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Westtown School - Review #39

Read more details about Westtown School on their 2020-21 profile page.

About the Author:
Years Attended Boarding School:	1978-1980
Sports and Activities:	Council - junior, Mixed Choirs - junior & senior. Operetta - Junior & Senior, Work Program head - senior, Stage Crew - junior & senior, Track, Basket ball & Soccer - JV junior &Varsity Senior, Yearbook advertising Manager - Senior., Senior Sextet - Senior, Volunteer coordinator for Week End Work Camps - Senior, Service Committee - Junior & Senior, Senior play - Senior
College Enrolled:	Haverford & Thiel
Home Town, State:	New Brighton, PA

Reflections and Advice:

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

The feeling of community including students and faculty families. The work program which started during the second world war and continues today. Each students has duties such as kitchen help or cleaning class rooms on a six week cycle. Today there are more service projects in the wider community.

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

I got into a better college and got better scholarship help because of Westtown's reputation and because I was challenged more to preform at a higher level. Living away from home meant I became more reliant on my self and was a more mature senior. My personality of being helpful was developed and is a quality I retain today.

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

I should have studied harder and taken advantage more of the educational opportunities Westtown had to offer. I should have taken advantage of the structured study times to develop better study habits. My advice is to enjoy the time and the people as well as take advantage of the opportunities available.

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

The people I associated with for two years. We had a graduating class of 84 and about 40 of us recently attended our 60th reunion. I was great to hear of the life experiences of class mates and see what effect they have had in the world in which they operated. Social distinctions (who had money and who did not) were non issues.

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

Westtown was established in 1799 as a Quaker boarding school because the Yearly Meeting realized the need for education for both boys and girls. Westtown has a great history and currently it appears to have a bright future because they are open to change.

Academics:

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

Westtown was challenging academically with knowledgeable faculty. Where I had trouble, extra help was available and quickly provided. In several instances, I could do special projects. My junior roommate was a national merit scholar. I am interested in reading about the current robotics programs they are offering.

Athletics:

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

Every boarding student participates in some athletics activity throughout the year. The facilities have improved greatly since my days at Westtown and are top of the line now. I was a varsity member of the soccer basketball and track teams and we were competitive. The recent basketball team has had national coverage.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

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

I thoroughly enjoyed the music and drama opportunities. I had parts in the operettas and chorus programs. I was a member of a Senior Sextet which had several productions. When I was in grade school at Westtown I played drums in the high school orchestra.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

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

Because Westtown is co-educational we had dances regularly. There were spaces where boys and girls could mingle and enjoy each others company at appropriate times. There were many different clubs and activities offered. I enjoyed the Friday nights some of us spent working on cars and engines in a building set aside for this sort of activity..

Dorm Life:

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

The dorms were a major place where friendships were made, and for my generation some are still active today, 60 years later.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.

The dining room was set up with eight persons assigned to a table for a six week period. The rotation made for getting to know a different group of people. The quality of the food was good and the firm which managed the kitchen was superb.

Social and Town Life:

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

Westtown is located on over 600 rolling acres about 25 miles west of Philadelphia. There is a large lake and a lot of woods. West Chester is about 5 miles away. The cultural and educational resources in Philly are made available to students.

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

I enjoyed the opportunity to develop my social skills with the opposite sex in a controlled setting. I had a steady girl friend both years and enjoyed the relationships.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday

7:00 AM	Wake up
7:30 AM	Breakfast
8:30 AM	Boys and girls collection (separate ends of the building)
8:45 AM	Classes begin
12:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 AM	Classes resume
3:30 AM	Classes end & athletics begin
6:00 AM	Supper and free time
7:30 AM	Study
10:00 AM	Lights out

Weekend

7:00 AM	Wake up
8:30 AM	Breakfast
9:00 AM	Free time
12:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 AM	Free time - Athletic events
6:00 AM	Supper
7:00 AM	Saturday night program of entertainment
10:00 AM	lights out