Academics at
BLAIR ACADEMY FOUNDED 1848
C O M E . S T U D Y. L E A R N .
Blair’s academic program prepares students to excel in college & beyond.
Our broad and varied curriculum includes introductory to advanced classes in nine different disciplines; thus, students at every level experience rigorous traditional coursework and explore exciting electives designed to help them develop the skills necessary for success in an ever-changing world. Learning at Blair is a demanding, creative and collaborative process, one that increasingly urges students to pursue their own academic interests and seek knowledge without limits. Interdisciplinary exploration of questions, problems and ideas inspires students to seek deeper understanding of a subject through reflection and analytical thought, while hard work and the mentorship of Blair’s faculty spark intellectual curiosity and lead to learning habits that last a lifetime. We invite you to delve into our academic offerings in this publication and learn more on our website at www.blair.edu/academics.
Overview of general requirements The academic year is divided into two semesters and a student receives 1.5 units of credit for the successful completion of a single-semester course and 3 units of credit for a successfully completed yearlong course. The Blair diploma is granted to students whom the faculty and Head of School judge to be members in good standing of the School community and who have met the following requirements for graduation: English: Minimum 4 years for a total of 12 units for a four-year student Mathematics: Minimum 3 years (Algebra I, Geometry & Algebra II or their equivalents) for a total of 9 units for a four-year student Languages: Minimum 2 years of one modern or classical language for a total of 6 units for a four-year student Sciences: Minimum of 3 years in sciences (2 of which must be laboratory sciences, Biology & either Chemistry, Robotics or Physics) for a total of 9 units History: Minimum of 2 years in United States History/Modern European History. In addition, four-year students must take Global Issues for a total of 9 units for a four-year student Fine & Performing Arts: Minimum of three semesters of study for a four-year student Religion & Philosophy: Minimum one semester of study Freshman Seminar: 1.5 units for all freshmen Blair LEADS (Leadership Communications, Global Engagement, Self Awareness, Ethical Decision-making & Service): 1.5 units for all sophomores Independent Study Students in the junior and senior year wishing to take a course that the School does not offer or a course that does not fit their schedules may propose an independent study as a fifth or, in exceptional cases, a sixth course. Students select a faculty advisor with whom they work to create a written proposal. A student may undertake only one independent study per term. Advanced Placement (AP) Courses & Exams The AP examination is required of all students enrolled in an AP course. Such courses end in either an examination or, in the case of the arts, a portfolio of work. The examination or portfolio is an integral part of an AP course and its final focus. Thus, the examination is required if a student is to receive credit and designation for an AP course. For more details about our graduation requirements, please visit www.blair.edu/course-catalog.
WHAT WILL
MY DAY LOOK LIKE?
Breakfast 8 A.M.
Clubs
(Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
7 P.M.
Classes 8:30 A.M.–3:15 P.M.
Society of Skeptics Lectures (Tuesday)
7 P.M.
Family-Style Dinner 6:15–7 P.M.
Activities/rehearsals/ athletic practices 3:45 –5:30 P.M.
(Tuesday & Thursday)
Dinner 6–7 P.M. Free time
Meet up with friends in the Can
7 P.M.
Alumni Roundtables (Wednesday)
7 P.M.
Art Openings (Thursday)
7 P.M.
Study hall 8–10 P.M.
Get ready for bed & hang out in dorm 10–11 P.M.
Lights out 11 P.M.
CLASS BLOCK SCHEDULE Monday 8:30 9:20
Tuesday 8:30 9:20
8:30 9:20
A ENGLISH G ART
9:25 10:15
9:25 10:15
B
E
TRY GEOME S HONOR
School Meeting 10:20 – 10:50
Activities Block 10:55 – 11:35 11:40 12:30SPANIS
H2 C1 HONORS
12:35 1:25
C2 1:30 2:20
F 2:25 3:15
D
LUNCH
GLOBAL ISSUES
BIOLOGY HONORS
Sample of freshman schedule.
