look to your
future
A Private Institution with a Public Mission Just 22 schools in the country hold the same distinction as Woodstock Academy; we are a private institution with a public mission. The Academy includes students from six local sending towns and many from throughout Northeastern Connecticut and Southern Massachusetts. The Academy also attracts international students from countries around the globe. Woodstock Academy was founded in 1801 by Reverend Eliphalet Lyman and Attorney John McClellan, members of the First Ecclesiastical Society. Every year since then, the school, alumni, towns, and citizens
have worked together to educate local high school students and help them become productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Students and families choose Woodstock Academy because they know nearly 100% of students graduate. They choose Woodstock Academy because of the beautiful open campus. They choose the Academy because we help our students look to their future and reach their goals. Woodstock Academy is a diverse, accepting environment where high school students find, explore, and build skills, knowledge, and talents.
“ Woodstock Academy helps students achieve their goals through many programs and activities. The students have so many options that suit their interests and needs.” — Annabel Shackett
Soccer, basketball, track player, member of Athletic Leadership, Athletic Council, Freshman Mentor Program, and Tutoring program
achieve
Woodstock Academy students excel. A student-teacher ratio of 14:1 means increased attention and more individualized instruction. The curriculum of over 220 courses provides challenging and exciting academic opportunities. Choices reign. Where else will you find a Wood Technology Lab, Culinary Arts/Pastry class, and a nationally qualifying Robotics Club? We have a music tech lab with Mac computers that are fully-equipped with the top music production software and a state-of-the-art recording studio where students produce their own music. Students have so many options—from Sports Medicine to Early Childhood Education; Engineering to Web Page Design. Whether students are career-oriented or college-bound, the Academy fosters learning, achievement, creativity, and success.
97% graduation rate
“ I love the teachers here. They’re extremely understanding and personable.”
— Angel Martin, Brooklyn
Tennis player, member of Hill Singers, FRESH, Student and Class Councils, Model UN, Scholar-Athlete Honor Society, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and National Mandarin Honor Society
Over 30
vocational & technical courses
Students Gain Greater Mastery With block schedules of 84-minute classes, teachers delve deeper into subjects, provide more individualization, and encourage active learning. Most high school students complete 24 courses, but Woodstock Academy students complete four courses each semester, for a total of 32. The faculty teaches at four instructional levels—from general to honors. The academically gifted can take three types of accelerated courses: honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and UCONN Early College Experience classes.
Over 40 courses earn college credit
Vocational Training Students may study broadcasting, culinary arts, or fashion technology. Business or technology-focused students choose courses in accounting, entrepreneurship, law, personal finance, architecture, and more.
Language Opportunities Through the English program, students sharpen their abilities to understand, interpret, express, and enjoy literature. Our students have access to three campus writing labs and a student-run writing center. The Woodstock Academy Writing Centaur, named after the school’s mascot, was founded under UCONN and the Connecticut Writing Project’s High School Outreach program. The Writing Centaur allows students to work with their peers on class writing assignments, college essays, outside writing projects, and more. Their writing talent creates the student newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine, and theater scripts. English isn’t the only language emphasized. The World Language Department offers French, German, Ancient Greek, Italian, Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish. Four of these language include sequences of five or more courses.
“ There is a huge variety of classes offered at the Academy. I’ve
class in almost every subject and loved them all.” taken a
— Natalie Bourque, Pomfret
Member of Jazz Band, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Future Business Leaders of America
Excelling in Science, Math, and History The many science courses stress hands-on discovery. Students experiment in a full chemistry laboratory and three general-use science labs. The Academy offers many unique classes such as Field Ecology, Alternative Green Construction, and Biotechnology. Our wide array of math courses helps students develop skills in logic, problem solving, reasoning, inquisitiveness, and data analysis. Through a wide variety of social studies and history courses, students learn to think critically, develop points of view, and improve self-expression. From World Cultures to Psychology; International Relations to History of Religions, students have many options. They also can take non-traditional and self-designed subjects through the Virtual High School (VHS) program and Independent Study programs.
Students in Paying Jobs The Cooperative Work Experience/ Diversified Occupations (CWE/DO) program places students in paying jobs in many careers. Students split their time between classes and the workplace. The goal is to prepare learners for post-secondary education and/or employment.
