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A CARDIGAN BOY… CLIMBS HIGHER

LIFTS OTHERS TO NEW HEIGHTS

ASPIRES TO DO BETTER EACH DAY

We know middle school boys! The years from grade 6 through 9 are an essential time for boys to develop leadership, deepen their talents, and master the skills to learn for life. From the academic curriculum to athletics to dormitory life, we have designed a program that is tailored for boys in these crucial years. The spirit of brotherhood that defines Cardigan empowers every boy to achieve his best.

The teachers who are your mentors, advisors, and coaches, and the classmates who become enduring friends, form the heart of the Cardigan experience.

be your best self Cardigan is waiting to show you the way

Together you will take on new challenges, discover your unique strengths, and learn how to give back to your community.

At the beginning of each year, all new students wake before dawn and hike to the top of Mount Cardigan to watch the sun rise together. Symbolizing the dawn of their Cardigan experience, this tradition bonds the boys and sets the foundation for the sense of belonging that is the Cardigan brotherhood.

Boarding school is an exciting, immersive experience that expands horizons and offers particular advantages for boys in the middle school years. A thoughtfully structured schedule and collaborative environment provide the support boys this age need to become independent and responsible members of the community. An academic curriculum that offers depth

discover where you can go

in a range of subjects is just the beginning. Through the arts, athletics, student leadership, and being part of a dormitory family, Cardigan boys grow in mind, body, and spirit. We call this the engagement of the whole boy.

Boys in the middle school years do best when they are unafraid to take risks. In an all boys

THE POINT

environment, we find that they embrace new activities, such as acting in the play or singing

Generations of Cardigan graduates affectionately refer to our campus as The Point, a name that describes the peninsula on which the school stands and our beautiful setting beneath the White Mountains.

in the choir. This helps to create an atmosphere in which boys see themselves as students, artists, and athletes, explore the full range of their interests, and rely on each other for support. Cardigan students represent a global community, with students coming from 15 countries internationally and more than 25 different states within the U.S. One of the greatest benefits of living and learning at

Our Core Values

Cardigan is joining a diverse student body and meeting people from so many places and backgrounds. This is a rare opportunity that will transform your understanding of yourself and the world.

Compassion, Integrity, Respect, A r o u n d

225 STRONG

C a m p u s

Courage

COUNTRIES

STATES

Boys in the middle school years do best when they are unafraid to take risks. In an all boys

THE POINT

environment, we find that they embrace new activities, such as acting in the play or singing

Our core values

countries and more than 25 different states

within the U.S. One of the greatest benefits

of living and learning at Cardigan is joining inform daily life on campus. a diverse student body and meeting people

from so many places and backgrounds. This Students and teachers regularly remind each other to practice is a rare opportunity that will transform your understanding of yourself and the world. these values through their treatment of others, ownership of their actions, and initiative in setting an example.

Posted in every classroom, the core values are a constant theme and a declaration of what matters most in our shared life. A community in which everyone contributes and everyone is held accountable starts with

A r o u n d

225 STRONG

respecting the unique gifts each of us bring to the table.

C a m p u s

COUNTRIES

STATES

Boys in grades 6 through 9 learn by doing and by engaging in the process of discovery. They are eager to solve problems and to find practical applications for knowledge. A project-based approach stresses hands-on learning whether the subject is science or Spanish. Activities such as making videos, constructing prototypes, and working with wood engage Cardigan

be ready

for hands-on, minds-on learning

boys fully in learning. Public speaking is emphasized throughout our program to teach Cardigan students how to present themselves and their ideas. Through classroom discussion and oral presentations, you will gain confidence in speaking articulately and persuasively.

The latest studies on brain development show

Daily study halls provide supervised study time,

that middle school boys have a unique need

with teachers available to answer questions and

to be physically active to process what they are

give extra help. With the expert guidance of

learning. We recognize this through a carefully

their teachers, our students come to understand

planned daily schedule that provides a balance

how they learn best. They gain important

between class time and activity. Most classes are

executive functioning skills as they manage

40 minutes long to maximize the attention span

their daily schedules, organize homework, set

of boys this age. Academic classes end at

goals for long-term assignments, and schedule

mid-day to allow students to participate in

group work themselves.

athletics and activities in the afternoon.

CARING GUIDANCE Cardigan faculty members get to know and understand each boy through a variety of roles that include their work as athletic coaches, dorm parents, and residential advisors. Their caring guidance helps every Cardigan boy find room to grow here.

