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Dana Hall School - Review #5

Read more details about Dana Hall School on their 2021-22 profile page.

About the Author:
Years Attended Boarding School:	1978-1980
Sports and Activities:	I was on a voice scholarship and sang in several groups from acapella choir, glee club, and musicals in which I had leads.
College Enrolled:	University of Illinois
Home Town, State:	Newton, MA

Reflections and Advice:

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

Traditions dating back to the 1800"s enrich the students live.Girls from all over the world attend, which makes a culturally rich environment for all.

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

I think I am largely the woman I am today because of my years at Dana. The closeness of my teachers, the connections that I still have in my 80's accent that tie years ago all contribute to that feeling.At reunions, we have the largest turn out of any class to date!

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

I would have let myself enjoy the time more. At first I was so shy that I held back a lot. Eventually I became more involved with Dana life and that really improved my feelings.I would say, "Live this time to the fullest, it will always reward you".

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

It truly was a 'finishing school's they were called. Our favorite place was the Sweet Shop for ice cream. Sadly, it is gone now.Otherwise I am sort of 'out of the loop on the present campus.

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

I don't really know much about todays campus anymore.

Academics:

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

Dana has small classes so that the girls get much more time with the teacher in a direct way. If you take a course here, it is the equivalent to a freshman course in college most places.Students can choose from such a wide variety of classes. The science labs for example have state -of -the art equipment available. There are constant unusual learning opportunities, unique to Dana Hall.

Athletics:

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

I was never into athletics, but the school offers every sort of sport: tennis, field hockey, lacrosse, riding, etc.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

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

Not only is there a very active arts program, but it is also lead by very professional teachers. There is a theater department, a music dept. and a wonderful art gallery to exhibit what the girls create. There are several joint concerts with other schools. In my day these were boy's schools, so we could met young men. (In fact that's how I met my husband!).Trips to Boston for theater, symphony concerts etc are always special. We also sang with the Boston Symphony Faure's Requiem.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

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

As a day student, I was part of several clubs and after school activities. It was a chance to be more involved with the boarders, even with sleepovers.

Dorm Life:

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

I was a day student and always wished I could have boarded. My friends wished they were in my place sometimes. However, from what I heard the girls really enjoyed dorm life.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.

We never had a cafeteria at that time. We had sit down, table cloth served meals. Today the girls do have a cafeteria. I guess I would prefer the old set up.Even though kids always complain about the food, I think it was excellent. Especially the rolls and desserts.

Social and Town Life:

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

Dana is in Wellesley college and shares the board and campus with the college. There are all sorts of nice shops for everything from ice cream to nice clothes.It is one of the very nicest communities in the Boston suburbs. Clean, safe and friendly.

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

Of course we girls always 'hang out' a lot, chatting and helping each other with problems. The aforementioned dinner-concerts with boy's schools was a highlight of our social calendar.We worked together on lots of special programs tied to the traditions. I especially enjoyed the rehearsals for singing groups.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday

6:00 AM	get up
7:00 AM	eat breakfast
8:00 AM	do mail
9:00 AM	same
10:00 AM	errands
11:00 AM	exercise
12:00 AM	lunch
1:00 PM	nap
2:00 PM	read
3:00 PM	play games

Weekend

6:00 AM	get up
7:00 AM	coffee and fruit with friends
8:00 AM	mail
9:00 AM	games
10:00 AM	go out for breakfast
11:00 AM	read
12:00 PM	games
1:00 PM	nap
2:00 PM	exercise
3:00 PM	read