The White Mountain School

Overview
Student Body
Academics and Faculty
Finances
Admission
Course Listings
AP/Advanced Courses
Sports
Extracurriculars
College Matriculation
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5.00 (5 reviews)

371 West Farm Road
Bethlehem, NH 03574

Tel: 6034442928 x226

www.whitemountain.org

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Is the classroom the only place in which to learn? We don't think so. WMS Students immerse themselves in a week-long, off-campus Field Course each semester. These unique experiences allow in-depth, academic exploration of a specific topic in an authentic setting. Each Course provides an incomparable opportunity for students to explore and develop interests and passions beyond the classroom.

All students complete an independent project through our L.A.S.R. program. L.A.S.R. stands for Leadership, Arts, Service, and Research. These general categories demonstrate the range of projects that students choose to undertake. This program is our way of saying that passion matters, and that we know each and every student has a spark that we want to help focus.

Students learn that economy, ecology, social equity and personal well-being are integral parts of global sustainability. The Sustainability Studies program helps students build an understanding of these interrelated parts by offering an array of courses as well as opportunities beyond the classroom walls.

Through our partnership with Creative Edge Dance Studio, we are able to offer numerous and varied dance opportunities for a WMS student to explore or further their interest in dance. Our offerings include academic courses as well as technique and performance-based classes for a number of different dance styles and dancer ability levels.

We believe that athletics and healthy outdoor activities are essential parts of the development of all our students. Teams and activities are open to all, and everyone has the opportunity to participate. We take pride in our ability to build strong bonds, help students gain individual and group strengths, skills, and confidence.

Students can join any number of clubs or be engaged with formal activities in areas of interest to them. There are great opportunities for all students to participate and to lead a huge variety of clubs and activities. In recent years we have had a number of new successfully launched and run student clubs and organizations.

Living intentionally in a small supportive community allows students to truly feel like WMS is a home away from home. Boarding students live in one of four dorms with their peers, faculty members and faculty families. Faculty doors are very often open and their apartments can feel like an extension of the dorm.

The Great Hall is the heart of campus, where the entire community gathers for morning meetings, presentations, and special events. Our dining hall and student center are right off The Great Hall. Hang out with friends, play foosball, ping pong or shoot a game of pool.

In these mountains we are 'surrounded by things greater than ourselves.' We connect with a purpose beyond ourselves. Our mountain setting inspires us to explore more broadly, to think more deeply, and to experience the fullness of life. Our setting also allows our students to explore and excel in unique outdoor sports offerings.

We are a school of inquiry and engagement, valuing curiosity and dedicated passion in our students.
We believe in open dialogue between students and teachers to foster authentic relationships and enthusiasm for intellectual discourse.
We offer a variety of alternative outdoor sports such as rock climbing, skiing, and whitewater kayaking.

Alumni Reviews
Review School

Review Description
The White Mountain School Alumni #1
Class of 2012
5/1/2014
Goucher College
Apart from The White Mountain School being located in a very unique setting the thing that makes it stand out the most when compared to other boarding schools is the size of the student populations. . .
The White Mountain School Alumni #2
Class of 2012
5/1/2014
University of New Hampshire
Very enthusiastic, young faculty who know a lot about the topics they teach. The same faculty also lead the sport programs, which builds a very strong, versatile teacher-student relationship, which I find to be rather. . .
The White Mountain School Alumni #3
Class of 2008
6/23/2014
Cornell University
The White Mountain School's sense of community and adventure attracts motivated and qualified faculty and a diverse student body. Through a combination of outdoor experiences, leadership opportunities and strong academics, the school consistently produces well. . .
The White Mountain School Alumni #4
Class of 2008
11/27/2008
Cornell University
The White Mountain School has an amazing sense of community. The size and location, as well as the motivation of the faculty, promotes a closely knit, friendly atmosphere, where everyone knows each other, and all. . .
The White Mountain School Alumni #5
Class of 2008
6/23/2014
UNH
The outdoor experience offered at WMS is unique and awesome. This ranges from activities such as whitewater kayaking and climbing, to lacrosse, soccer, and even farm work. The trips taken with WMS are huge learning. . .
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Listed among the top 10 schools with < 200 students (out of 99 schools) for:

Category Attribute
Offering Breadth Most extracurriculars offered
Student Test Scores High average SAT scores

Definition of Terms 2016 School Data	The White Mountain	Boarding School Avg.
School Focus	College Prep	College Preparatory
Grades Offered	9-12, PG	9-12
School Type	Co-ed	Co-ed
Supports Learning Differences (LD)	Yes	Yes
Religious Affiliation	Episcopal	Non-denominational
Year Founded	1886	1910
Campus Size	250 acres	110 acres

Student Body

Enrollment	123 students	300 students
% Students of Color	19%	20%
% International Students	30%	20%
% Students Boarding	76%	68%
Average SAT Score	1810	* National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year	Yes	No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes	Yes	No
Frequency of Saturday Classes	Bi-Weekly	Less than once a month
Classroom Dress Code	Casual	Casual
Average Class Size	10 students	12 *National School Avg. » 20
Teacher : Student Ratio	1:5	1:7
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered	10	16
ESL Courses Offered	Yes	Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree	65%	70%
Summer Program Offered	Yes	Yes

Finances

Endowment Size	$2 million	$16 million
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students)	$57,900	$51,400
Yearly Tuition (Day Students)	$29,000	$28,200
% Students on Financial Aid	40%	35%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant	$34,000	$21,500
Merit Scholarships Offered	No	No

