The Outdoor Academy - Student Review

The Outdoor Academy

Alumni Review #1, Class of 1999

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1. Class of 1999, enrolled at University of Vermont

College Enrolled

University of Vermont

Home Town, State (Country)

Years Attended Boarding School

Activities During Boarding School

OA students have a wealth of activities built into their schedules. There a no big choral groups, teams or theatre productions to participate in, however, weekend hiking and paddling trips or a weekend of bluegrass music at the Tennessee Homecoming Festival kept me and my classmates busy enough.

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?

The Outdoor Academy is extremely unique for a number of reasons. Academically, the curriculum is centered around concepts of experiential learning; meaning science class (a natural history course) uses the campus's rolling hills, mountainsides, lakes and streams as a classroom and lab. The question is never, "Are we going outside today?" Rather, "Where are we going today?" Further, students get the benefit of small classes and instructors who can cater their lessons to the needs and interests of the student. The most unique aspect of The Outdoor Academy, however, is its single semester organization. Students who attend day schools have the opportunity to live in a dorm setting, be part of a community and participate in life that is altogether different that their lives and schools at home. Finally, enrolling in a school of at most 32 students is one of the more rewarding parts of the semester. You get to know the people you live and study with on more of a personal level than many of the friends you have made throughout your school career back home.

2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?

I Learned to be a more self-reliant person. Coming to OA and having to take care of my work on my own (with out someone looking over my shoulder). I also became more self reliant in terms of my personal life. the rigors of the high school social scene were much simpler and easier to navigate when I returned home.

3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?

Keep an open mind to new experiences. Things will be different, as will the people, classes, and food. This place is meant to broaden your horizons, and help you grow.

4.) What did you like most about your school?

The dedication to some purpose. The school, and its entire staff, seemed intent on making this place work and behalf of their students. It was far from just a job to those people.

5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?

Never ask to cook what's for dinner before asking how his day has been.

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?

The small classes. Although the pace, workload and level of learning was both accelerated and higher than at my sending school, the mood was casual and friendly. There was no competition and comparisons, and students and teachers alike helped each other with tough assignments. Further, the classes were catered to personal interest and regional/practical themes. For example, in Calculus, we constructed parabola ovens and in English we studied regional authors. The Independent Appalachian Studies project was a great way of exploring a topic of my interest; and an experience that only such a small school could provide. Students in my semester worked on projects ranging from traditional dyeing and weaving techniques to research on the geologic phenomena that created the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Southern Appalachians

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?

Because there are no sports teams at OA, athletics are usually pick-up games of Frisbee or soccer (just to name a few) during the gym period. However, there is an extensive outdoor program, and we had the opportunity to climb, whitewater paddle and backpack almost every other weekend. The paddling program was definitely my favorite part. I learned same basics at OA that have taken me to lifelong pursuits in paddle sports.

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?

The arts program at OA is divided into two categories. Students chose either music or visual arts. As a music student I learned some basics of playing the banjo and basic hand drumming techniques. We had the opportunity to perform as group for both our parents (during the open house weekends) and our friends.

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?

The Outdoor Academy provides a diverse set of activities to the student. Because of the discrete nature of the student body (one semester comes and goes before another arrives) as well as the small, communal nature of the school, students are encouraged to create their own extra-curriculars that are pertinent to the current student body's interests as well as the school's mission. For example, during my semester we had a woodworking club, where weekend and evening free time was spent with a knowledgeable faculty member (who we sought out ourselves) in the shop.

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?

Communal life is a lot of fun. Whether you are looking for someone to take a quick hike with or a buddy to help you with homework, the cabins allow for a small group to get to know each other quickly and completely. At the end of your semester there is a strong family-esque bond between all of your cabin mates.

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.

The food was always really good (and apparently healthy!). Served family style, it really was reminiscent of casual family dinners and with good conversation, plenty of servings and something for dessert. Snacks, hot tea and chocolate chips (if you knew where to look) we also always available.

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.

There is no town, which is fine, as one of the school's focuses seems to be self-containment.

2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?

The small nature of the social seen. We did everything as a group, unless in the field on a trip. There were no clicks or groups, just a large gang of students living and working together.

Weekday

7:00 AM	Wake up Bell
7:30 AM	Breakfast
8:30 AM	Classes
11:30 AM	Free period - Kayak roll sesion on the lake
12:30 AM	Lunch
1:30 PM	Afternoon Classes
4:30 PM	Work Crew
6:00 PM	Dinner
7:00 PM	Study Hall
9:30 PM	Freetime/lights out