Wilbraham & Monson Academy - Review #9

What I loved about Wilbraham-Monson Academy was the faculty's willingness to always be available to their students. Whether it be at the extra help period, during their free periods, after school or during study hall, faculty in all subjects are available to talk to. In addition, if a faculty member thinks you are falling behind in their class, they will get a hold of you and ask that you see them.Another great aspect of WMA was their commitment to community service. My last two years there, we held a Relay for Life each year. We also held a blood drive, which was extremely successful.The last point that I always like to point out was our gust speakers. Every month, Wilbraham-Monson Academy invited an individual, usually a CFO, president, or government official to speak to the student body about various topics. No other boarding school in the area can say they have had the former Prime Minister of England speak at a graduation, or the daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. speak to their student body.

Attending WMA was the best thing that happened to me. I loved the small classes and small graduating class size (I was one of only 93 students in my graduating class). I befriended so many different people and was friends with a great deal of the faculty and staff. I still keep in contact with the people I graduated with, as well as students still attending WMA and most of the faculty members. I feel as though I have become a much better person because of WMA, and I am forever grateful.

I would not have changed anything. Attending Wilbraham-Monson was the greatest thing that has happened to me. Boarding school is a fantastic experience, and I wish every student could experience what I experienced.

I loved everything about WMA. From the friendliness of the faculty, to the students, to the administration. I loved everything.

The Student Lounge (AKA the Spa) is the best place to grab a quick snack before class. Cathy, the Spa "mom" as she has come to be known as, is a wonderful woman and works quickly. All of the Spa staff are friendly and are always there to listen about your day or your weekend.

Wilbraham-Monson Academy only hires the best faculty and staff members that apply for a position. The work load is similar to that of what one might expect at college, which fits for a private school that strives to prepare its student for college. Students compete for the top GPA of their class, which pushes students to do their best. WMA strives for excellence.

Although WMA strives for a solid education, the athletics department is just as strong. There is a sport or activity for every student, no matter their interest. Students are expected to participate in 2 sports and 1 activity per year. Students may also participate in 3 athletic areas if they wish. The faculty members ARE the coaches, so you get to know all of the faculty members, whether you have them in class or on the field. The coaching staff know what they are talking about, especially since most coach the sports they are interested in and competed in during their college experience.

At Wilbraham-Monson Academy, a play or performance is put on every trimester. The faculty member who instructs the performances is also the class instructor. They are completely qualified to teach these courses and direct wonderful performances.The art classes are also spectacular. I, myself, took 2 art classes and loved them. Art classes range from beginner status to advanced, ceramics, photography, etc.

There aren't too many student organizations or volunteer opportunities at WMA. There is, however, Student Government, Gold Key, GSA, and Community Service.

I wasn't a boarding student, but I was good friends with boarders. Every weekend, trips off campus are arranged with faculty members who go along with the students. Faculty members are also the drivers. Most boarders ordered take-out from a vast variety of dining places in the area if they felt the need to eat something after the dining hall closed.

WMA provides a great variety of foods. There is a hot lunch line, soup bar, sandwich bar, salad bar, and beverage bar. Dining hall hours coincided with the student schedule, so during your free period, you could grab lunch. There is no assigned seating, and getting seconds is always welcome. The quality of the food is amazing and there is always something to eat, whether you are a vegetarian or love meat.

The town of Wilbraham is quite small. But right next to campus, basically on-campus, is a coffee shop and pharmacy. There is also a mall approximately 10 minutes down the road. A public library is only a 5 minute walk off-campus, if that. There are also 2 banks available to students, which is quite nice.

What I loved about attending WMA was the diversity of the student population. By the time you graduate, you are friends with people from all over the world... literally. When I graduated, I had made friends with people from England, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Hungry, Spain, and Mexico. I had quite the exciting social life, as I knew everyone I came across and was able to know each and every one of them by name.