Malvern Prep Comprehensive Viewbook

MALVERN IN D E PE NDE NT PREPARATORY AU G U STINIAN SCHOOL

M IDDLE SCHOOL UPPER SCHOOL

/ GRADES 6 – 8

/ GRADES 9 – 12

“Pray as if everything depended on God, work as if everything depended on you.”

— S T. A U G U S T I N E

The Augustinian approach to knowledge and truth empowers students to thrive in today’s complex and often divided world. St. Augustine saw matters of apparent contradiction as a way to question and learn.

AT MALVERN PREP, our innovative approach to teaching and learning engages and inspires boys beginning at a pivotal age—Middle School—by fostering inquisitive thinking, character development, and lifelong friendships.

In a focused all-boys environment, we give students an extraordinary independent school experience that not only prepares them to excel in Upper School and beyond, but to lead fulfilling lives grounded in the Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love.

MALVERN MEN

LOOK INWARD LIVE OUTWARD

ACADEMICS IN THE AUGUSTINIAN TRADITION Through an educational program steeped in the Catholic Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love, we guide boys on their journey inward as they discover themselves and the world around them— inspiring them to connect with others and to contribute to the common good. At Malvern Prep, boys gain the self-knowledge and social awareness they need to grow into confident leaders.

“Love is the beauty of the soul.”

— S T. A U G U S T I N E

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ADVANTAGES, AUGUSTINIAN IDEALS We offer boys more than a path to high school success and prestigious colleges. As our students explore their passions and interests in our top-notch programs and state-of-the-art facilities, they also follow in the footsteps of St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, as they learn to listen to their inner teacher.

The Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love play a central role in our curriculum as we help students learn about themselves, understand others, and make an impact in the larger world.

ENGAGING BOYS WITH A BRAIN-BASED APPROACH We’re constantly evolving to create the best educational experience for boys possible. Guided by best practices derived from the latest brain-based research on how adolescent boys learn, our innovative and agile teachers put boys at the center of the educational 4

experience. Turning the traditional model on its head, we start with what’s relevant and exciting to them. (We know because they tell us, and we listen!) We use their input and interests to build an engaging, hands-on curriculum. At the same time, we guide them in developing the foundation, knowledge, and skills they need to truly excel at the next level, and beyond.

RELATIONSHIP-BASED MODEL Research shows that strong, reciprocal relationships motivate boys to do and be their best. Malvern’s right-sized, tight-knit community creates an environment where meaningful connections with teachers, coaches, and classmates flourish. Here, students’ insights and input are valued in the classroom. Assessing their progress involves more than just a grade; it becomes mutual conversation that guides students on the path to mastery and growth. Our students are entrusted with responsibility from an early age—emphasizing that at Malvern we’re all problem-solvers, we’re all creators, and we’re all in this together.

CHALLENGING CURRICULUM Our challenging Middle School curriculum prepares boys for the rigorous studies they’ll encounter in Upper School and beyond. They learn to think at a deeper level as we encourage them to ask important questions, think creatively, and apply their knowledge for the common good. A team-based approach helps teachers quickly pivot to meet individual needs so that each student is set up for success.

Highlights of our Middle School academic program

• G rade-wide, project-based experiences are intentionally designed so that students connect to their peers and the greater school community, as well as carry out a larger commitment to the common good.

Projects by grade-level are as follows: > Grade 6: Alumni Documentary Project, Who Are We? > Grade 7: My Journey Project, Who Am I? > Grade 8: Community Garden Project, How Might We

Have an Impact?

• S tudent-centered learning is an integral part of the academics at Malvern, and students are highly encouraged to bring their ideas directly to the faculty to become part of the curriculum and drive the overall experience.

• P rep block is a daily time allotted for students to learn essential study skills and best practices in time management with faculty outside of a more structured learning environment. These lifelong learning techniques are aimed to help students succeed in all aspects of their lives.

