Suffield Academy Viewbook

Suffield Academy Board of Trustees Daniel R. Tisch ’69, P’02, President / New York, New York Jackson W. Robinson ’60, Vice President / Boston, Massachusetts Frederic B. Powers III ’83, P ’14 Secretary / Greenwich, Connecticut Charles Cahn III, Headmaster / Suffield, Connecticut Susan W. Autuori P’06, ’08, ’10, ’13 / West Hartford, Connecticut Nancy A. Brooks ’87 / Boston, Massachusetts Dennis W. Chalke P’08, ’12 / Longmeadow, Massachusetts Andrew C. Chase / Deerfield, Massachusetts Kate O. Cleary ’88 / Cambridge, Massachusetts Michael J. Daly ’59, Trustee Emeritus / Longmeadow, Massachusetts George B. Daniels ’71 / New York, New York Andrew Fabricant P’14 / New York, New York Samuel S. Fuller ’41, Trustee Emeritus GP ’04, ’05, ’06, ’08, ’09 / Suffield, Connecticut Robert C. Graham, Jr. P’11 / Stamford, Connecticut Valisha Graves ’81 / Brooklyn, New York Matthew W. Greene / Wilton, Connecticut Walter Harrison / Hartford, Connecticut Kathy G. Hoffman, P’13 / Avon, Connecticut Christopher M. Houlihan P’05 / New York, New York Christopher T. Jensen P’07, ’09, ’11 / Riverside, Connecticut Kenneth H. Landis P’16 / New York, New York Karen L. McDonald P’12 / New York, New York Jeffrey K. McElnea ’67, P’12 / New York, New York Patricia Q. Moore P’09, ’14 / McLean, Virginia Tracy Orr O’Keefe ’85 / Westfield, New Jersey Steven R. Sheresky P’12 / Rye, New York Hope G. Smith P’12 / Locust Valley, New York John M. Tremaine ’66, P’94, ’03 / New Canaan, Connecticut H. P. Van Ingen, Jr. P’06 / New York, New York Suzy B. Vogler, P’11 / San Francisco, California Jeffrey White ’65 / Westport, Connecticut Jacqueline R. Williams P’04, ’07, ’08 / New York, New York

An opening note about Suffield from

Headmaster Charles Cahn III Suffield Academy offers unique experiences and opportunities. Our community is comprised of talented students and faculty dedicated to improving themselves, leading others, and making a positive impact on the world. Most importantly, at Suffield we share a deep commitment to helping each student reach new heights. This clarity of purpose—our focus on the distance each student travels here—lies at the heart of Suffield’s great strength.

I have asked many of our students why they chose Suffield and where else they looked. All of the answers seem to come back to the same place.

We always hear, “I felt comfortable here. People were friendly. People said ‘hi’ to the tour guides and to me and my family.” As I frequently remind our students and faculty, it is our collective obligation to sustain this positive atmosphere. It is a spirit that needs to start at the top and permeate the school. I sense the importance of this point with letters I receive from parents like the following: “For whatever reason he chose Suffield all those years before, it lived up to every one of his expectations. Never once did he lament his choice. Nor did I. Maybe he’s just the kid who was comfortable with adults. Maybe he’s just the kid who had no trouble asking for help. Maybe he’s just the kid who wanted everyone to get along. Maybe he’s just the kid who could have gone anywhere and made it work. But I think it goes beyond all the maybes. The connections he made at Suffield will stay with him forever. And probably sleep on my couch a lot also. I know that his experience has a lot to do with his cheery outlook. But I also know that the support, understanding, good humor, and community spirit he found at Suffield contributed so much to his growth and accomplishments. Even a positive upbeat kid like mine can get knocked down, discouraged, and disgruntled in a certain type of school environment. None of this was the case at Suffield. He succeeded because Suffield succeeded at being everything you promised and then some. And I don’t think I will ever forget my son’s Suffield experience. Many, many thanks.”

Suffield’s academic program includes various elective courses and our distinctive Leadership Program. From 15 AP prep courses, to our regional studies program, to our peer tutors and academic support—we have excellent programs for everyone here. The same is true in our extracurricular offerings, where outstanding interscholastic athletic teams are complemented by engaging non-competitive options like SOLO and several visual and performing arts programs. As I said, we pride ourselves on emphasizing the distance traveled by each student.

