2. Wilbraham & Monson Academy
The Global School®
Going Global in Grade 8 allows
us to extend the global mission of
the Academy – to develop global
citizens and leaders – into our
Middle School experience and
curriculum.
Enrolling International Students
in Grade 8 provides our Academy
an additional year to promote,
foster and build a greater level of
engagement for our students to
grow and develop into positive
and effective global leaders.
3. Connecting our Grade 8 International Students with our domestic Middle
School students creates opportunities for our local community to become
more engaged with the global mission of the Academy in the Middle School
years.
The connection between our Grade 8 International Students and our
local families will also create a wonderful opportunity for our International
Students to experience our American culture as a more intimate and more
family-centered experience.
Grade 8 Goes Global Middle School
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4. Welcometo
Wilbraham!
Wilbraham & Monson Academy
The town of Wilbraham, incorporated
in 1763, is located in Western
Massachusetts about 130 km due
west from Boston, Mass. and 240 km
northeast of New York City.
Wilbraham is about a two-hour drive
from Logan International Airport in
Boston, Mass. and a much shorter
40-minute drive from Bradley
International Airport outside of
Hartford, Conn.
Being so close to Boston and New
York places our school a short drive
from both metropolitan areas,
making the many offerings associated
with these cities – from great colleges
and universities, to museums and
historical sites – accessible to our
students.
We are also less than an hour away
from the Five College Area of
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
College, Hampshire College, Mount
Holyoke College and Smith College.
Our WMA campus occupies 300 acres
of what was formerly rich farmland
and wooded hillsides.
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A 200-year-old tradition, the Monson Bell is rung to commemorate
important events at the Academy.
5. Wilbraham & Monson Academy was established by the merger of two early
nineteenth-century academies: Monson Academy, founded in 1804, in
Monson, Mass., and Wesleyan Academy,
founded in 1817 in New Market, N.H. Wesleyan
Academy moved to Wilbraham in 1825, and
became Wilbraham Academy in 1912.
Wilbraham Academy and Monson Academy
merged in 1971. A tradition of acceptance and
diversity dates back to the founding of the two
academies. Wesleyan Academy was the first
coeducational boarding school in the country,
and in 1847 Monson Academy became the first American school to enroll
Chinese students. Soon afterward, students from Thailand began to attend
Wilbraham Academy. Current enrollment includes students from more than
30 countries. Alumni Memorial Chapel was part of the Underground Railroad
and the Academy has enrolled students of color since before the Civil War.
WMA History with International StudentsMiddle School
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6. Who are we?
For more than 200 years, Wilbraham & Monson Academy has been one step ahead of
our competitors, from the enrollment of our first international students in the early
1800s to our current Center for Entrepreneurial & Global Studies. Our mission is to
create global citizens and leaders. Are you ready to take on the world?
431 200 158 73 32 12
Students Boarding Upper Middle Nations U.S.
School School States
Day
78 62% 50% 12-15 6:1
Teaching Hold Live on Average Student:
Staff advanced campus class size faculty
degrees ratio
O U R S T U D E N T S
O U R FA C U LT Y
Wilbraham & Monson Academy
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7. The primary educational philosophy that drives our Middle School program
is that learning is fun! Learning is an exciting and enriching lifelong endeavor.
We work to create engaging educational experiences that consistently motivate
our students to be active, involved learners eager to question and willing
to explore.
We also challenge our students to fully appreciate the privilege of being a
member of an educational community where by learning together and learning
with and from one another, students make those initial steps toward being a
contributing member in a global community.
Academic Philosophy Middle School
5
8. Academic Program
The WMA Middle School features an integrated curriculum, with each grade
concentrating on a learning theme. Technology is effectively integrated into
our curriculum with every student and every class using iPads and the
appropriate applications as the primary electronic device for disseminating
information, creating and submitting assignments, and correcting, grading and
assessing student performance.
Grade 6 Theme: Knowing One’s Past
Grade 7 Theme: Knowing One’s Self
Grade 8 Theme: Knowing One’s Community
Wilbraham & Monson Academy
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9. Humanities Students build from the historical framework of the British
colonization of North America, the American Revolution, and the immigration
experience in North America to explore the concept of building a democratic
community.
Math Offers two courses: one a Prentice-Hall pre-Algebra class, and the
second a Prentice-Hall Algebra 1 honors class.
Science Uses SEPUP curriculum, Issues, Evidence and You. Connects to the
issues and challenges involved with how science impacts the community level
with resource and waste
management, as well as
sustainability.
ESL Students will be enrolled
in an English as a Second
Language (ESL) class to
support the reading, writing
and content our students
produce in the classroom.
Art Explores the theme of how a culture and a community can be understood
by the art they produce and value.
Health & Wellness Students explore and discuss being happy and
healthy, physically and emotionally, and working to be a contributing member
of a healthy community.
Music Students choose an instrument from strings, percussion or keyboard
and work together to play and perform with one another, culminating in a
public performance at our Spring Concert.
Physical Education Classes meet twice each week for the entire
school year with the goal of involving students in regular physical activity
including a variety of lifelong sports.
Grade 8 Curriculum Middle School
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10. Charles D’Avazno
Middle School Director
Grade 6 Science
“Welcome to WMA Middle
School! We invite you to take
a close look at our program.
We are confident that you
will uncover and discover
a school, a program, and a
community that will walk
with you as you embark on
your journey to becoming a
global leader!”
Na-Young Weaver
Grade 8 Math
“Growing up in many
different cultures, I thought
I could never settle down in
one area. Working at WMA
has provided me with an
environment that is so
globally conscious that I
feel at home. My husband
graduated from WMA, and
has only positive comments
about his alma mater. I
am proud to be teaching at
such a great international
school.”
Meet the Faculty
Luke Pelletier
Grade 8 Science
“As a parent for three years
I was impressed with the
educational experience my son
received in the WMA Middle
School. After he moved into
the WMA Upper School, I had
the opportunity to become a
faculty member in the WMA
Middle School teaching
Science. Currently, as part
of the faculty, I have an even
greater appreciation for the
school and the educational
experience it is providing for
all families involved.”
Wilbraham & Monson Academy
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11. Alexandra Garrison
Class of 2018
“WMA became something
like a second home to me.
I’ve been attending WMA
since 6th grade and though
at first I was a little
intimidated, I quickly grew
to love this school. WMA
offers many opportunities
to try something new and
learn about different cultures.
When you attend the
Academy not only are you
coming to a great school but
you’re joining a family that
will look out for you and
support you.”
SooYoung Park
Class of 2018
“I enjoy being a student at
WMA, and I especially like
the after school program.
It helps me stay active
and I enjoy being with
other students outside of the
classroom making friends.
In many ways, it is often
my favorite part of the day.
Also, I like the classroom
atmosphere that encourages
me to ask questions. This
is The Global School®
, so
students have an open mind
to international students.”
Meet the Students
Alivia Mountford
Class of 2019
“I came to WMA assuming
I would be challenged
academically, but I was
fascinated by the engaging
curriculum and supportive
teachers who motivated me
every step of the way.
I appreciate WMA’s athletic
program as well because it’s
an enjoyable way to stay
active, which makes WMA
a perfect fit for me.”
Middle School
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12. Wilbraham & Monson Academy
10
Typical Week Day
7:30 – 8:00 AM
Breakfast in Lak Dining Hall
•
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Academic classes
•
12:00 PM
Lunch in Lak Dining Hall
•
3:00 – 3:30 PM
Check-in with dorm parent
•
3:30 – 5:00 PM
After school sports/activities
•
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Showers and downtime
•
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Dinner served family-style
in residence hall
•
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Study Hall with WMA
MS faculty/dorm parent
•
9:00 PM
Room check
•
9:30 PM
Lights out
13. Beyond the Classroom Middle School
Friday evening
(in residence hall with all Middle School students invited)
• 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Movies, dances, game nights, snack nights, etc.
Saturday
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Brunch in Lak Dining Hall
• 1:00 PM: Off-campus activity (Boston trips, hiking, beaches, etc.)
• 5:00 PM: Dinner in Lak Dining Hall or out
Evening schedule depends on when students arrive back from
daytime activities.
Sunday
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Brunch in Lak Dining Hall
• 1:00 – 5:00 PM: Local activity
(apple picking, bowling, community service, etc.)
• 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Dinner family-style in residence hall
• 7:00 – 8:30 PM: Study hall
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15. Sports
Fall Winter Spring
Boys’ Soccer Boys’ Basketball Boys’ Lacrosse
Girls’ Soccer Girls’ Basketball Life Sports
Lego Robotics Lego Robotics
Varsity Junior Varsity Opportunities
Fall Winter Spring
Cross Country Dance Baseball
Dance Swimming Boys’ Volleyball
Field Hockey Theater Dance
Girls’ Volleyball Track Field Golf
Theater Wrestling Lacrosse
Water Polo Yoga Softball
Tennis
Theater
Track Field
Middle SchoolAfter School Sports Activities
13
17. Technology at WMA
Every student is required to have an iPad. Each student
uses an iPad in conjunction with the Academy’s
white board technology, eBackpack and PowerSchool
to produce, depict, display, submit and retrieve work
assigned, collected and graded by the instructor.
