Washington Academy Magazine

Celebrating more than 220 years of exCellenCe

in eduCation

An Independent Day & Boarding School on the Coast of Maine

...Since 1792

2 www.washingtonacademy.org

WASHINGTON ACADEMY MAGAZINEbrought to you by the staff & students of

Washington Academy66 Cutler Road, P.O. Box 190East Machias, Maine 04630

Phone: 207.255.8301Email: [email protected]

www.washingtonacademy.org

HEAD OF SCHOOLJudson L. McBrine

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSRobin Gautier, Melanie Brooks, Ashley Pearson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSLeslie Bowman, Mark Wellman, Larry AyotteRobin Gautier, Kim Gardner, Michelle Porter

Moremil Richard, Michael Libby

ART & EDITORIAL DIRECTIONMetro Publishing, LLC

Washington Academy Magazine is published by Washington Academy.

We welcome reader input! Please contact us by mail at Washington Academy,

66 Cutler Road, E. Machias, Maine 04630, by phone at 207.255.8301, by email at

[email protected], or on the web at www.washingtonacademy.org.

Washington Academy Magazine is distributed free to prospective students and parents,

as well as to educational consultants, educators, donors, alumni, and other

friends of Washington Academy.

For more information, visit www.washingtonacademy.org.

Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

For more than 220 years, Washington Academy has been successfully helping

young people take the first big step toward achieving their dreams. We recognize

these dreams are as diverse as the students who attend here. Each year, over

400 students like you make a decision to attend WA, coming together to immerse

yourselves in courses and make use of an environment that isn’t typically available

at other secondary schools.

Ben Somes is one of those students. In between studying Spanish and Mandarin, playing

soccer, you can find him chopping vegetables in culinary arts class with students from all

over the world.

Like Ben, we’re sure you will find a program or activity at Washington Academy that fits

your unique personality, whether it’s in the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering

and Math or the Field School for Studies in Science, or the Center for Applied

Technologies. Once you arrive, we’ll assign you a long-term advisor and a peer pair

who will help you choose your courses, manage your schedule, and get into the swing

of your new life at the Academy. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1, it won’t be

long before your teachers know you on a personal level. The safety of our rural area, the

involvement of our small Maine community, and the sense of pride and tradition will all

come together to make you ready to succeed in your new environment.

We’re looking forward to getting to know you.

Welcome

JudSON MCBRiNEHEAd OF SCHOOL

www.washingtonacademy.org 3

Welcome

Washington academy is an independent secondary school committed to the success of

each of our local, national, and international students. offering a comprehensive program of academics, athletics, and the arts, we strive to

create opportunities that will equip students socially and intellectually for their future endeavors and prepare them to become

productive members of society.

Washington academy is an independent secondary school committed to the success of

each of our local, national, and international students. offering a comprehensive program of academics, athletics, and the arts, we strive to

create opportunities that will equip students socially and intellectually for their future endeavors and prepare them to become

productive members of society.


Washington Academy students forge lifelong friendships with teens from across the street and across the globe.


Fast Facts | 6

Washington Academy 101200-plus years of history

locatIoN | 8

Discover Coastal MaineLobster boats, blueberry fields, and friendly skies

acaDemIcs | 12

Unique Classes • Top Teachers • Start College EarlyFrom Latin to Robotics, WA has something for every student

actIVItIes | 20

Sports, the Arts, & Moreit’s easy to get involved at WA—what’s hard is choosing from the endless opportunities

ResIDeNtIal lIFe | 28

Lounge Around • Play Outside • Take a Road TripStudents hang out in their large dorm rooms, learn English with their host families, and get to tour the East Coast

aPPlYING to Wa | 35

Application • Recommendations • Test Scores • Financial AidWA makes the application process as easy as possible

Since Washington Academy is located on the rocky coast of Maine, students can often catch a breath of fresh sea air between classes.

c o n t e n t s


By the NumBers

Nearly 90% of graduates go on to post-•secondary programs, college, or university

Washington Academy sits on 65 acres •with 9 major buildings

WA is 2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean•

Students provide over 500 hours of •community service each term

10 Advanced Placement and college •courses are offered on campus

Intensive English Immersion for 7, 8, and •9th graders

4-week Summer ESL •

100+ courses including Mandarin •Chinese, Robotics and Outdoor Leadership

15 staff and faculty members reside on •campus

Average SAT score is 1670-2140•

F a s t F a c t s


Washington Academy is a school that

embraces new adventure. Since

John Hancock, then the Governor

of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

signed the charter founding the school in

1792, WA has moved locations, construct-

ed new buildings, and opened its doors to

students from around the world.

