Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Wilbraham & Monson AcademyThe Global School®

Going Global in Grade 8 allows

us to extend the global mission of

the Academy – to develop global

citizens and leaders – into our

Middle School experience and

curriculum.

Enrolling International Students

in Grade 8 provides our Academy

an additional year to promote,

foster and build a greater level of

engagement for our students to

grow and develop into positive

and effective global leaders.

Connecting our Grade 8 International Students with our domestic Middle

School students creates opportunities for our local community to become

more engaged with the global mission of the Academy in the Middle School

years.

The connection between our Grade 8 International Students and our

local families will also create a wonderful opportunity for our International

Students to experience our American culture as a more intimate and more

family-centered experience.

Grade 8 Goes Global Middle School

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Welcome to Wilbraham!

Wilbraham & Monson AcademyThe town of Wilbraham, incorporated

in 1763, is located in Western

Massachusetts about 130 km due

west from Boston, Mass. and 240 km

northeast of New York City.

Wilbraham is about a two-hour drive

from Logan International Airport in

Boston, Mass. and a much shorter

40-minute drive from Bradley

International Airport outside of

Hartford, Conn.

Being so close to Boston and New

York places our school a short drive

from both metropolitan areas,

making the many offerings associated

with these cities – from great colleges

and universities, to museums and

historical sites – accessible to our

students.

We are also less than an hour away

from the Five College Area of

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

College, Hampshire College, Mount

Holyoke College and Smith College.

Our WMA campus occupies 300 acres

of what was formerly rich farmland

and wooded hillsides.

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A 200-year-old tradition, the Monson Bell is rung to commemorate important events at the Academy.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy was established by the merger of two early

nineteenth-century academies: Monson Academy, founded in 1804, in

Monson, Mass., and Wesleyan Academy,

founded in 1817 in New Market, N.H. Wesleyan

Academy moved to Wilbraham in 1825, and

became Wilbraham Academy in 1912.

Wilbraham Academy and Monson Academy

merged in 1971. A tradition of acceptance and

diversity dates back to the founding of the two

academies. Wesleyan Academy was the first

coeducational boarding school in the country,

and in 1847 Monson Academy became the first American school to enroll

Chinese students. Soon afterward, students from Thailand began to attend

Wilbraham Academy. Current enrollment includes students from more than

30 countries. Alumni Memorial Chapel was part of the Underground Railroad

and the Academy has enrolled students of color since before the Civil War.

WMA History with International StudentsMiddle SchoolWilbraham & Monson Academy

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Who are we?

For more than 200 years, Wilbraham & Monson Academy has been one step ahead of

our competitors, from the enrollment of our first international students in the early

1800s to our current Center for Entrepreneurial & Global Studies. Our mission is to

create global citizens and leaders. Are you ready to take on the world?

431 200 158 73 32 12Students Boarding Upper Middle Nations U.S. School School States Day

78 62% 50% 12-15 6:1

Teaching Hold Live on Average Student: Staff advanced campus class size faculty degrees ratio

O U R S T U D E N T S

O U R F A C U LT Y

Wilbraham & Monson Academy

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The primary educational philosophy that drives our Middle School program

is that learning is fun! Learning is an exciting and enriching lifelong endeavor.

We work to create engaging educational experiences that consistently motivate

our students to be active, involved learners eager to question and willing

to explore.

We also challenge our students to fully appreciate the privilege of being a

member of an educational community where by learning together and learning

with and from one another, students make those initial steps toward being a

contributing member in a global community.

Academic Philosophy Middle SchoolWilbraham & Monson Academy

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Academic Program

The WMA Middle School features an integrated curriculum, with each grade

concentrating on a learning theme. Technology is effectively integrated into

our curriculum with every student and every class using iPads and the

appropriate applications as the primary electronic device for disseminating

information, creating and submitting assignments, and correcting, grading and

assessing student performance.

Grade 6 Theme: Knowing One’s Past

Grade 7 Theme: Knowing One’s Self

Grade 8 Theme: Knowing One’s Community

Wilbraham & Monson Academy

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HuMAnITIeS Students build from the historical framework of the British

colonization of North America, the American Revolution, and the immigration

experience in North America to explore the concept of building a democratic

community.

MATH Offers two courses: one a Prentice-Hall pre-Algebra class, and the

second a Prentice-Hall Algebra 1 honors class.

ScIence Uses SEPUP curriculum, Issues, Evidence and You. Connects to the

issues and challenges involved with how science impacts the community level

with resource and waste

management, as well as

sustainability.

eSL Students will be enrolled

in an English as a Second

Language (ESL) class to

support the reading, writing

and content our students

produce in the classroom.

