Ravenscroft Middle & Upper School Viewbook

7409 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh, NC 27615 | 919.847.0900

www.ravenscroft.org The Ravenscroft community, guided by our legacy of excellence, nurtures individual potential and prepares students to thrive in a complex and interdependent world.

The paper used for this viewbook contains fibers sourced from well-managed forests.

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hen we hold our students to the highest standards — ethically and academically — they gradually come to understand the greatness of our expectations in a way that strengthens how they see themselves in the world.

Naturally, this builds confidence and self-respect, which is how the best kind of leadership begins to stir in young people.

Because here is something that often goes overlooked:

the first person we ever lead in life is our own self.

Long before any individual is ready to stand strong for others, they must have experience standing strong for themselves.

For this to happen, self-assurance and sound character are essential.

When students feel accepted but also challenged, known but also nudged, safe but also stimulated,

they learn to value what it means to become the best of who they are.

They learn to take chances on excellence — to strive for deeper thinking, broader feeling, and more principled living.

character development — simply, we expect them to discover and be the very best of who they are.

This is everything we mean when we speak of our students’

At Ravenscroft, we know this takes time and nurturing.

Guidance and compassion. Thoroughness and thoughtfulness.

We promise these values to each and every student, and we look forward to the day when they promise the same to the world.

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Contents 6 10 12 14 18 22 26 28 30 31

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Leadership and Citizenship — The Best Way to Be serviCe to others — The Best Way to Live academics — The Best Way to Learn LOWeR scHOOL — The Best Way to Begin middLe scHOOL — The Best Way to Grow uppeR scHOOL — The Best Way to Excel fine aRts — The Best Way to Express atHLetics — The Best Way to Compete inteRnatiOnaL pROgRams — The Best Way to Experience cOLLege and beyOnd — The Best Way to Advance

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Trust it.

All schools Are plAces of leArning And discovery. Most of them have well-planned academic frameworks, dedicated teachers, and various extracurricular offerings. So how do you choose one over another?

If this is the situation in which you now find yourself — asking questions about curriculum focus, walking hallways and trying to get a feel, listening to the experience of others, checking maps and travel distances, comparing costs, weighing the pros and cons of various schools — all of us at Ravenscroft would like to offer some honest and simple advice: think carefully, feel openly, and follow your best instinct.

You will know the right school once you let your mind and heart work together to make the decision. There is no magic to the process, no scientific formula you can apply. There absolutely are differences among schools, but we know these can be difficult to analyze. Truly, it comes down to being receptive to the school that speaks to you in a way that somehow both inspires and instills confidence. Here is what you’re likely thinking: please just let me get this right.

You will. At Ravenscroft, we understand the bigness of this moment, which is why we encourage you to listen to yourself more than anything else. We know positively that we offer an exceptional academic education and life experience unlike any other school — but we also know, to be candid, it is impossible to convey in a few pages exactly how this happens.

And yet, it does happen. In your effort to select the best school for your family, we offer you this guiding and distinctive philosophy to help you better understand us.

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The RavenscRofT DiffeRence While the classroom experience is vital to our students’ learning and growth, there are many other aspects of a Ravenscroft education that impact their lives. Ravenscroft is here to teach boys and girls to become the very best men and women they can possibly be — nothing less than that. Our commitment is to cultivate a love of learning and help our students become ethical citizens in a global world.

With classrooms that are healthy and stimulating learning environments, we prepare students to think critically and confidently wherever they are — here, at home, in relationships, in their community, at work, and in private moments of quiet reflection. This is the Ravenscroft difference: collaborative learning for the sake of successful living; development of compassionate and upstanding personal character for the sake of humanity; and unparalleled preparation of students in order that they may thrive in college and in the grand fullness of their lives.

This is who we are. Now you may want to learn about how we do it. We invite you to read over what can fairly be called “the basics” of our school. After this, we hope you have a chance to talk to students and their parents, visit our campus and tour the facilities, and, most importantly, meet our excellent teachers and administrators.

Listen to Ravenscroft. Then let your best instinct be your guide.

The BesT of YoU DeseRves The BesT of Us If we expect the very best of our students — their best character, their best judgments, the best fulfillment of their individual potential — then we must give them the very best of ourselves.

