... Since 1792 An Independent Day & Boarding School on the Coast of Maine
Celebrating more than 220 years of excellence in education
Welcome WASHI N G T O N A CA D EMY MA G A Z INE brought to you by the staff & students of Washington Academy 66 Cutler Road, P.O. Box 190 East Machias, Maine 04630 Phone: 207.255.8301 Email: admissions@washingtonacademy.org www.washingtonacademy.org H EA D O F S C H O O L Judson L. McBrine C O N T R I B UT I N G W R I T ER S Robin Gautier, Melanie Brooks, Ashley Pearson CON T R I B UT I N G P H OT O G R APH E R S Leslie Bowman, Mark Wellman, Larry Ayotte Robin Gautier, Kim Gardner, Michelle Porter Moremil Richard, Michael Libby ART & E D I T O R I A L D I R E C T IO N Metro Publishing, LLC Washington Academy Magazine is published by Washington Academy. We welcome reader input! Please contact us by mail at Washington Academy, 66 Cutler Road, E. Machias, Maine 04630, by phone at 207.255.8301, by email at admissions@washingtonacademy.org, or on the web at www.washingtonacademy.org. Washington Academy Magazine is distributed free to prospective students and parents, as well as to educational consultants, educators, donors, alumni, and other friends of Washington Academy. For more information, visit www.washingtonacademy.org. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
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or more than 220 years, Washington Academy has been successfully helping young people take the first big step toward achieving their dreams. We recognize these dreams are as diverse as the students who attend here. Each year, over 400 students like you make a decision to attend WA, coming together to immerse yourselves in courses and make use of an environment that isn’t typically available at other secondary schools. Ben Somes is one of those students. In between studying Spanish and Mandarin, playing soccer, you can find him chopping vegetables in culinary arts class with students from all over the world. Like Ben, we’re sure you will find a program or activity at Washington Academy that fits your unique personality, whether it’s in the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math or the Field School for Studies in Science, or the Center for Applied Technologies. Once you arrive, we’ll assign you a long-term advisor and a peer pair who will help you choose your courses, manage your schedule, and get into the swing of your new life at the Academy. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1, it won’t be long before your teachers know you on a personal level. The safety of our rural area, the involvement of our small Maine community, and the sense of pride and tradition will all come together to make you ready to succeed in your new environment. We’re looking forward to getting to know you.
Judson McBrine HEAD OF SCHOOL
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Washington Academy is an independent secondary school committed to the success of each of our local, national, and international students. Offering a comprehensive program of academics, athletics, and the arts, we strive to create opportunities that will equip students socially and intellectually for their future endeavors and prepare them to become productive members of society.
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Washington Academy students forge lifelong friendships with teens from across the street and across the globe.
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contents
Since Washington Academy is located on the rocky coast of Maine, students can often catch a breath of fresh sea air between classes.
Fast Facts | 6 Washington Academy 101 200-plus years of history
LOCATION | 8 Discover Coastal Maine Lobster boats, blueberry fields, and friendly skies
ACADEMICS | 12 Unique Classes • Top Teachers • Start College Early From Latin to Robotics, WA has something for every student
ACTIVITIES | 20 Sports, the Arts, & More It’s easy to get involved at WA—what’s hard is choosing from the endless opportunities
R ESIDENTIAL LIFE | 28 Lounge Around • Play Outside • Take a Road Trip Students hang out in their large dorm rooms, learn English with their host families, and get to tour the East Coast
APPLYING TO WA | 35 Application • Recommendations • Test Scores • Financial Aid WA makes the application process as easy as possible
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Fast Facts
By the Numbers • Nearly 90% of graduates go on to postsecondary programs, college, or university • Washington Academy sits on 65 acres with 9 major buildings • WA is 2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean • Students provide over 500 hours of community service each term • 10 Advanced Placement and college courses are offered on campus • Intensive English Immersion for 7, 8, and 9th graders • 4-week Summer ESL • 100+ courses including Mandarin Chinese, Robotics and Outdoor Leadership • 15 staff and faculty members reside on campus • Average SAT score is 1670-2140
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history
W Then and Now A lot has happened at Washington Academy since 1792. Here are just a few of the highlights.