ESL For international students who need to improve their skills reading and writing in English, we offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in sixth through ninth grade. ESL students take this class in place of a World Languages course and receive individualized instruction in mastering English and meeting requirements in their other classes.

Faculty advisors play a key role in helping students meet their academic requirements and adjust to boarding school life. They regularly invite their advisees for dinner in their homes or take them out to dinner at local restaurants. The advisor is the primary liaison to parents and keeps parents informed about their child’s well being and academic, athletic, and social progress.

I n

T h e

TIMES A WEEK ADVISING GROUPS MEET

C l a s s r o o m

4:1

STUDENT:TEACHER RATIO

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

Core Value

The Heart of Cougar Award is given several times a year to a student who has

Compassion

gone out of his way to practice kindness toward others or helpfulness

Be k i nd. Seek to understand o thers

to those in need. Small acts can make a big difference. At Cardigan, we

and g o o ut o f yo ur w ay to hel p.

encourage compassion in all we do together and in our understanding of the world beyond campus.

‘‘

Ninth graders at Cardigan are

teachers and mentors. In the dorm they help sixth

graders with homework. This really teaches maturity and

leadership. They are school leaders, dorm leaders, and captains

of teams. This is very different from the ninth grade experience at a

four-year high school. Cardigan boys herewho with has greater The Heart of Cougar Award is given several times a year to aleave student

gone out of his way to practice kindness toward others or helpfulness

maturity, ready to be leaders in their next schools.”

to those in need. Small acts can make a big difference. At Cardigan, we encourage compassion in all we do together and in our understanding of the world beyond campus.

— DANIELLE FEDELE, DEAN OF STUDENTS

The PEAKS® Department teaches students how to take ownership of their learning. Through PEAKS classes, students gain an understanding of their individual learning styles, discover how to capitalize on their strengths, and become strong self-advocates. PEAKS classes help students build skills through their work in core academic classes, from learning to conduct research and take notes for a history paper to how to deliver a presentation. The PEAKS curriculum also includes study skills, organization, time management, the use of technology, and healthy habits and wellness.

take ownership in your learning

Every student has a PEAKS coach who acts as an academic mentor alongside his advisor and is regularly available for extra help. With their support, each student discovers how to access the resources he needs to do well at Cardigan and beyond. PEAKS® is an acronym for Personalized Education for the Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills®. Cardigan was awarded a trademark for the PEAKS® brand in 2009.

leader become a

Learning how to be a leader is woven into the fabric of our Cardigan community. Whether it is speaking up for those who may not have a voice in our society or stepping up to organize an activity for fellow students on campus, we recognize and encourage leadership. Throughout the school day, students are called on to be leaders in ways big and small, in classes, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Older students model leadership for younger students just as the faculty models leadership for the students. Cardigan boys understand that they set the example for those who will follow them here on our campus.

Meal times are an opportunity for fellowship and getting to know students across the grades. Students, mixed by class level, are assigned to sit at tables on a rotating basis with designated student table leaders and faculty members who set the tone for community and conversation. This intentional approach reflects the care we take with all aspects of school life to include everyone in the conversation.

Core Value Cardigan has a tradition of selecting student leaders from the rising ninth-grade class each year. Senior Leaders are elected by students and faculty and model service leadership for the younger students as they give back to the community through various positions, including floor leaders in the dormitories and program assistants. Other significant leadership positions include Senators elected to the Student Senate from each grade and captains for athletic teams.

Integrity Be ho nest. Remai n true to yo ursel f and yo ur w o rd.

‘‘

Ninth graders at Cardigan are

teachers and mentors. In the dorm they help sixth

graders with homework. This really teaches maturity and

Cardigan has a tradition of selecting student

leaders dorm from the rising ninth-grade class each leadership. They are school leaders, leaders, and captains year. Senior Leaders are elected by students and faculty and model service leadership for of teams. This is very different from the ninth grade experience at a the younger students as they give back to the community through various positions, four-year high school. Cardigan boys leave here with greater including floor leaders in the dormitories and program assistants. Other significant maturity, ready toleadership be leaders in theirinclude next schools.” positions Senators elected to the Student Senate from each grade and captains for athletic teams. — DANIELLE FEDELE, DEAN OF STUDENTS

the care we take with all aspects of school life to include everyone in the conversation.

