The Governor's Blog

The tables have turned. After months of worrying about whether your child will be admitted to the private high schools to which they have applied, now you know where they are admitted. Your worry is now how to choose the right school!

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. 

Black History Month, celebrated during the month of February in the United States, holds significant importance as it serves as a dedicated period to highlight and celebrate African Americans' profound contributions, achievements, and resilience throughout history. This observance emerged in response to the historic neglect of Black voices and narratives in mainstream education and public discourse.

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. 

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.

Families often ask “how many schools should my child apply to?” That’s a great question. The answer is dependent on a number of factors that are specific to your family and your child’s goals. The Governor’s Academy’s Admission Office always encourages families to look at a few school options—enough to have points of comparison.

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.

Nerves can take over during an independent school admission interview, for both the parent and the child, and the key is, together, to prepare for the interview in advance. First, sit down and ask each other what excites and worries you about the upcoming interview, then work to dispel any concerns in advance of the campus visit.

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...

We celebrate Pride because it is essential to the LGBTQ+ students who attended Govs in 1763, 1863, 1963, and today, 2023. We walk in the halls of past students and faculty who could not enjoy the progress—the ability to be their whole selves—that the Governor’s students, faculty, and staff enjoy today.

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.

The beginning of the high school search is both exciting and daunting for a family. The choices available to your child can span the entire country and websites tout engaging classes, signature programs, championship athletic teams, fascinating art electives, and interesting student clubs. So, where to begin? Just like Goldilocks, I encourage you to spend time considering all options to help build a list of “just right” schools. Here are some questions to start.

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: