Stoneleigh-Burnham School - Review #13

Stoneleigh-Burnham is unique because of its small class size, strong teacher-student relationships, and diverse elective offerings.While I attended school I was able to take courses in athletic training, which is the field I chose to study in college. Because Stoneleigh offered the taping and injury prevention class, I decided what my future career would be. I was a very strong science student, and so I took 3-4 science courses a year. On the other hand, my math skills were not so strong- and I received extra help with calculus. Stoneleigh forced me to realize what subjects I was better in than others, and offered the extra help and support needed to excel in all academic areas.The relationship I had with my teachers is one you will not find at many schools. Because of Stoneleigh- Burnham's class size, all of the teachers know who you are even if you are not in their classes. The teachers offer office hours where you get a chance to visit them and ask questions, and they are available during free periods throughout the day. I would often find myself in their offices not asking questions, but visiting and getting to know them better.

The best thing that happened to me at SBS was that I learned who I was as a student, not just an athlete. Before SBS I was not often told I was smart, but Stoneleigh showed me I could succeed both on the field and in the classroom.

I would have attended in my freshman year, and not waited until my junior year to apply. I was missing out big time!

The best thing about Stoneleigh-Burnham was meeting my friends. They define who I am and who I'd like to be.

Take a chance with Stoneleigh-Burnham. It's such a unique & relaxed learning environment that every girl should get to experience. Also, visit the school's beautiful campus. You won't regret it!

When I first transferred schools, it was a big adjustment for me to have an advisor who knew everything about my grades. I remember thinking, "Isn't that what your parents are for?" But my advisor, Corin, helped with EVERYTHING. Changing classes, setting up meeting times with teachers, getting extra help or a tutor, organizing my binders and work for the week- you name it, Corin did it.I quickly learned that at Stoneleigh-Burnham School, everyone does their homework. It's considered "uncool" to attend class with your worksheet only half filled out. So, instead of trying to finish last night's math problems in class (like I did at my old school), I managed my time better at night. I passed in papers on time, felt more prepared for tests because I had studied for an adequate amount of time the night before, and rarely missed a homework assignment. I had finally understood that doing your homework and studying results in good grades. Who would've thought?

At SBS, everyone plays a sport. Whether you are a 12-year veteran or a beginner whose cleats are not worn in yet, you can participate. SBS does not turn girls away; the coaches welcome new players and help them learn the mechanics and the rules.My senior year, I was a co-captain of the Varsity softball team. During March break our coach, Dr. Paul Bassett, took us to Orlando, Florida for spring training!! We played two games a day against teams from all over the northeast, and also got a chance to visit Disney World at night. After our week-long trip we returned to Massachusetts as a well-bonded, well- prepared team, not just a group of girls who all played softball. That trip helped each and every one of us improve individually as well as an entire team.At SBS you feel encouraged to perform well, and not just by your coaches and teammates. I remember playing games and having the lacrosse team take a break from practice to yell out a cheer for us. The faculty was so involved with our games- they would make signs, cheer for us, and even bring us for ice cream after a good performance. When my team traveled to other schools, we were surprised to see that we had a bigger fan-base than the home team!!

I was more of an athlete than an artist, but I took a chance with photography and weaving. I was heavily involved with yearbook- I made page layouts, met with captains and leaders of clubs to retrieve quotes, and took pictures. Then, in my senior year I decided to try weaving! I was shocked at how much fun it actually was. I made my mother a beautiful scarf for Christmas and also a runner for a table.With all the choices Stoneleigh offers, everyone has a chance to share their talent with the rest of the school, not just the artistically gifted.

Every club you can imagine is offered at Stoneleigh-Burnham. And if it isn't, you have the opportunity to get some friends together and create your own! The faculty is always willing to support new clubs and organizations.

I was a day student, but I always wished I was a boarder!! They had so much fun together, and they would help each other with homework during the week. About once a month I would stay over with one of my boarding friends and have a sleepover. I liked the idea of always having friends around to talk to and hang out with. What is better than living with all of your closest friends?

I have attended two colleges since graduating from Stoneleigh-Burnham, and they did not even compare to the food at SBS. There was always a salad bar (fully stocked with everything you'd ever want on a salad), sandwich line, soups, toast bar, and of course the hot meal line. Every day I would get to school early so I could have breakfast, and then I would be in the dining hall at 9:30 sharp for a mid-morning snack. Then came lunch, afternoon snack, and after sports was dinner. It is safe to say that I missed the SBS food after graduation.

Greenfield, Massachusetts is "Everybody's Hometown!!!!" There are a billion things to do in the valley!

The girls I met at Stoneleigh-Burnham are the best friends I will ever have in my life. They will be my bridesmaids; they will forever have a place in my heart. It has been two years since I graduated, and although we are spread throughout the country, we remain the best of friends. A month ago, four of us took our spring break trip to Nassau, Bahamas. Instead of vacationing with our college friends, we chose to go together. I think I am spoiled because the friends I met at Stoneleigh-Burnham are almost too good to be true. They are them. They are irreplaceable!