In the beginning, classes were held in

Machias at the Burnham Tavern and the

Masonic Hall. It wasn’t until much later

that the school got its own building.

After deliberation between neighboring

towns, the first school building was built

in East Machias, opening its doors on

September 8, 1823.

Today Washington Academy welcomes

boys and girls, about 50% of each gender.

WA has over 350 day students and about

90 residential students—representing

more than 20 surrounding communities

and more than 15 countries. This makes

WA truly a global campus located in the

easternmost corner of the United States.

WA completed construction of a new

Arts and Music Center, a Health and

Wellness Center, and improvements in

athletic fields, classroom space, and digital

infrastructure in 2011. The school is also

strongly committed to being environmen-

tally responsible, and encouraging those

values across the entire community.

The school’s next adventure? Building

four new tennis courts and 5 kilometer

cross country trail so everyone can benefit

from outdoor recreational opportunities.

In addition, the Center for Science, Tech-

nology, Engineering and Math is growing

with the addition of a robotics lab and

engineering technology courses. WA has

introduced its Center for Dynamic Learn-

ing to compliment its Field School for

Studies in Science.

One thing that is the same as its early

days in the Burnham Tavern—Washington

Academy is here to enrich the minds of

students. Today, the students just happen to

come from all ends of the globe.

The original Academy Building at Washington Academy, pictured in the 1800s. It still stands today.

h i s t o r y

then and NowA lot has happened at Washington

Academy since 1792. Here are

just a few of the highlights.


E ast Machias embodies everything that

is great about small town America. It

is a rural environment where people

know their neighbors and look out for

each other. With one of the lowest crime

rates in the nation, Maine is a safe haven

for WA students.

“The close-knit community and

natural surroundings create a wonderful

atmosphere for students to grow both in-

tellectually as well as socially,” says Arlene

Porter, an alumna and the parent of a

current WA student. “There’s something

l o c a t i o n

Staying Close to the Earth

Peaceful, beautiful, clean.

What’s not to love?

Wa

corE

Va

luE THE INDIVIDUAL STUDENT

We know, respect, and support each student.


about this place that instills a sense of

wellness and trust.”

Being located in a rural area does not

mean the community is unaware of the

world. Washington Academy students

are exposed to local culture as well as

cultures from abroad. Here they attend

local events that celebrate Maine’s rich

Native American heritage, and even try

their hand at local industries such as

lobster fishing, clamming, and blueberry

harvesting. A quarter of the student

population comes from abroad, bringing

the colors and flavors of over 15 different

countries into the community.

“International students share their cul-

ture with us, but it’s also fun to bring them

home to show them our culture,” says

student Dewey Sheehan. “I had a South

Korean student over to my house and

cooked some clams. It was really cool!”

WA’s location impacts the educa-

tional opportunities, as teachers have an

entire outdoor classroom at their disposal.

From the rocky coastline to the river that

runs near the campus, there are so many

places where learning can become hands-

on, from analyzing seawater to calculating

the rate of the river’s current.

But the best part of WA’s unique

location might be the front-row seat

students have to view each of the four

seasons. In the summer, students swim in

the same water they skate on in the win-

ter. In the fall, students are surrounded

with the reds, yellows, and oranges of

the foliage and take frequent hikes on

the surrounding wilderness trails. The

location on the coast tempers the harsh

Staying Close to the Earth

“Washington academy was cut from the bedrock of these shores and hewn from the forest of this land. today it embraces the people, industry, land, and water of our region to teach young people the skills and leadership they will need to lead in our community, our nation, and throughout the world.” —Brian cates, Wa Board of trusteess


l o c a t i o n

Fall


Summer

the best part of Wa’s unique location might be the front-row seat students have to view each of the four seasons.

Maine winters a bit. Yet the area receives

enough snow for students to snow-

shoe, ice skate, sled, and take part in the

popular ski/snowboard club.