Moving Up Program
Grade 8 students spend time in November and December visiting Grade 9
classes and meeting Grade 9 faculty members and students to learn more about
the Upper School Program. Students will also meet with key Upper School
administrators to learn of additional opportunities that await them as an Upper
School student.
Middle School
15
18. Wilbraham Monson Academy
Connecting with our Community
During mid-year school breaks, International Students will be placed in
Homestays with local WMA Middle School families.
These occur in early October, Thanksgiving Break and February Long
Weekend. Many of our regular weekend activities will involve connecting our
Middle School International Students with our domestic students and local
families on our weekend trips.
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19. WMA Titans
hail from
more than
30 countries
Angola
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Bermuda
Canada
China
Costa Rica
England
France
Germany
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Lithuania
Mexico
Nigeria
Russia
Serbia
Singapore
Somaliland
South Africa
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
USA
Ukraine
Venezuela
Vietnam
U.S. Virgin Islands
423 Main Street • Wilbraham, MA 01095
413.596.6811 • www.WMA.us • admission@WMA.us
Join our Global School!
20. Wilbraham Monson AcademyThe Global School®
Visit our website at www.WMA.us/apply. Teacher recommendations and
transcript request forms are also found here, under “application process.”
A P P LY O N L I N E
We also accept applications through SSAT at: www.ssat.org
or The Association of Boarding Schools at
www.boardingschools.com/how-to-apply.aspx.
C O M M O N A P P L I C AT I O N
February 1 — Deadline for the following fall
March 10 — Admission decisions are sent
Rolling admission begins April 11
We will accept applications after the deadline as space allows.
A D M I S S I O N D E A D L I N E S
Wilbraham Monson Academy
423 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095
Tel: 413.596.6811 • www.WMA.us • admission@WMA.us
o Parent Form
o Student Resume
o Student Essay
o Teacher Recommendations
o Transcript Request Form
o Standardized Test Scores
Regional, state, or national tests are acceptable.
TOEFL or SSAT are preferred for international students.
o Interview
o Submit application fee
($75 domestic, $150 International)
A P P L I C AT I O N C H E C K L I S T
International students
must provide:
o Copy of Passport
o Financial Verification
21. Wilbraham Monson AcademyThe Global School®
August 25, Monday Fall trimester classes begin
September 1, Monday Labor Day (no classes)
September 5-7, Friday-Sunday Closed weekend
October 17-21, Friday-Tuesday Parents weekend/long weekend
October 22, Wednesday Classes resume
November 21-23, Friday-Sunday Closed weekend
November 25, Tuesday Fall vacation begins at 3:00 PM
FALL TRIMESTER
March 25, Wednesday Spring trimester classes begin
May 22-25, Friday-Monday Closed weekend
May 22, Friday Prize Day (Student attendance
mandatory)
May 23, Saturday Commencement (Student attendance
mandatory)
May 25, Monday Memorial Day (no classes)
May 28, Thursday Last day of school (Middle School)
– Closing Ceremony at 7:00 PM
in Chapel
May 29, Friday Last day of school (Upper School)
SPRING TRIMESTER
December 1, Monday Winter trimester classes begin
December 12-14, Friday-Sunday Closed weekend
December 19, Friday Winter vacation begins at 12:00 PM
January 6, Tuesday Classes resume
February 5-9, Thursday-Monday Winter long weekend begins
at 3:00 PM
February 10, Tuesday Classes resume
March 6, Friday Spring vacation begins at 12:00 PM
WINTER TRIMESTER
The Academy is in session on Columbus Day,Veterans Day,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Presidents’ Day.
Please note:
Closed weekends
• Boarding students must sleep on
campus each night
• Does not affect domestic students
Long weekends
• Students have an extended weekend;
boarders may stay on campus or
leave campus
• Students may not leave until after
their last obligation
• Boarding students must return to
campus at the end of long weekend
between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM the
day before classes resume
Vacations
• Students may not leave until after
their last obligation
• Boarding students must be out of
the dorms by 12:00 PM the day
after vacation begins
• Boarding students must return
to campus at the end of vacation
between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM the
day before classes resume
• Boarding students must leave
campus for the following: fall, winter
and spring vacations
All dates and times are subject
to change.
Visit us online at www.WMA.us
for the latest information.
2014-2015 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