Recent projects have brought student teams together to build a bicycle generator and create a hydroponics system for growing produce. The Charles C. Gates Invention and Innovation

Cardigan is one of two

Competition involves students in year-long projects that encourage creative thinking, risk-

independent schools in the United States

taking, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Students

to receive funding from the Gates Frontier

present prototypes of original inventions and

Fund for programs in engineering, design,

business plans for marketing them to a panel

and entrepreneurship. The Gates Program

of outside experts. The goal is for students to create designs that can be submitted to the

at Cardigan engages students in the

U.S. Patent Office. One graduate has received

invention of practical solutions to real world

a patent and is investigating bringing the

problems. An interdisciplinary approach

product to market; another student’s invention is currently under patent review.

brings together innovative design, applied engineering, and creative arts to empower students as researchers and inventors. Wallach, a19,000-square foot facility opened in 2020, houses design and engineering studios equipped with 3-D design and printing technology. This state-of-the-art maker space, a campus hub for experiential learning, enables collaboration across disciplines.

invent the solution

Through the arts program, students have many opportunities to discover their creative potential. Whether it’s through painting, music, or performing, every student experiences the joy of making art and sharing it with others. In arts classes and other experiences, on and off campus, we encourage students to value the arts, to be imaginative, and to express the universal truths of human existence through various artistic media. Visual arts classes give students experience in many art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics. Art history introduces students to a wide range of artists and styles. Seventh through ninth graders may choose to take woodworking as part of their arts requirement.

arts

explore the

The collaborative process of putting on a play draws on a range of skills and allows students with many talents to contribute. The program presents four productions a year: a series of one-act plays, the annual Christmas Pageant, a Cardigan teachers are practicing artists with significant experience exhibiting their work in a variety of media. The spacious studios in Wallach offer an inspiring, light-filled environment for making and presenting art. The drama program introduces students to all aspects of theater production and involves nearly half of the student body each year. Students are actors, stage managers, light and sound crew, set builders, producers, and, for some productions, directors.

full-length play/musical, and scenes from plays during the spring term talent show. Music classes and lessons give students exposure to many different genres and an understanding of music history. From classical music to jazz and rock and roll, students learn why music is essential to an expression of the human spirit and gain an appreciation for its complexity. Students have direct experience in musical performance by learning the ukulele in sixth grade and performing on the hand chimes.

CARDIGAN SPORTS FA L L Cross Country Football Mountain Biking Rock Climbing Rowing Soccer

Known as the Cougars, Cardigan athletic teams foster sportsmanship, teamwork, and Cougar pride. Cardigan fields 42 teams in 16 sports to meet the

WINTER

interests and develop the abilities of all our

Basketball Hockey Alpine Skiing Nordic Skiing Recreational Skiing and Snowboarding

athletes. Every student has the opportunity to play, learn, and have fun. Whether you are trying a new sport such as mountain

Snowboarding Wrestling

biking for the first time or competing as a seasoned student-athlete, you will find that Cardigan athletics will develop your game, teach you leadership skills, and provide a bonding experience that forges lifelong friendships.

start

with sportsmanship

SPRING Baseball C.O.R.E. (Cardigan Outdoor Recreation Experience) Lacrosse Rock Climbing Tennis

Cardigan teams are coached by members of the

We believe in the developmental benefits

faculty who are experienced athletes in their

of being a multi-sport student-athlete. At

sports and include an Olympian and former

Cardigan, boys play a different sport each

member of the U.S. Ski Team. Our teacher-

season, while we also strive to support

coaches work closely with each boy to promote

additional skill development in their primary

his development as a strong student-athlete

sport. All team captains meet regularly with the

and committed team player. Through athletics,

Captains’ Council to be trained in leadership.

our students learn the value of hard work and fair play. All Cardigan teams play competitive schedules against schools throughout New England. A majority of Cardigan graduates go on to play sports at their secondary school and many excel in college. The experience of being a Cardigan athlete often helps our students in their search for the right secondary school.

ON THE PLAYING FIELD

SPORTS

TEAMS

OUTDOOR TENNIS COURTS

INDOOR TENNIS COURTS

MILES OF MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS ON CAMPUS

MAJOR SKI AREAS CLOSE TO CAMPUS

ON CAMPUS ICE RINK

LIGHTED TURF FIELD

Cardigan boys are known for being courteous and kind. These attributes can be seen in the way our students open doors for visitors, greet each other on campus, and look you in the eye. The commitment to the Cardigan community and to each other is evident in everything from interactions on the walkways to the volunteer opportunities students embrace. The ethic of service leadership is woven through daily life at Cardigan. Students volunteer to help others, on campus and off, in many different ways. By taking the initiative to volunteer at the local food bank or food pantry, students learn to understand complex issues and exercise empathy for others while taking action to make a difference.

serve with spirit

Our campus jobs program instills a sense of responsibility. Through such jobs as dish duty

Core Value

in the dining hall, students play their part in caring for our campus and the people who live and work here. Other opportunities for service include the Big Brother/Little Brother Club that pairs returning eighth and ninth grader mentors with new students, the peer tutoring program through PEAKS©, and the peer mediation program. Athletics teams sponsor community service projects each trimester. Teams have created fundraisers to support sports programs at local public schools, organized holiday toy and coat drives, and taken on jobs such as stacking wood and raking leaves for local seniors.

