Worcester Academy
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia, The Gardner News
Description of Worcester Academy
- Founded: in 1834
- Location: Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Age of students: 14-19 years
- Total number of students: 645 people (approximately 110 foreigners)
- Type of program: joint (mixed)
- Type of accommodation: residence (full board)
- Language of instruction: English.
Founded in 1834, the private boarding school Worcester Academy (Worcester Academy), one of the oldest in the US, accepts high school students for eduaction: in 9-12 grades they are prepared for successful admission to universities in the US, Europe and the world. Today, approximately 645 people study on the campus: about 20% of them are foreign students, and approximately 30% of the total live on a full board. Currently, Worcester Academy is divided into two divisions:
- Middle school (middle classes, 6-8 years)
- Upper school (senior 9-12 grades + preparation for the university).
At the time of its foundation, in 1834, the school was in a different location - in the town of Union Hill, where it is located and now, it moved in 1869. The flowering and the most active development are connected with the directorate of Dr. D.V. Abercrombie, a successful teacher, who for 36 years of his administration introduced a truly European, progressive and modern style of teaching to Worcester Academy, leaving the traditional American characteristics and subtleties.
The main goal of the institution is the harmonious, all-round development of the personality of each student. Students are taught to learn here: they instill in them a love of reading, a desire for self-education and self-development, encourage the disclosure of personal academic and creative potential, teach to think outside the box and creatively. Nurture and valuable personal qualities: nobility, honor and honesty, responsiveness, justice, tolerance, generosity. The school accepts students of any nationality, color and creed for eduaction - this is how student prepare for life in a modern multicultural world.
Worcester Academy has repeatedly become one of the best in the state and country (according to Boston Magazine) and is considered one of the most powerful schools with a mathematical bias. The graduates demonstrate excellent academic results that allow them to enter the most top national universities:
- Boston University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard
- MIT and others.
Qualified, experienced teachers work with the use of the most modern technologies and innovative techniques, and the personal curator for each student meets with him weekly - he follows the educational progress and keeps in touch with the student's parents.
Does graduating from a U.S. high school improve chances of getting into top U.S. universities, such as Ivy League schools?
Attending a U.S. high school doesn't necessarily enhance the quality of your application, but it can prepare you for the educational format in the U.S. For Ivy League admissions, a high GPA and proficiency in English are basic requirements. What makes an application stand out is a well-rounded, unique profile demonstrating potential to excel and contribute to the university's reputation.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Worcester Academy
Secondary school (grades 6-8)
The curriculum of this phase fully meets the requirements of the State of Massachusetts and the United States, is balanced and effective - it includes the following subjects and areas:
- English
- mathematics
- natural sciences (chemistry, physics, biology)
- social and humanitarian courses
- modern foreign languages ​​(several options to choose from).
In addition, students attend sports sections and creative interest clubs in order to develop harmoniously, to cultivate a comprehensive personality. For foreign students, a supportive language program ESL (English as a Second Language) is proposed, aimed at rapid and comprehensive improvement of all language skills and knowledge:
- Grammar
- Reading
- Auditing (listening comprehension)
- Vocabulary (active expansion of vocabulary)
- Written speech
- Oral speech (spoken English)
- Phonetics (correct pronunciation, accent correction)
- Improve communication skills.
Classes are conducted on weekdays, from Monday to Friday from 8:00 (on Thursday - from 8:55). Usually the school day is divided into 6 periods, but the schedule itself is flexible, "floating", which prevents students from getting tired and retains interest in studies. Every week, students attend from 20 lessons, each of which lasts 45 minutes.
The ratio of teachers to students is 1: 7, and no more than 15 students are enrolled in each class - this makes it possible to practice an individual, personal approach and give maximum attention to each student.
The cost of schooling for an academic year (2 semesters, includes accommodation and meals in full board) is:
- 5-day guesthouse = 53247 $
- 7-day guesthouse = 64417 $.
High school (grades 9-12)
This stage is more complicated: students simultaneously complete the course of secondary school education, preparing for exams, and at the same time are already beginning preparation for successful enrollment in the selected universities. In total, the school teaches over 40 training courses and courses, including 33 specialized programs and AP. The academic plan includes the following main areas:
- English
- modern foreign languages ​​(to choose from)
- theatrical and dramatic skills
- modern technologies and ICT
- humanitarian courses
- mathematics
- art
- natural Sciences.
