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California Boarding School Culture/Honor Code/Motto
8minutemile
13 replies3 threads Junior Member
I started this conversation on another thread about one specific boarding school in the LA area, but now curious to learn more about other California boarding schools too since our family is open to options.
We have noticed that schools each have a motto or honor code that is promoted as somewhat of a guiding force for the campus culture. Please share your experience as to whether you think that the school community is truly held to that standard. For us, school culture is important--we think it is one of the more important qualities of choosing not just a school but a place that will be a home away from home.
45 replies We have noticed that schools each have a motto or honor code that is promoted as somewhat of a guiding force for the campus culture. Please share your experience as to whether you think that the school community is truly held to that standard. For us, school culture is important--we think it is one of the more important qualities of choosing not just a school but a place that will be a home away from home.
Replies to: California Boarding School Culture/Honor Code/Motto
Integrity is central. There is strong peer pressure to do the right thing, even when no one is looking.... By the time they are upperclassmen, students are trusted to take their exams unproctored.
Students also encourage each other to step outside their comfort zones. This starts with the horse program. The vast majority of kids (90%) have never been on a horse. They experience a LOT of failure (and falls!) through the riding program and count on their peers for emotional support and horse care when they themselves are unable to feed, water, or care for their horse due to some other commitment. They really learn to support and help each other.
The motto is "Servons" -- to serve. There is a lot of opportunity to do public service, but it really shows in the emphasis on everyone contributing to the Cate community. It is reinforced from move-in day to assembly to all of the clubs to all of the jobs. Everywhere. Small example, at the brunch at\t fall parents' weekend, our freshman son brought over some of his senior boys to meet us. One of them saw that we were done with our plates, and without comment just cleaned up the table for us. We didn't ask, they just did it. 17 year old boys.
The informal motto is "The spirit of this place" -- which refers to not just the peaceful ambiance/learning environment, but also the kindness and community that comes from it. Hard to define, but it is real. It is probably the nicest place I have ever been.
The educational philosophy is "Inquiry". Every class is designed around an analytical process, that applies equally to Humanities as it does to math. Every year there is a new theme -- this year was "change". It is woven through the book that everyone was assigned over the summer, through the classes, through talks by the Headmaster, everything.
Cate is thoughtful and purposeful about everything they do.
He's no longer affiliated with Thacher.
Also, there's also this article:
https://citywireusa.com/professional-buyer/news/former-pimco-ceo-pleads-not-guilty-in-college-admissions-scandal/a1222181
This one mentions that he has been accused of paying bribes for two of his kids to get into college. Not sure if Thacher students were involved in the scandal, but it must have been tough on the school all around to have a trustee involved. How did Thacher deal with this issue in terms of providing information to parents and students? I'm sure all schools have difficult situations to address from time to time. How those challenges are handled can be revealing.
BTW: The college counseling function is very strong at Thacher. Colleges are very familiar with the school and know that the horse and outdoor programs challenge kids and build their character in ways that are quite unique to the school. (Yes, horses and outdoor activities are available at other schools... but they aren't mandatory, even when you don't feel like engaging in them, which is where the character-building part comes in!)
Makes sense that Thacher has nothing to do with Singer because their college counseling is so strong and entirely in house. But something doesn't make sense about Hodge being a Trustee but his kids going to an outside consultant. Feels like there is a lot more to the story.
On another note, while some trustees might have deep pockets, schools in general should be expected to bring on board members that do more than bring in money. In general, schools tend to tout that their trustees are also there to advance the school's mission and provide guidance. Trustees are also representatives of the schools. In Thacher's case, it's unfortunate that their trustee was involved in the nation's largest college bribery scandal, but it looks like they asked for his resignation immediately.
With that said, all schools no doubt have a hard task. There are many members to take into consideration at any school and school admins can't completely predict what any member of the community (trustee, student, faculty, staff, etc.) may do that could reflect poorly. Hopefully though, Thacher, and other schools do spend a good amount of time vetting trustees carefully and choose people with shared values who are truly committed to building a strong educational institution. To circle back to the original topic of discussion, many schools spend a considerable amount of time highlighting their motto, honor code, or school culture. Because of this, schools should do more than just court the big fishes with big money. Let's be honest, many schools with the need for large endowments are apt to do this; that's the reality for many schools. But what the incident with Thacher's trustee demonstrates is that the character and integrity of board members are also important.
I agree too @CaliMex that there are always people who see themselves as above the rules and will try to solve problems by throwing money at it. Sadly though, despite having enough money to get a top-notch education and a multitude of resources, some people will still try to gain access through a back door. It's all so bizarre.
Fraudulent activity is usually well hidden.
Many parents at many schools. including Thacher and others-- use high level consultants. Even though BS kids have more access to excellent guidance counselors, many want one-on-one consulting. And many parents do things on the side ( using the consultant to gather ideas and then going back to the guidance counselor with these ideas). It's no surprise that so many got caught up in that scandal.
As I've said before, there is no school where everyone is doing the right thing. And parents need to look closely at the BS their children will attend. It's sad when parents believe a school and the school breaks their trust. It happens, at many schools. The thing is, does the school fix it with honesty and courage or do they sweep it under the rug?
Also, FWIW, the Thacher board of trustees is half men, half women and includes a well-known author, alum, and sociology PhD who is an expert on happiness and joy!
I like the idea that every board is made up of a broad segment of society. That isn't the case at every school. At others, it's great. Some schools have obviously cultivated alumni/ae to be on the board. Some have great stories of the individual progress of their members. Others not so much. I do like to look at the board or meet someone. Tells me something about what the school is about.
The motto is one thing, what transpires is another. One hopes as a parent and student that they mirror each other. Doesn't always happen but that's the goal.