FROSH SEMINAR
BIOLOGY HONORS
11:15 12:05
A1 11:50 12:40
LUNCH
SH
Conference Block 12:45 – 1:25
B 2:25 3:15
C
9:25 10:15
RT A G
GEOMETRY HONORS
SH 2 SPANI S R HONO
Thursday
E2
FREE
Lunch
11:15 – 12:35 12:40 1:30
GEOMETRY B HONORS
Saturday
8:30 9:20
9:25 10:15
9:25 10:15
9:25 10:15
B
G
D
E1 FREE F
11:15 12:05
Friday
Faculty prof. development/ Students sleep in 8:30 – 9:20
10:20 11:10
10:20 11:10
LEADS -SOPHOMORES
A2 ENGLI
1:30 2:20
GLOBAL ISSUES
F
10:20 11:10
D
Wednesday
BIOLOGY HONORS
GLOBAL ISSUES
Chapel 11:15 – 11:40
A1 LUNCH SH
A2 ENGLI
Conference Block 1:15 – 1:40 1:45 2:35
C
2:40 3:30
G
E
TRY E M O GE RS HONO
School Meeting 10:20 – 10:50
Advisor Block 10:55 – 11:35 11:40 12:30
11:45 12:35
12:20 1:10
FROSH SEMINAR
SH 2 I N A P S RS HONO
ART
BIOLOGY D1 HONORS Pre-selected classes meet
12:35 1:25
D2
LUNCH
1:30 2:20
H A ENGLIS
2:25 3:15
F
GLOBAL ISSUES
8:30 9:20
SPANISH 2 C HONORS
10:20 11:10
E
ART FREE
Lunch 11:15 – 12:35
ENGLISH “ Developing an appreciation for literature and fictional characters helps us become thoughtful and engaged members of the global community who better understand and empathize with real people.”
Blair’s English department teaches students to read closely and perceptively, write clearly and incisively, and speak confidently and effectively, while helping them acquire a familiarity with and appreciation for English, American and world literature. We emphasize the development and practice of rhetorical skills, social awareness and empathy that will serve students well throughout their lives. Students write regularly about themselves, their communities, and the characters and ideas they encounter in literature. Bolstered by regular exploration of grammar and rhetoric, they construct and revise essays, short stories, poetry and, as part of our focus on public speaking, scripts for The Blair Leadership
JAMES MOORE • ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Stories Project and the annual sophomore and senior public speaking contests. Seniors may choose to spend the spring term in English 4 Capstone, which allows them to conceive, develop and present significant writing projects on topics of their choice. Our reading lists provide grounding in important fundamental texts of the anglophone literary tradition and exposure to a diversity of voices, old and new. In the first three years, for example, all classes study Shakespeare and also more contemporary works. Recent English 4 electives have explored a range of narrower topics, including Homer’s The Odyssey, modern drama, the Harlem Renaissance, dystopian literature, and novels and the films they inspired.
COURSES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
• English 1, 2 & 3
•F ilming Blair Leadership Stories as freshmen & seniors
• English 3 AP English Literature
•S ophomore & senior public speaking contests
• English 4 Capstone
•D ebate Team
• English 4 AP English Literature
•B ook Club
• English 4 AP English Language
•A P Literature critique & defense of Shakespeare essays
– Horror – Dystopian Literature – The Meaning of Life – Narrative Writing
•W orkshops with writers in residence •A ll-school summer read •W eekly student Chapel talks
– Three Shakespeare Plays
•W eekly School Meeting announcements
– Religious Themes in Modern Literature
•L iterary magazine, Between the Lines
– Women & Wit
•O nline student newspaper, The Oracle •B lair yearbook, the ACTA
“Effective storytelling and the ability to convey your values are key leadership skills. Blair students hone these skills from their freshman through senior years as they build relationships on campus and beyond. Our graduates are prepared to communicate effectively as they become the leaders of tomorrow.”
PETER G. CURRAN • HEAD OF SCHOOL
HISTORY “ Blair students develop critical academic skills that lead to success at the college level, including reading comprehension, written expression, speaking, critical thinking and research skills.”
JASON BECK • HISTORY DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Beginning in ninth grade Global Issues, students have an opportunity to explore three important regions in the developing world: Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The 10th-grade year focuses on Modern European History, with a special emphasis on the roots of the United States. The 11th-grade year continues this theme through courses in United States history. During senior year, history students may choose from a number of electives, including Economics and Intellectual History Honors.
