The most frequent questions I am asked between May and October as Dean of Enrollment at The Governor’s Academy are about the interview. For most applicants, it is the part of the application process that brings the most anxiety. It comes from a sense that the student will enter an office where they have never been to be asked questions by a person they have never met.
The Governor's Blog
Welcome the The Governor's Blog where you can find a wealth of content to dive into ranging from dorm life, admission tips, parenting, technology, reading habits, and more!
Fostering a campus community where students of all races, ethnicities, and nationalities feel seen and valued is an ongoing commitment for educators at The Governor’s Academy. This year, our focus on cultural competency centers around these important identities. A critical way we engaged with this theme was through our summer enrichment program...
This is the season of Admission Open Houses at schools like The Governor’s Academy. It is an interesting concept to welcome prospective students and their families to spend some time on a campus outside of the typical tour and interview visit, and it is often very helpful for applicants as each considers educational options.
Starting high school can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when learning how to manage your time. With challenging classes, more demanding homework, new activities, and opportunities to connect with friends, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—there are plenty of strategies to help you stay on track!
Each year, nearly 2,000 people make a charitable gift of some kind to The Governor’s Academy. For each and every one of these gifts, we are deeply grateful.
Our seniors have done it. They’ve graphed mathematical equations and inequalities. They’ve tackled college-level history thesis projects. They’ve also wowed us on the stage, thrilled us in athletics competitions, and completed community service that make a lasting difference.
What does college prep look like for a second-semester junior? And how can parents help juniors manage their many college search tasks while helping them maintain a healthy sense of optimism and intellectual adventure? Here are some tips for juniors and their parents as they prepare for the busy application season that will begin next fall.
Your child has been successful on the field, rink, track, court, or course at Governor’s and is now thinking about if and where they might compete in college. Is a large NCAA Division I university or a small NCAA Division III college or something in between the right fit for their athletic and academic aspirations?
While I associate the words “Happy New Year” at least as much with the beginning of September as with the first of January, the start of a new calendar year provides us with an opportunity to see things through a new lens, and perhaps to refocus our attention on those things that matter most to us–on those things that are essential. As 2024 begins for me, I find myself reflecting on the house that my wife and I reside in on campus.
With December upon us, the holiday season is well underway. At The Governor’s Academy, students have decorated their dorms, enjoyed the first dusting of snow, and are looking forward to winter festivities during their final weekend on campus before the winter break.
In 1723, Massachusetts Bay Colony Governor William Dummer, declared November 28 a day of Thanksgiving for the colony. While the fall holiday tradition preceded William Dummer’s decree, and Abraham Lincoln’s setting of a date—the last Thursday in November—came 140 years later, it is noteworthy that the founder of our school is recognized for this document 300 years ago next week.
The Afternoon Program at The Governor’s Academy plays a vital role in nurturing well-rounded adolescents. This is why we require students to participate in all three seasons of each school year. Each season of the Afternoon Program offers a diverse range of activities, promotes teamwork and leadership, and encourages personal growth.
At their best, these one-on-one discussions about a student can result in greater understanding and clarity about what both teacher and parents see and allow for collaboration for the student’s growth. Here are a few dos and don’ts to make that time with your student’s teachers most effective...
An important aspect of finding the best school for your child is understanding the cost. At first, the independent school financial aid process might feel overwhelming to you on top of the application process.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the next disruptive technology for education. It will require schools to be more thoughtful and creative in designing assessments and structuring learning. It may also help us do our jobs as educators. AI tools are already being used for everything from grading essays to providing personalized learning experiences.
The first day of classes is always an exciting time for a school, but this year, opening days at The Governor’s Academy were even more significant. For the first time, our students arrived for classes at the Bill ’67 and Peter ’71 Alfond Coastal Research Center. As I greeted them in the lobby, I saw students nudge their friends and say with awe, “This is amazing!” and “Wow, look at all the tanks!”
Over the years, business people have sometimes asked me whether I thought the future of boarding schools would be threatened by advances in technology. They wondered whether boarding schools would be necessary when students could simply go online and access content from great teachers from the comfort of their own homes.
From the post-pandemic test optional movement, to the re-engineered FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), to increasingly inflated college applicant pools, today's college admissions process is often defined by change. Perhaps the most significant recent shift centers on the Supreme Court’s ruling last June against Harvard University and UNC-Chapel Hill, essentially ending Affirmative Action within the college admissions process.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Boarding school campuses are buzzing with students returning to campus—moving into the dorm rooms, participating in preseason athletics, and eagerly awaiting the first day of the new academic year. Whether your student is new to the school or already has a year or two under their belt, you might be thinking about how to get the year off to the best start. Here are a few ideas:
As the Dean of Students, I'm thrilled to be Governor’s students’ guide as they embark on the exciting boarding school journey. I understand that the transition to prep school can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially when it comes to preparing for dorm life. But fear not, I've got you covered!