Teachers Committed to Students Woodstock Academy attracts teachers who have a passion for helping students learn. Every teacher commits to helping students overcome their challenges, develop their potential, and obtain personal success inside and outside the classroom. Over 80% of our teachers hold advanced degrees.
Strong College Acceptance Record Academy graduates earned acceptance into exceptional colleges and universities including: Amherst, Berklee College of Music, Boston College, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Harvard, MIT, New York University, Penn State, Princeton, Tufts, U.S. Naval Academy, University of Connecticut, Vassar, West Point, Yale, and many others.
6 main
campus buildings on acres
73
4 5 of
teachers hold advanced degrees
“ I feel such pride walking onto campus knowing I’m part of an extraordinary team of educators among an extraordinary group of students.”
— Amy Ranta, Fine Arts Department Head
Graduate of University of Connecticut, classes of 1993 (Bachelors) and 1995 (Masters), Woodstock Academy Teacher of the Year in 2005
create
Parents and students consider the music and art offerings second to none. Education in the fine arts builds the students’ creative and cognitive abilities. Visual art students showcase their work at several art shows and through online galleries. Students master theatrical skills through the Woodstock Academy Theater Program. They perform in the spring musical, student-directed, and Shakespeare productions. Academy musicians hone their talents in nine performing ensembles that take the stage at three annual concerts. Learning and mentoring are enhanced because the Fine Arts Department includes five practicing artists and four practicing musicians. Another plus is the abundance of campus facilities that enrich art lessons. A technically advanced music lab and recording studio allows students to explore many aspects of artistic expression. Students enjoy art studios, a ceramics studio, Mac labs, a dark room, and more.
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over art & music courses
“ My favorite thing about Woodstock Academy is the real sense of community. I transferred in 10th grade and didn’t know anybody. By lunch, I had made friends that I’m still close with today.” — Grayson McCarthy, Pomfret
Member of Hill Singers, Tri-M Honor Society, Leader of Only Men Aloud, Lead Tutor of Italian Honor Society
Music and Art Take Center Stage
Rave Reviews
Music is one of the Academy’s flagship programs. It’s vital to both the academic curriculum and after school programming. From introductory to advanced, the offerings for vocal and instrumental music include musical theater, music technology/production, and music theory. After school ensembles include the pep band and audition-based groups like Drum Line, Hill Singers, and Jazz Band. Those students gifted with both musical and acting talent shine in the annual spring musical, while art students are able to enjoy classes like Art Remix, Sculpture, and Photography. Students who have an interest in art, theater, or music but who aren’t sure they’re ready to showcase their talents, learn and advance their artistic skills in more than 30 art and music courses. The Academy believes education in the fine arts is essential for a complete education. That’s why every student here takes at least one art course during their Academy career.
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The Academy’s top-tier student musicians win rave reviews at many performance venues: Fenway Park, Honor Musicians at Carnegie Hall, Berklee Jazz Band Festival, All New England Music Festival, American Choral Directors Association, Eastern Division Festival, Honors Choir, Connecticut Music Educators Association, Eastern Regional Music Festival, and Quinebaug Valley Music Festival.
musical performance ensembles
“ The Academy recognizes the accomplishments, hard work, and dedication of every athlete.”
—Aaron Patterson, Athletic Director
Graduate of Springfield College, classes of 1996 (Bachelors) and 1998 (Masters), Former President of the Volleyball Hall of Fame, Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Director Association – Theodore H. Damko Award Recipient (’11 - ’12)
triumph
Victory is sweet and comes often to Centaur Nation and our Eastern Connecticut Conference teams. Victory is not, however, the primary goal. Cultivating each athlete’s mind, body, and spirit in ways that promote fitness, teach life lessons, and create enjoyment is most important. With over 80 athletic and intramural teams to choose from, every student enjoys many opportunities to compete. The Academy recognizes athletes at every stage of development. Each week one male and one female earn Athlete of the Week honors. Each team participates in team-bonding activities from pre-game pasta dinners to planning and hosting fundraisers for their favorite charities like Play4theCure.