Staying close to the earth is also part

of Washington Academy’s Field School

for Studies in Science. The school is

continually seeking to bring energy

alternatives like solar power, biomass, and

wind power into the operation of the

school. Washington Academy even has

a bus that runs on biodiesel fuel, which

students produce in the school’s Biod-

iesel Production Program. What other

high school can brag about that?

Winter

Spring


A c A d e m i c s

Washington Academy’s learning formula starts with the

school’s accomplished faculty. Add 100 different courses

and an energetic student body and you get a thriving

academic environment where growth and discovery are part of

everyday life.

Something else that adds to each student’s success: Learn-

ing at WA is highly individualized. The Academy offers a variety

of courses at different difficulty levels so that everyone can

reach their potential—college and university classes along with

Advanced Placement (AP) courses for fast learners, a rigorous

and challenging core curriculum, and fundamental courses for

students who struggle a little more

than their peers.

Every WA class is led by an en-

thusiastic, caring teacher who is there

for one reason: to help each student

succeed. With an average class size of

15 students, every student receives

Small classes + Accomplished faculty =

Individualized attention

WA c

ore

VAlu

e DEDICATED AND DIVERSE FACULTY

We bring teachers and students together in relationships that challenge, inspire, and nurture each student’s intellect, confidence, and determination.

Nurturing the Mind


LearN eNgLish the fuN way

At Washington Academy, we have found students learn to speak English best through total immersion. Here are some of the things we do to make it easier. FUN LEARNING METHODS

Our highly-trained ESL teachers use films, games, and even the Internet to help you learn English quickly and naturally. While knowing how to pass the TOEFL and other tests are a top priority, we work hard to help you become able to think in English! When that happens, you’ll be able to communicate with comfort and ease.

ENGLISH-ONLY DORMS

We strongly encourage all students to speak only English in the dorms. Those who decide to keep the “English only” rule learn much faster!

SUMMER ESL SCHOOL

We encourage all new international students who are not fluent in English to join us in early August for our intensive 4-week language school. It’s an affordable way to get ahead quickly—without the pressure of classes. At summer school, you will also tour the area and meet some of your American classmates at evening social events.

INTENSIVE ESL FOR JUNIOR BOARDERS

At WA, we recognize that there are some students highly motivated to learn English quickly and at an American boarding school who are middle-school aged. The Center for Dynamic Learning introduces 7, 8, and 9th grade students to English through an intensive ESL program that leads them straight to WA’s High School curriculum.

“We have a lot of college classes, a lot of science and technology classes, and challenging core courses. We have a lot of classes, period!”—Nathan Weaver, student

“last year i took Advanced Placement calculus. even though it was my toughest subject, it was also my favorite.”—matthew Talbot, ‘12

individual attention, which studies show translates to faster

learning. “In my Robotics class I have six students,” says student

Torin Jones. “I like the small classes because you get to know the

teacher better, and you get more individual help.” Teachers stay

after classes to help students and the school also offers a tutoring

program.

WA’s Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

curriculum provides students with a progressive and dynamic

array of cutting edge courses that pave the way for entrance into


the competitive global arena. WA offers courses in literature,

science, and history, as well as courses often found only in college,

such as psychology, sociology, economics, and language studies in

Spanish, Chinese, Latin, and American Sign Language.

Fine Arts classes are also exciting courses at WA. Students are

challenged and stretched in film and video production, digital

photography, art, dance and music.

The Center for Dynamic Learning offers a junior academy in

Intensive ESL geared for the 7, 8, and 9th grade student, multi-

level, content-based high school ESL classes, and a Language and

Learning Laboratory for students with diverse needs.

An important ingredient to the learning mix are Wash-

ington Academy’s international students. Though most WA

students are from the U.S., classes at all levels are enriched by

students from countries like Spain, China, Bermuda, Germany,

and Japan. “It’s really nice having them here because you learn

so much,” says student Taylor Roos. “I can’t imagine going to

school anyplace else.”

