Delphian School - Review #16

Learning is tailored to the individual student and is based on results and actual knowledge rather than the amount of time spent in the class room. That way, your education is solid. You can use it in life and in your future career, rather than learning advanced subjects when you haven't truly understood more basic ones.Additionally, the community is unlike anything I have experienced elsewhere. Everyone, students and faculty alike, are there to help each student succeed. There is a lot of practical application of what you learn in the classroom. Be that English, science or leadership.

I came to this school to learn in English for a year. I was shy and terrified of being in a different country, learning a new language, etc. But the staff and students were so warm and welcoming that I soon felt at home. I learned English quickly through the excellent English as a Second Language program and lost my shyness. Now, when I tell people that I used to be extremely shy, they don't believe it. I ended up finishing high school here rather than returning to Germany to finish school.

You very much get out of your experience at this school what you put into it. I was very heavily focused on my academics and wish I had taken even more advantage of the extra-curricular activities to gain even more experience and grow even more as a person. What this school offers is unique and I should have spent a little bit more time taking advantage of it.

The people and the community. The love for learning that the students develop. The friendships that I formed that have lasted to this day. The education that I was able to take with me that I have been able to use and that has helped me every day since I have graduated.

Honestly, nothing specific stands out. I loved it all.

I liked that my program was based on me personally. I didn't have to learn what I already knew, I reviewed subjects I was uncertain about, I continued my high school education with that solid foundation and I learned what I wanted to learn based on my career interests. I was able to learn at my own pace and ensure that I truly understood what I was learning and knew how to use it in life. The teachers are extremely helpful and friendly and work with you one-on-one as much as you need it. There is a wide variety of classes available and you are challenged to succeed, even in areas you thought you might never master.

Athletics were mandatory, and there was such a wide variety available that there was something for everyone. Volleyball, tennis, baseball, basketball, soccer, gym, yoga, etc. The school often goes to state competitions, they have a soccer field, baseball field, several tennis courts, a gym, inside and outside running track, etc.

The visual arts, music and theater are probably the strongest point of the school. There is a wide variety available - painting, pottery, photography, digital arts, choir, theater, etc. I had always liked art, but coming to this school, I felt for the first time that not everything I created was evaluated, graded or looked down upon before I had ever had a chance to learn the craft. Here, I was left to create what I wanted, was given help and assistance in terms of knowledge, skills and practice and was thus able to blossom as an artist.

I was very happy about the extra-curricular activities available at my school as I learned a tremendous amount and was able to grow as a person from these experiences. I was able to volunteer as a tutor at other schools in the area, do internships in the fields I was interested in as a career, etc. The opportunities are many and also tailored to the individual student and their interest. You are encouraged to be involved in the community of the school as well as the surrounding cities and internationally.

You share a room with one other student. I had plenty of space. The rooms were always clean. I got along well with the different roommates I had over the years.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet style. In addition to the main meal, there is always a salad bar available, and alternatives for vegetarians, etc. The food is healthy, i.e. it's not hot dogs and fries. The variety is good. There are always snacks available. The seating is not assigned.

The school is on a hill in beautiful country side. The city at the bottom of the hill is small with a population of 5,000 people. The school arranges regular trips to nearby larger cities, like McMinville and Portland for the students.

I liked that people were very friendly and inclusive. It's a relatively small school and community and there weren't cliques or negative rivalry. The students got along with each other. As the school is based so much on the individual student, being an individual (rather than the same as everyone else) is accepted and your individual skills, characteristics and achievements are encouraged and acknowledged.