I feel very strongly about this—if you come to Suffield, we will help you excel. What we offer is a challenging academic program in an encouraging, supportive environment.

This is a wonderful school where each student is a key ingredient in our success. We hope you will come take a look at all Suffield has to offer.

Charles Cahn III

“We pride ourselves on emphasizing the distance traveled by each student.”

“What we offer is a challenging academic program in an encouraging, supportive environment.”

Headmaster’s Bio Charlie Cahn is the twenty-fifth headmaster of Suffield Academy. Talented and engaging, Charlie has been instrumental in securing Suffield’s strong position in the independent school world. He is a widely admired leader and a tremendous asset to Suffield. During his tenure as headmaster, Suffield has seen record levels of applications and unprecedented fundraising success. Yet what most strikes people about Charlie is his genuine and deep enthusiasm for Suffield and its students, parents, faculty, and staff.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Charlie is a graduate of Gilman School, University of Michigan, and Wesleyan University. Prior to being appointed headmaster, he served as an English teacher, varsity lacrosse coach, dorm parent, director of admissions, dean of faculty, and associate headmaster. He is familiar with all levels of our school. His wife, Hillary Cahn ’88, teaches photography and coaches Suffield’s alpine ski team. They live on campus with their two children, Peyton and Harrison. Charlie serves on several nonprofit Boards of Trustees and is a frequent speaker around the United States and the world about school planning and goals, adolescent development, and Suffield Academy’s plans and strategies for the present and future.

“Our academic program is designed to serve the interests and talents of a wide range of students. In many respects the program is as big as a smaller school can have. We are not unusual in the solid number of Advanced Placement courses we offer; but we are unusual in that many schools our size do not offer the diversity in the curriculum at all levels. This is something we are very proud of because we believe our mission is to provide a program of studies where each student is set up to be successful, challenged, and above all inspired.

Suffield Academy offers a truly vital intellectual life with a clear focus on each student. The soul of the school is vibrant young people with strong, encouraging adults to guide them.�

-Sara Yeager, Academic Dean

Academic Philosophy The Suffield program rests on the belief that each student is unique. When you enter Suffield Academy, you have the opportunity to help create your academic journey. Whether you emerge as a literary scholar, an environmentalist, an actor, or a tech guru, the experience is yours to create. We want you to let intellectual curiosity be your guide. Our broad-based academic offerings derive from our faith in the liberal arts as a foundation for learning and our programming balances a strong core curriculum with unique elective courses.

At Suffield Academy, you will learn in and out of the classroom, on and off campus. Your journey might take you from the theater stage one week to a community farm the next. You will live and learn in an environment where you will find support from both teachers and peers. We challenge you to travel great distances at Suffield, and we are committed to helping you by:

Ø Teaching a broad range of academic disciplines Ø Teaching essential skills and habits focused on organization, communication, reasoning, reading, writing, and researching

Ø Teaching students to be critical and disciplined thinkers Ø Providing a structured, encouraging environment Ø Offering courses with a balance of challenge and support Ø Providing a “portable classroom” with laptops and a wireless campus Community Theme The philosophy of this annual program is based on having a shared intellectual experience and raising awareness of pertinent and timely issues. Components include a speaker series, charity fundraiser, film and discussion program, and community text. Past community themes have included courage, loyalty, gratitude, and identity.

Science Do you want to explore the impact you have on the environment? Are you ready to discover how a life-altering drug is made? Would you like to learn more about the water you drink or what happens to a bike helmet in a crash? Then you are ready to experience science at Suffield Academy.

Housed in a gorgeous new facility, the science program consists of three distinct disciplines: physics, chemistry, and biology. However, there are certain skills that cross academic borders. Faculty members help you master fundamental principles of scientific method, approach, and research. You will work in small, problem-solving groups to execute labs, complete assigned projects, and present reports. Technology is incorporated directly into the curriculum. At Suffield you will find that emphasis is placed on the thoughtful use of data as a reasoning tool rather than on the superficial memorization of facts. Frequent experiments are performed because they excite curiosity, amplifying and solidifying the concepts. These experiments also serve to develop your powers of observation, classification, and analysis. The application of scientific principles to new situations, decision-making, and value judgments are directly addressed.