In addition to the regular curriculum, the Society of Skeptics offers weekly lectures by a wide variety of speakers, including noted historians, authors, and business and educational leaders. Skeptics speakers have included: CNN’s Lou Dobbs, Columbia University history professor Eric Foner, Lafayette College professor of history Joshua Sanborn, George Mason University history professor Peter Mandaville, two former governors of New Jersey, chair of the 9/11 Commission Governor Thomas Kean, and former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam Raymond Burghardt ’63.
COURSES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
•G lobal Issues
•W eekly Society of Skeptics lectures
•M odern European History
• Regular Head of School & Alumni Roundtables
•U .S. History • AP U.S. History
•M aster classes taught by Skeptics & Alumni Roundtable speakers
•A P European History
•D iplomacy Club
• Economics Honors: History & Theory
•S tudent government
• Intellectual History Honors: Existentialism & Modern Thought
• Model United Nations
•A P Comparative Government/Politics
• Trips to Intelligence Squared debates
•H istory of Women’s Rights
• Travel to the Washington Ideas Forum & other lectures & museums in New York City, Philadelphia & Washington, D.C.
•R ace in America
•P articipation in annual TEDx conference
•A merican Government: Constitutional Law
• School break trips to Europe, Asia & Africa
• 1 968: A Year in Crisis
•A P Microeconomics •A P Art History
•Y oung Republican & Young Democrat Clubs •B lair in Kenya
•T wenty-First Century Conflicts •A ncient History: Greece & Rome • America at War: Conflicts that Shaped a Nation
“ Our daughter immediately felt she belonged at Blair. The School offers a strong foundation for a lifetime of opportunity, mixing leadership and academic excellence within a value system that promotes kindness and decency, which is incredibly important in this day and age.”
BILL & KRISTY • PARENTS OF STUDENT FROM NORTH CAROLINA
MATHEMATICS “ Student mathematicians at Blair learn to speak math. Below the surface of each concept is a complex interplay of why and how, and our curriculum encourages students to dig into those deeper questions and to use them as a basis for communication, connection and collaboration.”
JULIA ROWNY • MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT CHAIR
The heart of mathematical thought starts at the intersection of logic and creativity. Blair math teachers create rigorous and reflective learning opportunities that teach students to build connections, explore patterns, craft arguments, reason logically, make creative leaps, discover fascinating conclusions, understand the world better and, ultimately, enjoy the intellectual struggle of a uniquely beautiful art form. The objectives of all Blair math courses are to foster analytical and critical thinking and to allow students to understand and appreciate the beauty inherent in mathematics. Blair math courses also prepare students for success in mathematics at the university level and
create an awareness of the need for mathematical literacy in the modern economy. Our faculty articulate mathematical thinking clearly and accurately and use appropriate technology to support the goals of the department. The departmental graduation requirements are Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2, but virtually all students take at least one math course beyond the required sequence, with more than three-quarters of the senior class enrolled in one level of Calculus. The math department comprises 12 faculty members with an average teaching experience of 15 years.
COURSES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
• Math 11: Algebra 1
• Math Team
• Math 21: Geometry
• American mathematics competitions
• Math 22: Geometry Honors
• Independent mathematics competitions
• Math 30: Algebra 2S
• Investment Club
• Math 31: Algebra 2
• I ntel International Science & Engineering Fair
• Math 32: Algebra 2 Honors AB
• Sports Statistics Club
• Math 33: Algebra 2 Honors BC
• Brain Teasers Club
• Math 41: College Algebra
• Peer Tutoring
• Math 42: Mathematical Modeling & Applications • Math 51: Precalculus • Math 52: Precalculus Honors AB • Math 53: Precalculus Honors BC • Math 61: AP Calculus • Math 62: AP Calculus AB • Math 63: AP Calculus BC • Math 64: Advanced Statistics • Math 71: Multi-Variable Calculus • Math 72: Number Theory & Proofs
“ Our teachers could be working on Wall Street, in industry, or doing research, but they choose to live and teach at Blair. Their care for students and their commitment to adolescent development in the classroom, on the field and in the dorms are extraordinary, and we feel it every day.” APAAR • STUDENT FROM NEW YORK
LANGUAGES “ Our curriculum encourages students to develop a competent grasp of language and exposes them to a variety of cultural material, both historical and current.”
