Perkiomen School - Review #1

While the amazing opportunities of the Maker Space and associated programs were not available yet during my time, Perk provided an environment where I and others were able to shape our school experience in incredible ways. I was able to speak with faculty and get a video game club up and running. Others were able to get a Robotics club. For students with drive and a mission, the lowered barriers between faculty and students, compared to other boarding school cultures, can provide incredible opportunity.

I entered as a reserved kid, who couldn't cross the street alone without suffering panic attacks, and by the end was confident enough to start my own club, run for class president, and give speeches.

Participated in more of the weekend activities held by Perk. Perk did a bunch of really fun ones, but I basically never participated and feel like I missed out.

The culture of the faculty and students.

Talk to the faculty outside class like fellow human beings, of course with respect. The extra lessons both directly related to course work, and outside are incredibly useful. Also, when you need something, whether it's help with homework, or a faculty sponsor for an activity, it's way easier to ask for help if you are already on good speaking terms with the people you need to ask.

Essentially every AP class I wanted to take was available, and the instruction provided by the faculty, homework, and resources enabled me to score high enough to skip a whole year at my college, saving me a ton of money, and more importantly, enabled me to start immediately on the subject material relevant to my major.The workload was high, but instructors were fair with flexibility. Upon getting to college, I was completely and totally prepared for the workload in comparison too many of my college classmates.Instructors were readily available to talk about the course subject material, help if I was struggling, and offer further study when I was ahead of the game.

They found ways for someone in terrible physical shape and lack of coordination to contribute. I never experienced bullying from the team like so many people report, neither from the members of the team, nor the coaches. The coaches pushed me, but never made me feel worthless.

There were great opportunities to play music, not only at school events, but at external ones as well. Was a fantastic way to learn with classmates I never would have met in some of my classes.The theater program, while a huge time investment, gave me practice with improvement skills that I still find useful to this day.

Game Making Club. Perk gave me the time and space to introduce a group of my fellow perk students to video game development, and a chance to practice the craft that would eventually become my profession. Perkiomen is extremely supportive of students working with technology, and provides great resources, in space, material, and faculty time, to help grow skills in this area. Robotics Club was another great example of this.The Math club had some really strong members, and the ability to regularly meet with the best and solve problems together was one of my favorite experiences.

I was a day student, so I missed most of this.

Lunch was not a thing to dread. The offerings were healthy and good, and seating was very comfortable. Enough time was provided to build friendships while eating, or occasionally meet with faculty, but it wasn't excessive. The special occasion dinners were always very special events.

I grew up in a rural area just outside town, both of which were quiet and safe. While the surrounding town is not large, it has everything you need.

Getting to make real friendships with people from all over the world shaped my life in a very positive way and helped prepare me well for eventually working in a foreign country. I am still in good contact with many of the international friends I made at Perk.