The White Mountain School

371 West Farm Road
Bethlehem, NH 03574
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The White Mountain School Photo #1 - 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 offerings.
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The White Mountain School Photo #1 - 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 offerings.
The White Mountain School Photo #2 - Is the classroom the only place in which to learn? We don't think so. White Mountain 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, like this group who studied Water Rights while rafting the Grand Canyon!
The White Mountain School Photo #3 - All students complete an independent project through our LASR program. LASR 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.
The White Mountain School Photo #4 - 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 initiate, participate, and lead a huge variety of clubs and activities.
The White Mountain School Photo #5 - Through our ownership of Creative Edge Dance Studio, we offer numerous and varied dance opportunities for a White Mountain 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 styles and ability levels.
The White Mountain School Photo #6 - 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.
The White Mountain School Photo #7 - As a college preparatory school, the college process begins as soon as students set foot on campus. College preparation is always in mind as we plan course offerings and advise students in their course sign-ups. Every student is assigned a college-focused Program Mentor in their first year and begins intensive work with our College Counselor in their junior year.
The White Mountain School Photo #8 - Living intentionally in a small, supportive community allows students to truly feel like White Mountain 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 often open and their apartments can feel like an extension of the dorm.
The White Mountain School Photo #9 - 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.
The White Mountain School Photo #10
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.

Quick Stats (2023)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 140 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $71,620
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $38,036
  • Acceptance rate: 44%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / Oct. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The White Mountain School ranks among the top 10 schools with < 200 students (out of 89 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Test Scores

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2022 School Data
The White Mountain School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12, PG
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1886
1906
Campus Size
250 acres
125 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
140 students
315 students
% Students of Color
38%
25%
% International Students
20%
20%
% Students Boarding
80%
69%
Average SAT Score
1290
* National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Bi-Weekly
Weekly
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Average Class Size
10 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
21
17
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
65%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$2.2 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$71,620
$62,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$38,036
$35,070
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$44,000
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Jan. 31 / Oct. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
44%
58%

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
21
17
Courses
AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP French Language, AP Human Geography, AP Physics, AP Spanish Language, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art 2D Design, AP Studio Art 3D Design, AP Studio Art Drawing/Painting, AP United States Government and Politics

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
21
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Art Club, Citizenship Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Club, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), National Honor Society, Organic Gardening, Senior Citizenship, Social Committee, Student Ambassadors, Student Government, Students of Color, Sustainability Club, Women in the Outdoors, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Dance Club, Eco-Art, Jam Club

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Farm and Forest, Hiking, Ice Climbing, Yoga

College Matriculation

Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)

School Notes

    Be Curious. Be Brave. Be Kind. Be White Mountain. 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 & 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. 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 in 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 Work Jobs
 With the idea that "everyone plays", all students are required to participate in afternoon activities in 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 include Proctors, Citizenship Committee members, Crew Supervisors, Steering Committee members, and Student Government Leaders. These roles are integral to the community and are elected yearly by peers and faculty members. As a means to promote ownership and foster community, each student, faculty, and staff member at White Mountain contributes to the school by working as part of a kitchen crew and/or work job team.   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.    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. White Mountain integrates sustainable practices into daily life through community service, recyclingand work job programs, our Sustainability Club, international development work, and our School`s organic farm and compost program.  
  • The White Mountain School accreditations: NEASC,TABS,ISANNE,SSATB,NAIS,SBSA
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The White Mountain School cost?
The White Mountain School's tuition is approximately $71,620 for boarding students and $38,036 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of The White Mountain School?
The acceptance rate of The White Mountain School is 44%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 58%. The White Mountain School's acceptance rate is ranked as one of the top boarding schools with low acceptance rates.
What sports does The White Mountain School offer?
The White Mountain School offers 17 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Cycling, Dance, Freestyle Skiing, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer and Track.
What is The White Mountain School's ranking?
The White Mountain School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Low acceptance rates, High # of AP/advanced courses offered and High average SAT scores.
When is the application deadline for The White Mountain School?
The application deadline for The White Mountain School is Jan. 31 / Oct. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 / Oct. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2012
5.00
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. . .

Class of 2012
5.00
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. . .

Class of 2008
5.00
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. . .
Show more reviews (2 reviews)
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Quick Stats (2023)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 140 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $71,620
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $38,036
  • Acceptance rate: 44%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / Oct. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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