In addition to the standard survey courses, at Suffield you will find honors and Advanced Placement classes in biology, chemistry, and physics. Once you have completed your graduation requirements in science, you may choose to enroll in elective offerings. Recent courses have included Aliens, Quacks, and Poltergeists, where you learn about different pseudoscientific claims; Forensics, which focuses on the techniques seen on television shows like CSI; and Biomedicine, where you learn about and debate subjects like genetic engineering, cloning, eugenics, and life-prolonging treatments. The goals of the science curriculum are to:

Ø Approach life with a sense of curiosity and engagement Ø Appreciate the world, with a particular concern for the environment Ø Work toward objectives in a cooperative group setting Ø Apply acquired skills to scientific and nonscientific pursuits Ø Work independently to analyze and solve problems through the scientific method

“The future I now have—becoming a student at Columbia University—is amazing.

Suffield really got me going in the right direction and I will always be glad I came here.”

-Vichaya Poolvaraluk ’13

“I love teaching literature because it is the study of much more than stories: it’s the study of psychology, sociology, history, and religion. We can get drawn into a character’s perspective that we might normally oppose, or we can end up understanding a social issue we never considered before. Then we take a figurative step back and notice how we are reacting to the plot or to the characters, and we get to know something more about both ourselves and the author. No matter what we read, it helps us understand more about the world, about people, and about our language. We may not remember a story, but something from the experience of reading it always sticks with us. It’s pretty magical.” -Tanya Andrysiak, English Department Chair

English Studying English at Suffield Academy requires imagination, discipline, and a mind open to new possibilities. All Suffield students hone their writing skills—both analytical and creative—throughout their time at the Academy. In their first year they begin by creating compelling arguments and supporting their claims in short writing assignments, and then they move on to more sophisticated analysis of complex works.

Interwoven are opportunities for students to exhibit their creativity and appreciate the difficulty of fashioning great pieces of literature. Grammar is taught formally and vocabulary study is incorporated throughout the English program.

Through small classes, students have genuine opportunities to discuss complex topics and articulate their ideas. The English faculty fundamentally believes that reading is enjoyable because of the timeless nature of characters and themes. It is common for a student or faculty member to bring a topic from another class or a personal experience into a conversation about a classic piece of literature, exemplifying the connections between art and life.

The first three years of the English curriculum involve the study of the classics to the contemporary, the Haiku to the Greek epic, the voices of children to the warnings of ghosts. In each course, careful reading, thoughtful discussion, and regular formal and informal writing are expected. In the senior year, students have the unique option to take electives of their choice, including opportunities to write for the literary and art magazine, study classic adventure novels, delve further into Shakespeare, or study the process of turning novels into screenplays.

Throughout their time at Suffield, English students focus on analysis and expression— fundamental requirements for later success.

Histor y At Suffield Academy, faculty members use history to introduce important events and trends in the United States and in the world. You will be encouraged to express your own ideas, and inspired to think and write critically, examine conflicting arguments, and defend your point of view.

Faculty members are engaged in your learning and focus on helping you become culturally literate while finding your place as a world citizen. They will challenge you to consider problems on multiple levels, facilitating a deeper understanding of the complexity of society and the consequences of human judgment.

Suffield’s history curriculum includes a regional studies program that is unprecedented at the high school level.

Eleventh grade students take courses in the history of Latin America, China and East Asia, or Europe. Course placement is tied to modern language study. This interdisciplinary program provides you with the opportunity to study the history of some areas of the world that have fundamentally shaped contemporary society.

“The history curriculum at Suffield challenges our students to think of history not as a series of inevitable decisions and events that fell neatly like dominoes and resulted in our present-day world. Rather, they are able to recognize the fact that history is dynamic and far from inevitable. This requires each student to be a critical thinker who utilizes essential research and writing skills to formulate his or her own opinions based on the historical material presented to them.� -Bryan Brissette, History Department Chair

“Success in math is simple: you need to be inquisitive, you need to be focused, and you need to practice.� -Thomas Foote, Math Teacher

Math Math at Suffield Academy stresses the importance of problem-solving, logic, communication, and understanding.

You are encouraged to ask questions, assist fellow students, and work cooperatively to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills. Small classes create a comfortable atmosphere for true understanding. We focus on how technology has influenced the use of mathematics, and you will learn to apply mathematical skills to real-life situations. You will be challenged at every level to develop reasoning skills and hypothesize about possible solutions to both simple and complex problems. At Suffield you will learn to communicate effectively using mathematics—in speech, the written word, and technological applications.