This is how we do it.

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ravens Guides visit a Middle school class

LeADeRShIp AnD CITIzenShIp –

to Be

Central to a ravensCroft eduCation is the ethos

Beginning with our Lower School students, we

of leadership and citizenship. Infused in our cur-

facilitate “Tree Talks” regularly — active discus-

riculum, our service learning projects, and our

sions among students, led by counselors and fac-

extracurricular activities, these values develop to

ulty — on topics such as friendships, respect, and

hold a permanent place in the minds and hearts

accountability, always with our character values

of our students. Designed by our Upper School

in mind. Our goal is to introduce these ideas in

students with input from the entire community,

developmentally appropriate ways. By taking on

our Character Tree is a visible symbol of our com-

leadership roles such as communicating morning

mitment to incorporating leadership and citizen-

announcements and serving as Safety Assistants,

ship in all that we do. It is a daily reminder that

as well as being recognized on the Leadership

Ravenscroft underpins educational excellence

Board for kindness and other contributions of

with the character values we consider important:

goodwill, our fifth grade Ravens begin to process

compassion, courage, dedication, honor, respect,

the real value of being a responsible citizen.

responsibility, and spirit.

Awareness of self is a starting point of emphasis in developing young leaders and good citizens.

By Middle School, students begin to develop an enhanced awareness of others and the responsibilities of every individual within a community.

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Once students mature and can more deeply under-

Accountability in leadership — whereby

stand the concept of character values, we encour-

one learns to be responsible to the needs and

age them to apply these values in new and more

decisions of others — is another key benefit to

complex ways.

Ravenscroft’s approach to character building.

With age comes wisdom, which is why it is

We achieve this generous understanding of lead-

Ravenscroft’s goal for all Upper School students

ership through powerful mentoring experiences

to set an example and lead with a civic and ethical

such as Ravens Guides, where Upper School

conscience. In these years, how upper classmen

students visit Middle School groups to discuss

treat one another and how they embrace oppor-

age-appropriate topics; Raven Ambassadors, who

tunities for mentoring and serving (on and off

welcome and engage visitors and new students to

campus), is explored and encouraged as we seek

the Middle School; and regular reading visits to

to nurture and develop tomorrow’s leaders.

Kindergarteners by eager third graders who joy-

Ravenscroft students are held to high stan-

fully share their favorite books. Whether Middle

dards and expectations, listed explicitly in our

School students are writing books for Lower

school-wide honor code. Accountability for one’s

School students, or Upper School athletic teams

actions is emphasized and examined. Our Middle

are helping with the Lower School carpool in the

and Upper Schools sponsor faculty and student-

morning, our students are constantly engaging

led Honor Councils to teach students the impor-

with each other regardless of age, developing a

tance of responsibility in leadership.

spirit of compassion and responsibility.

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SERVICE TO OTHERS –

to Live

With the best leaders and the best citizens comes

worldview and gaining necessary knowledge

a dedication to service. An integral part of school

about the impact of their contributions, all the

life at Ravenscroft, service helps shape well-

while absorbing an important message: you are

rounded individuals like nothing else can. It is

never too young to help.

the most important way in which our students

Upper School students, after years in this

learn to look beyond themselves, to develop the

safe and character-developing community, are

capacity for empathy, acceptance and grace, and

now encouraged to take a risk and champion a

to take an active role in positively shaping their

cause, connecting their service opportunities to

community. Our students participate in service-

personal interests. Service is required for gradu-

related activities in a variety of ways, all of which

ation, but our students proudly volunteer in their

are age-appropriate.

communities thousands of hours beyond what is required. Also, Ravenscroft is a place ready to

“I’m inspired by how our students gravitate toward and embrace their responsibility to help others through service learning. Their service to others is not about meeting an hourly requirement — it’s about acting upon a passion and making a difference within their school and the broader community.”

—Doreen Kelly, Head of School

embrace and promote initiatives born from our students’ passions, such as RavensBuild — the building and support group for a Habitat for Humanity home — or the student who led an effort to provide clothes to impoverished students in the mountains of North Carolina. It is through these initiatives that compassion is evident, leadership is learned, and sometimes even the idea for a future career is born.

