love for performing! The highlight was a 10 minute piece with me and one other person where I was Leno Trotsky - my Russian accent was killer!

The shear number of student run clubs - so fun to get to do things our way.It was also great that as a day student I was welcome at all the evening an weekend activities - our coffee shops where we invited local schools were my favorite.

I was a day student, but loved that I could stay over night anytime I wanted.

The food is pretty good. I am a vegetarian and the selection of non-meat entrees was great.

I live 2 miles form the school. I love the natural beauty - the trails and the river are my favorite places.

At first I was shy and felt like I would never make friends like I had at my old school, but people reached out to me and I soon found a set of wacky and weird kids just like me. I really grew in social confidence because at a small school, there is no hiding. The diversity was a wonderful new experience. I loved all the students from other countries.