JOYCE LANG • LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Blair language classes support energetic interaction as students work with each other and their instructors to learn to speak and write in Spanish, French, Chinese, and traditional Latin and Greek. Classroom immersion is key: Students pledge to speak only in the language they are studying for the duration of each class, a teaching tool that has become a hallmark of the language department’s philosophy. Our modern-language teachers are all native speakers or near-native speakers, and our classics faculty focuses on the art of close reading, fully appreciating the
nuance of language and introducing students to the achievements of ancient literature. Connecting students to the broader cultural context of the languages Blair teaches is paramount. Beyond the classroom, students have the opportunity to travel outside of the United States to countries such as Costa Rica, Cuba and Italy—once-in-a-lifetime trips during which they immerse in other cultures, meet local leaders and visit ancient ruins. Closer to home, faculty and students regularly engage with members of Spanish- and Chinese-speaking communities in towns and cities within driving distance of campus.
COURSES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
•S panish 1, 2, 3 & 4
• Spring & summer break trips to Spain, Central & South America, Italy, Greece, France, China & Canada
• Spanish 2, 3 & 4 Honors • Spanish Literature & Conversation Honors
• Blair International Awareness Club (BIAC)
•A P Spanish Language & Culture
•A merican Sign Language Club
• French 1, 2, 3 & 4
• La Conexión
•F rench 3 & 4 Honors
•T rips to New York City’s Chinatown
•A P French Language & Culture
• Classics trip to Rome & other iconic destinations
•A nnual International Weekend festivities
•C hinese 1, 2, 3 & 4 •C hinese 3 & 4 Honors •A P Chinese Language & Culture •L atin 1, 2, 3 & 4 •A P Latin 5 •A ncient Greek •A ncient History: Greece & Rome
“ Blair was a game changer for our son. To say that he came out of his shell is an understatement. His confidence, as well as his oral and written communication skills, expanded significantly, making him well prepared for college and beyond.”
MARK & MARGOT • PARENTS OF STUDENT FROM CONNECTICUT
SCIENCE “Laboratory and field work enhance learning, foster excitement for the subject matter and reinforce understanding of complex scientific topics.”
KELLY HADDEN • SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Students gain an understanding of the techniques and processes for gathering and analyzing evidence to support common scientific theories in Blair’s science classes. Our traditional courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics stress this extensively. As students move through grade levels and respective coursework, expectations increase, and upper-school students enrolled in Advanced Placement Biology, Chemistry or Physics courses are expected to display a significant level of confidence and comfort in the lab environment. The department’s goal is to foster in students a strong interest in and genuine enthusiasm for applying
their scientific knowledge to everyday phenomena in the world around them, especially to parts of the world about which they are most curious. Within our curriculum, students have the opportunity to explore their interests by enrolling in courses such as AP Psychology, Marine Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Epidemiology, Astronomy, Environmental Science, Analytical Chemistry, Robotics and Integrated Science Research. Designed by our teaching faculty, all of these courses aim to appeal to the varied science interests of Blair students.
COURSES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
• Biology
• Research Fellows Program
• Biology Honors
• Earthshine Club
• Foundations of Integrated Science Research
• Integrated Science Research
• Integrated Science Research
• Annual Science Expo
• Chemistry
• Robotics Team
• Chemistry Honors
• Rutgers University Oncology Olympiad
• Robotics
• Annual trip to observe cutting-edge robotics surgery
• Marine Science class trip to the Jersey shore
• Physics • Physics Honors • Environmental Science • Marine Science • Analytical Chemistry • Astronomy • Biochemistry Honors • Biomechanics • Applied Psychology • Epidemiology • Anatomy & Physiology Honors • AP Psychology • AP Biology • AP Chemistry • AP Physics • AP Physics C: Mechanics • AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
“ My parents continuously praise how well my teachers, and especially my advisor, know me. While faculty members are obviously here to teach us and to help us grow as people, they really are on your side, eager to help you with any struggle, inside or outside the classroom.”
