Stoneleigh-Burnham School
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Stoneleigh-Burnham School
The main tasks of teaching in a junior school are the comprehensive development of the personality, the development of a craving for knowledge and the desire to receive education. Girls learn to combine different disciplines of their curriculum, to find among them connections and patterns, which greatly increases the quality and effectiveness of teaching.
Academic day often begins with lessons in the humanities and natural sciences, after lunch classes of foreign languages and creativity are offered. In the classrooms, students are up to 15:30 - evening time is free for extra-curricular activities and electives, sports and creativity, doing homework and recreation.
The curriculum includes:
- Humanitarian sciences
- Music
- Natural Sciences
- Dancing
- Mathematics
- Political science
- Theater and drama
- Foreign languages (French, Spanish or Chinese to choose from).
You can also do athletics, take part in a school choir or orchestra.
In the senior classes special attention is paid to active learning of foreign languages, including English: children learn to read texts carefully and make them, critically reason, fully and correctly express their thoughts, to master the basic principles of literary composition. For foreign students, it is possible to attend additional ESL courses (English as a Second Language), which will help them to quickly bring their language level in line with the level of school requirements. For the study of the English language and social sciences all materials, books and manuals are offered in several variants - regardless of your language level, you will find the right one for yourself.
Learning a foreign language (Spanish, French or Chinese) helps not only to raise the level of knowledge, but also to introduce girls to other countries and cultures, to better understand the features of international relations. For each language, there are several manuals and textbooks designed for different levels of students (both for beginners and experienced students), as well as interesting interactive courses that can be passed in a modern computer class. Mandatory foreign language course lasts 3-4 years.
Students also study history (USA and the world). To the exact sciences is a fairly large list of disciplines:
- Functions
- Algebra
- General Mathematics
- Geometry.
Among the natural sciences, there are courses of chemistry, physiology, biology and anatomy.
Also senior pupils should attend at least two electives on art. Usually choose the fine or theatrical direction, but you can master pottery, digital photography, design and even Photoshop.
Description of Stoneleigh-Burnham School
- Founded: in 1896
- Location: Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA
- Total number of students: 154 people (of which 35% foreign students)
- Type of study: separate (only for girls)
- Students age: 12 to 18.
Founded in 1896, the famous private school of Stoneleigh-Burnham School is the result of the merger of five women's American schools in Massachusetts. Today, its campus is located in the Pioneer Valley, Greenfield: the road to Boston will take approximately 2 hours, and to New York - 3.5 hours.
At the Stoneleigh-Burnham School, students and graduates demonstrate excellent academic results, 100% of former schoolgirls go to selected American universities and colleges, even from the most prestigious and ranking ones. The number of school graduates has exceeded 7,000: they successfully work in the state and academic spheres all over the world, work in science and art, engage in professional sports or finance. The slogan and credo of the school is the saying Veritas Supra Omnia - "Truth above all".
Here, girls are given the opportunity to fully reveal their talents, abilities and personal qualities, to achieve success in academic, sports and creative life, to develop physically and spiritually.
Educational process
Most faculty members hold advanced degrees higher than a bachelor's and actively pursue professional development.
Families receive six official academic progress reports per year: mid-trimester reports include course descriptions, individual comments, and grades. End-of-trimester reports include course descriptions and grades. Grades are based on a variety of assessments including essays, projects, and tests. Faculty and advisors are available for conferences in the fall and spring, as well as by appointment.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses are available for students who need additional language support. The school offers Academic Support and a Learning Center Program with a fee-based, non-credit Learning Skills course without letter grades, evening guided study hall for boarding students, supervised study hall, extra help during office hours, peer-to-peer tutoring, Math Skills, and Student Accommodations. Neuroeducational and neuropsychological evaluations are conducted, Learning Profiles are developed, and IEP and 504 plans are accommodated.