Upper School faculty member Helen Velk shares, “Our students become connected to their

In the Lower School, service is a community

peers and their surroundings, thereby discov-

effort that varies year to year. Whether students

ering their passions and learning to lead with

and faculty are running canned food drives, rais-

confidence.”

ing money for sea turtle sanctuaries, gathering supplies for families in need, or collecting books for Project Enlightenment, our students are making an impact — and feeling proud of their accomplishments. Many activities are student-led, including the yearly Special Olympics hosted by Middle and Upper School students with assistance from the Lower School.

To gain further pride and understanding in their work, Middle School is where students participate monthly in service learning. Not only are they weeding and planting at nearby county parks, stocking shelves at food banks, and reading and enjoying time with young children from a Head Start school, they are expanding their 10

What if leadership and citizenship were woven into the fabric of all we do at Ravenscroft — into academics, athletics, fine arts, clubs, the advisory program and service learning? How would this endeavor impact a new class of leaders? At Ravenscroft, we are partnering with the nationally renowned Center for Creative Leadership to develop a school-wide leadership and citizenship program. Equipped with knowledge from CCL-led training programs in leadership essentials for educators, our faculty bring their knowledge back to the classroom, playing fields, and theatres by infusing important leadership concepts into the curriculum.

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AcAdemics –

to Learn

have remained the cornerstone of the scholastic

we introduce higher level mAth concePts eArly, with younger students often leArning through hAnds-on instruction. Lower schooL students

experience. To achieve this, we know that

explore numeration, computation, probability,

nourishing the invaluable relationship between

measurement, geometry, patterns, and functions,

teacher and student is vital. Though we are

and they begin to acquire a conceptual under-

invested in the very best learning technologies

standing of each as the curriculum increases

available, it is the experience of our faculty and

in complexity. in mIddLe schooL, three levels

the enthusiasm of our students that forever

of study exist for math in each grade, and all

propels us forward.

students are challenged appropriately. upper schooL offers college preparatory, honors and

It must never be forgotten that at the root of great leadership and citizenship is a great education. From Ravenscroft’s humble beginnings as a parish school, outstanding academics

We know our students. This is a multidimensional feeling at Ravenscroft because we not only

advanced placement levels of study, and there is an

appreciate the unique interests and talents of

additional opportunity for students to pursue an

our students, but we also actively seek exciting

independent study in areas in which the student

ways to showcase and expand them. in preparing

has shown significant interest and proficiency.

each student for a four-year college experience tion, hard work, and the ability to face challenges

science remAins hAnds-on for Lower schooL students. integrated into the daily

in and out of the classroom. Additionally, we

curriculum, these lessons are reinforced through

cultivate the development of critical thinking

experiments in the science lab, complete with

and problem-solving skills, and we believe that

tools, class pets, and objects from nature. Often

strong written and verbal communication skills

a science lesson takes place outside on a nature

are at the heart of an exceptional education and

walk through Ravenscroft’s 125-acre campus.

successful career.

mIddLe schooL science, equally hands-on, encour-

and beyond, we emphasize creativity, collabora-

ages students to think creatively when participat-

As eArly As Pre-KindergArten, our students begin writing.

Lower schooL students are provided with

ing in our annual virtual science fair, guided by

authentic reading and writing experiences on a

vation biology, local ecosystems, general chemis-

inspirational e-mentors from all over the world.

Additionally, students are introduced to conser-

daily basis tailored to meet each child’s individual

try, and human biology. By upper schooL, students

needs, and in sixth grade, mIddLe schooL students

are ready to enjoy state-of-the-art labs and a wide

are participating in two Language Arts classes

range of advanced coursework and science elec-

each day. upper schooL students have the oppor-

tives. At this level, critical thinking and problem

tunity to choose from multiple english classes,

solving are at the heart of our science curriculum.

while all are also enrolled in an extra course of composition, where they further develop and hone their writing skills prior to college.