Visual Arts The visual arts are an intregral part of Suffield Academy’s curriculum. When you walk into the Tremaine Visual Arts Center you will find artists pursuing a variety of interests—from painting and drawing to drafting, photography, ceramics, and sculpture. The foundation of the teaching philosophy in the arts department is the belief that everyone has potential. Teachers work closely with individual students to find their strengths. Artistic expression is believed to be the impetus of self-expression, which is the cornerstone of a liberal arts education. At Suffield we believe educational processes that deny humanity’s artistic nature limit what and how we learn. The visual arts department is supportive of both students with less experience tapping into their creative resources and those with remarkable talent.

“Making art, in a curious way, is baring your soul. At Suffield we encourage students to tap into a deeper understanding of themselves.” -Bill Butcher, Chair of the Visual Arts Department

“My first language is Chinese, and I love studying languages. Spanish class is great. Ms. Runey is a terrific teacher, the class is a lot of fun, and I have learned so much.” -Zijing “Jimmy” Liao ’16

“I teach Chinese and ESL. I live in Montgomery-Street Dorm and advise nine students from seven countries. I just love it here. I love the philosophy of the school. I love interacting with students and seeing the light in their eyes when they achieve something great.� -Erika Picciotto-Zanussi

Languages In our interconnected world of the 21st century, the students of today will be the world leaders of tomorrow.

Geographic boundaries are becoming blurred by economic realities. Therefore, it is essential that students educated in the United States be exposed to foreign languages, cultures, and customs. The goal of the languages department at Suffield Academy is to instill in you a knowledge and appreciation of a language other than your native tongue. Language skills, vocabulary, and syntax are learned as a necessary and natural outgrowth of the need to communicate, but the overall focus has much more depth.

Learning a language at Suffield Academy means experiencing a culture. The examination of history, culture, and traditions are a part of the intellectual process. Learning about customs and context helps the language come alive.

Each March, students take this learning beyond the Suffield campus to the world outside. All language students are offered the opportunity to travel abroad and experience the modern societies and ancient ruins of France, Greece, Italy, and Spain. Learning a language at Suffield Academy prepares you to communicate with the world.

Technology and Computer Science “Cutting edge” is a term often used to describe the technological philosophy at Suffield Academy. After all, we were the first high school in the United States to integrate the use of technology into our daily lives by requiring laptop computers for every student. Every dorm and classroom offers network access to make learning easy and accessible.

The tech curriculum at Suffield takes learning to the next level. You have the opportunity to learn about emerging technologies utilizing state-of-the-art tools. You will be exposed to the essentials of creating presentations, websites, and movies. Courses range from multimedia design to networking protocols and advanced software programming.

Technology is interwoven into most of our standard courses, and Suffield has a fully equipped technology center, student publications center, and multimedia lab. Resources available include Apple computers, scanners, digital cameras, video cameras, and software such as Microsoft Office, iMovie, iDVD, Final Cut Pro, ProTools, and the Adobe suite of programs.

The goals of the computer science curriculum are to:

Ø Ensure that all students are fluent in computer skills and develop an understanding of technology’s role in society

Ø Offer courses as electives in the areas of technology, programming, and emerging multimedia Ø Support all school departments in their use of computers and related technologies

“I knew I wanted to study computer science when I came to Suffield. One of the main reasons I chose to go here was the school’s fantastic technology program. Throughout my years here I have continued to work closely with the technology department not only as a student during the school year, but also as an intern during the summer. Mr. Healy and Mr. Hernick have been extremely helpful with my journey so far, and I feel incredibly well prepared for my future college experiences with computer science and technology.”

-Ryan Malley ’14

“I came to Suffield with an interest in music and quickly found training, direction, and nurture.

In addition to the piano and guitar instruction I received, it was at Suffield that I had my first exposure to music theory, vocal training, choral group singing, and musical theatre. In the 80s, the music studio housed a collection of analog synthesizers that sparked my lifelong interests in electronic music and recording. But my fondest high school memories of music were the many times my classmates supported me to perform at chapel, in the Faculty Lounge, and in other hallways and courtyards around the school!”