A c A d e m i c s

“Teachers take an active role in supporting us at WA. . . by their example.”—Ben somes, student


ENGLISH & WRITINGWriting and Literature for •Freshmen, Sophomores, and JuniorsAP English Language and •CompositionSenior Writing and •American LiteratureAP English Literature•Creative Writing•College Writing•

HISTORYWorld History•Honors World History•Civics•U.S. History•AP U.S. History•AP European History•Holocaust Studies•

MATHEMATICSAlgebra 1 and 2•Honors and Accelerated •Algebra 1 and 2Statistics•Geometry, Honors •GeometryFunctions, Statistics, and •TrigonometryAccelerated Pre-Calculus•Discrete Mathematics•AP Calculus AB and BC•Engineering Technologies•Physics•Honors Physics•

SCIENCESBiology•AP and Honors Biology•Chemistry•Honors Chemistry•

Integrated Science•Honors Integrated •Science Coastal Ecology•Marine Science•Outdoor Leadership•Health•Physical Education•Personal Fitness•

LANGUAGES Spanish 1, 2 & 3•AP Spanish•Latin 1, 2 & 3•AP Latin•Chinese 1, 2 & 3•American Sign Language•ESL—Immersion, •Transition, University PrepIntensive ESL-Junior •boarders

FINE ARTSArt 1 & 2•Honors Art•AP Studio Art•Cultural Dance•

COMPUTERS Desktop Publishing•Quickbooks•Intro to Java•A+ Certification•

MUSICBeginner band•Band•Chorus•Jazz Band•Orchestra•AP Music Theory•Guitar•Steel Drums•

MEDIA ARTS Film and Video Production•Digital Photography•Advanced Digital •Photography

APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES

Health Occupations•Certified Nurse Assistant•Culinary Arts•Jobs for Maine’s •GraduatesMarine Technology•Marine Engines•Auto Technology•Computer-Assisted •Drafting & DesignIntro to Mechanical •TradesIntro to Carpentry•Engineering Technologies•Robotics•

List of soMe of our MaNy Courses

Celebrating 220 years of excellence in education

Bay Path College •Beal College •Binghamton University •Bob Jones University •Boston College •Boston University •Bowdoin College •Brandeis University •Bryant University •Bryn Mawr College •Carleton College•

Central St. Martins •College of Art & Design Colby College •College of St. Rose •Cornell College•Cornell University•Dalhousie University•Dartmouth College •Dean College •DePaul University •Dickenson College•

Drexel University •Eastern Maine •Community College Endicott College •Fisher College •Florida Technical School •George Washington •University Georgia Technical •InstituteGrossmont College •Husson University •Indiana University •Keystone Technical •Institute Maine Maritime •Academy Massachusetts Institute •of TechnologyMeredith College •Messiah College•Michigan State •UniversityMonmouth College •Mount Ida College •New Brunswick Bible •Institute New England College •New England School of •

CommunicationNew York University •Northeastern University •Northern Michigan •University Parson’s the New School •for Design Pierre’s School of •Cosmetology Purdue University•Rochester Institute of •Technology Roger Williams •University Rutgers Seneca College •Savannah College of Arts •and Design-SCADSkidmore College •Smith College•Southern Maine •Community CollegeSt. Lawrence University •St. Joseph’s College •Syracuse University•Temple University•Thomas College •Universal Technical •Institute University of Arizona•

University of Connecticut•University of Iowa•University of Illinois at •Urbana-ChampaignUniversity of Maine at •Augusta University of Maine at •Machias University of Maine at •Orono University of Maine at •Presque Isle University of Oregon •University of Southern •Maine University of Texas at •Austin University of Texas at •San Antonio University of Maine at •Farmington University of Vermont •Ursinus College •Vassar College•Washington County •Community College Western New England •College Wheaton College•

Some of the Universities Attended by Washington Academy Students Include:


s p e c i a l p r o g r a m s

Discover the power of

hands-on learning at WA.

Doing

Washington Academy is not an

ordinary high school. WA’s study

opportunities go beyond basic ac-

ademics to include concentration in field

studies in science that include marine sci-

ence, coastal ecology, outdoor leadership,

and applied training in boatbuilding, ma-

rine engines, automotive repair, culinary

arts, or nursing.

Marine TechnologyOne of the very few high school boat-

building programs in the United States,

WA’s Marine Vocational Technology

program is a tremendous opportunity for

students who are fascinated by computer-

aided design and hands-on learning.

With expert guidance, students are able

to design and build their own boats for

work or sport, then take the boat home

and launch it, all for just the cost of the

materials. In the second year of the pro-

gram, students also learn navigation skills

and cold-water survival techniques in the

waters of the Atlantic, just minutes from

the campus.