ArT Explores the theme of how a culture and a community can be understood

by the art they produce and value.

HeALTH & WeLLneSS Students explore and discuss being happy and

healthy, physically and emotionally, and working to be a contributing member

of a healthy community.

MuSIc Students choose an instrument from strings, percussion or keyboard

and work together to play and perform with one another, culminating in a

public performance at our Spring Concert.

PHySIcAL educATIon Classes meet twice each week for the entire

school year with the goal of involving students in regular physical activity

including a variety of lifelong sports.

Grade 8 curriculum Middle SchoolWilbraham & Monson Academy

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Charles D’Avazno

Middle School Director

Grade 6 Science

“Welcome to WMA Middle

School! We invite you to take

a close look at our program.

We are confident that you

will uncover and discover

a school, a program, and a

community that will walk

with you as you embark on

your journey to becoming a

global leader!”

Na-Young Weaver

Grade 8 Math

“Growing up in many

different cultures, I thought

I could never settle down in

one area. Working at WMA

has provided me with an

environment that is so

globally conscious that I

feel at home. My husband

graduated from WMA, and

has only positive comments

about his alma mater. I

am proud to be teaching at

such a great international

school.”

Meet the Faculty

Luke Pelletier

Grade 8 Science

“As a parent for three years

I was impressed with the

educational experience my son

received in the WMA Middle

School. After he moved into

the WMA Upper School, I had

the opportunity to become a

faculty member in the WMA

Middle School teaching

Science. Currently, as part

of the faculty, I have an even

greater appreciation for the

school and the educational

experience it is providing for

all families involved.”

Wilbraham & Monson Academy

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Alexandra Garrison

Class of 2018

“WMA became something

like a second home to me.

I’ve been attending WMA

since 6th grade and though

at first I was a little

intimidated, I quickly grew

to love this school. WMA

offers many opportunities

to try something new and

learn about different cultures.

When you attend the

Academy not only are you

coming to a great school but

you’re joining a family that

will look out for you and

support you.”

SooYoung Park

Class of 2018

“I enjoy being a student at

WMA, and I especially like

the after school program.

It helps me stay active

and I enjoy being with

other students outside of the

classroom making friends.

In many ways, it is often

my favorite part of the day.

Also, I like the classroom

atmosphere that encourages

me to ask questions. This

is The Global School®, so

students have an open mind

to international students.”

Meet the Students

Alivia Mountford

Class of 2019

“I came to WMA assuming

I would be challenged

academically, but I was

fascinated by the engaging

curriculum and supportive

teachers who motivated me

every step of the way.

I appreciate WMA’s athletic

program as well because it’s

an enjoyable way to stay

active, which makes WMA

a perfect fit for me.”

Middle SchoolWilbraham & Monson Academy

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy

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TYPiCAL Week DAY

7:30 – 8:00 AM

Breakfast in Lak Dining Hall

•

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Academic classes

•

12:00 PM

Lunch in Lak Dining Hall

•

3:00 – 3:30 PM

Check-in with dorm parent

•

3:30 – 5:00 PM

After school sports/activities

•

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Showers and downtime

•

6:00 – 7:00 PM

Dinner served family-style

in residence hall

•

7:00 – 8:30 PM

Study Hall with WMA

MS faculty/dorm parent

•

9:00 PM

Room check

•

9:30 PM

Lights out

Beyond the classroom Middle SchoolWilbraham & Monson AcademyFRiDAY eveNiNG

(in residence hall with all Middle School students invited)• 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Movies, dances, game nights, snack nights, etc.

SATuRDAY

• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Brunch in Lak Dining Hall

• 1:00 PM: Off-campus activity (Boston trips, hiking, beaches, etc.)

• 5:00 PM: Dinner in Lak Dining Hall or out

Evening schedule depends on when students arrive back from daytime activities.

SuNDAY

• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Brunch in Lak Dining Hall

• 1:00 – 5:00 PM: Local activity (apple picking, bowling, community service, etc.)

• 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Dinner family-style in residence hall

• 7:00 – 8:30 PM: Study hall

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy

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SPorTS

FALL WiNTeR SPRiNG

Boys’ Soccer Boys’ Basketball Boys’ Lacrosse

Girls’ Soccer Girls’ Basketball Life Sports

Lego Robotics Lego Robotics

VArSITy & JunIor VArSITy oPPorTunITIeS

FALL WiNTeR SPRiNG

Cross Country Dance Baseball

Dance Swimming Boys’ Volleyball

Field Hockey Theater Dance

Girls’ Volleyball Track & Field Golf

Theater Wrestling Lacrosse

Water Polo Yoga Softball

Tennis

Theater

Track & Field

Middle SchoolWilbraham & Monson Academy After School Sports & Activities

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy

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Technology at WMA

Every student is required to have an iPad. Each student

uses an iPad in conjunction with the Academy’s

white board technology, eBackpack and PowerSchool

to produce, depict, display, submit and retrieve work

assigned, collected and graded by the instructor.

