Cushing Academy, a school where young people can live on campus or come just for the day, for both young men and young women, offers a high school education and even an extra year for those looking for more preparation. This inviting educational spot is found about an hour's drive from Boston, tucked away in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. It's a place, you know, that really tries to make sure every student feels welcome and finds their footing, whether they are just starting their high school years or coming back for some extra study before college.
When you think about a school that puts its students first, Cushing Academy comes to mind, actually. The whole reason this place exists, as a matter of fact, is to help young people become curious about the world around them, to spark their creative thinking, and to build up their self-assurance, making them good at learning and ready to lead others. It's pretty much a daily focus for everyone involved, from the teachers to the staff, to make sure this mission is always at the forefront of what they do, in a way.
This school, as I was saying, has a long history of helping students get a really good education, all thanks to generous people who have given money over the years since it started back in 1865. Thomas Parkman Cushing, for instance, helped set the foundation for what the school is today. It's a place that offers schoolwork that makes you think, but also gives you lots of help, and it brings together students from many different backgrounds, which is kind of cool, really.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Cushing Academy a Special Place to Learn?
- How Does Cushing Academy Support Student Success?
- Cushing Academy's Dedication to Athletics and Student-Athletes
- What Kind of Community Awaits You at Cushing Academy?
- The Everyday Focus at Cushing Academy
- Becoming Part of the Cushing Academy Family
- Summer Experiences at Cushing Academy
- Getting Ready for Cushing Academy
What Makes Cushing Academy a Special Place to Learn?
Cushing Academy, as a matter of fact, is set up to help students truly grow, both in their studies and as people. It's a school that offers a challenging set of courses, but also provides a lot of care and encouragement along the way. The student body, you know, is quite varied, bringing together young people from many different places and walks of life. This really adds to the overall feel of the campus, allowing for lots of different viewpoints and experiences to be shared, which is pretty neat.
Beyond the books, this school has a wide range of sports for students to get involved with. There are, for instance, 19 different interscholastic sports. This includes popular activities like ice hockey and alpine skiing, which are quite a big deal in this part of the country. So, whether you like to hit the slopes or glide across the ice, there are chances to play and compete. It's about finding what you enjoy and getting active, which is something the school really tries to help with, as I was saying.
The campus life at Cushing Academy is also quite active and full of things to do. There are, for example, many sports teams, opportunities in the arts, and a variety of special events and activities that happen all the time. It's about creating a setting where students can find their interests and get involved outside of their regular classes. This means there's always something happening, which, you know, helps make the time spent here more interesting and memorable for everyone involved, pretty much.
How Does Cushing Academy Support Student Success?
The core belief at Cushing Academy, the one that truly shapes everything, is that the school exists for its students. This isn't just a nice phrase; it's the main idea that guides daily life there, actually. Every single thing that happens, every decision made, is done with the student at the very center. This focus means that the school is always working to give students the help they need to learn well and to find chances to grow as individuals. It's about making sure each young person feels seen and supported, which is kind of important, really.
The school's history, going all the way back to its founding in 1865, shows a long tradition of giving students a really good education. This has been made possible, in large part, by the gifts from people who believe in the school's mission. These donations, you know, have helped create a place where students can get an education that truly stands out. It's a testament to the community's belief in the value of what Cushing Academy offers, and it continues to shape the opportunities available to students today, in a way.
When it comes to getting into Cushing Academy, the admissions group is there to help you every step of the way. They want to make the process as smooth as possible for prospective students and their families. This means, basically, that you won't be left to figure things out on your own. They are there to answer questions, guide you through the paperwork, and help you understand what it means to become part of the school community. It's a supportive approach, which, you know, can make a big difference when you're thinking about a new school.
The Everyday Focus at Cushing Academy
The words that start the school's main statement are clear: Cushing Academy is here for students. This idea, you know, is what everyone at the school thinks about every day. It means that every young person is at the heart of everything the school does. This strong focus helps make sure students get the help they need to learn and to find chances to get better at things. It's about creating a place where students feel truly supported in their studies and in their personal development, which, you know, is pretty essential for a good school.
The curriculum, or the courses offered at Cushing Academy, are set up to be both challenging and helpful. Students get to work through subjects that make them think hard, but they also get lots of personal attention. This means teachers are there to help when things get tough and to celebrate successes, too. The campus life is also full of energy, with lots of sports, art activities, and special events. It's a busy place, but in a good way, offering many ways for students to learn and have fun outside of class, so it's almost like a second home for many.
Becoming Part of the Cushing Academy Family
The school is really happy to get applications from new students. This, you know, is the very first part of what they call an exciting path to becoming a "penguin." The "penguin" is a symbol for students at Cushing Academy, and it means you're joining a special group. They want to say thank you for thinking about Cushing Academy as your school. It's a big decision, and they appreciate that you are considering them. This initial step, you know, sets the stage for everything that comes next, and it's something they genuinely look forward to, in a way.