From building canoes, kayaks,

sailboats, and outboard lobster boats to

learning navigation and engine opera-

tions, this program allows students to live

their passion while completing their high

school degree. Many of the students in

the Marine Technology program use the

boats they build to work on the water

after graduation.

by Learn

Wa c

ore

Valu

e ProgreSSiVe cUlTUre

We promote curiosity, open-minded exploration, out-of-the-box critical thinking, while building on tradition and pride.


Field School For STUdieS in ScienceWashington Academy’s Field School

for Studies in Science teaches students

something vital to the world’s future—the

techniques required to study, respect and

preserve the environment through field

and marine studies. The Coastal Ecology

class doesn’t rely solely on books. National

Science Foundation award-winning teach-

er Don Sprangers takes his students out

from behind their desks and teaches from

nature. “We have worked on wetlands,

built a greenhouse, planted trees, released

salmon, and much more,” An Nguyen says.

It’s not surprising Coastal Ecology is one

of the most popular programs at WA.

cerTiFied nUrSe aSSiSTanT (cna)Washington Academy’s CNA program

teaches the basic nursing techniques and

skills students need for an entry-level job

in the healthcare field. It also gives career-

minded students valuable experience and

preparation when applying for college.

At the end of the year the students

take the state of Maine’s CNA exam, and

if they pass they are placed on the state

registry. Every Washington Academy CNA

student has passed the exam in the eight

years this program has been offered. But


s p e c i a l p r o g r a m s


Start CoLLege earLy

Motivated students can get a jump on college at Washington Academy in three ways. One is Advanced Placement (AP) classes. WA offers AP classes in English language and composition, English literature, Spanish, Latin, U.S. history, European history, calculus, biology, and art, allowing students to earn college credit before they graduate from high school.

Another way to get ahead is to take classes at the nearby University of Maine at Machias (UMM). Qualified WA juniors and seniors can take some of the core classes required of college freshmen. UMM accepts WA’s boarding students as Maine residents so they benefit from the in-state tuition rates.

Alumna Lacey Craven loved the public speaking course she took at UMM. “It was a great opportunity to experience college life and all I had to pay for were my books,” she says. “The UMM program is a good introduction to managing a syllabus and interacting with college kids while still having the safety of WA.”

Perhaps, the most exciting option is registering right on WA’s campus for Husson University courses, taught by those WA teachers with higher degrees. These courses are built right into the daily WA class schedule and made available for a small administrative cost to the student. Husson University courses happen right at WA, so students can still participate in all of WA’s many extracurricular activities.

the successes go beyond high test scores.

“I’m happy to say that I have had patients

call me to commend the care they have

received from my students,” says teacher

and school nurse Ruth Ann Preston. “It

means we’re doing things right.”

In addition, science students can partici-

pate in the Downeast Community Hospital

internship course, where they experience

firsthand the inner workings of a hospital

by shadowing medical professionals, either

during the school day or after school.

cUlinary arTSIn this program, students learn the basics

of food science, nutrition, and meal prep-

aration right in Washington Academy’s

own kitchen.

Students prepare for a career in the

culinary arts by studying food chemistry,

safety, preparation, design and presenta-

tion, and more. Culinary Arts students

also learn all aspects of operating a restau-

rant—including food purchasing, menu

planning, catering, marketing, customer

service—and even try their hand at food

photography.

career coMPUTer TechnologyVirtually every career today requires

computer skills. Washington Academy

offers students a wide range of computer

classes to give them a jump-start in any

field. Course offerings include program-

ming, tech support, desktop publishing,

and web design.


A t h l e t i c s


Athletes need to test their

limits. But there’s one

thing WA players and

fans have in unlimited

quantities: School Spirit.

Raider Spirit

Whether you are an athlete or a fan, nothing brings a school together like a sport-

ing event. Washington Academy is no exception. With 13 varsity sports, includ-

ing soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and swimming, games or meets go on

almost daily at WA. “We have enough sports teams for everyone in the school to play a

sport,” says student Manny Aretakis.

In recent years Raider cheering, soccer, volleyball, and basketball teams have won

state championships. We have had wrestling state champions, both male and female! The

WA c

ore

VAlu

e STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE

We challenge students to strive for their personal best in every pursuit, take risks and persevere.


