Portsmouth Abbey School View Book

Something Greater.

“Being at the Abbey and exposed to this type of devotion—to something greater—has made me conscious of everything I do. I want to make sure that whatever impact I have is a positive one.”

MISSION

The aim of Portsmouth Abbey School is to help young men and women grow in knowledge and grace.

Welcome to Portsmouth Abbey School, where we believe in something greater; where intellect and the human heart unite. As we help you become the next generation’s problem solvers and big thinkers, we’re guided by our Benedictine values of love of God, respect and hospitality.

We are a boarding and day school for grades 9–12. Our location on 525 acres along Narragansett Bay connects you to the natural world, while the monastery and monks on campus remind us of our 1,500-year-old intellectual tradition and our commitment to live our values. Here, we educate the whole person, fortifying you to evolve spiritually, ethically, emotionally, creatively and intellectually.

With our unique interdisciplinary, classical curriculum, you’ll make meaningful connections with your peers and the world around you.

At Portsmouth Abbey, you are respected and known, able to explore and take risks in a kind and joyful community.

ACADEMICS

7:1 STUDENTTO-FACULTY RATIO

BEYOND KNOWING THE ANSWER

13

We encourage you to ask thoughtful questions, propelling you and your classmates to discovery and deeper understanding. Your critical-thinking skills will grow from our emphasis on the foundational knowledge in humanities, math and science, equipping you with the kind of learning that will sustain you in college and beyond.

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

75 COURSES OFFERED

Classes are small and lively so that you can try out new ideas and join or lead discussions. You’ll receive individual attention from our impassioned, dedicated teachers who will challenge you because they see your potential. Our list of electives puts you in the driver’s seat as you choose classes that fuel your interests and passions. A wide range of honors, AP and post-AP courses meet you at your level of skill and curiosity.

FAVORITE ASSIGNMENT

American Literature class: Write the opening chapters to your own novel.

“I wrote about a man and his dog who had crash landed in the Sahara and was trying to make his way back to his family in Cairo. The

assignment allowed us to use all of the writing tools that we had learned throughout the year.”

Sean, Form V

“Every teacher knows every student.

Every student knows every teacher.

Every teacher is invested in you.”

Aidan, Form V

ACADEMICS FAVORITE CLASS

Humanities

THIRD FORM

FOURTH FORM

Foundations of Learning

Beyond Facts, Toward Understanding

In the Third Form, or 9th grade, you begin by studying the foundations of Western civilization, encompassing history, theology and language. As we study the past, you’ll uncover relevance and mean­­­­­­ing to your present, and hone your analytical and conceptualizing skills in the process. This base of knowledge will prepare you to embark on your education at Portsmouth Abbey School and serve you far beyond the class­­­room. We build upon this founda­­­­tion through our innovative math and science curric­­­ulum that readies you to respond to a rapidly changing world.

Fourth Form year, or 10th grade, is filled with academic and personal milestones. In our humanities program, you’ll read challenging, groundbreaking and thoughtprovoking texts from great thinkers such as Shakespeare, Milton, Dante and Chaucer, exploring connections and questions that are at the heart of our common humanity.

You’ll also deliver recitations of passages in great works—a hallmark of this year—helping you develop public speaking skills. You’ll deftly interpret diverse ideas and express yourself with clarity and depth.

As you continue your studies of languages, math and science, you’ll be able to select courses in science, math, the arts, a second foreign language or other electives.

“In my Fourth Form humanities class, I had deep discussions with my teacher about reading Dante’s Inferno and James Joyce’s Dubliners, and those were academic conversations I knew I couldn’t have anywhere else. That made me fall in love with the curriculum even more.”

275 PRIZES WON ON THE NATIONAL LATIN EXAM IN THE PAST THREE YEARS

ASKING THE BIG QUESTIONS

95

%

OF SENIORS TAKE AT LEAST ONE AP COURSE

Kylie, Form V

47 BOOKS READ IN FOUR YEARS OF ENGLISH AND HUMANITIES

Humanities at Portsmouth Abbey School

Who am I? What does it mean to be human, to be part of a community?

