Wisconsin Lutheran High School - Review #1

I wish I would have known about Wisconsin Lutheran High School (WLHS- Wisco) earlier so that I could have attended all four years of my high school there. It is not like traditional boarding schools. I lived in the on-campus student homes and had really nice house parents and friends to live with together. It is a very inclusive community.

Everyone has a different experience at Wisco. How much you can get depends a lot on your own goal and willingness to open to new things and ideas. Spiritual education was something I never experienced before, it opened my eyes to the world of religion.

I would say "hi" to the person next to me in class. Sometimes is hard to be the first person to speak, but you never know who they are until you speak with them.

A lot of teachers helped me during the college application season and I was accepted to my first choice college and now am in my first year studying at the University of Wisconsin Madison, which is in the top 50 of all USA colleges and universities. I even became a really good friend with one of my WLHS writing instructors, and I have kept this friendship even now while I am studying at UW-Madison today. I still go ask for his advice about a lot of things I am writing.

If you get out of your comfort zone, Wisco has a lot of activities for you to explore and is very easy to make friends during the process. I would definitely recommend attending WLHS; you will find a lot of nice people there.

One thing I really liked in this school and in all American education system is the freedom to choose what you want to learn. Wisco provides a large variety of courses that can let all students find their interest and challenge themselves. I could never imagine I would take a sewing class before I came to Wisco. The teachers are very friendly and care about every progress students make.

Athletic programs in Wisco is pretty competitive in the area. I did a bit of dancing in the fall and joined the golf team in the spring. There wasn't a girl's golf team in the fall like some schools, but girls can always compete with boys in the spring. One issue I had was Wisco doesn't have a swimming pool, but as a boarding student, the house parents might be able to take you to a swimming pool at YMCA (a gym with swimming pool).

Wisco is very dedicated to fine art programs. Almost every student has some artistic talents, either in visual art, music or performing. Even someone who is not very good at art like me can also participate, for example, be a part of the play or musical by being on the makeup and hair team or stage crew.

Being a part of the National Honor Society requires a minimum of 20 hours of service per semester. There are a lot of volunteering opportunities at school and in the dorms, or even at church and in society. As long as you are willing to go out of your comfort zone, there are always things for you to do.

I liked most about the dinner provided for boarding students. Since there are fewer students who eat dinner at school, the kitchen always provides a delicious meal and tried to get feedback from the students to improve from time to time. Staying in this "home away from home" there is always someone I can go talk to and seek help from makes me feel comfortable.

Comparing to the average American food standard, Wisco has a much healthier dining arrangement for students. I enjoyed most was the dinner provided on school days. School also provides brunch on weekends, even "to go" boxes for meals on weekends. I think not to have to worry about food is a very important aspect of living in a foreign country and for a high school student. Attending dinner is mandatory, but students are able to skip dinner a few times a month based on academic performances.

Wisco is located in a very nice and safe neighborhood. About 15 mins drive from downtown and big malls. I run in the morning around the school area, the air is fresh and it has good views.

Students are friendly and open to meet you as well as help you. I liked the diversity of the school. Teachers are easy to talk to as well.