#1
Centaurs
hold championship titles in gymnastics, boys’ basketball, soccer, and many more
“ We don’t try to be better than everyone else. We try to better everyone else.” — Graysen DeLuca, Canterbury
Student Council President, Wrestling team captain, soccer, and tennis player, Academic All-State athlete, member of Model UN, FRESH, Leadership Trainer for the Student Leadership Training Program
Athletic Mission Statement The mission of the Woodstock Academy Athletic Department is to provide broad-based, competitive athletic programs that enrich the academic experiences and achievements of student athletes. Our focus is to develop leaders who demonstrate outstanding character and integrity. We will pursue victory with honor, emphasizing responsibility to self, team, and community.
80
over athletic & intramural teams with over half the student body participating
Pride in Victory, Pride in Effort Woodstock Academy takes pride in its top-ranked athletic and extra-curricular teams. We also value being inclusive. Athletes compete on over 25 Woodstock Academy teams. Winning and competing are fun, but improving athletic performance requires the will and effort to learn tactical strategies, mental toughness, health, nutrition, and more. Woodstock Academy also expects athletic leaders to guide others to reach their highest potential and lead through their words and actions. Good athletes show respect, put the team first, act with integrity, and do well in the classroom.
Extensive Athletic Facilities The 43-acre Bentley Athletic Complex includes turf field, football facilities and fields for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis courts, and a 400 meter track.
“ The Academy has given me the opportunity to come and discover a new country, become more
independent, and learn valuable skills that I’ll use for the rest of my life.”
— Bruce Sakindi, Rwanda
Student Council, Class Council, Dance Club, Athletic Department Assistant
discover
Woodstock Academy students discover the world. Through world travel and cultural exchanges, students become more informed, culturally-sensitive world citizens. Students have three or more opportunities a year to travel internationally. Recent destinations include Russia, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Turkey, China, Australia, and Egypt. The World Language Department offers trips and student exchanges to France, Spain, Italy, Mexico, and Peru. Since 2003, Woodstock Academy has had an exchange program with The Mariama Ba School on Goree Island in Senegal. Over 80 international students from several countries add to the blend of backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities on campus.
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Years of providing globalized educational opportunities
“ Through the many clubs and activities at the Academy, I learned how to run committees, plan events, and lead my peers. I know all these skills and others will be valuable in my future career.”
— Matthew Rich, Woodstock
Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track, Senior Class President, Relay For Life team captain, Winner of the Undergraduate who has done the most for the Academy award, member of Latin Honor Society, Scholar-Athlete Honor Society, and Math Honor Society
Unified Program Brings Students Together Our Special Education Department and our Unified Programs promote a culture of inclusion. All academic classes serve all students. The academic, art, athletic, and other programs give students an opportunity to work together to learn something new, while also ensuring everyone is included inside and outside of the classroom. Being open and inclusive is a priority. Woodstock Academy has three Unified Sports teams: soccer (fall), basketball (winter), and bowling (spring). We also have three unified classes: Unified Physical Education, Unified Music, and Unified Foods. In addition to our Unified Programs, we have the All Abilities Alliance, an extra-curricular club for students with and without disabilities. The alliance addresses social justice issues around disabilities with the goal of raising awareness in the community and developing pride among people of all abilities. Woodstock Academy was the first school in Connecticut to launch this anti-bullying and harassment program for students with disabilities together with The Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities and The Governor’s Prevention Partnership.
Clubs & Activities Through more than 70 clubs and organizations, students explore new interests, new ways to further their knowledge, and new avenues for uncovering all that life offers. Fun is always a priority. Each year students from Health/PE classes ride the ocean waves on a surfing trip. From Fishing Club to Peer Mediation; The Deep End Literary Magazine to Unified Sports, students stay involved in productive, informal learning long after classes have ended. Some students enjoy the Chemistry Olympiad. Others join the Plastics Team, Gay-Straight Alliance, Amnesty International, or Robotics Club.
