THE WINCHENDON SCHOOL
From the School’s early beginnings, a Winchendon School education has been and remains deeply personalized and highly collaborative, driven by student interests. Our students become graduates who are confident, adaptable, and self-directed learners. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOU? It means The Winchendon School is built to put students at the forefront of updated teaching and learning. We’re designed to keep students engaged in their learning with exciting and energetic classes where students lead discussions, debate questions, and draw their own conclusions. In short, you’ll work with teachers who understand how you learn and are committed to supporting you as an individual. Don’t just take our word for it; read our student stories.
HAILEY Why Do Homework on Saturday? Becoming a school co-president and playing on a championship volleyball team doesn’t happen overnight. A four-year boarding student from Massachusetts, Hailey’s previous school didn’t offer her the rigor she craved or the structure she needed to learn to balance a full schedule.
“I’ve learned that I have to set time and make a schedule to do my work. Making a schedule has honestly helped me, and this year, I do homework on Saturday. That was never a thing for me before, like who does homework on Saturday?” Hailey’s taken her Winch strategies in balancing school and fun with her to Colby College in Maine.
At The Winchendon School, students are actively engaged in their learning. They meet in small groups and one-on-one with their advisors to build skills, reflect on their classes, and build a plan that considers the students’ needs for graduation and college.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT HELPING TEENS FEEL GOOD ABOUT SCHOOL COULD FILL A BOOK.
MAX Have You Ever Wanted to Study the History of Saturday Night Live? Max transferred to The Winchendon School during his sophomore year in October 2020. It was just the change he needed. Instead of being bored and frustrated as he was at his prior school, here, he found friends and a dynamic curriculum which helped him jump back into his passions. This year, he’s delving into his love for stand-up and sketch comedy, especially the long and storied history of Saturday Night Live.
“I was nervous coming into not just a new school, but a new school after everyone had already been together for a few months, but when I started, everyone was really welcoming and I felt I had been here all along.” With The Winchendon School’s support, Max has emerged from the disruption of COVID and is finishing high school strong and ready to follow his dreams.
Transferring after the school year begins sounds intimidating, but at The Winchendon School, we’ve been working with teens for over 90 years, and we “get” what they need, especially when joining us after the traditional start of the year.
FIND PURPOSE IN YOUR WORK. WE’LL SHOW YOU HOW TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER, WHETHER IT’S FINDING YOUR PURPOSE OR SCORING IN THE BIG GAME.
CAM Can Hockey Lead To Better Understanding? Transferring from a regional high school, Cam knew he wanted to play Division 1 hockey after graduation. Challenging himself, Cam took on a role as a Service Learning Leader. Deciding to make an impact on lives in the greater community, he worked to put together a benefit hockey game for cancer research. With his hockey coach and Service Learning advisors, Cam planned and led the “Winch Fights Cancer” night during one of the biggest hockey games of the season.
“I learned I could make a difference in the “real” world as well. I became a leader in service learning and explored an issue that I have a personal connection to, as well as incorporating my passion for hockey with making a difference.” Catch Cam in action wearing #21 as a sophomore forward for the UNH Wildcats.
A multitude of athletic offerings on our Massachusetts campus includes several teams that are perennial championship contenders and a robust fine and performing arts program. Additional club opportunities include Model UN, Robotics, Math Team, the School’s newspaper, the Wapiti Weekly, podcast, and an eSports team (NYC).
SHAYNE How Can Basketball Skills Transfer To Academic And Life Skills? Shayne brought her passion for basketball to The Winchendon School as a day student, and now her younger sister is here as well. Winchendon’s strong academic supports and personalization were initially a draw for Shayne and her parents, but Shayne has quickly developed better skills and is now thriving without continued need for scaffolding. It’s not only her academic success that Shayne’s proud of, but she’s also spent the past few years building on her already significant basketball skills.
“The teachers here all want to make sure I’m successful, not just in the classroom, but in life.” In addition to thriving in her classes and lifting her game, Shayne is also a member of a service learning group tackling food insecurity and more in the greater Central Massachusetts area. With the skills and support she needs in place, Shayne is excited for this year’s basketball season as the team joins NEPSAC’s AA Division.
Our academic support program (The Lloyd Harvey Hatch Center for Learning Strategies) partners students with a Learning Strategist. The Learning Strategist tailors an individual learning plan (Individual Success Plan) building upon strengths and overcoming challenges. Our goal is to move each student to independent learning and sustainable academic success.
SOME WOULD SAY THE PAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN A CHALLENGE.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
Some of the many colleges and universities the Class of 2021, on both the MA and NYC campuses, were accepted to in 2021.
THE BEST COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS WITH SIGNIFICANT UNREALIZED POTENTIAL
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JOINING THE WINCHENDON SCHOOL winchendon.org | 978-297-4476 (MA) | 347-763-8520 (NYC) » Streamlined Application Process (we call it BetterED) - The emphasis in the application stage is on dialogue and conversation – not forms and essays. The focus is on planning your high school journey that will create unique opportunities and propel you to greater success. - Our BetterED Tuition Reduction Program provides returning students with the chance to “earn” a reduction in tuition for the following year. This opportunity is based on good effort and citizenship throughout the current academic year. » Learning Support » 340 boarding & day students across two campuses create opportunities to learn in MA and NYC » AP Coursework, Internships, Service Learning CAMPUSES NYC Campus (day students) 45 W. 34th St. NY, NY 10001
MA Campus (7 & 5-day boarding and day students) 172 Ash St. Winchendon, MA 01475
CONTACT: Dean of Enrollment Management and Strategy John Toffey jtoffey@winchendon.org 978-297-4476
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Guarantee To Our
STUDENTS
Know and support you better - your interests and passions, your strengths and weaknesses, and your goals. Provide you with a personalized learning experience in a collaborative and rigorous academic program. Deliver the best high school experience possible, making your learning more fun, more impactful, and less stressful. Make learning more interesting and meaningful, thereby making it easier for you to achieve much greater success. Work with you to develop better options for college, university, and life after high school. Ensure that you feel safe and supported so that you can develop and flourish intellectually and emotionally. These are our commitments to you and every one of our students.
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