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Avon Old Farms School - Review #2

Read more details about Avon Old Farms School on their 2020 profile page.

About the Author:
Years Attended Boarding School:	2014-2015
Sports and Activities:	Football, wrestling, tennis, riddlers, singed beavers, head monitor, admissions ambassador, robotics club.
College Enrolled:	Tufts University
Home Town, State:	Farmington, CT

Reflections and Advice:

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

The all-boys atmosphere provides a working atmosphere similar to a giant team of students banding together to tackle their education. It establishes trust amongst the student body and allows the same kind of trust to build between the students and teachers.

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

I realized that the things we value in life as individuals often become skewed because we don't take the time to assess those values. Avon understands more than anything that friendships and experiences with people you care about are far more valuable to life than any education. I think it's very common nowadays to get caught in the current of supersonic education systems, and we often forget that the things that will provide us with a happy and healthy life are right in front of us.

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

I would have bought into the system more readily, getting more involved sooner. My advice would be to do just this. Don't be timid, don't waste time, and be confident right from the start.

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

I think Avon truly understands boys and men as well as any. Teaching students how to value their individuality is its greatest strength.

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

Take everything in because the magic runs deep in every hallway and classroom.

Academics:

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

The teachers work with you rather than against you. They understand your situation as a student in most cases more than you do and, therefore, understand how to better our approach to our education.

Athletics:

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

Participation was mandatory, which I think was necessary because sports bring people together no matter the level. Sports also build character and personal understanding in a completely unique way.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

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

Joining the visual and performing arts was never looked down upon, which was refreshing and unexpected especially at an all-boys school. In fact, those who joined the visual arts gained enormous respect among the body, primarily because of how much respect the incredible performances deserved.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

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

There were endless opportunities due to the imaginations of 400 boys who felt comfortable enough to pursue whatever interests and passions they might have and to share those interests with the school.

Dorm Life:

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

As a day student, I loved the old-school style of the dorms. The majesty of the campus motivated me every day to make sure I deserved to be a student at such a beautiful school.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.

The dining hall is one of the most jaw-dropping great rooms that I've ever been in. And when it's filled with hundreds of students and teachers, the bustling of conversation and laughter creates an experience to look forward to every day.

Social and Town Life:

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

Avon felt very secluded but was merely five minutes away from several small towns and shopping centers, so it has the best of both worlds.

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

A product of the all-boys aspect, the social scene at Avon was nearly stress and drama free. We all trusted each other and created bonds that made us individually feel like we were 400 strong.