The Webb Schools - Review #20

Read more details about The Webb Schools on their 2024 profile page.
The Webb Schools
5

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
2008-2012
Sports and Activities:
Varsity Badminton (team captain) Student Government (Student Body Vice President) Violist in the orchestra (principal chair)
College Enrolled:
Cornell University
Home Town, State:
Walnut, CA

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
The strong student-teacher relationships at Webb is something no other boarding school can claim. From the advisory system to weekend activities, the opportunity to interact with teachers is plentiful. These meetings are not purely academic; the topic can be about anything from yesterday's basketball game to Los Angeles' architecture. Over the four years spent at Webb, these relationships ultimately form a trust between students and their teachers. I have found that it's a lot easier to ask for help from a faculty member when you trust him or her. Because of Webb's implementation of student-teacher contact, I have faculty members I call (they still pick up after you graduate!) whenever I need an extra opinion.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best thing that happened to me was joining the student government. I transitioned from a skinny, quiet kid to someone who wasn't afraid to deliver a speech, run a group project, or dance in front of the school.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
Be more involved. I waited way too long to get involved in the school community, and the result is a lot of "what ifs" going through my mind at graduation. The resources at Webb are powerful, but only if you take advantage of them.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
You're not forgotten after you graduate. Webb does an incredible effort of checking up on you when it would be just as easy to forget about its graduates and move their focus on to the incoming batch of freshmen. Whether it's the smiling faces when revisiting Webb for the first time, or the Alumni Office organizing class reunions, it's evident that the connections made at Webb are genuine and strong.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Get to know the maintenance staff. They take care of Webb's campus and facilities with little recognition and much hard work.

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
All the students at the school are motivated to learn. In class, it isn't nerdy or dorky to ask questions. When I found myself in an environment where everyone places an impetus on knowledge, I found myself taking my academics much more seriously. With an honor code in place, cheating rarely takes place at Webb. It's reassuring to see teachers walk out of the classroom during tests to run errands or to see them hand out take-home tests knowing that we won't cheat.

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I played basketball during my first two years and badminton all four years. I loved the friendships made on the teams I played on. There's something different about a friendship made on the basketball court with a teammate who just scored a last-second buzzer beater or in the gym with your doubles partner after a winning badminton point. I am grateful to the athletics department at Webb: I know it takes a lot of effort to organize games for multiple teams each season.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was in the orchestra where I played the viola for four years. I liked the pieces we played; our conductor had an avant-garde flair and introduced us to contemporary pieces I normally wouldn't have been exposed to. I also liked how the orchestra program was very relaxed: there weren't any projects or homework assignments. Sometimes, after a long, tiring day, it's nice to go to orchestra and take a break from everyday issues.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was in the ASB program (student government) my senior year as student body vice-president. Dr. David Fitzgerald, the ASB advisor, places such emphasis on integrity and morality that you will walk out of the program as a better person. I learned so much from afternoon leadership lessons, whether the topic was on leadership styles, public speaking, or resolving issues.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life was like a mini community in the Webb community. The condition of the dorms is excellent: you'll probably live better at Webb than you will in college. Each room comes with a sink, which is a bonus. For the parents -- faculty members check each room every weekday, so your son's room should be somewhat clean. And there are always little incentives to keep the dorm area tidy, like In-n-Out burgers, Jamba Juice, or candy.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Like clockwork, there will always be breakfast, lunch, and dinner present at the right time in the dining hall. I'm pretty sure the dining hall staff have ever cancelled a meal: fun fact, when Webb had to be evacuated because of an impending forest fire, Al Alvarez (now retired) and the dining hall staff was at the evacuation center the next day serving breakfast. Having a dining hall is an extreme privilege because it means we, the students, don't have to worry about sustenance. There was even hot pizza ready when I had an away game and my team got back to school after dinner. Every week, there are one or two formal dinners where you have to wear the school uniform and sit at an assigned seat.

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Webb has a great weekend activities program. One of the things I heard the admissions office preach a lot was that Claremont is one of those rare cities where you can surf, snowboard, hike, and shop all within an hour's drive. And of course, there's Los Angeles. There are so many activities that focus on its vibrant culture and diversity. From architecture tours to social awareness projects to an "Amazing Race," a weekend in Los Angeles is almost always the best option.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Webb is a close-knit community. And the ties I formed with students in my class are even more close-knit. Every year, there are class retreats that are geared towards building class unity. And at the end of every senior year, there is a Grand Canyon trip that reinforces class bonds into something that can be called upon years after graduation.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday
8:00 AM
wake up
8:30 AM
1st Class
10:00 AM
Break
10:30 AM
2nd class
12:00 AM
lunch
1:15 PM
3rd class
3:15 PM
sports
5:30 PM
dinner
7:00 PM
homework
12:00 PM
sleep
Weekend
10:00 AM
wake up
12:00 AM
lunch
1:00 PM
free time
7:00 PM
homework
Read more details about The Webb Schools on their 2024 profile page.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description
The Webb Schools Alumni #1
Class of 2017
5.00 6/29/2018
United States Military Academy
The classroom setting of a round table discussion instead of lecture based teaching. I believe it really puts the pressure on the student to understand what is going on in the class and bring an. . .
The Webb Schools Alumni #2
Class of 2016
5.00 6/9/2018
University of California San Diego
Webb has a clear focus on community and it really shows. When you are a student you become best friends with the faculty and your fellow students, traversing the boundaries of what most schools can. . .
The Webb Schools Alumni #3
Class of 2017
5.00 6/8/2018
Occidental College
The Webb Schools is unique in many ways different than other boarding schools. One being that it is a boy's school and a girl's school on one shared campus. This allows the freshman and sophomore. . .
Show more reviews (26 reviews)

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Enrollment: 405 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $76,985
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $54,750
  • Acceptance rate: 15%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update