The College Counseling office supports students from grades 9 through 12 with weekly college search meetings, resume and interview workshops, essay guidance, and meetings with college representatives through campus visits and college fairs. Individual meetings begin in grade 11 to personalize the search, and grade 12 students start working in August to prepare applications.
Performing arts provide an integrated academic and extracurricular experience: students take at least two trimesters of arts classes per year. The science program emphasizes curiosity and STEM skills, mathematics focuses on inductive and deductive reasoning, and language studies highlight the connection between language, culture, and identity. The Middle School program is based on Association of Middle Level Education principles and Dr. JoAnn Deak's girls' self-assessment methodology. The Middle School has eliminated letter grades in favor of formative assessment and self-evaluation.
IB written examinations are administered in May of grade 12 and graded by external examiners. Coursework, laboratory work, oral exams, and projects are also completed throughout grades 11 and 12.
At Stoneleigh-Burnham School, girls lead every classroom discussion.
Faculties and colleges
The academic structure of Stoneleigh-Burnham School includes the following levels and programs:
- Middle School (grades 7–8),
- Upper School (grades 9–12) — a traditional four-year program requiring a minimum of 20 academic credits for graduation,
- Postgraduate (PG) year — an additional year of university preparation after completing grade 12,
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program — a two-year course for grades 11–12 with six subject groups: Language A (English), Language B (French, Spanish), Individuals and Societies (History), Sciences (Environmental Systems & Societies), Mathematics, Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Dance). Students may choose the full diploma, individual IB courses, or courses without examination,
- EEV Center (Empowerment, Ethical Global Citizenship, and Voice) — an interdisciplinary center for leadership and global citizenship development,
- Wingspan Program — a May microterm with project-based learning in STEM, arts, entrepreneurship, and local/global studies,
- Emerson Scholars — a faculty-guided original research program focused on school history,
- Summer programs: Bonnie Castle Riding Camp, Horsemanship Day Camp, Volleyball Preseason Camp.
Scientific achievements
Stoneleigh-Burnham School has a rich history of achievements and recognition:
- 23 students competed in the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships, representing the school in England, South Africa, Australia, and Canada,
- The equestrian team won the IEA National Championship in 2001,
- The softball team became the New England Champion in 2000 and was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame,
- The Equestrian Wall of Fame was established in 2010, and the Athletic Hall of Fame was created in 2012 to honor outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams,
- The Distinguished Alumna Award was established in 2010 for graduates who have excelled in professional, intellectual, or community service,
- The Emerson Medal was created for the school's 150th anniversary to honor Susan Mabel Hood Emerson, who saved Mary A. Burnham School in 1938,
- The Distinguished Young Alumna Award was first presented in 2019 for outstanding contributions to a chosen field or to the school's development,
- The Ferdon Award is presented to a graduate for exceptional leadership within the Stoneleigh-Burnham community.
Things to know about
- The EEV Center (Empowerment, Ethical Global Citizenship, and Voice) was launched, drawing on the school's 155-year history,
- The Owl's Nest podcast is sponsored by the school's Literary Society and produced by Technology Director Vincent Bonilla,
- The Middle School program was established in 2004.
University destinations
Stoneleigh-Burnham School graduates enter leading universities in the United States and abroad. Graduate enrollment information reflects data from the past five years.
- Drew University,
- Thunderbird School of Global Management,
- Boston University,
- University of Massachusetts Medical School,
- Carleton College,
- American University,
- University of Vermont,
- Champlain College,
- Carnegie Mellon University,
- UNC Chapel Hill.
Accommodation, meals, prices
More than half of the Stoneleigh-Burnham School faculty live on campus and serve as residence counselors and coaches, providing round-the-clock adult presence and student support. Residences are located on campus, allowing girls to live in a safe and supportive environment near academic buildings and athletic facilities.
Dining services are provided on campus and accommodate diverse dietary needs.
Subjects and sports
Activities Stoneleigh-Burnham School
At Stoneleigh-Burnham School, girls lead every athletic team and every club.