At the center of your Fourth Form curriculum is the humanities pro­­gram. The equivalent of two classes, it combines English, European history, philosophy and theology. You will develop your critical-thinking skills and be able to discuss the relationships between history, language and religion. Team taught, the program is interdisciplinary, with a strong writing component,

AP COURSES

Art History

Latin

Biology

Modern European History

Calculus AB Calculus BC Chemistry

LAT IN , A D E A D L A N G UAG E? SUUS VIVERE!

Hardly. Plan to study law, medicine, science, theology or philosophy? Already knowing Latin going into college will give you a leg up. Latin is also the key to mastering many other

languages, like Spanish, Italian or French, and gives you the meaning of root words in English. Studying Latin will help you develop mental stamina, logical thinking and attention

to detail. Plus, you’ll understand what you’re reading in your English and humanities classes as you take on texts by Cicero, Caesar and Virgil, among others.

and seminars that grapple with complex ideas and encourage independent thinking. The humanities program will ground and guide— in profound ways—your academic, social and spiritual life. In many ways, it captures the essence of what Portsmouth Abbey School represents: tradition coupled with innovation. You will develop a 21st-century eye while focusing on the great works and ideas that have engaged scholars for millennia.

Chinese Language and Culture

Music Theory Physics C Spanish Language and Culture Spanish Literature

Computer Science

Statistics

English Literature

Studio Art

French Language and Culture

United States History

Post-AP courses are available for students in math and science.

ACADEMICS FAVORITE ASSIGNMENT

American Literature class: Reciting Hamlet

“In the dorms and all over campus, under their breaths and out loud, you can hear students practicing, ‘To be, or not to be.’ It’s the talk of the grade. When you finally go up in front of the class to recite it, it’s a big accomplishment. It’s nerve wracking, but you have to be persistent.”

FIFTH AND SIXTH FORMS

Be Your Best Self Headmaster Daniel McDonough describes Portsmouth Abbey as a “classical education with love and high expectations.” This description is most apt as you enter the Fifth and Sixth Forms, or 11th and 12th grade, when faculty members raise their expectations of you and encourage you to fulfill your potential. At this stage, you’ve developed the communication and interpersonal skills to participate in adult-level, intellectual discussions, which you’ll engage in on a daily basis. With a sharpened sense of self, you’ll choose electives and AP courses that reflect your priorities and your college aspirations.

Lucia, Form V

READY FOR COLLEGE

English Seminar and Thesis

English Seminar and Thesis is an intensive reading, writing and speaking course similar to a college format. All students read Shakespeare’s King Lear, and the remainder of the syllabus varies each year, with recent offerings focused on Women in Literature, the American South, Satire and Utopian Literature.

In the spring term, you’ll write a literary-critical thesis on a work of fiction, drama or poetry of your own choosing.

GO YOUR OWN WAY

24 COURSES IN CHINESE, FRENCH, SPANISH, GREEK AND LATIN

21 AP AND POST-AP COURSES

THE HANEY FELLOWSHIP

Recent Haney Fellowship awards:

ALI SACCO ’05 INTERNSHIP

The Haney Fellowship provides Fifth Form students with a unique educa­­ tional experience during the summer before their Sixth Form year.

Students submit proposals and focus their plans on a course of study or travel/work experience that significantly furthers an existing academic interest or allows for the pursuit of a specialized opportunity. Over the years, students have traveled to places such as Nepal, Argentina, Kenya, New York City, Vietnam, Los Angeles, South Africa and more.

• Shadowed a professor and medi­ cal parasitologist in the Philippines for more than three weeks to study neglected tropical diseases through field and lab work.

Interested in medicine? Each year, a student is awarded the Ali Sacco ’05 Internship. The internship enables that student to shadow physicians and medical staff in the cardiology department at the renowned Boston Children’s Hospital for two weeks.

• Taught a STEM-based curriculum to orphaned girls at Bethsheda Child Support Agency in Lagos, Nigeria.

• Constructed a dance studio and organized dance and exercise programs at Little Swan School for workers’ children in Beijing, China.

ACADEMICS

Ahead of the Curve (Parabolas Included) HANDS-ON LEARNING

“The equipment and labs in the Science Center are fantastic. We were doing a bacterial trans­ formation experiment, and my teacher emphasized that the technique we were using in our labs is used all over the world. So we were literally preparing for future lab courses in college.”

Ethan, Form VI

How is an ocean wave like the sound of a violin string? Learn how calculus helps in modeling the movements of particles and people.

