Layers of growth
Upper School
97.4% of current students agree or strongly agree that “teachers treat me with respect and encourage me to learn.”
DATA FROM 2022 NEASC REACCREDITATION SURVEY
“Every part of Watkinson is so collaborative. Here, we embrace everyone’s successes”
Nick G. ’24
Wesleyan University ’28
“Watkinson’s approach is holistic…it’s about coming into a wide range of competencies. ’”
Phoebe Milliken
Parent of two Watkinson graduates
“At Watkinson, we don’t have AP classes, because, in fact, we don’t think they’re rigorous enough.”
Dr. Jen O’Brien
Head of the Global Studies Program, Science Teacher
“By coming to Watkinson I was able to grow and not be nervous to try activities just because of my skin color... I learned that I was able to go into architecture, I was more confident in my art.”
Ryheem M. ’19
NYU ’23
“Students know they have a voice; they bring their own ideas to the table, and they might come up with something a teacher hasn’t thought of yet.”
English and History Electives
Connected to our work on our five-year Strategic Plan, specifically to deepen our educational program to engage and address all learners in an equitable way, Watkinson has re-crafted its slate of English and History electives. See our Course Catalog for a full list of offerings.
Interdisciplinary 9th- & 10th-Grade Humanities
Students experience interdisciplinary instruction in World Studies: European Imperialism and American Studies: We the People. Both courses center on humanity’s need for stories and storytelling, while considering the broad arc and impact of European Imperialism, and the question: “Who are ‘We the People,’ and who and what defines us?"
“The teacher/student relationships here feel more even and equal...it gives us confidence.”
Owen R. '25
Authentic student-led challenge
“The conference clearly wanted someone to present who was a math professor, but, as a student used to being taken seriously at Watkinson, I sent back an email explaining who I was and that I would be happy to present.”
10th-Grade Exhibitions
A year-long process in which students become collectors, evaluators, and exhibitors of their own 9th and 10th grade work in writing, applying the research method, problem-solving, and collaboration. Students receive one-on-one coaching throughout and present their findings to an audience for feedback and commendation.
Graduation Speakers
Unlike other graduations, ours puts the student at the center by having no VIP speaker. Rather, we invite our students — as many as want to — to speak or perform. Last year, 20 graduating seniors took center stage to speak on topics as diverse as their own experiences, personalities, and future trajectories.
Come see for yourself
“I don’t mind being challenged. I want to be challenged. I mind being bored.”
Watkinson tenth grader