Kent School - Review #5

Many of our classes are discussion based and involve the students sitting around a Harkness table (oval shaped table) in order to engage everyone. Students get to hear different ideas from different people, and I believe this method of teaching has helped broaden my awareness of different perspectives and how I think creatively.

The best things that happened to me at Kent are definitely the friends I've made as well as the way Kent changed who I am. I learned how to manage my time better, and as a result I've become who I want to be both academically and socially.

I would recommend that kids should try their best to not be afraid of trying new things and meeting new people. I was reserved when I first went to boarding school, and as a result it took longer for me to find my close friends. Go out there and find what you love.

The teachers

Before you graduate, sneak out and climb the rock to see the sunrise. Security patrols wide open land so stick to walls as you go to the football field, then climb up the side of the mountain until you reach the path.

Some teachers loved their jobs and did their best to provide the best education for the students. A few of my teachers have left lasting impressions on me, and I consider them to be even better than most of the professors I've had so far in university. They're personal and take many approaches to teaching students - this is what I liked most about the academics.

I liked the community aspect of sports and how it made athletes push themselves to beat other schools. This was a favorite part both as a competitor and as a spectator.There is mandatory participation at Kent: 9th and new 10th graders must participate in 2 interscholastic sports out of the 3 trimesters; juniors and seniors only need to participate in 1.

The music program always features incredible students every year, implying Kent has good resources to aspiring musicians. However, I wish Kent did a better job at getting more students into playing music.The visual arts program is phenomenal at Kent and does a good job of integrating students into art as well as helping more advanced artists to perfect their skills.The theatre program consistently produces entertaining shows throughout the year. The cast and crew also form relationships with each other, leading to a strong sense of community within theatre. Unfortunately, Kent doesn't do a great job of getting students interested in theatre (due to the attention the school puts on sports).

There is a wide selection of extra-curricular activities at Kent, ranging from robotics to Model United Nations. What I liked most about their selection is that there is always an activity for someone. If you are a student who does not like sports, you will still be able to find an activity that suits you.

You build up a community with the people you live with, and that was definitely the best part about living in a dorm at Kent. The downside is that you may be paired up with someone completely opposite to your personality when you first arrive, however you are able to choose your roommate(s) for the next year.

I liked the wide range of options you could choose from, and how certain foods are open all day such as cereal and fruits. However, the quality of the food is mediocre on average.

There are tons of great restaurants and shops in the nearby town, and there are a couple places to explore and hike around. The main downside is that they're fairly expensive, however students typically only have time to go out to eat on the weekends so the prices are reasonable.

Thanks to Kent's wide selection of sports and activities, you're almost guaranteed to meet people who are much like you. I enjoyed the process of making new friends in your activities or dorm, and then finding the few people who will become your best friends for life.