September 2013
An Informational Newsletter about Collegiate’s Kindergarten Admission Process
I
In late June, my daughter ecstatically loaded the back of our car for her stay at overnight camp. She was giddy… bursting at the seams with excitement. She’s never completed a task so quickly. As we drove onto the camp’s grounds, the flood of emotions my daughter was feeling was palpable. I turned to her and said, “Are you so excited to be back?” And she smiled this beautiful, contented smile and said, “I am back home.” As a parent, there is nothing better than seeing that kind of happiness in your child. Leaving your child for an extended period of time – whether it’s for weeks or even just a day – can be daunting. Such a huge part of feeling good about the separation resides in your belief in the place and the people. As I drove away from camp and my daughter, I thought about how confident I felt leaving her there. I thought about her deep faith in this place she calls “home.” And I realized these feelings are similar to those we share when I drop her off at Collegiate each morning. The characteristics of both places allow for these feelings. As a parent, I have complete faith in Collegiate and the people who will be guiding and teaching my children each day. As students, my children have formed connections with teachers and friends who have become “family.” Both places have strong, long-standing traditions; meaningful and guiding values; a long history of excellence; an emphasis on character, honor and integrity… all things that make a place feel like home, and give it a sense of spirit you wish you could bottle. Look for this sense of spirit when you are choosing a school for your child. Visit each campus. Walk around and observe. Ask questions. What are the school’s values? What is the faculty like? Who will be caring for your child? Pay attention to facts and figures – they are important. But also ask yourself this: do you get a sense of community and spirit that transcends the impressive statistics? School choice can feel overwhelming. At the end of the day, once you’ve gathered all the facts – be still. Listen to the voice inside you. Try to tune out the rest of the world. Because only you know what’s right for your child, and only you can identify the kind of place – the kind of “spirit” – that will bring out your child’s best. Thank you for your interest in Collegiate. We are eager for you to visit, and encourage you to call for a private tour. When you do, we hope that you, too, will feel the spirit that has made this place home for so many. Anne Bruce Ahearn Associate Director of Admission
COLLEGIATE’S SHARED VALUES honor love of learning excellence respect community