Something for Everyone Hundreds of students participate in Climbing Club, Dance Club, Debate Club, Earthsave, Empowering Young Women, Future Business Leaders of America, Peer Connections, and the Technology Student Association. Our Model United Nations Club ranks among the nation’s best. Our Student Council is the only one in the state that has earned the Gold Council of Excellence Award six consecutive years on both the state and national levels. The rich variety of activities helps the campus community promote diversity and inclusion. We practice a culture of acceptance and supporting one another.
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Over language, academic, and music honor societies
“The best thing about the Academy is the kids. They give back, reach out to peers, are kind, and globally-minded.” — Holly Singleton, Associate Headmaster and 1986 Academy graduate
Graduate of Clark University, class of 1990 (Bachelors), University of Connecticut, class of 1992, Woodstock Academy Teacher of the Year in 2006, William Cieslukowski First Year Principal Finalist
serve
Woodstock Academy serves the community. Our students volunteer at many local human services organizations. For more than 15 years, our Relay For Life team has raised an average of $5,000 annually through various school-wide fundraisers. Each year we host several service events such as a blood drive, Trick-or-Treat Street, and Fall Foliage Fling. Every October, the 100-member Student Council organizes Trick-or-Treat Street—a free, fun-filled Halloween costume and game event that draws about 500 children from local towns. At our Fall Foliage Fling, students serve, dine, and dance with local senior citizens. Students frequently volunteer at local food pantries, charity events, and social service organizations.
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students participated in a service-learning week in Haiti
“The Academy prepared me by having a solid theater department. I had the opportunity to constantly be doing theater throughout high school.” — Karack Osborn, Woodstock Academy class of 2004
Theater Actor in several groups including Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Hartford Stage Company, and many more. Received training from Birmingham Conservatory, The School at Steppenwolf, and The Stella Adler Studio
Valuing our Alumni Woodstock Academy values its alumni and the opportunities they provide to our current students. Our alumni often return to campus to visit classes, speak with students about their success, provide advice on their future endeavors, and much more. We appreciate the continued support our alumni provide not only to their alma mater, but also to our current students.
Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame
Grateful to Towns and Citizens The Academy is grateful for the local support we receive. The best way we know to express our gratitude is by serving our sending towns with a 21st Century education. We also serve the surrounding communities in other ways: students volunteer at local businesses, collect goods for food pantries and shelters, participate in a Buddy System program with middle school students, and the Bracken Memorial Library serves as the Woodstock town library.
Formed by the Academy and Woodstock Academy Alumni Association, the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame provides a forum to recognize distinguished alumni, teams, coaches, athletic directors, and benefactors. Inductees exemplify the highest standards of Woodstock Academy Athletics through their endeavors, accomplishments, and sportsmanship. We’ve inducted 10 athletes, three teams, and one benefactor. It’s a distinguished group of professional athletes, state champions, and a Title IX Activist.
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inducted into Hall of Fame
Come Visit Us Woodstock Academy is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory high school. The diversity of our student body and our offerings are major factors in why the culture on campus is one of acceptance and compassion. Because students feel safe and accepted here, they achieve academically, socially, and personally. Students and teachers come to the Academy because of our high academic standards and rich variety of programs. While our faculty is a strength, people tend to first hear about Woodstock Academy because of the outstanding reputation of our academic, vocational, technical, arts, and athletic programs. Another strength is our stunning location. In Northeastern Connecticut people highly value education, the future of our youth, and the rural beauty that surrounds us. We are all about what is best for our students. We believe in our students; we put them first. Graduates leave Woodstock Academy with a love of learning, a sense of self-respect and respect for others, and the drive to pursue their purpose.
Christopher J. Sandford Headmaster
Design: © Peapod Design, New Canaan, CT
Please call us, or visit our website, to arrange a campus visit. On campus you’ll see for yourself the passion our teachers and students have for education and fun. We’d be delighted to answer all your questions and give you a tour.
Look to Your Future, Look to Woodstock Academy. Woodstock Academy is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and by the State of Connecticut. The Academy is a member of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the Independent Schools Association of Northern New England (ISANNE), and the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS).
Woodstock Academy 57 Academy Road Woodstock, CT 06281 (860) 928-6575 | woodstockacademy.org Facebook.com/WoodstockAcademy @wdstck_academy @wdstck_academy Youtube.com/Woodstock Academy