PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF AVON OLD FARMS
Avon Old Farms School Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Conn., is known for many things, including brotherhood, scholarship, integrity, sportsmanship, and stunning architecture. In 1913, Miss Porter’s School graduate Theodate Pope Riddle, one of Connecticut’s first licensed female architects, purchased 3,000 acres of land in an area known as “Old Farms.” It was Riddle’s intention to build Avon Old Farms in the “distinctive Cotswold Tudor style.” The materials used to construct the school were gathered from quarries, fields, and forests on site. Riddle is said to have remarked on the construction: “Beauty of material and authentic design, yes, but imagine the boys trooping in with muddy boots from the farm and you will see the reason for stone floors and excellently strong and simple furniture!” Nestled in bucolic Farmington Valley, Avon is located 20 minutes from Hartford, Conn.; two hours from Boston, and two and a half hours from New York City. A largely self-contained campus, visitors are almost always struck by the community’s emphasis on nature and the co-mingling of the academic experience within a natural setting. This perspective harkens back to Riddle’s own intention to create a school “where students live and learn amongst nature.” In addition to the architecture, the influence of English secondary school traditions are evident in the current school curriculum and traditions. The unusual school mascot, the Winged Beaver, reflects the school’s motto Aspirando et Perseverando, which translates to aspiring and persevering. The wings of aspiration represent the soaring flight of an eagle and perseverance is symbolized in the diligence of a beaver. Learn why Avon Old Farms School is considered to be the top private all-boys boarding high school in Connecticut at www.avonoldfarms.com.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE HILL SCHOOL
The Hill School Founded in 1851, The Hill School is a coeducational, college preparatory, boarding and day school for grades 9-12 and postgraduates in Pottstown, Pa. Known as “The Family Boarding School” for its emphasis on a strong sense of campus community, The Hill was the first boarding school in the United States where students and faculty lived together. Small class sizes, small group meetings with advisors, weekly chapel services, and sitdown meals are meant to foster friendships amongst students and faculty members. Family Night occurs every Tuesday night within the dormitories. Abandoning the normal study routine for one evening, students participate in games, activities, and general dorm bonding. Oftentimes, dorm parents will provide “hall feeds” and dining options on Family Night. Other noted traditions are The Hill School vs. Lawrenceville School rivalry, which extends back to 1887, making it the fifth oldest high school sports rivalry in the United States. Emphasis is also placed on formal academic dress code; boys are required to wear a coat and tie to class and girls must wear a blazer and collared Oxford shirt. Just prior to commencement, soon to be male graduates receive a Hill School tie and girls are given a Hill School scarf at the Alumni Association Induction Brunch. After the completion of the commencement ceremony, the newlyappointed graduates leap into The Dell, the on-campus pond. Female faculty members and sixth form girls gather for the Sixth Form Tea on the Sunday before graduation. The familial atmosphere extends beyond the campus to The Hill School’s alumni network. As noted on its website, more than 30 percent of current Hill students have a legacy connection to the school. Regional alumni events are held throughout the year, encouraging strong friendships among Hill students even long after they have graduated. The yearly Reunion Weekend occurs every June and attracts Hill families from around the world as they “come home” to The Hill community. Experience campus life for yourself at www.thehill.org.
MARCH 2018
UA_Boarding Schools Feb 18.indd 3
URBAN AGENDA MAGAZINE
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2/9/18 12:24:41 PM