• C ounseling block, offered once every eight-day cycle, addresses executive function skills, stress management, social/emotional learning, relationship management, and decision-making.

• A cademics rooted in depth versus breadth often lead to Middle School graduates receiving honors-level placement in Upper School, particularly in English, math, and Spanish.

Highlights of our Upper School academic program

• J -Term is a week in January between semesters when students have the opportunity to take courses like Basketball Analytics, Crime Scene Investigation, Knitting, and Stage Design, which put a novel spin on traditional disciplines.

• N umerous world languages are offered including Mandarin, Latin, and Spanish.

• 1 6 AP courses are offered, plus honors sections of many courses.

• D irected independent studies which help students explore individual coursework through partnerships with a faculty member.

• A RCS project is a required senior capstone endeavor that enables students to develop their own Augustinian Reflections, Confessions, and Soliloquies using their 9th, 10th, and 11th grade portfolios as a springboard.

Starting Middle School at Malvern makes a difference

Many of the middle schoolers who began their educational journey at Malvern go on to become high achievers who are intellectually engaged, motivated, and involved.

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COUNSELING In Middle School, counselors strive to establish and maintain an open, active relationship between students, faculty, and parents.

Middle School is an exciting time when students actively explore and develop their academic gifts, athletic and fine arts talent, and their interpersonal skills. The Middle School Support Team works together to provide students with the academic and social support that is so critical during these years.

SERVICE AND THE ST. AUGUSTINE CENTER FOR SOCIAL IMPACT At Malvern Prep, service and study are inseparable. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, every aspect of our curriculum emphasizes our social nature and encourages students to consider their role in the common good. We help students develop the empathy to

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understand the plight of others while cultivating their drive to alter those realities. The Augustine Center (opening in fall of 2019), provides physical space for students and teachers to collaborate across disciplines on projects that unite our academic program with our outreach to the marginalized.

In addition to classroom work, all students are required to participate in the Christian Service program, a concrete way to put faith into practice. As members of an Augustinian Catholic school, we follow Christ’s example and work directly with people in need.

In Middle School, students learn and discuss how Christian Service is rooted in the life of Christ as revealed in Scripture.

GOING DEEPER THROUGH GRADE-WIDE, PROJECTBASED EXPERIENCES Each Middle School student meets regularly with a small group guided by a faculty advisor to forge stronger relationships and find support on a variety of fronts.

During these sessions, the groups work on their team’s role in a grade-wide interdisciplinary project for the year—beginning with a documentary film project in sixth grade and culminating with the eighth grade’s capstone exploration of food waste, complete with a student-run year-round garden and a partnership with the Chester County Food Bank.

OUR CAMPUS FEATURES: • S eparate Middle School and Upper School academic facilities • A state-of-the-art O’Neill Sports Center • O ur Mother of Good Counsel Chapel • O utdoor classroom powered by solar panels • The Duffy Arts Center • T he St. Augustine Center for Social Impact • E xtensive playing fields and athletics facilities • T wo ponds used for scientific investigation • B eautiful green spaces • C ommunity garden

MALVERN MEN

CREATE COURAGEOUSLY COLLABORATE READILY

THE ARTS At Malvern, students have the opportunity to create, perform, and grow through our arts program. With a wide variety of courses and co-curricular activities to choose from, the arts at Malvern not only cultivate thriving, well-rounded individuals, but also stretch and prepare students who are bound for creative professions.

“This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.”

— S T. A U G U S T I N E

MUSIC From Classical Ensemble to Drum Line and Pep Band, Liturgical Music to Music Recording and Technology, a wide variety of music programs and courses give students the opportunity to explore their musical interests in our first-class facilities. The annual winter and spring concerts showcase students’ work and musical abilities in a variety of media.

THEATRE Curricular and co-curricular opportunities give students the knowledge and know-how to fully appreciate all that goes into a theatre production—from set construction and lighting to auditions and rehearsals. Through the Malvern Theatre Society, students

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learn alongside accomplished professionals while staging three major productions annually in our 585-seat theatre. Highlights of past performances include Les Miserables, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, West Side Story, and more.

