Anyone attending this school and can share their experience?
I understand it’s very artsy but what about academics? Will the child be pushed to get better?
Also, not to start any political debates, but how liberal is it? Can a child with different political views survive there? (understanding that whole MA is very democratic state, but I guess some schools push the agenda more then others)
I can only tell you what I hear from friends. Although it is artsy, it is also strong academically. Have you looked at the course catalog? It is amazing and will give you some idea of the level of classes you can take. A friend’s daughter went solely for academics and is not very “artsy”. They were not disappointed. Because of the module system, things move quickly, so consider if that will work with your child’s learning style.
As for being liberal, again, look at the course catalog. There is no getting around that it leans very liberal.
Thank you for the input
It is a strong academic curriculum along with the arts. I know some kids who are there/went there - one is musical, the other more theatrical than fine arts. The mod system is unique - some kids like it, others not as much. You take 3 classes per term with 7 terms per year. Some classes may run in multiple mods. Look at the course catalog. It is a very casual environment (teachers are usually called by first name, gender neutral bathrooms, student council rewrote the handbook a few years ago to remove gender pronouns).
student council rewrote the handbook a few years ago to remove gender pronouns
what does it mean? There is no he or she anymore?
I heard of some schools that don’t use Mr and Mrs anymore… Is that the case there?
Our daughter is a first year student at CSW and we are happy with the adacemic rigor so far.
great to know!! How do you like the students there? Did your daughter find friends easily? Any downsides about the school you wish you’ve known?
Hi there- not sure if you’re still looking for info about CSW, but I’m also a first-year parent, with a day-student son, a pretty regular kid. I’ve got a decent amount of experience with private schools both day and boarding, and I’m quite happy with CSW, but I had given it a very close look so had a good idea what to expect. We liked the Mod system - it’s basically an inverse of the typical school schedule: instead of 6 regular classes and 3 terms, it’s 3 regular classes and 6 terms/mods (7 now but switching to 6 next year). Unlike many private schools, 3 sports are not required, but fitness and physical activity is, through the “D block” class in the school’s new fitness center. Playing on teams is of course encouraged, and while the number of playing teams is smaller than if sports were required, they do have a variety and some years they’re quite competitive. My son played on a school team this year and enjoyed it.
The school does have a very liberal worldview and always has, even before it became “fashionable” for prep schools to do so, so much of the CSW student body is focused this way. My son is not particularly liberal, however, and he’s never been big on sharing his views either way - he listens and keeps his own counsel. He says that the school’s courses are interesting and the place overall is fun. My son likes a lot of the boarders, and they seem to be a pretty happy group. I’ve been very impressed by his teachers and the administration I’ve interacted with. Academics can be rigorous but supportive as well. My one downside is that I wish there were a few more boys in the freshman class.
@boltingsassy thank you so much for your insight! My daughter is actually the same way - she keeps to herself and doesn’t express her political views much in the classrooms…
She just found out that there is no prom in CSW, she is so upset…DO you know if it’s true?
I know this thread has been inactive for a while, but I am a rising senior at CSW who is willing to answer any questions. I’m a tour guide for the school so I know a lot of information and I will be honest about my experience (which has been very positive overall). Even if you’re reading this months from the time I posted this, feel free to message me.
Are there students applying in Junior year?