The original Academy Building at Washington Academy, pictured in the 1800s. It still stands today.
ashington Academy is a school that embraces new adventure. Since John Hancock, then the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, signed the charter founding the school in 1792, WA has moved locations, constructed new buildings, and opened its doors to students from around the world. In the beginning, classes were held in Machias at the Burnham Tavern and the Masonic Hall. It wasn’t until much later that the school got its own building. After deliberation between neighboring towns, the first school building was built in East Machias, opening its doors on September 8, 1823. Today Washington Academy welcomes boys and girls, about 50% of each gender. WA has over 350 day students and about 90 residential students—representing more than 20 surrounding communities and more than 15 countries. This makes WA truly a global campus located in the easternmost corner of the United States. WA completed construction of a new Arts and Music Center, a Health and Wellness Center, and improvements in athletic fields, classroom space, and digital infrastructure in 2011. The school is also strongly committed to being environmentally responsible, and encouraging those values across the entire community. The school’s next adventure? Building four new tennis courts and 5 kilometer cross country trail so everyone can benefit from outdoor recreational opportunities. In addition, the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math is growing with the addition of a robotics lab and engineering technology courses. WA has introduced its Center for Dynamic Learning to compliment its Field School for Studies in Science. One thing that is the same as its early days in the Burnham Tavern—Washington Academy is here to enrich the minds of students. Today, the students just happen to come from all ends of the globe. www.washingtonacademy.org
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WA Core
Value
location
THE INDIVIDUAL STUDENT
We know, respect, and support each student.
Staying Close to the E Peaceful, beautiful, clean. What’s not to love? 8
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ast Machias embodies everything that is great about small town America. It is a rural environment where people know their neighbors and look out for each other. With one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, Maine is a safe haven for WA students. “The close-knit community and natural surroundings create a wonderful atmosphere for students to grow both intellectually as well as socially,” says Arlene Porter, an alumna and the parent of a current WA student. “There’s something
Earth about this place that instills a sense of wellness and trust.” Being located in a rural area does not mean the community is unaware of the world. Washington Academy students are exposed to local culture as well as cultures from abroad. Here they attend local events that celebrate Maine’s rich Native American heritage, and even try their hand at local industries such as lobster fishing, clamming, and blueberry harvesting. A quarter of the student population comes from abroad, bringing
“Washington Academy was cut from the bedrock of these shores and hewn from the forest of this land. Today it embraces the people, industry, land, and water of our region to teach young people the skills and leadership they will need to lead in our community, our nation, and throughout the world.” —Brian Cates, WA Board of Trusteess the colors and flavors of over 15 different countries into the community. “International students share their culture with us, but it’s also fun to bring them home to show them our culture,” says student Dewey Sheehan. “I had a South Korean student over to my house and cooked some clams. It was really cool!” WA’s location impacts the educational opportunities, as teachers have an entire outdoor classroom at their disposal. From the rocky coastline to the river that runs near the campus, there are so many
places where learning can become handson, from analyzing seawater to calculating the rate of the river’s current. But the best part of WA’s unique location might be the front-row seat students have to view each of the four seasons. In the summer, students swim in the same water they skate on in the winter. In the fall, students are surrounded with the reds, yellows, and oranges of the foliage and take frequent hikes on the surrounding wilderness trails. The location on the coast tempers the harsh www.washingtonacademy.org
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location
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Winter
Spring
Summer
Maine winters a bit. Yet the area receives enough snow for students to snowshoe, ice skate, sled, and take part in the popular ski/snowboard club. Staying close to the earth is also part of Washington Academy’s Field School for Studies in Science. The school is continually seeking to bring energy alternatives like solar power, biomass, and wind power into the operation of the school. Washington Academy even has a bus that runs on biodiesel fuel, which students produce in the school’s Biodiesel Production Program. What other high school can brag about that?