Experiential, hands-on science and math courses, held in our state-ofthe-art facilities, prepare students to become tomorrow’s problem solv­­ ers. You’ll choose from 25 math and science courses, including AP and post-AP opportunities. Ten grants are awarded each year to students for scientific research. Past research projects include computer modeling, eco-footprints, hydro­­­­ponic gardening, robotics, microplastics and bacterial engineering. Pursue your passion. Change the world!

STATE-OF-THE-ART LABS

WANT MORE STEM?

The Science Center boasts eight professionally equipped laboratories that include a bacterial incubator, a biosafety cabinet for aseptic technique, a spectrophotometer, a PCR machine, state-of-the-art micro- and stereoscopes and two 3D printers.

You can participate in: Robotics Club, Computer Science, Science Fair, the Annual Boat Competition, the Ali Sacco ’05 Internship and

25 COURSES IN MATH AND SCIENCE

10 SCIENCE CENTER

Don’t Just Think Like a Scientist; Be One Our new Science Center incorporates the latest technology and teaching/learning environments for science, technology, robotics, engineering and mathematics. With eight science laboratories and four lab prep rooms, you’ll perform hands-on experiments with real-life applications, giving you the skills

and the mindset to interpret and analyze data, posit theories and develop models and solutions to solve today’s most pressing issues.

The LEED Gold-designed building also has seven classrooms, a universal lab and a student project lab for independent study of design, innovation and entrepreneurship.

the Art and Science Exposition.

Or take post-AP classes in physics and chemistry and three options for a second-year biology class.

GRANTS AWARDED FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Q& A WI T H DR. Z I NS Dr. Stephen Zins Head of Science Department B.S., Biochemistry, University of Michigan Ph.D., Pathobiology, Brown University Girls’ Varsity Soccer, Boys’ Varsity Basketball, Houseparent

What real-world experience do you bring to your position?

I was conducting research as a scientist

for almost a decade, which allows me to make science more real for my students.

I’m still highly in tune with the latest scientific advancements so I can ground all of my lessons in the latest research.

What are the benefits of a small class size?

The biggest benefit of a small class is

that each kid is noticed, and they know that. And because they know that, they are willing to put in the tough work to figure out who they are and where they’re going. I’m able to spend a lot of

energy getting to know each student personally: what they’re worried about, what excites them. They can walk into my classroom and I know within three seconds what kind of day they are having, and I can shift my class accordingly.

What do you enjoy the most about teaching in the new Science Center?

When students leave here, they will be

leaders and innovators. They are going to understand the science, the ethics behind the science and they will be able to communicate it better than anyone else. It is a very exciting time to be at Portsmouth Abbey School.

FACULTY

BEYOND LECTURERS

80%

“There’s an openness and trust between faculty and students that allows every part of our day to be a learning moment, a self-discovery moment. When we go to practice or eat in the dining hall, it’s another opportunity in which students are able to figure out something about themselves.”

OF FACULTY HOLD ADVANCED DEGREES

84% OF FACULTY LIVE ON CAMPUS

Our faculty members dedicate their lives to the well-being and character development of our students across every facet of campus life. Whe­­­­ther in or out of the classroom, you’ll find this a pro­ foundly meaningful experience. Educators arrive at Portsmouth Abbey School as experts in their fields excited to share their knowledge and continue to grow themselves. They hit a sweet spot in their teaching methods, balancing innovation and experimentation while holding fast to timehonored, successful traditions.

Rather than simply lecturing from the front of the classroom, our faculty members welcome discussions and will inspire you to seek out knowledge.

You’ll form trusted relationships with your teachers, who will also be your coaches, house­parents and advisors.

Dr. Stephen Zins, Head of Science Department

ADVISORY GROUPS

Soon after you arrive on campus, you’ll meet your faculty advisor, who will serve that role during your entire time at the School.

Your advisor, whom you’ll meet with weekly, will assist you with academic, social and personal concerns. An important part of the

Portsmouth Abbey School experience, students develop strong and lasting bonds with their advisors.

Beyond the classroom.

Expand your artistic horizons, explore the roots of our humanities program, field-test your research skills and experience spiritual fulfillment in service to others through summer and school-break trips.