CLARA • STUDENT FROM SOUTH CAROLINA
FINE ARTS “ Blair’s vibrant arts program inspires students to participate at every level and prepares them to become true artists.”
KATE SYKES • FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIR
From introductory to advanced, Blair art course offerings include everything from painting and drawing (including mechanical and architectural) to ceramics, graphic design, print-making and art history. For those who want to pursue art beyond Blair, the fine arts department offers a unique course designed to allow students to develop a comprehensive portfolio. Fine arts students regularly bring their ideas to life using the digital designand-fabrication tools in Blair’s maker space, and the department encourages student artists to incorporate multimedia into project work of every kind.
Blair art teachers are passionate artists. They not only teach the arts, they also live the arts through their own work. Our teachers share their love for the arts and professional experience with their students. Many students—even those who do not intend to pursue degrees in the arts—continue to take art classes in college and beyond, developing a talent discovered in Blair art classes. In addition, student filmmakers and photographers capture the life of the school community in creative and inspiring projects that focus on academics, the arts, athletics and other aspects of campus life.
COURSES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
• Two-Dimensional Art 1 & 2
• State-of-the-art ceramics room
• Advanced Drawing
• Blair Art Stars
• Advanced Painting
• Trips to art venues in New York City & Philadelphia
• Photography 1 • Digital Photography
• Trips to iconic art destinations in Europe during School breaks
• Advanced Analog Photography
• Student art critiques
• Advanced Digital Photography
• Professional art exhibitions in The Romano Gallery
• Art Portfolio
• Master classes with visiting professional artists
• Graphic Design
• “Empty Bowls” project
• Advanced Graphic Design
• Off-campus art shows
• Architecture 1 & 2
• Art for Social Change
• Introduction to Film Production
• Opportunities to display artwork throughout campus, including The Romano Gallery
• Advanced Film Production • Meaning & Media • Functional Design • Ceramics 1 & 2 • Advanced Ceramics • Sculpture/Ceramics • AP Art History 1: Survey of Art History • AP Studio Art Portfolio • Independent Study in Art
• Photography Club • Annual Student Film Festival • Opportunities to create videos for class councils & more
COMPUTER SCIENCE “ We focus on modern computer science, including underlying theory, knowledge and skills that transcend specific and ever-changing technologies.”
SAMUEL G. ADAMS IV • DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Computer science connects theory and practice, combining mathematics, programming and engineering. Students taking computer science classes are encouraged to think in both abstract and concrete terms, and faculty encourage students to develop technical aptitudes that will serve them well as they transition into college. Emphasis is placed on projectbased learning, with hands-on project work dominating class time. Students taking our multilevel programming course use the Python programming language to complete projects that emphasize all aspects of computational thinking. In addition to developing fundamental skills, students develop new areas of interest and a deeper understanding of the real-world connections
of their work. Our AP Computer Science course closely follows the Advanced Placement curriculum, exploring the type of material and concepts a student might expect in a first-year college course. Students gain a working familiarity with the Java programming language and study concepts that apply more generally to all programming languages. Robotics integrates programming concepts with physical mechanisms such as motors and sensors. Students study both the hardware and software aspects of robotics and build working robots that perform complex tasks. Software design brings programming concepts to students in very real and practical ways as they create working real-world applications.
COURSES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
• Robotics
• Competitive Robotics Team
• AP Computer Science
• State-of-the-art technology in Bogle Science Center
• Post-AP Computer Projects • Introduction to Programming
• State-of-the-art technology in the Chiang-Elghanayan Center for Innovation and Collaboration
• Software Design
• Open use of Blair’s maker space
• Advanced Software Design
• Blair Girls Who Code Club
• Artificial Intelligence
• EdAccess Technology & Education Conference
• Real-World Robotics
• Independent study projects • Freshman Seminar • Maker Space Digital Design & Fabrication • Headmasters’ Societies Games maker space projects • Real-World Robotics Seminar • Hands-on introduction to Da Vinci© Surgical System • Girls Go CyberStart National Championship
“Blair teachers care about more than your grades; they want to make sure you are happy and successful here. Their support gives students confidence and teaches us how to be independent.”
