This school articulated its mission with uncommon clarity approximately fifty years ago. Over time, as the Proctor brand becomes increasingly better known and appreciated, we experience both increases in applications for admission and a growing percentage of applicants who are admissible (by which I mean "meeting the criteria for being admitted, in terms of existing skills, attitude, motivation, etc.)



That notion is--itself--a reflection of the uniqueness of the mission: our goal is to attract students who will flourish in Proctor's unique blend of services and methodologies.

 

On March 10, we sent letters of admission to approximately 200 applicants. That's a good number! This week, on Tuesday and Friday, 100 of those students and their families are revisiting to see the school in action, experience assembly, attend panels, meet students and teachers, taste the food and soak up the ambience of the community.
 

We know from experience that most of these folks will choose to attend Proctor. People who revisit have more than passing interest in the school.



Tuesday's visitors were treated to a glorious spring day. While the visiting student attends classes, parents choose teachers representing different departments in an exercise jokingly modeled after "speed dating."

 

Assembly featured the usual mix of spontaneous hilarity and purposeful announcements. The steel band performed a tune learned during our recent Project Period.

 

Following assembly and a snack break, all visitors linger at the auditorium for a student panel at which any question is fielded by several students. This is a powerful event, as Proctor school pride comes through loud and clear. "What is the best thing about the school?" prompted these replies: "The faculty." "Relationships." "I love my teachers."

"What is the worst thing about the school?" Answer: "The lack of time to do everything."

 

Following lunch, the gym is transformed into an activities and programs fair, with students and teachers staffing topical tables. This "open architecture" allows visitors to pursue their own interests, thereby customizing their Proctor experience, (a metaphor for each student's path here!)

 

For example, these Ocean Classroom veterans describe their experiences to visitors at an "Off Campus Programs" table.

 

These students will tell you about Proctor in Spain, Costa Rica, European Arts Classroom, Mountain Classroom and/or Ocean Classroom.

 

Later in the afternoon, visitors depart and we get back to our normal business. Friday, we'll do it again!