VISUAL ARTS Malvern’s extensive Visual Arts program offers ceramics, graphic design, photography, sculpture, and studio art—all in the beautifully equipped spaces of the Duffy Arts Center. Coursework through advanced levels helps students interested in continuing their art education prepare college portfolios. The winter and the spring art festivals offer an opportunity for students to showcase their artwork in a variety of media.

THE DUFFY ARTS CENTER FEATURES: • Sprawling gallery space throughout the Duffy Arts Center • 585-seat theatre with a full costume/ prop shop and design studio • Wet dark room for both traditional and digital photography • Set shop for theatre productions • Jazz studio that seats 65 people • Choral studio that seats 50 people • Ceramic studio with 15 pottery wheels and 5 kilns • Music technology studio for creating and recording music • Additional studio arts rooms for all types of media • Computer graphics lab • Music practice room • Sculpture studio • Steinway piano

MALVERN MEN

COMPETE FIERCELY UNITE LOYALLY

ATHLETICS Whether in the classroom or on the court, our students strive together to achieve excellence. Athletics offer a physical outlet and healthy sense of competition that unite our boys and offer them opportunities to become the best version of themselves.

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”

— S T. A U G U S T I N E

ALL-AROUND STRONG Malvern contends in the Inter-Academic Athletic (Inter-Ac) League, which embraces the philosophy that competitive athletics programs balance the excellent academic tradition of its member schools. Our athletics program recognizes the importance of physical conditioning and athletic competition to enhance the school experience, keeping in mind that athletes are students first.

BUILDING SKILLS AND SPORTSMANSHIP At Malvern, we strive to create a caring environment where boys can thrive—both inside and outside the classroom. Through our athletics program, student-athletes learn the rewards of hard work, discipline, team commitment, and sportsmanship.

Middle School level athletics emphasize learning to play the sport through participation. Our coaches strive to give each team member a fair amount of playing time in order to develop their abilities.

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At the Upper School level, dozens of league championships, multiple state titles, and numerous national rankings tell only part of our story.

Members of the football team go back to the ceramics studio to check on the kiln after practice. Swimmers aim for a high team GPA. And just like at top-notch universities, the caliber of our athletics program reflects the overall strength of our school.

TOP-NOTCH FACILITIES Malvern’s athletics program strives to provide athletes with the highest quality facilities and equipment: • The O’Neill Center, which includes a basketball arena, squash courts, natatorium, and an athletic training and rehabilitation facility • Six full athletic fields for lacrosse, rugby, and baseball • The Pellegrini Athletic Complex, which includes a turf football field • Melton Rowing Center (one of only two schools in the Philadelphia area with an indoor rowing center) • Strength and Conditioning Center • Rowing Boathouse in Conshohocken, PA

MALVERN PREP OFFERS: • Baseball

• Soccer

• Basketball

• Squash

• Cross Country

• Swimming and Diving

• Football

• Tennis

• Golf

• Indoor Track

• Ice Hockey • Lacrosse • Rowing • Rugby (Upper School only) • Sailing (Upper School only)

and Field • Outdoor Track and Field • Water Polo • Wrestling

MALVERN MEN

EXPLORE WIDELY CARE DEEPLY

STUDENT LIFE Beyond regular classroom work, boys at Malvern deepen their expanding understanding of the world, their growing community ties, and their budding faith through our rich offering of co-curricular experiences.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

— S T. A U G U S T I N E

SPIRITUAL LIFE Malvern Prep welcomes and celebrates students of all faiths and encourages all students on their own spiritual journey. As a Catholic Augustinian school, we offer students a number of opportunities to feed their faith, including daily prayer, weekly schoolwide Mass, Eucharistic Liturgies for teams, classes, and special occasions, and other opportunities to pray or receive the sacraments. Our curriculum also includes theological studies through the Upper School.