Teachers closely follow not only academic successes, but also the psychoemotional state of their wards: this period is associated with great stresses, and therefore the school staff are trying in every way to alleviate the state of students, to help them in any issues, problems and difficulties. For example, for senior pupils special sessions are held to compose and conduct presentations (including self-presentation), compiling a resume, passing personal interviews - all this prepares students for comfortable enrollment in the university.
At the end of the 9-12 class program, students present to their classmates, teachers and parents a large research project, over which they work for a whole year - this is also a step towards a university teaching system where such work will be done continuously.
For foreign students, a supportive language program ESL (English as a Second Language) is proposed, aimed at rapid and comprehensive improvement of all language skills and knowledge:
- Grammar
- Reading
- Auditing (listening comprehension)
- Vocabulary (active expansion of vocabulary)
- Written speech
- Oral speech (spoken English)
- Phonetics (correct pronunciation, accent correction)
- Improve communication skills.
Classes are conducted on weekdays, from Monday to Friday from 8:00 (on Thursday - from 8:55). Usually the school day is divided into 6 periods, but the schedule itself is flexible, "floating", which prevents children from getting tired and retains interest in studies. Every week, students attend from 20 lessons, each of which lasts 45 minutes.
The ratio of teachers to students is 1: 7, and no more than 15 children are enrolled in each class - this makes it possible to practice an individual, personal approach and give maximum attention to each student.
The cost of schooling for an academic year (2 semesters, includes accommodation and meals in full board) is:
- 5-day guesthouse = 53247 $
- 7-day guesthouse = 64417 $.
Advanced Placement
An in-depth, more complex program that gives you the opportunity to earn extra points when enrolling in a university. As a rule, at the AP level, students choose for themselves the highest priority areas to increase their chances before the admission committee.
In total, Worcester Academy offers high-school students 33 subjects of increased complexity, including 18 AP-level programs - they cover all the main scientific areas:
- English
- English literature
- foreign languages ​​- classical and modern: Latin, Chinese, French, Spanish
- humanitarian sciences
- mathematics (at several levels)
- natural science courses
- art
- history.
Classes are conducted on weekdays, from Monday to Friday from 8:00 (on Thursday - from 8:55). Usually the school day is divided into 6 periods, but the schedule itself is flexible, "floating", which prevents children from getting tired and retains interest in studies. Every week, students attend from 20 lessons, each of which lasts 45 minutes.
The ratio of teachers to students is 1: 7, and no more than 15 children are enrolled in each class - this makes it possible to practice an individual, personal approach and give maximum attention to each student.
The cost of schooling for an academic year (2 semesters, includes accommodation and meals in full board) is:
- 5-day guesthouse = 53247 $
- 7-day guesthouse = 64417 $.
Preparing for SAT
A special course for students, which helps to prepare effectively for the passing of a complex academic test.
Much attention is paid to the full development of language knowledge and skills:
- Grammar
- Reading
- Auditing (listening comprehension)
- Vocabulary (active expansion of vocabulary)
- Written speech
- Oral speech (spoken English)
- Phonetics (correct pronunciation, accent correction)
- Improve communication skills.
Students practice a lot in abstracting, improve their academic and critical thinking skills, improve oral, colloquial and presentation skills.
This course is also presented by summer, vacation variant - SummerSATMath-with an emphasis on the study of algebra and geometry. The exact dates of the programs, as well as the cost, you can check with your manager.
Preparation for TOEFL
A very useful course - especially for international students: the TOEFL certificate is necessary for studying abroad in any school, college or university, is required when applying for a job and drawing up a long-term visa.
Professional, experienced teachers work on improving all the basic language competencies:
- Grammar
- Reading
- Auditing (listening comprehension)
- Vocabulary (active expansion of vocabulary)
- Written speech
- Oral speech (spoken English)
- Phonetics (correct pronunciation, accent correction)
- Improve communication skills.
Students practice on real materials from previous years: they get acquainted with the structure and characteristics of the exam, its typical pitfalls and difficulties, learn to correctly allocate their time and fill the gaps in knowledge, "pull up" their weaknesses.
The dates of the beginning and conduct of the courses, as well as the cost, you can check with your manager.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Students-boarders are accommodated in comfortable double rooms equipped with necessary furniture, appliances and lighting, including telephone and Internet access. In each house there are enough in number, common cozy living rooms for rest and communication (with TV), small kitchens with necessary appliances, laundry.
