The Cambridge School of Weston - Review #2

CSW utilizes the "Mod System". It is a system that allows you to have different classes every six weeks making it so that you can have up to 30 classes a year. This was especially appealing to me as I was looking at schools because I love learning and experiencing new things. CSW also prides itself in its ability to prioritize student voice. Almost everything on campus is student run including things like clubs, events, and even the boarding life events.

This past year I was chosen to participate in Japan's Kakehashi program. This program paid for me to travel abroad to Kyoto and Okinawa with my peers during the month of March. There I experienced Japan's intricate culture, lifestyle, and I made so many new friends. This was truly a life changing experience, and I am so grateful for this opportunity that CSW gave me. I have recently won a Silver Key for photography from the National Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. I have also won two awards for NEPSAC girls tennis. And most importantly, I have experienced things that have changed my mindset for the better as a person.

Looking back, I would have tried to get myself to be more involved in the community my freshman year. I would have tried to tell myself that it isn't as scary as I'm probably making it out to be, and I would probably even have fun. My biggest advice to people coming to boarding school is try your best to separate your school life from your home/personal life. Sometimes it gets overwhelming boarding because you go from class right to your dorm which can be a hard transition because it could feel the same. Making a distinct separation between those two things can help you from feeling overwhelmed and stuck, and it can help you settle into a routine.

My favorite thing about my school was my dorm parents and my teachers. I think that they have been the most supportive and engaging teachers that I've ever had. I have never felt like I couldn't ask them for help, and I have never felt like a burden to them in any way. They have always made time for me, and I can't thank them enough for that.

Come in with an open mind! CSW is a very unique school, but it is also extremely accommodating. If there are any concerns, please voice them because I'm sure there will be someone who can relate and someone who can help reassure you. And I may be a little biased because I've lived here for four years and been a dorm leader for two, but Warren dorm is the best dorm ever! And my go-to meal for when I'm just craving something small and sweet to get me by till study hours is a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

I especially appreciate the Mod System because it offers me the opportunity to experience many new classes each year. I'm the type of person who gets bored and distracted easily, so I appreciate that I can try different classes without compromising my credits I need to graduate. I've tried robotics, theater, photography, and even sculpture classes. Trying all of these unfamiliar classes have taught me many life skills that I wouldn't have been able to experience anywhere else. Also, having the chance to try these new classes have opened my eyes to things that I really enjoy that I might have not had the chance to discover otherwise.All of the teachers here are extremely dedicated to their respective courses as well. I have never seen such passionate and motivated teachers. It is truly inspiring being in their class and learning from them. They have nothing but your best interest in mind, and I found that I can always go to them for guidance no matter the circumstance.

CSW's athletic department has grown tremendously these past couple of years. I am currently the captain of the field hockey and tennis team, and I pride myself in how great our team spirit is. Our coaches have been such amazing support systems, and they have taught me so much about myself and my sports during my years here. Our community is smaller, but this has given us the opportunity to connect and grow as a team.

CSW's art program is easily one of my favorite parts of our school. Our teachers are some of the best and most dedicated in their fields. They are truly some of the greatest sources of support and guidance, and that is why our school produces so many art students every year. Even as a student that doesn't necessarily define themself as "artsy", I still find myself thoroughly enjoying and learning so much during these classes.

I love how everything is pretty much student run. From the clubs to the events, everything is student organized and executed. There is never a dull moment at CSW as there is always some sort of AIA group or club hosting an event. I love how our community comes together and bonds over our common interests and hobbies.

I have boarded all four years of high school, and I am now a dorm leader for two years. Our residential group only makes up about 30% of our community, but I also think that is the reason why our residential community is so closely knit. Our dorm parents are such great support systems, and I have always found that they are always ready to help whenever I need. They truly encapsulate what a "home away from home" is like. They are always so dedicated to making your transition here easier, and they often host activities and buy treats for the dorm. All of the students are also very welcoming and kind people. They are a fun and lively bunch that are always excited to help the community when needed. There is never a dull moment in the boarding community because every week there are many events and activities hosted on campus for everyone to enjoy.

The dining experience at CSW is very accommodating. Recently this year, we have added a noodle bar to go alongside our sandwich and salad bar. There is also the hot food bar that changes it's menu every day. I have found the food to be very nutritional and filling, and if I find myself uninterested in the hot foods that day, there is always the salad bar as well. I appreciate that they provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all students.

CSW is in the middle of a quiet, heavily forested area. I find this to be very ideal as it gives the feeling of a peaceful college town. There is always so much wildlife incorporated into our classes and daily lives because of this. Right across the street is a large trail with a pond that science and art classes utilize for their lessons sometimes. A lot of students also enjoy swimming in the pond and having picnics there as well. And only a 5-10 minute drive away is an area for grocery shopping and other stores as well.

Even though our community is smaller, all of the people at CSW are incredibly friendly and kind. I have never found it difficult to fit in or feel like I needed to be anyone else but myself. My freshman year was extremely hard for me because I was away from my family for the first time in my life, but my friends in my dorm helped me feel so safe and welcomed into my new home. I have made some of my best lifelong friends here at CSW.