Respect Be C o nsi derate. Cardigan isranyo intentional Being eyes-up C are fo ursel f, “eyes-up” o thers,community. and means having tonacknowledge C ardi g antheMrespect o untai Scho o l . others fully and to participate in the community with integrity.

‘‘‘‘

Our campus jobs program instills a sense of responsibility. Through such jobs as dish

duty in the dining hall, students play their Teachers are here because they love working with part in caring for our campus and the people

whohere live because and work here. opportunities Teachers are they Other love working with young people and what Cardigan offers. They want to know for service include the Big Brother/Little Brother Club that pairs returning eighth and young people and what Cardigan offers. They want to their students well. They work ninth to instill respect between the boys the grader mentors with new students, peer tutoring program through PEAKS©, know their students well. They work to instill respect and the peer mediation program. and to build understanding, empathy, and respect Athletics teams sponsor community service between for self, andTeams community.” projects eachpeers, trimester. have created

fundraisers to support sports programs at the boys and to build understanding, empathy, and respect local public schools, organized holiday toy and coat drives, and taken on jobs such as — STEVE SOLBERG, ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL self, community.” stacking for wood andpeers, rakingand leaves for local seniors.

Cardigan is an intentional “eyes-up” community. Being eyes-up means having the respect to acknowledge others fully and to participate in the community with integrity.

Cardigan’s campus on a hilltop in rural New Hampshire, with a view of the lake and mountains in the distance, makes for a beautiful home in a safe, secure setting. We take full advantage of the natural world surrounding campus with hikes on nearby trails, sailing on the lake, and skiing on local slopes. And our spacious lawns are perfect for impromptu games of Frisbee or spike ball. In the dormitories, students live in small pods with two dorm parents for each pod. The family-like atmosphere in the dorms will help you form lasting friendships and thrive at Cardigan. Dorms are the home base for fun activities like the Dorm Olympics, a year-long friendly competition between dorms that begins on the first day of school.

walk out the door and you’re

home

eating out. Farther afield, attend a Red Sox game, a concert, or a play in Boston. Weekends are times to be with friends and to relax, to enjoy the outdoors, and to explore New England through organized trips.

Traditions Cardigan’s rich history is reflected in traditions that have shaped our common life over the years. These traditions bring students, teachers, and staff together to mark milestones in our community, celebrate individual and shared achievements, and have fun. One of our Extracurricular clubs that meet one afternoon

most treasured traditions is Mountain Day

a week are another focus of fun, learning, and

in the fall, when the whole school climbs a

fellowship. Club offerings change each season

nearby peak and has a picnic at the summit.

and have included community service projects;

Other all-school traditions include the Lake

sports such as ice skating, bocce, and flyfishing;

Run, attendance at the Sandwich Fair, and

and movie and game clubs. Other popular clubs

Headmaster’s Day in the spring. Generations

are Model U.N. and Ultimate Frisbee.

of Cardigan alumni and students have joined

On the weekend, you will have many activities

the Polar Bear Club for early morning swims in

to choose from, on and off campus, with up to eight different options. Join in games of air hockey, ping pong, or pick-up basketball or take a trip to a nearby town for shopping and

the lake just after ice out in the spring. Students who make every morning swim earn their Polar Bear ties.

Since Cardigan’s founding we have prepared our graduates to lead by example and to make lasting contributions in a wide range of fields. Our graduates leave Cardigan with a strong sense of themselves and an equally strong sense of purpose. They are ready to make their mark in the secondary schools they will attend. Cardigan’s Office of Secondary School Counseling is headed by a director and

anywhere go

and be successful

two secondary school placement counselors who work closely with students and their parents to identify schools that fit their goals and interests.

The Secondary School Counseling Office

The strong relationships Cardigan maintains

begins working with students in the spring

with secondary schools and our reputation for

of their eighth grade year to prepare them

developing students that are prepared to be

and their parents for the application process.

leaders at their next school makes Cardigan

More than 100 secondary school admissions

students desirable applicants. We aim to

representatives visit Cardigan each year to

find the right school for each student and

meet our students and help them determine

to prepare him to embrace the challenges

the best fit for their next step.

he will encounter.