When resettlement takes into account the gender (boys and girls live separately), age and national: the entire campus is inhabited by representatives of more than 25 countries, and administrators try to complete the rooms as internationally as possible. Each student is "attributed" to a certain House - it's literally his family at the time of education: for example, every week there are traditional dinners for each of the families.
In addition (most often for secondary students, grades 6-8), the institution can arrange accommodation in a host family. These are respectable, friendly and law-abiding citizens, carefully selected and constantly checked by the school staff.
Subjects, specialties
Activities Worcester Academy
In extra-curricular hours, students are ready to receive more than 45 clubs and communities of interest, where everyone will find something to their liking and dozens of new like-minded people:
- Business and Investment Association
- mathematical club
- singing (solo)
- Yoga Club
- frisbee fan community
- theater and acting
- chorus
- ceramics and sculpture
- robotics and robotics
- orchestra
- choreography (several directions)
- costume design
- ethics and many others.
Students are strongly encouraged to do extracurricular activities - this is a special policy of "freedom under supervision": the student has enough freedom to realize their own desires and talents, and at the same time there is always a qualified teacher who is ready to help in any issues. Classes in clubs and circles help students to create their own Graduation Project (Graduation Project) at the end of the 12th grade - many stop at topics related to art, creativity and design.
Sports sections are also in demand - there are a lot of options for active recreation and physical development:
- Athletics
- run
- tennis
- basketball
- softball
- skiing
- football (American and European soccer)
- baseball
- hockey
- wrestling and martial arts
- volleyball
- lacrosse
- swimming
- golf.
Saturated and excursion program: trips to different cities of the state and country (New Hampshire, Boston, New York), full-day excursions to the huge amusement parks (Six Flags and others), special tours to colleges and universities that help determine with a place of further education.
Facilities and equipment at Worcester Academy
Worcester (or Worcester, as it is often called) is the second largest city in Massachusetts (after Boston) in terms of population. From the state capital, it is separated by 50 kilometers (about 45 minutes drive): it is often called the "City on the Seven Hills" or the "Heart of the Commonwealth". There are many interesting places and places to visit: students go on weekends to campuses of local colleges and universities, visit the Museum of Science (Exotarium) and the Worcester Museum of Art, walk in parks and on city streets.
The campus occupies more than 65 acres (over 26 hectares) - all the necessary facilities, infrastructure and equipment for the life and learning of students are perfectly equipped here:
- multifunctional sports complex
- pool
- basketball courts
- martial arts studio
- football fields
- track for running and track and field athletics
- modern scientific and technical laboratories
- 4 tennis courts
- fields for lacrosse
- huge common library
- field for hockey on the grass
- baseball courts
- handicraft workshops
- musical rehearsal classes
- studio drama and acting and their own scene
- classes for painting and fine arts
- Modern classrooms with the necessary equipment (including interactive)
- comfortable residential residences.
The main building on the territory is called Union Hill: it houses classes for classes, residential residences and sports facilities. In general, the architecture is very interesting, eclectic: some buildings were built more than 100 years, some were built quite recently, for example, in 2001.
Admission dates and extra charges
The cost of schooling for an academic year (2 semesters, includes accommodation and meals in full board) is:
- 5-day guesthouse = 53247 $
- 7-day guesthouse = 64417 $.
The indicated cost is not included and is paid additionally:
- Registration fee (non-refundable) = $ 125
- Examination Boards
- Deposit for tuition
- Additional academic and language classes (optional)
- Additional leisure activities and excursions (optional)
- Air tickets in both directions
- Transfer in both directions
- Mandatory medical insurance = from $ 10 / week
- Personal pocket expenses
- Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents = from $ 200
- Consular fee (paid at the Embassy) = approximately $ 160.
Extras:
- Registration fee (for a programme/course) 125 USD
- Medical insurance 10 USD
- Visa fees 200 USD
- Consular fee 160 USD
- Deposit for a course/programme 3710 USD
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
The school is not strictly selective, therefore it makes standard requirements for its applicants. However, talented, unique students are very appreciated here - you can significantly increase your chances of enrolling, giving all the available awards, certificates and regalia for any achievements (academic, sports, social, charitable, creative).
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Worcester Academy
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