The best part of WA’s unique location might be the front-row seat students have to view each of the four seasons.
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Academics
Nurturing W the Mind
ashington Academy’s learning formula starts with the school’s accomplished faculty. Add 100 different courses and an energetic student body and you get a thriving academic environment where growth and discovery are part of everyday life. Something else that adds to each student’s success: Learning at WA is highly individualized. The Academy offers a variety of courses at different difficulty levels so that everyone can reach their potential—college and university classes along with Advanced Placement (AP) courses for fast learners, a rigorous and challenging core curriculum, and fundamental courses for students who struggle a little more than their peers. DEDICATED AND DIVERSE FACULTY Every WA class is led by an enWe bring teachers and students together in thusiastic, caring teacher who is there relationships that challenge, inspire, and nurture each for one reason: to help each student succeed. With an average class size of student’s intellect, confidence, and determination. 15 students, every student receives
WA Core
Value
Small classes + Accomplished faculty = Individualized attention
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“We have a lot of college classes, a lot of science and technology classes, and challenging core courses. We have a lot of classes, period!”—Nathan Weaver, student “Last year I took Advanced Placement Calculus. Even though it was my toughest subject, it was also my favorite.”—Matthew Talbot, ‘12 Lear n English the fun way At Washington Academy, we have found students learn to speak English best through total immersion. Here are some of the things we do to make it easier. FUN LEARNING METHODS Our highly-trained ESL teachers use films, games, and even the Internet to help you learn English quickly and naturally. While knowing how to pass the TOEFL and other tests are a top priority, we work hard to help you become able to think in English! When that happens, you’ll be able to communicate with comfort and ease. ENGLISH-ONLY DORMS We strongly encourage all students to speak only English in the dorms. Those who decide to keep the “English only” rule learn much faster! SUMMER ESL SCHOOL
individual attention, which studies show translates to faster learning. “In my Robotics class I have six students,” says student Torin Jones. “I like the small classes because you get to know the teacher better, and you get more individual help.” Teachers stay after classes to help students and the school also offers a tutoring program. WA’s Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math curriculum provides students with a progressive and dynamic array of cutting edge courses that pave the way for entrance into
We encourage all new international students who are not fluent in English to join us in early August for our intensive 4-week language school. It’s an affordable way to get ahead quickly— without the pressure of classes. At summer school, you will also tour the area and meet some of your American classmates at evening social events. INTENSIVE ESL FOR JUNIOR BOARDERS At WA, we recognize that there are some students highly motivated to learn English quickly and at an American boarding school who are middle-school aged. The Center for Dynamic Learning introduces 7, 8, and 9th grade students to English through an intensive ESL program that leads them straight to WA’s High School curriculum.
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Academics
“Teachers take an active role in supporting us at WA...by their example.”—Ben Somes, student the competitive global arena. WA offers courses in literature, science, and history, as well as courses often found only in college, such as psychology, sociology, economics, and language studies in Spanish, Chinese, Latin, and American Sign Language. Fine Arts classes are also exciting courses at WA. Students are challenged and stretched in film and video production, digital photography, art, dance and music. The Center for Dynamic Learning offers a junior academy in Intensive ESL geared for the 7, 8, and 9th grade student, multilevel, content-based high school ESL classes, and a Language and Learning Laboratory for students with diverse needs. An important ingredient to the learning mix are Washington Academy’s international students. Though most WA students are from the U.S., classes at all levels are enriched by students from countries like Spain, China, Bermuda, Germany, and Japan. “It’s really nice having them here because you learn so much,” says student Taylor Roos. “I can’t imagine going to school anyplace else.”