-John W. Cook II ’82, Emmy Award winning Re-recording mixer

Per forming Arts Suffield Academy offers robust programs in music, theater, and dance. Students have numerous opportunities to excel in the arts—both onstage and behind the scenes. Each year Suffield produces two major theatrical productions, three popular guitar shows, a one-act festival, a new playwrights festival, several jazz and ensemble performances, multiple choral performances, and a full dance production. These provide students with hands-on experience in performance, lighting, sound, stage management, set construction, and house management.

Our extensive performing arts facilities include a state of the art theater, set design shop, recording studio, dance studio, and music center. The performing arts program supports experienced actors, dancers, and musicians, as well as those who want to get involved in the arts for the first time.

College Counseling College admissions has become increasingly complex and competitive. Suffield offers a unique four-year college counseling program. This is a major area of committment and focus at our school.

At Suffield Academy we help you evaluate your achievements and goals so that, ultimately, the college or university you choose to attend will be the right “fit.” We are proud of the range of interesting colleges and universities our students attend each year.

While we know our students are busy, we also know college is a topic on the minds of students and parents.

Suffield’s approach to college counseling includes a unique, innovative, four-year program. The goal is to expose students to the search and application processes early and in a developmentally-appropriate fashion.

Every student is touched annually by this comprehensive program. The department is located in the new 3,000-square-foot Hoffman College Counseling Center in the heart of Suffield’s academic quadrangle.

“We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking college counseling program. It is a bold move that will further distinguish Suffield and make a difference in the lives of Suffield students and families by providing a unique approach to the college search process.”

-Kathy Hoffman, P’13, Suffield Trustee

“I feel incredibly well-supported by my college counselor and think this program is a major strength of Suffield.” -Shivang Jhunjhnuwala ’14

A sampling of colleges and universities where members of our last three graduating classes enrolled: Amherst College

Emory University

Rensselear Polytechnic Institute

Art Institute of Chicago

Franklin & Marshall College

University of Richmond

Babson College

George Washington University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Bates College

Georgetown University

University of Rochester

Bentley University

Gettysburg College

Santa Clara University

Boston University

Hamilton College

Skidmore College

Bowdoin College

College of the Holy Cross

University of Southern California

Brandeis University

Johns Hopkins University

Southern Methodist University

Brown University

Kenyon College

University of St. Andrews

University of California

Lafayette College

St. Lawrence University

Case Western Reserve University

Lehigh University

Swarthmore College

College of Charleston

Loyola University

Syracuse University

University of Chicago

University of Miami

Trinity College

Colby College

University of Michigan

Tulane University

Colgate University

Middlebury College

Union College

Colorado College

Mount Holyoke College

Vassar College

University of Colorado

The New School

Villanova University

Columbia University

New York University

University of Virginia

Connecticut College

Northeastern University

Wake Forest University

Cornell University

Northwestern College

Washington and Lee University

Davidson College

Oberlin College

Washington University in St. Louis

University of Denver

Ohio Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University

Duke University

University of Pennsylvania

Wheaton College

University of Edinburgh

Princeton University

University of Wisconsin

Elon University

Providence College

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

The Leadership Program Many schools discuss the importance of leadership training, but at Suffield Academy we have fully established programs for all students to develop leadership skills. The Suffield Academy Leadership curriculum impacts every student at the school. It begins with a focus on personal mastery skills, moves to an emphasis on community service efforts, and culminates in practical experiences for all seniors.

Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 take required year-long courses where the curriculum emphasizes experiential learning and guided self-discovery. The leadership experience at Suffield concludes in the 12th grade, with every student having the opportunity to lead and participating in a series of senior seminars.

“It is our belief that students must have inner-confidence, positive self-esteem, and an understanding of their place in the world in order to become effective leaders. By amassing this knowledge, students will find the courage and determination to lead.�

-David Rockwell ’58, Director of Leadership Program

“I served as a Leadership Teaching Assistant in Mr. Gamere’s freshman class. I enjoyed helping develop lesson plans and teach the class, but the most important part was reaching out to younger students by reflecting on my own experiences. Which upperclassmen had been my role models? How had I found success at Suffield? What had made me feel comfortable in Leadership class? The connections I made in that class were very rewarding.” -Reed Barbe ’12

Alumni Making a Difference Suffield has more than 4,000 alums doing fascinating work around the world. Here is a sampling of some pursuits of Suffield graduates: Dr. John Adler ’72 Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University Medical Center and inventor of the CyberKnife