Once young people join Cushing Academy, they truly become a "penguin for life." This means they get to enjoy all the good things and help that comes with being part of the school's wider family. It's a community that stays with you, even after you've left the school grounds. This lasting connection, you know, offers ongoing support and a sense of belonging that can be quite valuable. It's not just about the time you spend there, but about the bonds you form and the network you become a part of for years to come, basically.
Cushing Academy is considered to be among the best private schools in Massachusetts. It ranks, for example, within the top 20% of all private schools in the state. This ranking, you know, gives an idea of the quality of education and experience students can expect. It means the school is recognized for its strong programs and its ability to help students succeed. So, when you choose Cushing Academy, you are choosing a place that is widely respected for what it offers, which is definitely something to consider, pretty much.
Cushing Academy's Dedication to Athletics and Student-Athletes
Cushing Academy has a lot to offer when it comes to sports. They have, for instance, 36 different teams across 13 different sports. What's really cool about this, you know, is that the people who coach these teams are also teachers, or they might be advisors, or even dorm parents. This means they know the students really well, not just as athletes, but as whole people. This connection helps them guide young people both on the field or court and in their school life, which is actually quite helpful for the students.
The school wants to show how Cushing Academy helps young athletes get ready for college and for life after school. They also want you to see the really good sports places they have and how you can watch games online. It's about more than just playing; it's about growing as a person and preparing for what's next. The facilities, you know, are designed to support serious training and competition, and being able to watch games live means families and friends can always be part of the action, no matter where they are, which is nice, really.
For example, the Cushing Academy baseball team plays in the Central New England Prep School Baseball League. They have, you know, a game schedule that includes playing against some of the best teams in New England. This means the students get to compete at a very good level, which helps them get better at their sport. It's a chance to test their skills against strong opponents and to experience competitive play, which, for many, is a big part of what they look for in a school, basically.
Then there's the Cushing Academy boys' ice hockey team. This program, you know, is known across the country for being really good. They are part of the NEPSAC Large School League and have a schedule that includes playing against other strong teams. This national recognition means the students on the team get to be part of something special and play at a very high level. It's a program that, you know, draws talented young players and helps them develop their abilities in a truly competitive setting, which is pretty exciting for those involved.
What Kind of Community Awaits You at Cushing Academy?
The experience of living and learning at Cushing Academy during the summer is, you know, a time for students to try new things. This includes both their schoolwork and their social life. They get to pick their own courses, activities, sports, trips, and events, which makes the summer truly their own. It's a chance to explore different interests and to make the most of their time there. This personalized approach, you know, helps students feel more connected to their learning and their summer adventures, in a way.
Living at a boarding school, even for the summer, gives students a chance to experience being on their own. They get to live on the school's really pretty campus in New England, alongside young people from all over the world. This means, you know, they learn to manage their own time and responsibilities, while also getting to meet and live with people from many different backgrounds. It's a unique opportunity to gain some independence and to build friendships with a global group of peers, which is quite an enriching experience, pretty much.
Summer Experiences at Cushing Academy
Cushing Summer is a period for fresh experiences, both in academics and in social situations, through your own chosen courses, activities, sports, outings, and happenings. You get to feel what it's like to live on your own at a boarding school, right there on the school's lovely New England grounds. You'll be with students from all corners of the globe, which, you know, really adds to the whole experience. It's a chance to step outside your usual routine and try something new, which is kind of what summer is all about, really.
Getting Ready for Cushing Academy
If you're a student who will be living in the dorms, you can send your dorm items to Cushing Academy. The address is Ashburnham, MA 01430. You can start sending these items after August 15th, and when you get to the school, you'll be able to pick them up. This makes it easier for students and families to get everything ready before arrival. It's a practical detail, but one that helps make the move-in process a little smoother, which, you know, can be a big help when you're getting settled in a new place.
For day students, there's a barbecue planned for August 26th. This is a chance for day students to get together and meet each other before classes really get going. It's a friendly way to start the school year and to build some connections. The school calendar, you know, has information about other upcoming school events, like when terms start and end, open days for visitors, and all the sports games. It's a good place to look for all the important dates and activities happening at Cushing Academy throughout the year, which is really useful, actually.
You can also find information about Cushing Academy's rankings for 2025, how much it costs to attend, how many students get accepted, and what other people have said about the school. This kind of information, you know, can help families make a more informed choice about whether the school is a good fit. It's about being able to see all the details in one place, which, for many, is a really important part of the decision-making process, basically.
For students coming from other countries, Cushing Academy has a special welcome time when they first arrive. This orientation is meant to help them get used to their new culture and the school environment. It's a way to make the transition easier, as they are moving to a new country and a new way of learning. This support, you know, helps international students feel more comfortable and ready to start their studies at Cushing Academy, which is pretty thoughtful, really.
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