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List of Some of Our Many Courses ENGLISH & WRITING
MATHEMATICS
• Writing and Literature for Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors • AP English Language and Composition • Senior Writing and American Literature • AP English Literature • Creative Writing • College Writing
• Algebra 1 and 2 • Honors and Accelerated Algebra 1 and 2 • Statistics • Geometry, Honors Geometry • Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry • Accelerated Pre-Calculus • Discrete Mathematics • AP Calculus AB and BC • Engineering Technologies • Physics • Honors Physics
HISTORY • • • • • • •
World History Honors World History Civics U.S. History AP U.S. History AP European History Holocaust Studies
SCIENCES • • • •
Biology AP and Honors Biology Chemistry Honors Chemistry
• Integrated Science • Honors Integrated Science • Coastal Ecology • Marine Science • Outdoor Leadership • Health • Physical Education • Personal Fitness
LANGUAGES • • • • • • •
Spanish 1, 2 & 3 AP Spanish Latin 1, 2 & 3 AP Latin Chinese 1, 2 & 3 American Sign Language ESL—Immersion, Transition, University Prep • Intensive ESL-Junior boarders
FINE ARTS
MEDIA ARTS
• • • •
• Film and Video Production • Digital Photography • Advanced Digital Photography
Art 1 & 2 Honors Art AP Studio Art Cultural Dance
APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES
COMPUTERS • • • •
Desktop Publishing Quickbooks Intro to Java A+ Certification
• • • •
MUSIC • • • • • • • •
• • • •
Beginner band Band Chorus Jazz Band Orchestra AP Music Theory Guitar Steel Drums
• • • •
Health Occupations Certified Nurse Assistant Culinary Arts Jobs for Maine’s Graduates Marine Technology Marine Engines Auto Technology Computer-Assisted Drafting & Design Intro to Mechanical Trades Intro to Carpentry Engineering Technologies Robotics
Celebrating 220 Years of Excellence in Education
Some of the Universities Attended by Washington Academy Students Include: • • • • • • • • • • •
Bay Path College Beal College Binghamton University Bob Jones University Boston College Boston University Bowdoin College Brandeis University Bryant University Bryn Mawr College Carleton College
• Central St. Martins College of Art & Design • Colby College • College of St. Rose • Cornell College • Cornell University • Dalhousie University • Dartmouth College • Dean College • DePaul University • Dickenson College
• Drexel University • Eastern Maine Community College • Endicott College • Fisher College • Florida Technical School • George Washington University • Georgia Technical Institute • Grossmont College • Husson University • Indiana University • Keystone Technical Institute • Maine Maritime Academy • Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Meredith College • Messiah College • Michigan State University • Monmouth College • Mount Ida College • New Brunswick Bible Institute • New England College • New England School of
Communication • New York University • Northeastern University • Northern Michigan University • Parson’s the New School for Design • Pierre’s School of Cosmetology • Purdue University • Rochester Institute of Technology • Roger Williams University • Rutgers Seneca College • Savannah College of Arts and Design-SCAD • Skidmore College • Smith College • Southern Maine Community College • St. Lawrence University • St. Joseph’s College • Syracuse University • Temple University • Thomas College • Universal Technical Institute • University of Arizona
• University of Connecticut • University of Iowa • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • University of Maine at Augusta • University of Maine at Machias • University of Maine at Orono • University of Maine at Presque Isle • University of Oregon • University of Southern Maine • University of Texas at Austin • University of Texas at San Antonio • University of Maine at Farmington • University of Vermont • Ursinus College • Vassar College • Washington County Community College • Western New England College • Wheaton College
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special programs
Learn by Doing Discover the power of hands-on learning at WA.
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WA Core
Value
ashington Academy is not an ordinary high school. WA’s study opportunities go beyond basic academics to include concentration in field studies in science that include marine science, coastal ecology, outdoor leadership, and applied training in boatbuilding, marine engines, automotive repair, culinary arts, or nursing.
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PROGRESSIVE CULTURE
We promote curiosity, open-minded exploration, out-of-the-box critical thinking, while building on tradition and pride.