COSTA RICA SCIENCE EXPLORATION

Students travel with teachers from the Science Department to Costa Rica to stay at Cirenas, a living laboratory on a 5,000-acre ranch, focusing their study on ecology, sustainability and renewable energy.

CHILE SERVICE LEARNING TRIP

Students and faculty spend 10 days in Santiago, Chile, and in the sur­ rounding region. During the trip, they tour the area and complete a community service project by constructing homes for local families.

IRELAND AND ENGLAND ARTS TOUR

Students explore Ireland and England’s rich heritage of literary, performing and visual arts. Experiences include a session on traditional Irish music in Galway and a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

SPANISH IMMERSION PROGRAM

Students spend three weeks studying Spanish language and culture in Salamanca, Spain, earning up to six col­lege credits.

In addition to classes and cultural activities, there are excursions to Madrid, Segovia and Avila.

THE LOURDES PILGRIMAGE

ROME HUMANITIES PROGRAM

Students join the Lourdes Pilgrimage in France, volunteering to serve the sick and disabled. They also have the chance to savor the day-to-day life of the town and enjoy their own spiritual retreat.

The Rome humanities program complements the humanities course students take in their Fourth Form year. Traveling and living in the oldest part of Rome, students are immersed in its history and culture.

THE OXFORD SUMMER PROGRAMME

While in Oxford, students experience the enchanted vision of the medieval mind through an intensive study of architecture, art and literature, with pilgrimages to medieval churches and other immersive activities.

ARTS

BEYOND CENTER STAGE

9 PERFORMING GROUPS

12 ART STUDIOS

10 DARKROOM STATIONS

9 PIANOS ON CAMPUS

We want you to showcase your talents, belt out tunes in the spotlight and hang your work proudly in our hallways for all to see. More importantly, we believe that engaging in the arts builds compassion for others, develops your ability to creatively express yourself and upholds the Benedictine tradition of valuing and sharing beauty. As you work closely with your classmates and faculty members to stage a musical or design a photography show, for example, you’ll see the benefits of creating and sharing art as a collective endeavor.

You’ll also test your grit as you follow through on commitments that require hard work and sacrifice.

Whether you’re a new or seasoned artist, you’ll learn from educators who are practicing artists themselves, eager to share their experience with you. Becoming literate in the arts enhances your knowledge across all disciplines and elevates your intuition, reasoning and imagination.

P.S.

You don’t have to hang your hat on the one thing you think defines you. You’re not just a math whiz or an artist.

Here, you can try lots of things—not to see if you’re “good” at it, but to see if you enjoy doing it.

“I saw Mr. Bragan’s production of Anne Frank and it just blew me away. It was a Broadway-level production. I really wanted to be a part of that. I saw the community in that—it was a big motivation for me to come here.”

Lily, Form V

ARTS

INNOVATION AT WORK

Performing Arts Let the show begin! You have three opportunities to join productions each year, wowing the audience with your stagecraft and scenery, or by your stage presence. New to performing or want to sharpen your skills? The Drama Workshop is a playful, hands-on class that introduces students to all aspects of theater, including acting, directing

and playwriting. If you can feel the beat in your body, consider joining the Dance program, which explores modern dance, ballet, tap, jazz and student choreography, and culminates in a performance for the School. By participating in the performing arts, you’ll grow intellectually, physically and vocally.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Abbey Players Abbey Singers A Capella Groups Chamber Ensembles

“We are at the cutting edge of music technologies, using software that includes Final Cut Pro X, Ableton Live, Auralia, Musition and Sibelius. Our music tech lab machines are creative powerhouses. All combined, this will allow students to tap into creativity, tell stories through their music, express individuality and prepare for the next level of study.”

Mr. Jeff Kerr, Director of Music

Music Plato might have said it best, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

Our community values music and singing in all forms, and we’ve developed an inspired curriculum that will bring out your voice, both individually and collectively. As a vocal student, you can join the coed Abbey Singers, the a cappella group Abbey Road, or the jazz ensemble Enharmonix. Play the flute or the guitar? You can try out for our Sinfonia orchestra or our chamber ensemble, or you can establish your own rock band or jazz combo. Sharpen your technique with one-on-one private lessons, or start your career in sound recording technology (SRT) in the Abbey’s own tech lab.

