The Cambridge School of Weston - Review #3

Read more details about The Cambridge School of Weston on their 2024 profile page.
The Cambridge School of Weston
5

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
2000-2004
Sports and Activities:
I was involved in Pocket Players, a sign-language theater group that worked in conjunction with the ASL classes, some of the Fall Productions (main stage theater), TA'ddarkroom photography classes, a little dance and yoga.
College Enrolled:
Hamilton College
Home Town, State:
Medford, MA

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
The academic program at CSW was surely the most obvious attribute that made it unlike any other school. The "module program" , along with broad requirements, allowed a really personalized and self-directed education. At no other high school could one be so free to design one's own curriculum. I had the opportunity to work with my favorite teachers one-on-one, to pursue my own thoughts and ideas, yet within that self-motivated study I was also required to present myself articulately, to truly evaluate my own perspective. I felt so much a part of my education, rather than a passive recipient.Secondly, the advising system was an enormous asset. We met almost daily in our advising groups, which let us get to know students from all different back grounds and grades. We also had weekly community meetings. Discussion, debate, and the interchange of ideas was ingrained in the way the school operated. Students were given so much power to shape the school, its goals and ideals, and to do it deeply and thoughtfully. Accountability was a huge part of that. Judicial processes (the J-Board) was student-and-teacher-run, so that even punishment for rule breaking was a group decision, and really made all aware of how their actions affect their peers.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I think it was a more positively formative experience than college was. I learned how to feel passionate and curious. I went to a somewhat traditional liberal arts college at somewhat of a disadvantage, but not because my own experience lacked but because the educational experience at college was somehow less fulfilling or engaging than at high school. It was a rich experience for me, even as an immature and confused teenager. I helped organize our Senior Night a couple days before graduation. It was such an amazing experience, because we all cried, we all had stories about each other, we saw what an important time it was for us.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I would have loved to be part of the boarding program for a little while, but it was an expense my parents couldn't handle and I lived nearby. I think a lot of people got frustrated with how small the boarding program was. There were some divisions between the day and boarding program.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The sense of community, the creativity.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Cat's Rock was a popular place in the trails by the school. I hear the new science center is fantastic. The library was a favorite spot to sit and gossip or nap.

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
See above- module system and the method of requirements. We had 7 "modules" that were 5 weeks long. we took an average of three classes per module, each class lasted about 1.5 hours per day. This allowed very in-depth study of very specific topics. I took a Raku pottery class, where we studied every aspect of the history, culture, and style of Japanese pottery making. The curriculum was very oriented towards social awareness. "Big Book" classes would demand that we read one book and study it in depth for 5 weeks. It was about learning how to think, engaging our curiosities, discovering new and unusual topics. Requirements were loose so instead of AP Biology, I took zoology, ornithology, went on a trip to Costa Rica and tested water samples and drew plant and animal species. My Spanish classes were 4 people, we spoke in Spanish for 1.5 hours a day and my Spanish was at its best in my life then.

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
We had phys. ed requirements, and JV and Varsity sports. I wasn't athletic but I was able to do something that interested me. I took tennis lessons, I learned some dance, I did a lot of yoga. Most of my friends were on varsity soccer and basketball and I happily cheered them on at every game.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
What an incredible program. The art building was beautiful, home to so many people. A beautiful open space, the photo lab was my second home. There were so many classes, from collage to book-making, to darkroom and digital photo. wheel working and fashion design. I did a few independent studies for painting and photography. I TA'd the intro. photo classes and did my Capstone (Senior Year) Project in photography - I traveled to Spain for a month and developed the photos I took.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
There was a lot of community service work. We had requirements, and many opportunities to do different things. The school was very socially conscious and definitely was an activist community. People held drives for a woman's shelter, did the Walk for Hunger en masse in Boston. We went on a trip to Costa Rica and did some service work. There were quite a few activities and clubs during lunch hours. Also, student participation on the judicial board, curriculum board, and even board of trustees were very important and taken seriously.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a day student, but I had friends who were boarding. Families of teachers lived in the dorms, so there was a nice relationship between the students and these dorm parents. The boarding program was very international. Some of the dorms could have used repair (they may have been renovated since the recent capital campaign), but it felt like a very closely knit community.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
The food was OK- hot food and sandwich bar type of stuff,, for both day and boarding students. There were many vegetarian and vegan options since the school was something like 30% veggie. It was a relaxed atmosphere. We liked coming to school early for breakfast. They were very into being socially responsible about recycling and not using paper plates. Students were required to wash dishes occasionally as part of our school service.

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
The area was pretty wooded and very classic new England. I commuted from about a half hour away. It was close to the commuter rail (public transit). There was a big mall and movie theater nearby the boarding kids liked to go to. Everyone also went into Cambridge to Harvard Square.. It was an easy trip to Boston.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
It was so close. We all knew each other. There was little in terms of a popularity contest. The school was a place where underdogs, alternative types could feel safe. Obviously teenagers have drama and competition, but I felt really safe and supported there. We stood up for each other. We admired each other's successes. Art shows, performances, events were all fun and we wanted to be part of everything.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday
8:30 AM
A Block (1st period)
10:00 AM
advising group
10:45 AM
B Block (2nd period)
12:15 AM
lunch
1:15 PM
C Block (3rd period)
3:15 PM
free period
3:45 PM
D Block (extra curriculars)
Weekend
10:00 AM
n/a
11:00 PM
curfew
Read more details about The Cambridge School of Weston on their 2024 profile page.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description
The Cambridge School of Weston Alumni #1
Class of 1980
5.00 10/22/2017
UMass Boston
I started very soon after the module system started at CSW. The module academic system coupled with an integrated studies design or approach to curricula are two aspects that truly make CSW unique.In addition. . .
The Cambridge School of Weston Alumni #2
Class of 2016
5.00 8/28/2017
University of Vermont
The Cambridge School of Weston is a liberal arts institution filled with some of the most incredible teachers in the world. The atmosphere is incredible. There is a special place for every student, teacher, and. . .
The Cambridge School of Weston Alumni #3
Class of 2004
5.00 8/28/2017
Hamilton College
The academic program at CSW was surely the most obvious attribute that made it unlike any other school. The "module program" , along with broad requirements, allowed a really personalized and self-directed education. At no. . .
Show more reviews (12 reviews)

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Enrollment: 310 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $72,300
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $58,500
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update