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Marine Technology One of the very few high school boatbuilding programs in the United States, WA’s Marine Vocational Technology program is a tremendous opportunity for students who are fascinated by computeraided design and hands-on learning. With expert guidance, students are able to design and build their own boats for work or sport, then take the boat home and launch it, all for just the cost of the materials. In the second year of the program, students also learn navigation skills and cold-water survival techniques in the waters of the Atlantic, just minutes from the campus. From building canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and outboard lobster boats to learning navigation and engine operations, this program allows students to live their passion while completing their high school degree. Many of the students in the Marine Technology program use the boats they build to work on the water after graduation.
Field School for Studies in Science Washington Academy’s Field School for Studies in Science teaches students something vital to the world’s future—the techniques required to study, respect and preserve the environment through field and marine studies. The Coastal Ecology class doesn’t rely solely on books. National Science Foundation award-winning teacher Don Sprangers takes his students out from behind their desks and teaches from nature. “We have worked on wetlands, built a greenhouse, planted trees, released salmon, and much more,” An Nguyen says. It’s not surprising Coastal Ecology is one
of the most popular programs at WA. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Washington Academy’s CNA program teaches the basic nursing techniques and skills students need for an entry-level job in the healthcare field. It also gives careerminded students valuable experience and preparation when applying for college. At the end of the year the students take the state of Maine’s CNA exam, and if they pass they are placed on the state registry. Every Washington Academy CNA student has passed the exam in the eight years this program has been offered. But
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special programs
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Start College Ear ly
the successes go beyond high test scores. “I’m happy to say that I have had patients call me to commend the care they have received from my students,” says teacher and school nurse Ruth Ann Preston. “It means we’re doing things right.” In addition, science students can participate in the Downeast Community Hospital internship course, where they experience firsthand the inner workings of a hospital by shadowing medical professionals, either during the school day or after school.
Motivated students can get a jump on college at Washington Academy in three ways. One is Advanced Placement (AP) classes. WA offers AP classes in English language and composition, English literature, Spanish, Latin, U.S. history, European history, calculus, biology, and art, allowing students to earn college credit before they graduate from high school. Another way to get ahead is to take classes at the nearby University of Maine at Machias (UMM). Qualified WA juniors and seniors can take some of the core classes required of college freshmen. UMM accepts WA’s boarding students as Maine residents so they benefit from the in-state tuition rates.
Alumna Lacey Craven loved the public speaking course she took at UMM. “It was a great opportunity to experience college life and all I had to pay for were my books,” she says. “The UMM program is a good introduction to managing a syllabus and interacting with college kids while still having the safety of WA.” Perhaps, the most exciting option is registering right on WA’s campus for Husson University courses, taught by those WA teachers with higher degrees. These courses are built right into the daily WA class schedule and made available for a small administrative cost to the student. Husson University courses happen right at WA, so students can still participate in all of WA’s many extracurricular activities.
Culinary Arts In this program, students learn the basics of food science, nutrition, and meal preparation right in Washington Academy’s own kitchen. Students prepare for a career in the culinary arts by studying food chemistry, safety, preparation, design and presentation, and more. Culinary Arts students also learn all aspects of operating a restaurant—including food purchasing, menu planning, catering, marketing, customer
service—and even try their hand at food photography. Career Computer Technology Virtually every career today requires computer skills. Washington Academy offers students a wide range of computer classes to give them a jump-start in any field. Course offerings include programming, tech support, desktop publishing, and web design.
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Athle tics
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Value
WA Core
STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE
We challenge students to strive for their personal best in every pursuit, take risks and persevere.
Raider W Spirit
hether you are an athlete or a fan, nothing brings a school together like a sporting event. Washington Academy is no exception. With 13 varsity sports, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and swimming, games or meets go on almost daily at WA. “We have enough sports teams for everyone in the school to play a sport,” says student Manny Aretakis. In recent years Raider cheering, soccer, volleyball, and basketball teams have won state championships. We have had wrestling state champions, both male and female! The
Athletes need to test their limits. But there’s one thing WA players and fans have in unlimited quantities: School Spirit.