In the past five years, over 75 percent of Cardigan ninth graders have been accepted to at least one of their top choices for secondary school. Our graduating classes have enrolled in up to 43 different schools in a single year, a number that reflects the range of opportunities available and the strength of our placement support.

courage have the

to do the right thing

Courage may seem like an aspiration more than a reality to many boys who arrive as sixth or seventh graders, but by the time they graduate, they will come to understand that courage takes many forms. At Cardigan, students learn to have the courage to be themselves, to speak up for what is right, and to take on new challenges with confidence. We want our students to understand that trying and failing is part of learning; indeed, part of life. We encourage a culture that allows students to take risks in the knowledge that others will be there for them if they don’t succeed. We stress the importance of learning from every experience as you look to your future.

Core Value

Courage Once a week Cardigan gathers in the Chapel, for a program of readings, Be brave. music, and personal reflections. F ace adversi ty w i thStudents strenginthevery grade have the opportunity toand sharepersi their stories in this nondenominational all-school stence. forum and inspire our community with their courage.

‘‘

Boys feel safe here and feel they can

be themselves. They grow and transform in their

years here. They get a foundation that sets them apart

in character, independence, and personal autonomy.”

— NICK NOWAK, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE

Once a week Cardigan gathers in the Chapel for a program of readings, music, and personal reflections. Students in every grade have the opportunity to share their stories in this nondenominational all-school forum and inspire our community with their courage.

There is no better way to see what makes Cardigan such a warm, welcoming, and exciting place than to come for a visit. Call the Admissions Office or visit our website to schedule a campus tour. If a trip to Cardigan is not possible, our website and YouTube channel will give you an up close and personal look at what it’s like to be a Cardigan student. We can’t wait to welcome you to Cardigan!

a visit

is worth a thousand words

Welcome to The Point!

Roa d

1 57

Back Bay

20 22 8

Alumni Drive 6

7 27

Founders Path

19 17

33 32

45 Alumni Drive

y n Wa ma Hin

42 41

rive ni D m u Al

Campus Guide

niDrive Alum

51 52

50 48

Prospe ct Hill Road

Prospect Hill Road

54 55 56

Back Bay Road

rd wfo Cra

29 39

23 18

Administrative Offices 29 Admissions Office 23 Athletic Department Office 15 Business & Head of School Offices 17 Development Office 1 Facilities Department Office 38 Hamilton Family Student Health Center 31 Summer Programs and Communications Offices Athletic Facilities 26 Back 40 Fields 48 Campbell Field 19 Jennings Boathouse 24 Johnson-Wakely Fitness Center 18 Marrion Athletic Center (Gymnasium) 33 Marrion Field

Classrooms & Campus Center 12 Bronfman Hall (Secondary School Counseling Office) 16 Cardigan Commons (Kenly Dining Hall, Kitchen, Okada Mail Room, and Pfeffer-Beach Family School Store) 6 Chapel 14 Hopkins Hall 11 Kenly Terrace/Brewster Classrooms 7 Music Center 9 Stoddard Center (Humann Theatre, Kirk Library, and Archives) 5 Wallach (Gates I.D.E.A. Shop, Williams Wood Shop, E.P.I.C. Center, and Tsui Yee Gallery)

2 Edilberto C. Ramos Tennis Courts 8 Snow and Bike Center 52 Trails 22 Turner Arena 35 Upper (Tennis) Courts 21 Wakely Center

Dormitories & Residences 44 Banks House 10 Brewster Hall 3 Clancy House 30 Clark-Morgan Hall 42 Dewar House 47 Fifield House 43 Franklin House 37 French Hall 28 Frieze House 41 Funnell House 46 Greenwood House 32 Hayward Hall 39 Hinman Hall 34 McCusker Hall 40 Newton House 36 Proctor House 53 Prospect House 4 Stowell House 54 Pearson House 55 Ovilla House 50 Williams Fields Recreational Areas 27 Clancy Hill 49 C.O.R.E. Cabin 57 Faculty Beach 20 Waterfront Utilities & Other Facilities 51 Community Garden 45 Waterworks

At the end of the school year, on the night before Commencement, the senior class climbs Mount Cardigan to watch the sun set and to celebrate the friendships made and lessons learned in their years together. This tradition is one you will remember as among the most significant at Cardigan.

62 Alumni Drive, Canaan | New Hampshire 03741 603.523.4321 | admissions@cardigan.org