Dennis Moynihan ’82 Rear Admiral, Chief of Information for the United States Navy

Stewart Alsop II ’71 Venture Capitalist

Grace Oboma-Layat ’87 Attorney, Legal Aid Society of New York

Richard C. Anthony ’63 Golf Course Planner

Tor Peterson ’82 Director of Coal/Coke Commodity Department, Glencore International

Pia Bungarten ’75 International Relations and Politics Expert at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation John Cook II ’82 Emmy® Award Winning Sound Re-recording Mixer James Craig ’60 Veteran, winner of Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, and two Silver Stars The Hon. George B. Daniels ’71 United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York Saudia Davis ’96 Founder of GreenHouse Eco-Cleaning Sarah Birmingham Drummond ’89 Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Andover Newton Theological School Adam Greenberg ’98 Executive Chef at Barcelona West Hartford Thomas Greene ’87 Founding President of Vermont College of Fine Arts Mark Hosenball ’69 Investigative Journalist, Reuters Kristin Hostetter ’86 Gear Editor, Backpacker Magazine Peter Kircher ’69 Peace Corps Volunteer Andrew Kotchen ’90 Award-winning Architect Archer Mayor ’69 Mystery writer Jim Morin ’71 Political Cartoonist, Miami Herald

Leigh H. Perkins ’71 Chairman and former President, Orvis Co. Charles S. Prouty ’63 Executive Assistant Director of Law Enforcement Services for the FBI Matt Rembe ’88 Executive Director of Los Pablanos in New Mexico Jack Robinson ’60 Environmentally Conscientious Financial Manager Barry Scherr ’63 Professor of Russian, Dartmouth College Emily Simons ’88 Artist and Entrepreneur, Owner of The Red Seat Dominique Smookler Roberts ’86 Radio personality Mark Tenerowicz ’87 ER Doctor James S. Tisch ’71 President and CEO of Loews Corporation and CEO and chairman of the board of directors of Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Tener Goodwin Veenema ’76 Chief Executive Officer, The TenER Consulting Group Gretchen Schwabe Wilcox ’77 Founder and CEO, G.S. Wilcox & Company Stephanie Winston Wolkoff ’89 Director of Fashion, Lincoln Center

“Caring about the environment is a fundamental value we believe all students should develop.”

-Charlie Cahn, Headmaster

Environmental Leadership Suffield Outdoor Leadership Opportunities (SOLO) was founded in 1997 as a way for students to connect with the wonders of the natural world. A central part of Suffield Academy’s commitment to leadership training is tied to environmental responsibility. This includes educational programs, campus construction, and various school awards and annual activities. Several recent environmental initiatives within the Leadership Program have included the installation of solar panels, the creation of a community garden, and a campus-wide composting program. We urge you to care about the environment and commit yourself to service in your community. The leadership spirit is part of Suffield Academy. It is deeply rooted in our traditions and our graduates. Since our founding in 1833, we have helped individuals develop their leadership skills and reshape the way they think about the world around them.

TREE is a student-initiated, student led organization whose primary focus is to educate the school community on issues related to the environment. TREE was instrumental in enhancing Suffield’s recycling program, and each year the organization sponsors an extensive Earth Day program. This has included chapel presentations, campus projects, and visiting naturalists.

In addition to curricular initiatives and student organizations, Suffield has taken substantial steps to limit its carbon footprint and be a leader in environmental responsibility.

“I have been teaching students about the environment for 50 years. In fact the Environmental Philosophy class I have taught for decades is not much different today. We think it’s is important for students to get perspective about large issues that will impact their futures.”

-Leadership Department Chair, Director of SOLO, Environmentalist, David Rockwell ’58

Athletics The athletic program at Suffield Academy has a long and storied tradition, and we’re proud of our recent success as well: our teams have won 14 league or New England titles in the past three years. Yet athletics at Suffield are about much more than winning and losing. We believe sports build and strengthen character. Our program will encourage you to stay in good physical shape, make new friends, learn the rules of fair play and sportsmanship, and benefit from being a member of a team.

Winning may be the immediate end, but it is in the pursuit of excellence where we develop values that stick with us. When you join a team at Suffield Academy you will learn about commitment.