IGNACIO • STUDENT FROM SPAIN
PERFORMING ARTS “ Students learn by doing, whether they are working out the tricky fingering for a Bach string piece or handling a complicated phrase from an Aeschylus monologue.”
JENNIFER PAGOTTO • PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIR
At Blair, art is not just a creative outlet, but also an ingrained part of the curriculum and the academic day. Our theatre, vocal and instrumental music groups perform broad repertoires that challenge students technically and conceptually; Blair performing artists range from the inexperienced-but-curious beginner to the tried-and-talented old hand who has performed for years. The Blair Academy Players entertain the Blair community with four major productions each year
(including a musical), and our outstanding music department boasts a Symphony Orchestra, the Blair Academy Singers and Chamber Choir, as well as a host of smaller musical ensembles. In addition to performing at seasonal concerts in Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts and collaborating with groups from other prep schools across the Northeast, the Blair Academy Symphony Orchestra and Singers have performed in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, Budapest, and throughout Italy and the United Kingdom.
COURSES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
• Theatre 1 & 2 • Theatre 3: The Theatrical Self
•F our theatrical productions a year, including at least one musical
• Improv
•S tudent-run A Cappella group
• AP Music Theory
•A t least five concerts on campus each year
• Digital Music
•S olo recital each spring
• Advanced Digital Music
• Annual Bartow Series performances featuring internationally renowned performers
• Independent Study in Music • Blair Academy Singers
•S tudent composers/arrangers featured at Blair music concerts
•C hamber Choir
•P rivate lessons
• Religious Roots in Choral Music
•S pring break performance tours across the United States, United Kingdom & Italy
• Religious Music of the World • Religious Roots in Orchestral Music • Symphony Orchestra •C hamber Orchestra • Jazz Ensemble • Chamber Ensemble
•M aster classes with visiting professional musicians & actors as part of endowed Bartow Series •T rips into New York City to watch concerts & Broadway shows •B lair Academy Dancers & Dance Company
RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY “We introduce intellectually stimulating and existentially enlivening ideas that encourage students to think through what a meaningful life looks like and how one might best attain it.”
THE REV. LISA DURKEE • RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Blair’s religion and philosophy courses are designed with the goal of educating the whole student— mind, body and spirit. To this end, students may select from among eight one-semester courses that span a wide range of unique academic topics and inquiries. Except for postgraduates, all students at the School are required to take one of these courses during their time at Blair. While academically rigorous, religion and philosophy courses involve assessments that cover a breadth of styles and allow students to reflect very personally on significant life issues. The curriculum presumes no creedal commitments and endorses no particular religious or philosophical stance.
Generally speaking, our course offerings seek to teach students material that is provocative and challenging, even while it is potentially encouraging and grounding as we study the most influential voices in philosophical and religious history. Finding ways to express our individual understanding of the world in order to invite conversation rather than foster antagonism is a singular goal of the department, as is promoting healthy practices of mind, body and spirit. This includes coordinating with the Thursday Chapel and Sunday Evening Reflection programs when appropriate to introduce traditions from among the student body.
COURSES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
•H uman Rights
•T hursday Chapel
• I ntroduction to Ethics: The Art of Living
•C hristian Fellowship
•M orality & the Modern World
•P erspectives Club
•W orld Religions: Visions of Transformation
•P hilosophy Club
• Gandhi & Non-Violent Revolution •M eaning & Media •R eligious Themes in Modern Literature •M ind, Body & Spirit
•J ewish Student Union
•S ervice Corps • I nterfaith Council •H ealthy Relationships Committee •S unday Evening Reflection •C hristmas Vespers •A nnual service trips to destinations such as St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis
The Seven Principles of a Blair Education
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
We know our students. Blair teachers are experts in their subject areas and they know our students exceptionally well. Faculty members meet frequently to discuss student progress; they are active in every aspect of student life; and an assigned academic monitor and a student-chosen advisor guide each student. As a result, teachers expertly support, mentor, and challenge students, and profoundly impactful relationships are formed.
Excellent communication is a top priority. The ability to concisely and compellingly convey one’s message is an essential leadership skill; at Blair, teaching the art of effective communication is among our highest priorities. As a School, we are committed to communicating purposefully and effectively with parents, students, alumni and with each other as colleagues.