A t h l e t i c s

WA SpoRtS

Baseball*•

Basketball•

Cheering•

CrossCountry•

Football•

Golf•

Soccer•

Softball**•

Swimming•

Tennis•

TrackandField•

Volleyball**•

Wrestling•

tennis team is extremely popular, with

upwards of 65 students vying for 25 spots

on the team. WA also offers club sports in

snowboarding and skiing. Clubs provide

a great way to have fun without the pres-

sure of intense competition.

Joining a team is also a great way to

make friends. “Coming in my freshman

year, the only person I knew at WA was

my older brother,” says Paige Sprague. “I

joined the soccer team and made a bunch

of new friends.”

Think there’s nothing to do in Maine

in the winter besides play in the snow?

Think again. This is basketball country.

“Our winter entertainment is to go to

basketball games,” says teacher Kaylee

Colbeth. “We like to watch the growth of

the students from game to game and year

to year.”

WA Raiders are known in the region

as tough competitors. “We can be friends

with our opponents before and after the

game,” says cheerleader Rebecca Whitney,

“but when it’s game time, we’re pretty

competitive.” Yet new students don’t have

to be a star athlete to play. Many sports

have a junior varsity squad, and the girls

and boys basketball programs each have a

freshman team, too.

Getting involved is easy. What’s hard is

trying to decide what sport to play!

“During games, raiders are definitely competitive! But we also know how to stay

friends after the game is over.” —rebecca Whitney, student

“i love playing volleyball and i love that i had a chance to play on WA’s state championship team!”—Kara Graham, student

*Boysonly

**Girlsonly

AllRaidersteams

offervarsity,JV,and

freshmanlevelsofplay.



f i n e a r t s , c l u b s & a c t i v i t i e s

Whatever the talent or

interest, there’s a place

for all students to

show their stuff.

“i like the individuality here at WA,”

says student Tai Hatch. “It’s so easy

to fit in.”

Washington Academy is definitely a

place where students can discover their

talents, find like-minded friends, and

be themselves. “I think having students

come from different towns and different

countries makes everyone more accept-

ing,” agrees fellow student Cassidy Cook.

“There are so many ways to get involved

here. I think it brings out the best in

everyone.”

Love to play sports? Washington Acad-

emy has 13 teams and clubs to choose

from. If math is your thing, WA has an

award-winning math team. What about

theater? The Washington Academy Players

Troupe is recognized regionally for their

one-act play performances. WA’s student-

Express Yourself


Wa c

ore

valu

e THE WHOLE PERSON

We believe that the complete development of each student requires intensive experiences in academics, athletics, arts, community life and the natural world.


f i n e a r t s , c l u b s & a c t i v i t i e s

“our daughter is an individual and as her parent i want her seen that way. at Washington

academy each student is recognized as an individual.”—amy Hodgdon, parent


run literary magazine, The Silver Quill,

was recently recognized nationally for the

quality of its writing.

The brand new Arts and Music Cen-

ter invites all students to showcase their

talents. With courses like studio art, film

and video production, digital photog-

raphy, and creative writing, students can

express their creativity in a multitude

of media. For those students who are

musically inclined, WA offers Advanced

Placement Music Theory, beginner band,

concert band, jazz band and orchestra as

well as chorus, plus courses in guitar and

steel drum lessons.

“If we have enough people who want

a class taught,” student Nick Raye says,

“the administration will find a teacher to

teach us.”

And what if Washington Academy

doesn’t have a club or activity that sparks a

student’s interest? No problem. Students at

WA create their own activities each year,

from knitting to snowshoeing to archery.

The experience of creating a club encour-

ages leadership and individual growth

while fostering communication and long-

lasting relationships with their peers. Most

importantly—it’s a lot of fun.

The international students bring their

own flair to WA. But you won’t find the

cliques here that you might see in mov-

ies or on television. WA students enjoy

meeting new people and bridging the gap

between differences.

clubs & activitiEs

MUSICChorus•

GuitarEnsemble•

JazzCombo•

JazzBand•

PepBand•

ConcertBand•

Tri-MNationalMusicHonor•Society

Countywide,District,and•All-StateFestivals

DRAMATheWAPlayers•

SetDesign•

StageManagers•

LightingandSoundTech•

Choreographers•

CostumeandMakeup•

WAFormalSpeakingProgram•

HANDS-ONYogaClub•

SkiClub•

Sailing•

Weightlifting•

ChessClub•

WRITTEN WORDCreativeWritingClub•

CommunicationsClub•

The Students’ Voice• (studentnewspaper)

Silver Quill• (literarymagazine)

ACADEMICScienceOutingClub•

MathHelp•

MathTeam•

ForeignLanguageClub•

AcademicDecathlon•

NationalHonorSociety•

TECHNOLOGYRoboticsClub•

VideoClub•

SOCIALPromCommittee•

Yearbook•

ARTSArtClub•

FiberArtsClub•

POLITICSStudentCouncil•

MISC.Envirothon•

InternationalClub•

StudentLibrarians•


r e s i d e n t i a l l i f e

There’s no place like home.