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athle tics
“I love playing volleyball and I love that I had a chance to play on WA’s state championship team!”—Kara Graham, student tennis team is extremely popular, with upwards of 65 students vying for 25 spots on the team. WA also offers club sports in snowboarding and skiing. Clubs provide a great way to have fun without the pressure of intense competition. Joining a team is also a great way to make friends. “Coming in my freshman year, the only person I knew at WA was my older brother,” says Paige Sprague. “I joined the soccer team and made a bunch of new friends.” Think there’s nothing to do in Maine in the winter besides play in the snow? Think again. This is basketball country. “Our winter entertainment is to go to basketball games,” says teacher Kaylee Colbeth. “We like to watch the growth of the students from game to game and year to year.” WA Raiders are known in the region as tough competitors. “We can be friends with our opponents before and after the game,” says cheerleader Rebecca Whitney, “but when it’s game time, we’re pretty competitive.”Yet new students don’t have to be a star athlete to play. Many sports have a junior varsity squad, and the girls and boys basketball programs each have a freshman team, too. Getting involved is easy. What’s hard is trying to decide what sport to play!
WA Sports • Baseball* • Basketball • Cheering • Cross Country • Football • Golf • Soccer • Softball** • Swimming • Tennis • Track and Field • Volleyball** • Wrestling
* Boys only **Girls only All Raiders teams offer varsity, JV, and freshman levels of play.
“During games, Raiders are definitely competitive! But we also know how to stay friends after the game is over.” —Rebecca Whitney, student
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fine arts, clubs & activities
Express Yourself Whatever the talent or interest, there’s a place for all students to show their stuff.
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“I
like the individuality here at WA,” says student Tai Hatch. “It’s so easy to fit in.” Washington Academy is definitely a place where students can discover their talents, find like-minded friends, and be themselves. “I think having students come from different towns and different countries makes everyone more accepting,” agrees fellow student Cassidy Cook.
“There are so many ways to get involved here. I think it brings out the best in everyone.” Love to play sports? Washington Academy has 13 teams and clubs to choose from. If math is your thing, WA has an award-winning math team. What about theater? The Washington Academy Players Troupe is recognized regionally for their one-act play performances. WA’s student-
Value
WA Core
THE WHOLE PERSON
We believe that the complete development of each student requires intensive experiences in academics, athletics, arts, community life and the natural world.
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fine arts, clubs & activities
“Our daughter is an individual and as her parent I want her seen that way. At Washington Academy each student is recognized as an individual.”—Amy Hodgdon, parent
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run literary magazine, The Silver Quill, was recently recognized nationally for the quality of its writing. The brand new Arts and Music Center invites all students to showcase their talents. With courses like studio art, film and video production, digital photography, and creative writing, students can express their creativity in a multitude of media. For those students who are musically inclined, WA offers Advanced Placement Music Theory, beginner band, concert band, jazz band and orchestra as well as chorus, plus courses in guitar and steel drum lessons. “If we have enough people who want a class taught,” student Nick Raye says, “the administration will find a teacher to teach us.” And what if Washington Academy doesn’t have a club or activity that sparks a student’s interest? No problem. Students at WA create their own activities each year,
from knitting to snowshoeing to archery. The experience of creating a club encourages leadership and individual growth while fostering communication and longlasting relationships with their peers. Most importantly—it’s a lot of fun.
The international students bring their own flair to WA. But you won’t find the cliques here that you might see in movies or on television. WA students enjoy meeting new people and bridging the gap between differences.
clubs & activities MUSIC • • • • • • •
Chorus Guitar Ensemble Jazz Combo Jazz Band Pep Band Concert Band Tri-M National Music Honor Society • County wide, District, and All-State Festivals
DRAMA • • • • • • •
The WA Players Set Design Stage Managers Lighting and Sound Tech Choreographers Costume and Make up WA Formal Speaking Program
HANDS-ON • Yoga Club • Ski Club • Sailing
• Weightlifting • Chess Club
WRITTEN WORD • Creative Writing Club • Communications Club • The Students’ Voice (student newspaper) • Silver Quill (literary magazine)
ACADEMIC • • • • • •
Science Outing Club Math Help Math Team Foreign Language Club Academic Decathlon National Honor Society
TECHNOLOGY • Robotics Club • Video Club
SOCIAL • Prom Committee • Yearbook
ARTS
MISC.