Superior academic preparation inspires a lifetime of learning. Blair’s robust curriculum features rigorous traditional coursework and innovative electives. In every classroom, as teachers challenge students with new ideas and skills, they ensure that students learn how to learn, preparing them to confidently and creatively address the demands of college and our ever-changing global society.
An inclusive and connected community expands horizons. At Blair, integrity, responsibility and respect for others shape campus life. With kindness and empathy, our inclusive and dynamic community welcomes people of many backgrounds; as we embrace challenges and opportunities, close relationships are forged and learning on many levels results.
Real-world engagement & service to others engender meaningful experiences. Blair students look beyond themselves by engaging in the world around them and serving others. Our traditions of School Meeting, Chapel and more help students develop a strong character and value system as they become global citizens. On-campus speakers, local and international service endeavors, and school break travel opportunities create impactful connections and experiences.
We have purposefully chosen to be a midsize boarding school. Our personal knowledge of individual students distinguishes us as a school, and we are well aware that such knowledge is possible only in a community small enough for genuine relationships. Yet, providing a variety of programs and diversity of student experiences requires a certain breadth and scale. At Blair, we believe that being a midsize, residential school allows us to achieve both goals.
We prepare our students exceptionally well for a lifetime of accomplishment. The Blair experience is a personalized one that provides students many opportunities to achieve excellence and to become service-minded leaders and adults of outstanding character. From Blair, we expect students to attend a college or university that furthers their intellectual and personal development and to achieve worthwhile accomplishments in life.
PROGRAMS OF DISTINCTION Blair is a midsize school of 460 students, giving us a small-school feel, while at the same time, offering big-school academic, athletic and arts programs. Learning extends far beyond the classroom on our hilltop campus as our signature programs broaden students’ horizons, introducing them to new ideas and teaching them critical leadership and communications skills that will give them a competitive advantage in college and in life.
“ Blair students are not only prepared for college, they are ready to navigate the challenges they will inevitably face in our ever-changing, 24/7 world.” PE TER G. CURRAN • HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dual-Advisor System The dual-advisor system is a foundational element of relationship-based learning at Blair. Students are known and supported by two faculty mentors: an assigned academic monitor and a faculty member of their own choosing, who serves as their advisor. The advisor-advisee relationship is often the most influential one a student develops at Blair, and monitors play an essential role in Blair’s feedback loop about students’ accomplishments and challenges. Should the need for academic support arise, advisors and monitors work together to guide students to one of Blair’s many resources, including our director of academic support, school counselors and peer tutors.
Integrated Science Research Blair’s Integrated Science Research (ISR) program offers scientifically motivated students an opportunity to closely examine and contribute to the resolution of real-world challenges. As part of this curricular program, students delve into scientific writing, explore current industry research, learn how to connect with mentors, and design and execute research experiments, all under the guidance of Blair science faculty members who are experienced researchers. The enlarged and fully renovated Bogle Science Center includes dedicated laboratory space for independent research, giving students a fully equipped platform from which to engage in meaningful, long-term projects.
Society of Skeptics Students and faculty debate important global issues in this unique forum that has grown to become a premier high-school lecture series. Speakers of myriad backgrounds come to campus to share their unique perspectives with students, who are encouraged to engage with presenters, ask questions and debate points of view. Tuesday-evening presentations often extend into Wednesday as students and teachers continue to debate salient issues in classrooms and dormitories. By participating regularly in the program, students demonstrate that they can direct their own learning, engage with the world beyond Blair, and place what they are learning in the classroom into a larger global context.
Blair LEADS Through the combination of formal leadership opportunities and applied-learning experiences, Blair guides its students to become the leaders they are meant to be, leaders who are needed across every college campus and every profession. Every student participates in Blair LEADS, our signature cross-curricular leadership training initiative, and faculty members emphasize the importance of different types of leadership and adapting leadership style to specific situations. Whether they are helping to run campus organizations, supporting classmates in the dorms or serving Blair’s neighbors, our students get a well-rounded view of leadership and what it means to serve others.