That’s why WA works hard

to make students feel like

they’re with family.

residential students have two options

when making Washington Academy

their home—living in a dormitory

or staying with a host family.

Most students live in the Academy’s

spacious dorms. The girls’ dorm, Cates

House, has room for 32 students. There

are two boys’ dorms: The Larson House

is home to 12 students and the new boys’

dorm houses 48. All of the dorms at WA

are bright, comfortable, and kept tidy by a

professional staff. Each dorm has wireless

internet. Dorm parents live in the dorms,

providing 24-hour supervision and sup-

port. All of our dorm parents are teachers,

so students have the chance to get to

know them in and out of the classroom.

Additional residential staff take students

shopping, to the doctor if needed, and

provide a listening ear. All students eat

breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the school

dining hall. Family-style meals can be

prepared in each dorm’s kitchen. The

Making WA Home

Wa C

ore

Valu

e THE WHOLE WORLD

We prepare students for successful and responsible global citizenship.


“Make friends with everybody. You may think you can’t get into a group,

but try. People are friendly here. they accept you easily.” —ove Hou, student



“My parents would have allowed me to go to any school

i wanted to go to, but they’re really glad i chose Wa.”

—Milos Gautier, ‘09

dorms also have lounge areas, storage, and

laundry rooms.

Each year a few WA students live with

a local host family. The host families are

carefully chosen. They are friendly and

eager to open their homes and lives to

WA students, sharing meals, going to the

movies, and taking family trips. Frequently

students and their host families stay in

touch long after graduation.

For students who are not native speak-

ers of English, dorm life gives plenty of

chances to practice English with their

housemates and gives international stu-

dents the unique chance to be immersed

in American culture every day.

Whether a student is coming from

Toledo or Tokyo, living away from home

can be a bit scary. But soon, Washington

Academy becomes home, too!

THE BEsT Way TO LEaRn EngLisH is By Living iTAt Washington Academy, we realize how

important it is that our ESL students

become comfortable with and proficient

in English, and the best place to learn

English is often outside the classroom.

WA’s Block Five Program keeps residen-

tial students happy, busy, and practicing the


English skills they need for university.

While WA offers excellent in-class

ESL instruction, studies show that using

English in real life settings is key to help-

ing students master a second language.

Studies also show that students learn best

when they’re taking part in an activity

they enjoy.

after school EnrichmentWashington Academy’s After School

Enrichment Program provides fun,

structured activities between 3:00 and

5:30 p.m. for all residential students. Each

quarter, students sign up for the programs

that interest them the most.

Students often learn a new skill in

these classes, such as Latin dancing or how

to play the dulcimer. Some involve volun-

teering in the community or even cheer-

ing on the school’s athletic teams. All

provide a fun way to unwind after school,

make new friends, and stay productive


through the afternoon.

In addition to their participation in

these classes, students document what they

learned through their choice of a journal

or presentation—giving them more op-

portunities to practice their all-important

English skills.

Community ExplorationLearning at WA doesn’t stop on the eve-

nings or weekends. Residential students

choose from a variety of community-

based activities to participate in each quar-

ter. Options might include visiting a local

museum, attending a community supper,

or cheering on the band and chorus at an

all-school concert.

Our international students depend

on us to introduce them to life in New

England, and WA takes that job seriously!

We offer a number of weekend excursions

each month to places like fairs and cultural

events, as well as movies and shopping.

Family style DinnersOnce a week, Washington Academy’s

school cafeteria looks more like a

restaurant—and students and faculty

even dress the part! During Family Style

Dinner, residential students sit at round

tables, complete with white tablecloths,

and enjoy a formal, culturally-themed

dinner with invited faculty and commu-

nity members.