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES In keeping with our tradition of encouraging thoughtful inquiry and intelligent dialogue, our Distinguished Speaker Series welcomes thought leaders to share their experiences with both the school and local community on a wide range of topics, including education, creativity, leadership, faith, community, service and issues facing adolescents. The series exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking as they grow into leaders who are globally literate, entrepreneurial, and grounded in Augustinian values.

GLOBAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM Over the last several years, Malvern Prep has established partnerships with schools in Europe, Latin America, and Australia. 214 students have completed 64 exchanges and 67 Malvern Prep parents have hosted a foreign exchange student. Our Global Exchange Program strives to provide experiences that will help our students become global citizens, bring additional diversity to our school and expose our students to students of different cultures, as well as offer cultural exchange opportunities for Malvern Prep students abroad.

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MALVERN PREP ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: CLUBS

HONOR SOCIETIES

• Academic Competition

• Academics

• A sian Culture and

• Art

Awareness Club

• Latin

• Beekeeping Club

• Music

• Diversity Awareness Club

• Science

• Environmental Club

• Social Studies

• Global Exchange

• Spanish

• Mathletes

• Thespian

• Mock Trial • Robotics • Spanish Club • Speech and Debate • Stock Market • Young Poets

ARTS • Malvern Theatre Society • Photography Club • Stage Crew • TV/Video

• Young Politicians

SERVICE

• ...and more!

• Adelphia Society • Peer Educators • Speak Up! • ST@MP! • Student Council

LITERARY ACTIVITIES • The Friar’s Lantern (Newspaper) • Impressions (Literary magazine) • Malvernian (Yearbook)

MALVERN MEN

LEAD BOLDLY SERVE HUMBLY

LEADERS FOR LIFE Malvern’s loving community encourages excellence and treats each young man as a developing leader—on the field, in the classroom, and onstage. Our students are highly engaged and find happiness through a variety of positive, life-changing experiences, which in turn fosters their success in life.

“There is something in humility which strangely exalts the heart.”

— S T. A U G U S T I N E

COLLEGE COUNSELING Our highly personalized college counseling program is one of the school’s greatest assets. Uniquely beginning in the first year of Upper School, we have several counselors dedicated to serving each grade—a ratio of approximately 30:1. Counselors meet individually with each Upper School family multiple times and provide support in each aspect of the college search—from planning coursework and extracurricular activities to test preparation and the application process. By senior year, each student meets with a counselor on a weekly or biweekly basis to discuss their progress and seek any guidance needed as they contemplate choosing the right-fit college.

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SUCCESS ON THE HORIZON Malvern graduates consistently earn admission to the nation’s best colleges and universities. In fact, 67% of our students are admitted to a top 50 university or liberal arts college. But our graduates’ success extends far beyond their academic careers.

You won’t just find Malvern alumni on the campuses of Harvard, Penn State, Boston College, or Notre Dame. You’ll find them excelling in the courtroom, on the radio, and in hospitals. You’ll see their achievements in schools, in laboratories, and on Wall Street. Wherever they are, Malvern men bring integrity and compassion to their chosen professions.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP Empowered by their teachers and their peers, our young men achieve at the highest levels in academics, athletics, the arts, and service.

More importantly, they grow into men of character who go forth to lead with humility and heart.

Learning to trust their inner teacher builds self-confidence in their abilities. Discovering the values and strengths of others in the community grows their compassion. Exploring their power to impact the world ignites their imagination.

The result: young men who lead boldly and serve humbly wherever they go.

Find out what you can achieve with a Malvern Prep education. Contact our Office of Admissions at 484.595.1173 or admissions@malvernprep.org to start your journey today.

AN INDEPENDENT AUGUSTINIAN SCHOOL FOR YOUNG MEN IN GRADES SIX THROUGH TWELVE

418 South Warren Avenue Malvern, PA 19355 484.595.1100 information@malvernprep.org malvernprep.org