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LOWER SCHOOL –

to Begin

Gentle encouraGement, joyful curiosity, and a

Workshop begins in Pre-Kindergarten, and from

multilayered approach rooted in developmental

Kindergarten on students write their own nonfic-

learning guide the educational experience in our

tion books, research a variety of topics, and write

lower grades. Knowing that young children ex-

persuasive essays. Reading occurs in every grade,

perience success in the classroom when they are

independently and with partners, and at each

appropriately matched from a cognitive, social,

student’s appropriate level, all with an eye toward

physical, and emotional perspective, we provide

reaching new levels of challenge.

the best learning environment by balancing aca-

Our approach to more advanced math con-

demics with play. At all times, meeting individual

cepts and problem solving is conceptual as well

needs is our greatest focus. Recognizing that

as computational. Students are introduced to

children develop and express themselves at vary-

math concepts and revisit them each year as they

ing paces, our teachers meet students wherever

develop and master these skills. As with all sub-

they happen to be on their learning journey and

jects, our work is to prepare students for higher

inspire growth from that point. It is within this

levels of thinking in later grades.

delicate balance that our youngest students de-

Transition and growth are what our students

velop creativity, imagination, social skills, and an

experience most in the Lower School. Teacher

understanding of cooperation and sharing, while

collaboration ensures smooth transition among

advancing gross and fine motor skills at their own

students, as they move from one grade to the

speed, all while having fun.

next. The confidence that students gain on this

Students develop a rich literary experi-

journey and the responsibility they begin to take

ence early in a Ravenscroft education. Writer’s

in their education prepare them for the next step.

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middle SCHOOl –

to Grow

Middle School iS a unique tiMe in an adolescent

This concentrated focus helps each student de de-

student’s life, and at Ravenscroft we embrace

velop strong writing and analytical skills. These

and treasure the energetic excitement of this age.

sixth grade students also have the opportunity to

in the time between separating from the lower

take one of three levels for math. in seventh and

School and preparing for the Upper School, we

eighth grades, students are placed accordingly

are mindful of the tremendous changes these

in one of two levels of study in language Arts,

students encounter and the importance of strik-

and one of three levels of study in math. Strong

ing a healthy balance between nurturing and

middle School Social Studies and Science pro-

challenging them. Our faculty appreciates the

grams that focus on learning the content through

inquisitive and social nature of middle Schoolers

inquiry, critical thinking, and research skills are

but also strives to instill independence, account-

also included.

ability and responsibility, while nudging each

Outside the core subject areas, confidence and

toward greater maturity and personal growth.

friendships are gained through a broad range of

All students benefit from small advisory groups

electives. This time of transition is also a critical

as well as the individual support and guidance

time for our students to discover areas of interest

from their teachers.

and to develop their talents. We provide a safe,

Academically, sixth graders are placed in one

nurturing environment for students to explore,

of two levels of study for language Arts, a subject

take appropriate risks, seek challenges, and build

in which they take two classes daily (Grammar

independence — invaluable traits as they prepare

and Composition plus Reading and literature).

for the rigors of high school.

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UPPER SCHOOL – RavenscRoft has been pRepaRing students for

to Excel Certain skills are essential to successful think-

remarkable success in college for decades. It is

ing and living regardless of a student’s career

expected that each student will attend a four-year

path. Time management is a skill reinforced in

college and that he or she will leave us with all the

the Upper School, as our students learn to priori-

tools to handle the rigors of college life. Consis-

tize, balance, and organize their rigorous course

tently, alumni return with stories of academic and

loads, the demands of sports, service, and other

personal accomplishment they experienced after

extracurricular activities. With the support and

graduation from Ravenscroft.

encouragement of a committed faculty and com-

Upper School students take ownership of their learning, initiate engagement with faculty, and develop critical self-governing skills. Teach-

munity, students are taught life skills necessary for success beyond our doors.

As a college-preparatory school, we are

ers are accessible to students every afternoon

charged with more than just getting our students

for tutorials, as are Ravenscroft’s counselors.

ready to succeed at the next level. Indeed, the

An advisor is assigned to each student. Through

Ravenscroft experience is about preparing for

these close relationships, confidence grows and

life. With the strong History and Social Studies

each student is gradually prepared to advocate

curriculum laying the academic foundation, stu-

for himself or herself once in college.

dents also engage in activities and programs that

The course work we offer is broad and in-

are designed to prepare them to undertake their

cludes academic electives — some at the honors

responsibility as engaged citizens of their com-

level — and a choice of full-year or semester-only

munity and the world. We guide and prepare our

options. Students explore possible career choices

students to hold themselves and each other to the

by selecting electives such as Sports Medicine,

highest standards for conduct and achievement.