Jazz Ensembles Drum Ensembles Orchestra Dance Ensembles Private Music Instruction

Visual Arts There’s nothing like creating art in our beautiful, light-filled McGuire Fine Arts Center, where dozens of professional art tools are at your fingertips. You can take up painting, drawing, ceramics and photography for the first time, or you can take your medium to the next level.

Through the visual arts curriculum, which can be tailored to your

interests, you’ll become observant and expressive as you analyze the art of your peers and create works that represent your thoughts and ideas. Also available to you: a fully equipped darkroom and a state-of-the-art digital lab that has 12 iMac computers with Adobe Creative Suite.

ATHLETICS

BEYOND TROPHIES

18

“Here, you can have elite athletes and athletes that are at the beginning of their learning curve, but they’re all treated the same, with dignity and respect. Portsmouth Abbey is a unique place to coach and teach.”

Mr. Al Brown, Director of Athletics

COACHES OF THE YEAR IN TEN SPORTS

43 ATHLETIC TEAMS

44 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THIRTEEN SPORTS

Our athletes come to compete, but we compete with grace. We’re as attuned to the score as we are to our sportsmanship—playing a good game has deeper resonance to our values. Every player— from elite athletes to novices—has a place on a team and is treated with dignity and respect.

Academics and spiritual life are intertwined with athletics, giving you the opportunity to live and practice the ideals you’ve been studying: cooperation, integrity, sacrifice and leadership. Abbey teams compete in the prestigious Eastern Independent League against independent schools across New England, and play non-league games against traditional rivals. Many of our alumni play sports at the college level, and others have a lifelong passion for the sports they played here.

COMPETING WITH GRACE

Plays soccer, lacrosse (team captain) and hockey (team captain)

“Coach Brown’s approach to athletics isn’t about winning national championships; it’s about developing players both on and off the field in all aspects—academically, athletically, spiritually—and

about finding the right fit for every athlete individually in college. That is a lot different from other schools, and that’s what sets Portsmouth Abbey apart for me.”

Aidan, Form V

ATHLETICS

19

Athletic Facilities

U.S. LACROSSE ALLAMERICANS AND ACADEMIC ALLAMERICANS

Along with a football field, baseball and softball diamonds and two indoor gymnasiums, we have: ST. HILDA’S TURF FIELD

6,611

Our synthetic turf field, used for field hockey, lacrosse and soccer, is 90 yards wide and situated right on the shore of Narragansett Bay.

YARDS ON OUR 18-HOLE GOLF COURSE

HOCKEY RINK

Our rink has the unofficial reputation as the coldest rink in Rhode Island—making for silky-smooth ice and fast-paced play.

HEALEY & SHEEHAN SQUASH AND FITNESS CENTER

The 17,000-square-foot facility includes a large fitness room, seven international squash courts, one combination international squash/ racquetball court and spectacular views of Narragansett Bay. CARLOS X. ARAUJO ‘96 MEMORIAL TRACK

Our 400-meter, all-weather outdoor track includes two long-jump pits and space for pole vault, high jump and more. Cross-country trails wind throughout our 525-acre campus.

A Raven Is...

A Raven is humble, selfless, grateful, competitive yet conscientious and resilient in the face of wins and losses. Go Ravens!

ABBEY SPORTS

Fall BRISTOL YACHT CLUB

Our sailing Ravens and their fleet of twelve 420s launch from the historic Bristol Yacht Club on Narragansett Bay, just a few miles from campus.

TENNIS COURTS

Our campus boasts six hard-surface tennis courts with the benefit of a sea breeze from Narragansett Bay. THE AQUIDNECK CLUB

The Abbey has its own 18-hole award-winning golf course.

12 SAILBOATS FOR OUR NATIONALLY RANKED TEAM

6 TENNIS COURTS

8 SQUASH COURTS

Cross Country Field Hockey Football Boys’ Golf Soccer Volleyball Winter Basketball Ice Hockey Squash Wrestling Conditioning Spring Baseball Girls’ Golf Lacrosse Sailing Softball Tennis Track & Field

Very Reverend Michael G. Brunner O.S.B. Prior Administrator

Portsmouth Abbey’s mission endows our School customs and tradi­tions—acts both small and large—with a deeper pur­pose, helping to make our School a more gracious and grace-filled community. Here are just a few examples.

