My Boarding School Blog

The following are traditions that are handed down from class to class at some of the private schools around the country.

From Woodberry Forest School, Woodberry Forest, Virginia

Honor System – “When you first visit Woodberry, you may be surprised to find books, jackets, and scooters left around campus while their owners take care of other business. When the boys return, their items will still be there. That is because of our legendary honor system, which prohibits lying, cheating, and stealing. The honor system is not an empty pledge at Woodberry. It is a way of life and a means for educating students about what it means to be honorable men.”

From McCallie School, Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Origin of the Senior Leadership Name – “In 1907, following the trend of other prep schools, McCallie students and faculty created a number of nonsensical cheers. The most popular was: Keo, Kio, Sis, Boom Zee; Meo, Mio, Rah, Rah, Rea; Zipity, Zapaty, Zee, Zum, Zee; McCallie, McCallie, McCall-ee. This cheer was the inspiration behind the naming of the senior leadership organization Keo-Kio.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Here is a list of standardized tests that a student would encounter.

* PSAT The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test is the SAT’s little sibling. It is a somewhat easier, and thus less consequential, version of the SAT. You commonly take it during the fall of your Junior year in high school, some time in October. Many people take it in 10th grade as well, for practice. It will effect two things: which colleges send you brochures in the mail without your having to ask and whether you become a National Merit Scholar, an award that once guaranteed a scholarship but no longer does. There is a similar, but much less available, version of the ACT. Moral: Don’t sweat it.
* SAT The Scholastic Aptitude Test is the most feared test of any college-bound student. Most colleges require that you take either the SAT or the ACT in order to apply. But don’t worry so much! It just tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and high school math. Books, computer software, and courses are available to help maximize your score. Read the rest of this entry »

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