Photography, Honors Engineering, Global Issues,

It is this blending of an exceptional education

Computer Science, or courses in the Fine Arts.

with higher ideals that provides the framework

When assisting with course selection, we explore

for a rewarding and positive life experience.

each student’s individual passions and aspirations.

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FIne ARtS –

to Express

CharaCter and Creativity are cultivated at

selection of courses that include Honors and

Ravenscroft through our comprehensive and

Advanced Placement. Our students have written

award-winning Fine Arts program. From Pre-

plays, performed locally and internationally in

Kindergarteners to upper classmen, students are

music ensembles, participated in various thespian

provided opportunities to participate in a variety

festivals, and won prestigious awards in regional

of disciplines and study under professionally

and state competitions. Visiting artists and stu-

trained and experienced faculty. Because we be-

dents share their gifts through special exhibits,

lieve no education is complete without participa-

workshops, and master classes.

tion in the Fine Arts, we begin early. Lower and

Dr. David McChesney, Director of Fine Arts,

Middle School students enjoy everything from a

shares, “We strive in the classroom, on the stage,

full general music curriculum to strings instruc-

in the studios and rehearsal halls to prepare

tion beginning in Kindergarten, visual arts, the

students at Ravenscroft to enjoy an aesthetic ap-

opportunity to participate in drama productions,

preciation for all arts and benefit from exploring

band, choral, strings ensembles, and private

the creative aspects of learning. It is not uncom-

instruction.

mon for our students to play at the next level

By Upper School, music and art students are performing at an advanced level, enjoying a broad

in college and, for those so proficient, pursue a career in the arts.�

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“This is a safe environment for bold decisions and creativity. Students are mutually supportive in this setting. We work a lot on personal accountability and integrity and how their work ethic contributes to the group and how they work together.

The students hold themselves accountable.”

—Jason Sharp, faculty member

Fine Arts instruction includes: ~ Band

~ Percussion Ensemble

~ Choral Ensemble

~ Photography

~ Drama

~ String Symphony

~ Jazz Ensemble

~ Symphony Orchestra

~ Pep Band

~ Visual Arts

~ Private Lessons program Ravenscroft 27

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ATHlETiCS –

to Compete

Most of us would agree there is much more to

about 85 percent of our students participate in one

a stellar school experience than what happens

or more interscholastic sports each school year.

in the classroom. Habits for a healthy life are

Wins and losses aside, the real benefit of

reinforced with daily Physical Education (P.E.)

athletics is how it builds good character when

for students in grades one through nine. With an

approached with a healthy perspective. Through

experienced faculty to guide them, students are

the emotional and strategic negotiation that

introduced to meaningful activities and sports

happens on a team, responsibility is learned and

through our P.E. program. All P.E. classes enjoy

leadership is instilled as students encourage

swimming during the year, and Middle School

one another on the track, field, court, and every

students benefit from same-gender P.E. classes

other playing arena. We believe some of the

that encompass health discussions as well as a

best opportunities to teach students to lead and

variety of sports, from line dancing to lacrosse.

rally together for a common purpose begin on a

An opportunity for daily stimulating physical activity not only helps instill good health practices, it makes for a better day in the classroom.

team, and some of our students’ best Ravenscroft memories are those shared out on the field.

Faculty member Jimmy Cox says, “P.E. at

Students who are oriented toward athletics enjoy

Ravenscroft is a chance to be active, learn healthy

the opportunity to try different sports, and others

lifestyle choices, express oneself, become a

who are less confident in their athletic ability often

leader, practice teamwork, and have fun while

discover hidden interests and talents. Generally,

doing it.”