• Art Club • Fiber Arts Club
• Envirothon • International Club • Student Librarians
POLITICS • Student Council
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WA Core
Value
residential life
Making WA
Home There’s no place like home. That’s why WA works hard to make students feel like they’re with family.
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esidential students have two options when making Washington Academy their home—living in a dormitory or staying with a host family. Most students live in the Academy’s spacious dorms. The girls’ dorm, Cates House, has room for 32 students. There are two boys’ dorms: The Larson House is home to 12 students and the new boys’ dorm houses 48. All of the dorms at WA are bright, comfortable, and kept tidy by a professional staff. Each dorm has wireless internet. Dorm parents live in the dorms, providing 24-hour supervision and support. All of our dorm parents are teachers, so students have the chance to get to know them in and out of the classroom. Additional residential staff take students shopping, to the doctor if needed, and provide a listening ear. All students eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the school dining hall. Family-style meals can be prepared in each dorm’s kitchen. The
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THE WHOLE WORLD
We prepare students for successful and responsible global citizenship.
“Make friends with everybody. You may think you can’t get into a group, but try. People are friendly here. They accept you easily.” —Ove Hou, student
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residential life
“My parents would have allowed me to go to any school I wanted to go to, but they’re really glad I chose WA.” —Milos Gautier, ‘09
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dorms also have lounge areas, storage, and laundry rooms. Each year a few WA students live with a local host family. The host families are carefully chosen. They are friendly and eager to open their homes and lives to WA students, sharing meals, going to the movies, and taking family trips. Frequently students and their host families stay in touch long after graduation. For students who are not native speakers of English, dorm life gives plenty of chances to practice English with their housemates and gives international students the unique chance to be immersed
in American culture every day. Whether a student is coming from Toledo or Tokyo, living away from home can be a bit scary. But soon, Washington Academy becomes home, too! The Best Way to Learn English is by living it At Washington Academy, we realize how important it is that our ESL students become comfortable with and proficient in English, and the best place to learn English is often outside the classroom. WA’s Block Five Program keeps residential students happy, busy, and practicing the
English skills they need for university. While WA offers excellent in-class ESL instruction, studies show that using English in real life settings is key to helping students master a second language. Studies also show that students learn best when they’re taking part in an activity they enjoy. After School Enrichment Washington Academy’s After School Enrichment Program provides fun, structured activities between 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. for all residential students. Each quarter, students sign up for the programs that interest them the most. Students often learn a new skill in these classes, such as Latin dancing or how to play the dulcimer. Some involve volunteering in the community or even cheering on the school’s athletic teams. All provide a fun way to unwind after school, make new friends, and stay productive
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residential life
“It feels like home here. . . The school really takes care of us. My parents feel comfortable with the school, too.” —Lilli, Germany through the afternoon. In addition to their participation in these classes, students document what they learned through their choice of a journal or presentation—giving them more opportunities to practice their all-important English skills. Community Exploration Learning at WA doesn’t stop on the evenings or weekends. Residential students choose from a variety of communitybased activities to participate in each quarter. Options might include visiting a local museum, attending a community supper, or cheering on the band and chorus at an all-school concert.
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Our international students depend on us to introduce them to life in New England, and WA takes that job seriously! We offer a number of weekend excursions each month to places like fairs and cultural events, as well as movies and shopping. Family Style Dinners Once a week, Washington Academy’s school cafeteria looks more like a restaurant—and students and faculty even dress the part! During Family Style Dinner, residential students sit at round tables, complete with white tablecloths, and enjoy a formal, culturally-themed dinner with invited faculty and community members.