REVERENCE

SERVICE

FRIENDLINESS

THE HONOR POLICY

SPORTSMANSHIP

STEWARDSHIP

We attend church service in thoughtful contemplation and begin our assemblies with a prayer.

We engage in community service individually and together with programs near and far from campus.

We make eye contact and greet anyone we encounter on the paths or in the halls.

We pledge to grow in knowledge through our own honest effort and give credit where credit is due.

We win and lose with grace. By our conduct we honor the game and every athlete’s effort.

We treat our environment well. We don’t expect others to clean up after ourselves.

COMMUNITY

BEYOND CLASSMATES

We’re a diverse and inclusive community that supports and cares for each other fully. When you arrive on campus, you’ll notice people holding the door for you and everyone saying hello. Soon, you’ll be that person holding the door as you carry on our legacy of kindness and hospitality. This sense of responsibility for one another means our bonds run deeper than classmates and teachers; we become lifelong friends and support systems, there for each other through both the triumphs and challenges of life. Your days will be full, but it’s also important to us that you set aside time for reflection, friendship and relaxation every day.

OUR BEST SELVES

“Every kid has a place here.

They are loved and accepted for who they are. They aren’t pushed to be someone else; they are pushed to be their

best selves, which is different for every kid. Everybody knows each other. The buildings and grounds staff know the students just as well

as the teachers. It’s a special community.”

Mrs. Aileen Baker, Math Department

“It’s magical how the Abbey brings people from different places with different ideas and creates a family. I would never have expected anything like that—no one’s alone.”

Toby, Form IV

COMMUNITY

Spiritual Growth At Portsmouth Abbey School, members of our community seek to grow in knowledge and grace and to uncover deeper meaning and fulfillment in their daily lives.

While our mission is driven by our Benedictine values and love of God, we welcome students of all faiths and believe the diversity of thought and ideas makes us collectively stronger. School life is centered around personal and community prayer and service. You’ll attend weekly Mass in our church, which also offers the sacrament of confirmation for those who wish to receive it. You’ll take a theology

LIVING OUR VALUES

“The virtues the School instills— whether it’s an active teaching tool or just a passive routine of their day-to-day activities—are really, really amazing.”

Parent

course each year—sometimes taught by monks who live on campus—exploring topics that include church history, ethics and the application of Catholic doctrine.

Lectio Divina (Latin for “divine reading”) is the prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture. Partici­­pating students lead and organize Lectio Divina. This contemplative prayer practice allows young men and women to explore and form a per­­sonal relationship with God in the Catholic tradition. You’ll also engage in community service activi­ties to give back to our sur­­­­rounding community.

“The monastery is part of our campus—the monks live and teach here. Seeing these monks who have given their lives to something greater than themselves, or, as a famous description of Benedictine life puts it, to ‘the love of learning and the desire for God,’ inspires our students to treat everyone a little better. People respect each other.”

Mr. Daniel McDonough, Headmaster

COMMUNITY

Residential Life

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

“I’m really close to everyone in my House. They are all like my brothers.”

Darrell, Form IV

Whether you live on campus or down the street, your second home awaits you at Portsmouth Abbey School. Boarding and day students are assigned to one of our eight Houses—the only difference being that boarding students sleep there.

All students participate in dorm life activities and traditions, helping to create our cohesive, close-knit community. You’ll reside with faculty houseparents and their families, who will ask you if you’re caught up on your homework and if you need a snack. Your housemates, who reflect a cross section of racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds, will become some of your closest friends as together you study, join community service activities and make incredible memories.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Prefect Class Representative Disciplinary Committee Member Head Boy/Girl Honor Committee Member Team Captain House Representative International Student Leader

Be a Leader

Student Life Curriculum

Opportunities abound for you to become a strong and capable leader who sets the tone for the community and is a mentor to new Ravens. You can aspire to be captain of a sports team, a class officer, president of a club, a peer tutor, a Prefect in a House, a Disciplinary Committee member, a student publications editor or a Student Council member, among others.

You’ll practice communicating effectively in front of the school, and you’ll learn the important qualities to being a good leader, including honesty, accountability, positivity and vision.

As part of our mission to help you “grow in grace,” we’ve developed a student life curriculum that will provide the skills to live a happy and healthy life. Examples of student life curriculum topics include: anxiety, coping skills, development of conscience and character, nutrition and respect for self and others.