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Athletic FAcilities: ~ Aquatic Center with 6 lanes and upper deck viewing ~ Fitness and weight training facility ~ 4 gyms available for Physical Education classes ~ 3 lighted stadiums for football and lacrosse, soccer and field hockey, and baseball ~ 6 lighted tennis courts ~ 8-lane rubberized track ~ 2 training rooms (indoor and outdoor) for athletes ~ 2 wrestling rooms

sports teAms: Baseball

Softball

Basketball – Boys and Girls

Soccer – Boys and Girls

Cheerleading

Swimming – Boys and Girls

Cross Country - Boys and Girls

Tennis – Boys and Girls

Field Hockey

Track and Field – Boys and Girls

Football

Volleyball

Golf – Boys and Girls

Wrestling

Lacrosse – Boys and Girls

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INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS –

to Experience

At RAvenscRoft, there is campus-wide apprecia-

and documentary screenings, and participate in

tion for diversity and inclusivity as well as for

fundraisers to help international students feel

international programs within our community.

welcome and to celebrate cultures and perspec-

World Languages instruction begins in Pre-Kin-

tives. Upper School students also have partici-

dergarten and from there lively study of various

pated in Model UN and WorldQuest.

cultures is woven into Lower School life through global outreach and other cultural opportunities.

A choice of languages is taught in Middle

For those students interested in furthering their own global and cultural knowledge, Ravenscroft offers an International Diploma.

School and Upper School. The international edu-

This program serves to broaden students’ aware-

cation experience often culminates in travel and

ness of the world and prepare them for a diverse

exchange opportunities to a variety of countries

and global community.

including China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Spain.

Upper School students also have the opportu-

Upper School students who have a passion for and

a network of broadminded students who work

curiosity about global issues, world languages,

together to provide the school with international

and travel are encouraged to seek an International

and cultural opportunities. This includes oppor-

Diploma. This option includes curricular, extracur-

tunities to hear speakers, attend social gatherings

ricular, and travel/hosting requirements, as well as

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RAvenscRoft InteRnAtIonAl DIplomA

nity to participate in Global Ravens Organization,

a global senior internship component.

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COllege And beyOnd – While We strongly believe that the best education

to Advance Of course, the benefits of a Ravenscroft educa-

is an ongoing journey and no single destination

tion don’t end at college. They last a lifetime.

should define it, all of us at Ravenscroft none-

College preparation should be life preparation,

theless accept our duty to prepare students for

development of one’s best self never stops, and

the academic challenges of college. To be much

friendships made here are often the starting point

more than a college-preparatory school is our

of many lifelong relationships.

collective promise, but we recognize the critical importance of this fundamental academic goal.

After years of deep engagement with the rigors

our comprehensive college counseling program

of a varied and demanding curriculum, Raven-

begins in the first semester of ninth grade. The goal

scroft students are more than ready to face the

is to provide information and guidance to students

transition to higher learning. They leave feeling

and their parents, and to assist them in making

confident and competent, excited by the possibil-

an informed decision regarding the selection of a

ities of learning, and ready to experience the next

college or university best suited to the needs and

phase of their education and lives. Often young

abilities of each student. The College Counseling

alumni return to campus, eager to share their

department has designed programs and processes

college success stories and their future plans.

to assist students in making their college decision.

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The Best of Us for RavenscRoft is an independent school with a long histoRy of excellence. We pursue academic, artistic, and physical education in exceptionally progressive ways, adapting and evolving our strategies without ever compromising our core beliefs. Financially strong, we have incomparable resources and capabilities, from classic programs of study to the newest and most sophisticated technologies.

We enjoy a magnificently designed campus that affords both natural beauty and seamless integration of our many facilities. Most important, our teachers are among the very best that can be found anywhere.

As you learn more about us, you will discover that the ultimate distinguishing factor of a Ravenscroft education isn’t the independence of our charter or the many advantages of our station. What we achieve here goes beyond ordinary education for a multitude of complex reasons, but the overriding quality that separates us from other schools is certainly this: we accept that our responsibility is much more than academic, because we are entrusted not merely with young minds, but young lives. Mindful of this great duty, we have a long record of proving one truth, over and over:

the extraordinary character-building power of a Ravenscroft education enables students to live with more confidence, more purpose, and more overall readiness for their future.

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7409 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh, NC 27615 | 919.847.0900

www.ravenscroft.org The Ravenscroft community, guided by our legacy of excellence, nurtures individual potential and prepares students to thrive in a complex and interdependent world.

The paper used for this viewbook contains fibers sourced from well-managed forests.

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8/21/12 3:49 PM