To help maintain this strong tradition, Suffield provides its students with outstanding athletic facilities. When you visit Suffield you will see the new Tisch Field House, turf field, fitness center, classic basketball court, squash courts, tennis courts, riflery range, and a newly renovated swimming pool area. You will also meet student-athletes and coaches who love this school. So come to campus and feel the Tiger Pride!

“We have had many great skiers in the history of our program, but it was wonderful to coach Suffield’s first New England ski championship team. It was a special group of individuals who became a fabulous team, and the camaraderie was remarkable. I am proud when our team wins races, but I am more proud of how great they are as people.”

-Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88, Alpine Ski Coach

“The athletics program at Suffield is deeply rooted in our school’s mission—to provide every student an opportunity to culivate talents and explore new interests in a structured, supportive setting. Suffield’s athletics requirement encourages the development of self-discipline, teamwork, and respect. More importantly, athletics participation fosters a sense of identity and personal growth by giving all students a chance to work hard, try their best, and learn lifelong lessons through team competition.” -Drew Gamere, Co-Director of Athletics

Athletic Facilities Suffield offers its students top-level athletic facilities. The Appleton H. Seaverns Athletic Center and the nine playing fields around campus serve as the foundation for our athletic program. In 2004 a new track and football field were built. A new turf field was constructed in 2009, and in 2010 our indoor swimming pool was renovated and Tisch Field House opened—a beautiful 30,000-square-foot facility housing two courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball; athletic offices; a training facility; and new squash courts. The summer of 2012 saw additional renovations to the track and football bleachers. The Courtney Robinson ’88 Outdoor Leadership Center includes a 35-foot indoor rock climbing facility and outdoor high and low ropes courses. In short, our athletic facilities are outstanding.

Athletic Options

Fall

Boys’ Cross-country Football Soccer Water polo

Girls’ Cross-country Field hockey Soccer Volleyball

Co-ed SOLO

Winter

Boys’ Basketball Squash Swimming & Diving Wrestling

Girls’ Basketball Squash Swimming & Diving

Co-ed Alpine skiing Dance Fitness Riflery Snowboarding SOLO

Spring

Boys’ Baseball Lacrosse Tennis Track & Field

Girls’ Lacrosse Softball Tennis Track & Field Water polo

Co-ed Golf SOLO

We will not fit you neatly into a box; instead you will have the chance to create your own experience.

Life at Suffield You will form friendships with people from around the world by sharing meals, living together, and working with each other in a variety of activities. You will have the chance to challenge yourself in the classroom and on the playing fields. You will be encouraged to try new things like being part of a play, learning an instrument, taking photos, or creating pottery. Students, faculty, alumni, and visitors to campus all report the same thing: “Suffield Academy is a warm, friendly community.�

Dorm life at Suffield is an integral part of our cohesive community.

Dormitories range in size from small to large, housing as few as five or as many as 45 students. Each dorm is assigned a resident faculty member or family and students often lean on these adults as mentors throughout their time at Suffield.

Sample Schedule 7 a.m.

Breakfast

8 a.m.

English

9 a.m.

AP Computer Science

10 a.m.

Ceramics

11 a.m.

On-Campus

Work Program

12 p.m.

Lunch

1 p.m.

Leadership

2 p.m.

AP Calculus

Hiking trails, a cross-country course, a climbing wall, high and low ropes courses, and state-of-the-art training facilities make Suffield an active community. Nineteen student organizations and the opportunity to start any group you can think of make Suffield a busy community.

3 p.m.

Soccer Practice

Explore, learn, and expand your horizons and your circle of friends at Suffield. If you come here you will be embraced by our community, and depart both enriched and better prepared for college.

4 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

Advisee Dinner

7 p.m.

Play Rehearsal

8 p.m.

Study Hall

Suffield Academy maintains a tight-knit community of 410 students.

In 2012, over 1,000 students interviewed for a spot at Suffield Academy. This strong interest allows our admissions office to identify talented students who will have a significant impact on our community.

Most importantly, we seek enthusiastic people who will join a student body that exudes spirit and pride in the school.

Whether you will be a boarding or day student, one thing for certain is that you will be a part of an exciting, vibrant community. Students come to our campus from over twenty states and thirty countries. Suffield faculty members serve as teachers, dorm parents, advisors, and coaches. Because our faculty members live on campus, they are available to help you succeed in all you do here. The close relationships between students and teachers are at the heart of what makes Suffield special.