Public Service When students apply academic studies to real-world issues and serve others for the good of all, impactful connections to people, places and ideas develop. That’s why Blair faculty members connect on-campus classroom experiences to real-world service opportunities. The meaningful and scholarly work in which our community is engaged allows students to act with purpose in exploring and tackling real-world problems and making a difference for our neighbors. Service at Blair takes many forms, ranging from partnership with local nonprofits and campus clubs such as Earthshine, La Conexión and the Healthy Relationships Committee to service-oriented trips to U.S. and global destinations. The entire Blair community spends a day each spring, as part of our Day of Service, volunteering at more than 20 area nonprofits.
Effective Communication At Blair, teaching the art of effective communication is among our highest priorities. Our cross-curricular communication initiative and myriad public speaking opportunities prepare students to express their ideas, advocate for themselves, and engage with others in ways that build vital relationships and lead to success in life. As they collaborate in small or large groups, our students learn the value of teamwork, problem solving, and articulating their beliefs and passions. Building strong relationships requires effective communication, and mastering these skills before entering college puts our students a step ahead of their peers when they enter the worlds of higher education and professional life.
Leadership Stories Project Through The Blair Leadership Stories Project, students develop their storytelling ability by crafting and sharing, on video, a compelling personal narrative. Participation in the project teaches students to concisely and confidently tell a story as they reflect on a challenge they have resolved while staying true to their beliefs. Students film stories as freshmen and then again as seniors, benchmarking their progress as effective communicators while at Blair. Many Blair students have worked on their story with communications expert and Harvard Kennedy School professor Timothy Patrick McCarthy, PhD, who partnered with Blair faculty to develop the project and who has since served as Blair’s scholar-in-residence.
Global Engagement Blair encourages students to interact with people around the world through meaningful travel opportunities. Trips range from student-organized missions (such as our annual expedition to St. Jude Children’s Hospital) to European tours (including those led by our Head of School) to immersive experiences (such as trips to Central America and visits to “Blair in Kenya” schools in Africa). We’ve been everywhere from Cuba to Europe, as well as to nearby destinations, including Philadelphia and New York City. Such travel provides students with new perspective about our global society and gives them the opportunity to forge meaningful relationships with their classmates and teachers as they share incredible experiences.
Freshman Seminar Every ninth-grader takes a yearlong seminar designed to build connections and skills that will help them succeed throughout their Blair careers. Freshmen learn how to be effective students, carefully consider their values and beliefs, and gain experience in design and prototyping. The freshman seminar has two modules: health and wellness and maker space training. With the Chiang-Elghanayan Center for Innovation and Collaboration serving as its home, the seminar encourages students to use their new skills across other coursework and classes. Freshmen also engage in maker space training, where they learn about the design process and prototyping.
“ As educators, we have a responsibility to prepare our students, intentionally and incrementally, for the lives they will live when they leave our classrooms. Step by step, we must give them the skills they need to respond empathetically and live productively in an increasingly diverse, complex and interconnected world. I am convinced—and impressed—that Blair is doing all of this successfully.”
TIMOTHY PATRICK MCCARTHY, PHD • BL AIR’S SCHOL AR-IN-RESIDENCE & PROFESSOR AT HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL
# of Skeptics speakers last year
25 20
# DISCUSSIONS
+
OF ROUNDTABLE
#
4
OF MLK SEMINARS
#ARTISTS
OF THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
OF PROFESSIONAL
DISTANCE FROM THE
WHO COME TO
UNITED
IN NYC
70 MILES ACADEMICS
WHEELS
by the #s
MINUTES OF STUDY HALL
PER WEEK
2,000
MILES OF INTERNET WIRING
# OF LABS IN THE
BOGLE SCIENCE CENTER # of leadership stories filmed last year
6
CAMPUS EACH YEAR
NATIONS
# OF 14 POTTERY
23
4 MILLION 216
Number of years Classics has been studied at Blair CLXXII (172) QUIET STUDY SPOTS IN THE LIBRARY
FOR GETTING YOUR STUDY ON!
21
720
MAKER SPACE
MACHINES FOR DIGITAL FABRICATION # OF LIBRARY
DATABASES
10
32
800.462.5247
2 PARK ST BLAIRSTOWN, NJ
07825
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