Radio Station Host Student Council Member Student Publications Editor Peer Tutor Social Committee Member Community Service Intern Alumni Class Agent

CL UB S Abbey Road, A Cappella Group Abbey Sinfonia Abbey Singers Anime Club Appalachia Service Project Art Club Augmented Reality Club The Beacon, Student Newspaper Cultural Awareness at Portsmouth Christian Community Service

Chinese Culture Club

Human Rights Club

Classics Club

Investment Club

Culinary Arts Club

Lectio Divina

Dance Club

March for Life Group

Debate Club

Model United Nations

Digital Photography Club

New England Math League

Enharmonix Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Peer Tutors

Film Production and Appreciation Club French Club The Gregorian, Yearbook

Political Club Radio Station, 90.7 WJHD The Raven, Literary Magazine Red Key, Campus Tour Guides

Students Against Destructive Decisions Saint Gregory’s Alms Screenwriting Club Social Committee Student Council Student Athletic Advisory Board Table Tennis Club Teens Leading Children Writer’s Block Yoga Club

COLLEGE COUNSELING

BEYOND ACCEPTANCE LETTERS READY-SET-GO

“The college counselors begin guiding very early on. It’s not to scare you or stress you out, but it shows you how important each year is, and that each class and assignment is building toward the application process.”

Julia, Form VI

The Portsmouth Abbey College Counseling Office helps students pursue their college aspirations, and we’re proud of our matriculation list. At the same time, our advisors view college not as an end game, but as an educational stepping stone. They will expertly match you to schools where you’ll thrive, taking into consideration the environments where you learn best—large and urban, or rural and small, for example—and what you want to achieve during your time in college.

In the Fifth Form, you’ll embark on an extensive formal program to guide you through the admissions process, but really, we’re prepping you for this from the moment you arrive.

EARLY PLANNING

In the Third Form, you’ll receive your College Counseling Binder, which is like your operator’s manual for applying to college. Inside is all of the information you’ll need to stay on top of the admissions process each year. This isn’t a substitute for the College Counseling

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Office, but it will allow you to feel in control, and it includes chapters on teacher recommendations, essays, testing and financial aid, as well as a to-do list for each term. When you start to feel the pressure of applying to college, we say: Keep calm and binder on.

In the Fifth Form, you and your parents can participate in The Fitch College Mock Admission Session, which simulates the college admissions process.

You’ll get an in-depth look into the application process as you take on the role of an admissions officer.

Are you ready to be a part of something greater? It’s time to apply.

Our admissions process is seamless, making it easy for you to tell us about yourself and your interests, and to learn more about the Abbey.

We can’t wait to meet you!

COLLEGE COUNSELING

BEYOND ACCEPTANCE LETTERS READY-SET-GO

“The college counselors begin guiding very early on. It’s not to scare you or stress you out, but it shows you how important each year is, and that each class and assignment is building toward the application process.”

Julia, Form V

The Portsmouth Abbey College Counseling Office helps students pursue their college aspirations, and we’re proud of our matriculation list. At the same time, our advisors view college not as an end game, but as an educational stepping stone. They will expertly match you to schools where you’ll thrive, taking into consideration the environments where you learn best—large and urban, or rural and small, for example—and what you want to achieve during your time in college.

In the Fifth Form, you’ll embark on an extensive formal program to guide you through the admissions process, but really, we’re prepping you for this from the moment you arrive.

EARLY PLANNING

In the Third Form, you’ll receive your College Counseling Binder, which is like your operator’s manual for applying to college. Inside is all of the information you’ll need to stay on top of the admissions process each year. This isn’t a substitute for the College Counseling

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Office, but it will allow you to feel in control, and it includes chapters on teacher recommendations, essays, testing and financial aid, as well as a to-do list for each term. When you start to feel the pressure of applying to college, we say: Keep calm and binder on.

In the Fifth Form, you and your parents can participate in The Fitch College Mock Admission Session, which simulates the college admissions process.

You’ll get an in-depth look into the application process as you take on the role of an admissions officer.

Portsmouth Abbey School provides equal opportunity to any student applying for admission. We do not discriminate with regard to race, color, national origin, sex and disability.

OFFICE OF ADMISSION

285 Cory’s Lane Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871 401.643.1248 admissions@portsmouthabbey.org www.portsmouthabbey.org