Saturday morning we hosted the second round of potential applicants for a scheduled "open house." For most of these forty kids and their families, this is the first visit to Proctor, so we start with an introductory talk in which Chris Bartlett provides an overview of the curriculum, experiential programs, school mission, philosophy and values. Next, we divide them into nine groups, introduce them to student tour guides, and give them an hour to explore academic and athletic facilities, dormitories, studios and shops.




Of course, school is in session, so there are opportunities to meet and chat with teachers and busy students.






During his introductory remarks, Chris spoke of the continuum of experiential modes of teaching and learning here, a reality that was proved moments later when Lindsay Brown's algebra 1 class emerged to demonstrate their understanding of line graphs on an X/Y axis as she shouts out various equations.




The highlight of the program is an unscripted student panel at which visitors lob out questions and different students volunteer responses based on specific experiences (such as Ocean Classroom, or participation in Learning Skills.)





It's an impressive and surprisingly emotional event, as students try to express the transformational nature of the Proctor experience, the sense of social integration they felt on arrival, the commitment of teachers to student success, the lack of stigma attached to tutorial support.




Visitors come away having been immersed in a culture and community that is consistent in every direction. It doesn't matter where you look; you see the same thing. Perhaps, when some of these students return for a formal admission visit, they can witness the spirit and pride we saw at last night's hockey game!