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H E A D
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S C H O O L ’ S
M E S S A G E
Continuity and Change at Allen-Stevenson
In their Allen-Stevenson prospectus of 1904, Mr. Allen and Mr. Stevenson asserted, “We intend to teach intelligent habits of study, to train the boys’ bodies, and to develop straightforward, manly characters.” Well over a century later and amplified by any number of robust experiences in the arts and other domains, this approach is still our path. It also reflects our conviction that education for boys should be more than what Mr. Stevenson once termed “a mere stuffing of knowledge in their heads.” Recently I described that process as follows:
As boys face new challenges through academics, athletics and the arts, they accumulate a portfolio of robust experiences. Accordingly, our mission statement declares, “We challenge our students to take suitable risks, learn from their mistakes, and support each other.” Over time this builds the foundation that, to quote the mission again, “teaches boys to value the gratifying process by which excellence is attained.” Our approach shifts the focus from teaching to learning, so that boys can become even more skillful, not simply in what they know and can do, but also in their capacities to continue learning throughout their lives. They must become agents in their own learning.
David on the townhouse steps
This delightful issue of the Lamplighter illustrates how Allen-Stevenson today is preserving, extending, and renewing its distinctive, robust, and spirited approach to the education of boys. We always start with the School’s statements of mission, vision and community and consider how these are important now. This issue’s page about “Why K-8” summarizes some of the most salient points to understand about Allen-Stevenson: • • • •
We We We We
focus on boys’ formative years. foster leadership and confidence. find boys the right high school. know the research.
As we celebrated the 139th “birthday” of Allen-Stevenson on Founders Day last October, this vitality was obvious. Our special speaker Adam Donaldson ’05 spoke to the student body from the renowned football stadium at Notre Dame. He talked about how his Allen-Stevenson education had shaped many of his own values in adulthood. He also gave the boys great advice on how to approach challenges and opportunities in life. [See page 25 to listen to his speech.]