Admission

Application Deadline	Jan. 30	Jan. 15
Accepts Standardized Application	Yes	No
SSAT Required	Yes	Yes
Acceptance Rate	47%	57%
Director of Admissions	Brad D'Arco
Associate Director of Admissions	Sarah Catlin

Course Listings

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered	10	16
Courses	AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP French Language, AP Human Geography, AP Spanish Language, AP Studio Art 2D Design, AP Studio Art 3D Design, AP Studio Art Drawing/Painting

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered	13	14
Sports	Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Cycling, Dance, Freestyle Skiing, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations	37	23
Extracurriculars	A, Art Club, Astronomy Club, Ceramics Club, Chess Club, Citizenship, Community, Dance Club, Digital Art, Diversity Club, Electronics Club, Environmental, Farm and Forest, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Hiking Club, Ice, Indoor Sports, Ink, International Club, Music, National, Nautilus, Outing, Photography, Proctors, Show More (12 extracurriculars)

College Matriculation

Year:	10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
	Link to Matriculation Data

School Notes

We are a school of inquiry and engagement. Grounded in our Episcopal heritage, we prepare and inspire students to lead lives of curiosity, courage and compassion.
HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY
Set among the beautiful mountains of northern New Hampshire, The White Mountain School is a college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12. Since our founding in 1886, we have remained true to the original focus of New England boarding schools: the development of mind, body and spirit. We develop the mind through our college preparatory curriculum and through a campus-wide ethos of inquiry and engagement in learning. We develop the body through sports and other physical activities, making full use of our spectacular natural setting. We develop the spirit through reflection, exploration of meaning and purpose, and service in the broader world. In the context of a traditional liberal arts curriculum, we engage students in authentic inquiry asking and pursuing questions that matter to them. This inquiry process not only leads to enduring learning, it helps students develop the skills and habits essential for academic success. Our students learn how to frame a question, how to find and evaluate research resources, how to synthesize information, and how to formulate an argument. They develop habits of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. In short, they become great learners.
ACADEMICS
The White Mountain School has a traditional college preparatory curriculum. However, it is the intellectual engagement and development of the student that is our ultimate focus. Every class is an opportunity to practice the skills, virtues and habits of mind necessary for success in the 21st century. Within each discipline we offer a range of courses from introductory-level to Advanced Placement, Honors, or student-designed independent studies. But whether a class is labeled as history, science, world languages or visual arts, it serves to further The White Mountain School`s focus on curiosity, critical thinking and communication.
Curiosity- We work to nurture our students` curiosity. We ask them to identify and examine phenomena that spark big questions. Our curriculum serves to guide and inspire students in discovering their passions.
Critical Thinking- Because we encourage students to pose their own questions, we also teach them to identify and ask the right questions. We seek to instill an inquisitive spirit, one that challenges assumptions and dares always to ask the most important questions of all: "Why?" and "How do I know?"
Communication- The ability to communicate well, to speak and write with clarity and grace, is and will remain a skill essential for success in schools, colleges, the workplace and the civic arena. Responsible and effective communication is practiced and honed with every discipline and subject area, whether through participation in discussions, essay writing or the creation and delivery of presentations.
AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES, STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS AND JOBS
With the idea that `everyone plays`, all students are required to participate in afternoon activities each of the three seasons. Our extracurricular options are diverse and range from Community Service, Farm and Forest and theater to Lacrosse, Rock Climbing, and Cycling. Student leadership positions includeProctors, Citizenship Committee members, Crew Supervisors, and Student Government Leaders. These roles are integral to the community and are elected yearly by peers and faculty members. Additionally, each student and faculty member at WMS contributes to the school by working as part of a kitchen crew and/or work job team.
DISTINCTIVE PROGRAMS
LASR: LEADERSHIP, ARTS, SERVICE, RESEARCH
All students complete an independent project through our LASR program. These general categories demonstrate the range of projects that students choose to undertake. Through LASR students develop the skills needed for success in college and beyond. LASR projects are designed to add value to the world in some form; WMS students work to make a positive contribution to society. This program is our way of saying that passion matters, and that we know each and every student has a spark that we want to help kindle, a fire we want to help focus.
FIELD COURSES Students at The White Mountain School enjoy the unique and exciting opportunity to participate in a week-long Field Course each semester. Each of these immersive experiences allows an in-depth, academic exploration of a specific topic and occurs in a geographic setting ideal for authentic study. These memorable excursions provide an incomparable means for students to explore and develop their passions beyond the walls of the classroom.
SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES Founded in 2001, our Sustainability Studies Department is the first such department at the secondary school level in the United States. The Sustainability coursework helps students become informed, thoughtful and active stewards of the changing ecosystem. Students learn that ecology, economy, social equality, and personal well being are integral parts of sustainability. WMS integrates sustainable practices into daily life through community service, recycling and job programs; through our Sustainability Club; through international development work; and our School`s organic farm and compost program.
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES This department enables students to wrestle thoughtfully and critically with questions of morality, spirituality, and personal identity. As an Episcopal school, we encourage an affirming and academically informed discourse about what students regard as having ultimate meaning and purpose, and about what virtues ought to be espoused and cherished. Along with this emphasis on self-discovery, students practice what is entailed in thinking and reasoning philosophically. They analyze assertions and arguments with an open and questioning mind, and to articulate others` viewpoints charitably.
School accreditations: NEASC,TABS,ISANNE,SSATB,NAIS,SBSA