Community members tell us they

thoroughly enjoy getting to know our

wonderful students from around the

world—and students love sharing their

culture.

Dorm advisorsStudents living away from home need

and deserve someone who cares about

how they’re doing. In addition to a stu-

dent’s academy advisor, each residential

student is assigned a dorm advisor to

check on their progress academically

and coach them in skills such as time

management. These adult mentors also

help students negotiate any challenges

they might have with friends, teachers,

or simply being homesick. Parents of

quiet students like being able to call their

child’s dorm advisor for a report on how

he or she is doing!


“it feels like home here. . . the school really takes care of us. My parents feel comfortable with the school, too.” —lilli, Germany


From day trips to weekend excursions, WA

students get a taste of the East Coast.

E x c u r s i o n s

Places we’ve been

Did you ever want to pack your bags

and see the world? WA students get

to indulge their adventurous side

most every weekend with our Student

Trips. Whether students are catching the

bus to the UMM fitness center or taking

a coach to Boston, WA students get plenty

of chances to get off campus and taste life

in greater New England.

Each year, Washington Academy

takes residential students on several day

and weekend trips throughout the state.

These include trips to local festivals and

landmarks, Acadia National Park, Bar

Harbor, and Atlantic Canada. To appeal to

the teenage shopaholic, the school offers

its special midnight trip to Freeport—

home of the flagship L.L. Bean store and

numerous outlets—and monthly trips to

the nearest shopping mecca, Bangor.

In the winter, students try their hand

at skiing and snowboarding with trips

to Sunday River, Hermon Mountain,

and the Camden Snow Bowl, as well

as a popular multiday trip to Sugarloaf

Ski Resort. Every year students have the

opportunity to spend a long weekend in

Boston, which includes campus visits to

the city’s many universities.

Sometimes the nicest trip you can take

is down the road to a friend’s house. Local

students often invite residential classmates

home for dinner for a taste of Down East

Maine. With so many locals in the lobster-

ing or blueberry industries, it can be a

delicious taste indeed.

explore More

Acadia National •Park

Boston•

New York City•

Lubec•

Eastport•

Washington D.C.•

Bangor•

Portland•

Sugarloaf •

Philadelphia•


n e x t s t e p s

APPLICATION

Complete and return the application with the nonrefundable $50 application fee and a photo of yourself.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Ask your teacher and counselor to fill out the recommendation forms and have them mail the forms directly to us.

TEST SCORES

Arrange to have your current school send us a copy of the following:

Current Transcript•Standardized Test Scores •English Proficiency Test Score, if applicable•

FINANCIAL AID

U.S. Applicants:Provide us with a copy of the previous year’s 1040 •tax form along with a WA Financial Aid application.Complete and return the School & Student Service •(SSS) form.

Non U.S. Applicants:Submit proof of income.•Submit a monthly bank statement of balances and •deposits.Complete the affidavit of annual cash support and •proof of financial capability form.

MAIL TO:

WA AdmissionsWashington Academy66 Cutler Road, P.O. Box 190East Machias, ME 04630 USA

Admissions CheckList


Get InvolvedAnd encourage your student to do the same. Involved students and parents are generally happy! Early involvement in clubs and activities gives students a sense of belonging and provides them with an avenue to make lifelong friends. Getting involved is a great way for parents to connect with each other, too.

Talk to TeachersTeachers are willing to help parents on a personal basis. All of our faculty’s email addresses are available on our website. They are ready and willing to talk to

any parent about their child’s progress in the classroom.

Keep Track of Your StudentWith the Academy’s student management system it’s easy for parents to stay in touch. Grades, attendance, and discipline are all entered into the program on a daily basis and are immediately available over a secure network with Internet access. Parents and students can be on the same page and “in the know” regarding homework, tests, attendance, and other issues regarding student life.

Make Friends With the Residential Life DirectorThe Residential Life Director is in tune with the daily lives of all of Washington Academy’s boarding students. It’s the director’s job to see that these students are involved in activities, participating in outings, and making WA home. Never hesitate to call or email the RLD!

TIPS FOR PARENTS CONTACT US:

Phone: +1.207.255.8301 Fax: +1.207.255.8303E-mail: [email protected]

Washington academyP.o. box 190

east machias, maine, usa 04630

207.255.8301

www.washingtonacademy.org

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