Community members tell us they thoroughly enjoy getting to know our wonderful students from around the world—and students love sharing their culture. Dorm Advisors Students living away from home need and deserve someone who cares about how they’re doing. In addition to a student’s academy advisor, each residential student is assigned a dorm advisor to check on their progress academically and coach them in skills such as time management. These adult mentors also help students negotiate any challenges they might have with friends, teachers, or simply being homesick. Parents of quiet students like being able to call their child’s dorm advisor for a report on how he or she is doing!
Excursions
Explore More From day trips to weekend excursions, WA students get a taste of the East Coast.
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id you ever want to pack your bags and see the world? WA students get to indulge their adventurous side most every weekend with our Student Trips. Whether students are catching the bus to the UMM fitness center or taking a coach to Boston, WA students get plenty of chances to get off campus and taste life in greater New England. Each year, Washington Academy takes residential students on several day and weekend trips throughout the state. These include trips to local festivals and landmarks, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and Atlantic Canada. To appeal to
Places we’ve been • Acadia National Park
• New York City
• Washington D.C.
• Sugarloaf
• Lubec
• Bangor
• Philadelphia
• Boston
• Eastport
• Portland
the teenage shopaholic, the school offers its special midnight trip to Freeport— home of the flagship L.L. Bean store and numerous outlets—and monthly trips to the nearest shopping mecca, Bangor. In the winter, students try their hand at skiing and snowboarding with trips to Sunday River, Hermon Mountain, and the Camden Snow Bowl, as well as a popular multiday trip to Sugarloaf Ski Resort. Every year students have the opportunity to spend a long weekend in Boston, which includes campus visits to the city’s many universities. Sometimes the nicest trip you can take is down the road to a friend’s house. Local students often invite residential classmates home for dinner for a taste of Down East Maine. With so many locals in the lobstering or blueberry industries, it can be a delicious taste indeed.
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next steps
Admissions CheckList APPLICATION Complete and return the application with the nonrefundable $50 application fee and a photo of yourself.
R ECOMMENDATIONS Ask your teacher and counselor to fill out the recommendation forms and have them mail the forms directly to us.
TEST SCOR ES Arrange to have your current school send us a copy of the following: • Current Transcript • Standardized Test Scores • English Proficiency Test Score, if applicable
FINANCIAL AID U.S. Applicants: • Provide us with a copy of the previous year’s 1040 tax form along with a WA Financial Aid application. • Complete and return the School & Student Service (SSS) form. Non U.S. Applicants: • Submit proof of income. • Submit a monthly bank statement of balances and deposits. • Complete the affidavit of annual cash support and proof of financial capability form.
Mail To: WA Admissions Washington Academy 66 Cutler Road, P.O. Box 190 East Machias, ME 04630 USA
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www.washingtonacademy.org
Tips for Parents Get Involved And encourage your student to do the same. Involved students and parents are generally happy! Early involvement in clubs and activities gives students a sense of belonging and provides them with an avenue to make lifelong friends. Getting involved is a great way for parents to connect with each other, too. Talk to Teachers Teachers are willing to help parents on a personal basis. All of our faculty’s email addresses are available on our website. They are ready and willing to talk to
Contact Us: any parent about their child’s progress in the classroom.
Phone: +1.207.255.8301 Fax: +1.207.255.8303 E-mail: admissions@washingtonacademy.org
Keep Track of Your Student With the Academy’s student management system it’s easy for parents to stay in touch. Grades, attendance, and discipline are all entered into the program on a daily basis and are immediately available over a secure network with Internet access. Parents and students can be on the same page and “in the know” regarding homework, tests, attendance, and other issues regarding student life.
Make Friends With the Residential Life Director The Residential Life Director is in tune with the daily lives of all of Washington Academy’s boarding students. It’s the director’s job to see that these students are involved in activities, participating in outings, and making WA home. Never hesitate to call or email the RLD!
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Washington Academy P.O. Box 190 East Machias, Maine, USA 04630 207.255.8301 www.washingtonacademy.org