Stoneleigh-Burnham School has a large number of study groups, sections and studios:
- Pottery,
- Debates,
- Design,
- Dance (choreography),
- Digital photography,
- Mastery of Photoshop,
- The Literary community,
- The Rock Band,
- Dramatic and theatrical skill,
- Public organizations and associations and much more.
- Music, 3D design, animation, and sculpture,
- Debate and public speaking: the Debate Society brings together students in grades 7–12. Participants compete through the New England Independent School Debate Association (DANEIS),
- Middle School Chorus — a vocal ensemble open to all middle school students,
- Upper School Chorus and Octet — upper school vocal ensembles. Octet membership is determined by audition,
- Rock Band — a group for middle and upper school students performing six or more times per year,
- Big Band — a traditional and jazz instrument ensemble performing at all concerts,
- Chamber Music — chamber ensembles for students with instrumental experience,
- Dance Performance Project (DPP) — a student-led choreographic ensemble,
- A set design course for the winter musical Once Upon a Mattress.
Popular among pupils and playing sports - the physical development of the pupils is put on the same level as the moral and academic:
- Cross-country skiing,
- Basketball,
- Basketball,
- Cycling,
- Lacrosse,
- Sports and entertainment games and equipment,
- Dancing,
- Golf,
- Volleyball,
- Tennis,
- Soccer,
- Ballet,
- Horse riding.
The school hosts Halloween Celebrations with a Senior Haunted House, Pep Rally, Fall Team Night Celebration, Fall Formal Dinner, and National Honor Society induction. The Minerva publication is produced. A summer session in public speaking and debate is offered for students in grades 7–12.
Advantages
- IB World School authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program,
- First girls' school and the only girls' boarding school in New England to offer the IB Diploma Program,
- Student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1 with an average class size of 10,
- Students from 13 U.S. states and 12 countries,
- Performing arts program offers daily classes,
- Partnership with the International Coalition of Girls' Schools (ICGS) for exchanges with other girls' schools.
Facilities and equipment at Stoneleigh-Burnham School
The Stoneleigh-Burnham School campus spans 100 acres. The grounds include academic buildings, an art gallery, and specialized facilities for creative and athletic pursuits.
An Equestrian Center with 30 horses is located on campus and is available to students through the riding program and open house tours. Performing arts facilities include spaces for dance, music, and theater. The art gallery and art studios are equipped for ceramics, sculpture, drawing, painting, animation, and weaving.
Admission dates and extra charges
TRIMESTER DATES AND ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
The cost of the program includes full board accommodation and meals. The price includes:
- Studying on the program;
- Accommodation and meals (full board);
- Registration fee;
- English language courses;
- Medical insurance.
Enrolment process
Accepted foreign students receive an I-20 form. New students arrive on campus and participate in orientation events before classes begin.
Perspectives
Stoneleigh-Burnham School graduates build successful careers in medicine, business, architecture, and technology. Alumni include:
- NASA systems engineers,
- Biotech CEOs,
- Architecture professors,
- Paralympic athletes,
- Government department leaders,
- Actors,
- Chefs,
- Poets.
The IB diploma is accepted by universities outside the United States, particularly in Europe. The IB program is the preferred curriculum for many higher education institutions.
The IB program develops research skills, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary analysis.
IB program graduates earn both an IB diploma and a Stoneleigh-Burnham School diploma upon completing all requirements of both programs.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
- Transcripts and recommendations from math and English teachers are required,
- An interview with the admissions committee is required, either on campus or online,
- All students whose native language is not English must submit official English proficiency test results. TOEFL and Duolingo English Test are accepted,
- Documents and conditions for an I-20 form: the signed enrollment agreement, tuition deposit, completed I-20 verification form, and a copy of the passport photo page,
- All students are eligible to participate in the IB Diploma Program without exception.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Stoneleigh-Burnham School
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |