June (2014)
6/29/2014
All Good Things
6/23/2014
Penultimate Post
6/15/2014
Envisioning Greatness
6/2/2014
The Proctor Difference
May (2014)
5/1/2014
Ties That Bind
April (2014)
4/11/2014
Cary House Remembered
March (2014)
3/25/2014
George's Gift
3/14/2014
Pick Yourself
February (2014)
2/23/2014
Letter from Mike: On Being Remarkable
2/9/2014
Trustees and Volunteers
December (2013)
12/27/2013
Holiday Card
12/4/2013
Good Causes
12/2/2013
Frozen Assets
November (2013)
11/16/2013
Sally B.
11/10/2013
End Game
11/6/2013
Have Fun, Learn, and Work Hard
11/2/2013
Seasons of Change
October (2013)
10/29/2013
Process of Affirmation
10/6/2013
The Notion of Stewardship
September (2013)
9/21/2013
Self Study
Essential Distinctions
3/10/2007

Notifications of admission went out this morning to more than 100 applicants. This page, which is recycled from a previous year, addresses some of the qualities that make Proctor a distinct option.

With policies created by the faculty instead of administration, Proctor evolved as a fiercely independent, almost iconoclastic school. It features so many distinct uniquenesses--off-campus programs, land use management, experiential classroom styles, 20 small dormitories, open forum assemblies, etc.--that it's a challenge to convey it all to families first exploring the school as an option.

One outcome of this phenomenon is a special kind of diversity: we attract very different students for very different reasons. This week's page focusses on two unique qualities. Elevating positive attitude in admission screening, we actively seek academic diversity (within a population we consider "college bound" in terms of aptitude.)

This academic non-elitism is possible because of structured support systems that benefit everyone. If you seek extra help, you may be rewarded with a better effort grade. Thousands os spontaneous electronic memos called "NTAs" notify whole support teams when teachers feel the need to communicate concerns or good news. The point is that regardless of your previous achievement, or your SSAT score, you're on a level playing field here, and it's safe to take the risk of really trying.

The other essential distinction is the informal and relatively egalitarian social ethos of the community. Students who would really benefit from traditional master/student relationships and hierarchic seniority systems will have no trouble finding such schools, but Proctor is very different from these.

It's hard to know the significance of almost-daily whole school assemblies at which anyone may speak, but they certainly shape the human component, setting the tone...establishing expectations for respect, and honoring individuality. Here's some of the chaos before the start of assembly:

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The ultimate distinction, the social ethos of Proctor, must be experienced. Happily, it's easy to pick up when you visit.
If you would benefit from a tutor, we can do that.
It's not a test to see who will succeed and fail. The issue is your success as an individual. This is ninth grade science.
Social norms, such as honoring differences of perspective and experience, are reinforced through frequent, open, whole school meetings.
A remarkably large number of alumni return to teach at Proctor.
With lots of communnication and structured support, it is safe to try hard. This is a place where effective effort counts.
And your personal success is not measured against others'. It's yours.