Suffield has 13 dorms for our boarding students. The small size of the dorms and the close supervision of faculty members make each dorm a family. It is common to see students hanging out with faculty members and their families. This closeness and family-like atmosphere sets Suffield apart from other schools.

Suffield’s commitment to sustaining a strong community is apparent in many school traditions. Students and faculty gather for family-style lunch each day. There is a school meeting every Monday where guest speakers address the community. There are also several annual events that help define the strong bonds on campus including an Earth Day celebration, Alumni Leadership Day, and the Kent-Davis Public Speaking Contest.

At Suffield you can discover where your interests lie by trying a new sport, experimenting in the arts, or finding your voice in a club. Whether you join an established club like Amnesty International, the Political Action Committee, or the Book Club, or start your own like Tiger TV, Suffield offers a variety of opportunities for varying interests.

“Suffield allowed me to do the things I love. I was a teaching assistant, a skier, a head waiter, and a cinematographer. I even had the chance to hone my movie skills as an intern for the marketing department.” -Jameson Everett ’12

Visit Suffield The town of Suffield, Connecticut, is a historic community with a population of 15,000. Located in a beautiful region of forests and farmland sprinkled in the Connecticut River Valley, the town maintains the character and warmth of old New England. Suffield Academy sits on a 325-acre campus flanked by Main Street houses to the east and rolling hills to the west. It is conveniently located between the Boston and New York, ten minutes from Hartford’s Bradley International Airport. With several stores and shops in town, Suffield offers an ideal location for a boarding school.

Contact Us Suffield Academy 185 North Main Street Suffield, Connecticut 06078 Phone: 860.386.4400 Email: saadmit@suffieldacademy.org www.suffieldacademy.org/visitors

Closing note from the Headmaster As I hope you can tell from this catalog, Suffield Academy is a special school with tremendous clarity of purpose. I am proud of our talented students and faculty, our gorgeous campus, and our commitment to common goals and values.

There is an emphasis here on helping each student succeed and focusing on the distance they travel during their years on the Suffield campus. We care about what it feels like to be at Suffield. This is a school that combines challenging academics and high standards with an encouraging, supportive faculty. It is this atmosphere that has led our school to new heights.

We take our mission statement to heart in all we do at Suffield. It is an essential part of who we are, guiding our philosophy and program. The success stories we see each year are remarkably uplifting—whether it be graduates enrolling at the most selective colleges or universities in the United States, students heading out to focus on areas they had never tried before arriving here, or most importantly, young women and men leaving with self-confidence and the knowledge that they have the skills to succeed.

There is so much more going on at Suffield than what you see in the classroom. Students come to this small town from all parts of the world, dedicating themselves to their studies and to self-discovery. Everywhere you look on campus there is another interesting story, and each year brings new surprises as students discover unknown talents.

Sometimes it is the sports star who unearths an affinity for acting, or the technology whiz who is surprised to find a touch at the potter’s wheel. You just never know what hidden talents will emerge. What I do know, however, is that Suffield students work hard, treat others with kindness, are respectful of the world around them, and are extremely proud of our school. These values are important to us.

Hillary and I love leading this really special place, and helping further Suffield’s long tradition of offering an exceptional experience for talented and motivated young men and women. We hope you will strongly consider Suffield as a place to continue your education. This is a community that can have a profound impact on your life, where you can make lifelong friendships with peers and teachers, and where you can make a difference. Please visit campus to see what I mean, and to think about how far you can go here at Suffield.

Mission Suffield Academy is a coeducational, independent secondary school serving a diverse community of boarding and day students. Our school has a tradition of academic excellence combined with a strong work ethic. A commitment to scholarship and a respect for individual differences guide our teaching and curriculum. We engender among our students a sense of responsibility, and they are challenged to grow in a structured and nurturing environment. The entire academic, athletic, and extracurricular experience prepares our students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and active citizenship.

Non-discrimination Suffield Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, physical attributes, disability, age, or sexual orientation. We administer our admissions, financial aid, educational, athletic, extracurricular, and other policies so that each student is equally accorded all the rights, privileges, programs, and facilities made available by the school.

Suffield Academy 185 North Main Street Suffield, Connecticut 06078 www.suffieldacademy.org