Moving up Program

Grade 8 students spend time in November and December visiting Grade 9

classes and meeting Grade 9 faculty members and students to learn more about

the Upper School Program. Students will also meet with key Upper School

administrators to learn of additional opportunities that await them as an Upper

School student.

Middle SchoolWilbraham & Monson Academy

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy

connecting with our community

During mid-year school breaks, International Students will be placed in

Homestays with local WMA Middle School families.

These occur in early October, Thanksgiving Break and February Long

Weekend. Many of our regular weekend activities will involve connecting our

Middle School International Students with our domestic students and local

families on our weekend trips.

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WMA Titans hail from more than 30 countries

AngolaArmeniaAzerbaijanBahamasBangladeshBermudaCanadaChina

Costa Rica England France Germany Ireland ItalyJapanKazakhstanKorea

LithuaniaMexicoNigeriaRussiaSerbia Singapore Somaliland South Africa

TaiwanThailandTurkey USAUkraineVenezuelaVietnamU.S. Virgin Islands

423 Main Street • Wilbraham, MA 01095413.596.6811 • www.WMA.us • admission@WMA.us

Join our Global School!

Wilbraham & Monson AcademyThe Global School®

Visit our website at www.WMA.us/apply. Teacher recommendations and transcript request forms are also found here, under “application process.”

A P P LY O N L I N E

We also accept applications through SSAT at: www.ssat.org or The Association of Boarding Schools at

www.boardingschools.com/how-to-apply.aspx.

C O M M O N A P P L I C AT I O N

February 1 — Deadline for the following fallMarch 10 — Admission decisions are sent

Rolling admission begins April 11We will accept applications after the deadline as space allows.

A D M I S S I O N D E A D L I N E S

Wilbraham & Monson Academy423 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095Tel: 413.596.6811 • www.WMA.us • admission@WMA.us

o Parent Formo Student Resumeo Student Essayo Teacher Recommendationso Transcript Request Formo Standardized Test Scores Regional, state, or national tests are acceptable.

TOEFL or SSAT are preferred for international students.

o Interviewo Submit application fee ($75 domestic, $150 International)

A P P L I C AT I O N C H E C K L I S T

International students must provide:o Copy of Passporto Financial Verification

Wilbraham & Monson AcademyThe Global School®

August 25, Monday Fall trimester classes beginSeptember 1, Monday Labor Day (no classes)September 5-7, Friday-Sunday Closed weekendOctober 17-21, Friday-Tuesday Parents weekend/long weekendOctober 22, Wednesday Classes resumeNovember 21-23, Friday-Sunday Closed weekendNovember 25, Tuesday Fall vacation begins at 3:00 PM

FALL TRIMESTER

March 25, Wednesday Spring trimester classes beginMay 22-25, Friday-Monday Closed weekendMay 22, Friday Prize Day (Student attendance mandatory)May 23, Saturday Commencement (Student attendance mandatory)May 25, Monday Memorial Day (no classes)May 28, Thursday Last day of school (Middle School) – Closing Ceremony at 7:00 PM

in ChapelMay 29, Friday Last day of school (Upper School)

SPRING TRIMESTER

December 1, Monday Winter trimester classes beginDecember 12-14, Friday-Sunday Closed weekendDecember 19, Friday Winter vacation begins at 12:00 PMJanuary 6, Tuesday Classes resumeFebruary 5-9, Thursday-Monday Winter long weekend begins at 3:00 PMFebruary 10, Tuesday Classes resumeMarch 6, Friday Spring vacation begins at 12:00 PM

WINTER TRIMESTER

The Academy is in session on Columbus Day, Veterans Day,Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Presidents’ Day.

Please note:

Closed weekends • Boarding students must sleep on

campus each night • Does not affect domestic students

long weekends • Students have an extended weekend;

boarders may stay on campus or leave campus

• Students may not leave until after their last obligation

• Boarding students must return to campus at the end of long weekend between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM the day before classes resume

VaCations • Students may not leave until after

their last obligation • Boarding students must be out of

the dorms by 12:00 PM the day after vacation begins

• Boarding students must return to campus at the end of vacation between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM the day before classes resume

• Boarding students must leave campus for the following: fall, winter and spring vacations

All dates and times are subject to change.

Visit us online at www.WMA.us for the latest information.

2014-2015 ACADEMIC CALENDAR