Middlesex School

Academics: Extremely rigorous but collaborative. With a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, the school utilizes small, Socratic-style classes. It is particularly known for its strong Writing Workshop and a robust STEM curriculum, bolstered by recent state-of-the-art facility upgrades.
Arts: The school has a "deep commitment" to the arts, requiring courses for all juniors and sophomores. The theatre program is a standout, and the 18,000 sq. ft. arts center provides professional-level space for music and visual arts.
Athletics: Participation is a core value; students are required to engage in multiple seasons of physical activity. While competitive in the ISL, the focus is on developing "well-rounded" individuals rather than just elite specialists.
Social Life: The campus is built around "The Circle," fostering a tight-knit community. A signature feature is the Mindfulness Program, which helps students manage the high-pressure environment of an elite prep school.

Middlesex School is a boarding high school with a century of history. I have visited the school, and it offers a rich variety of arts and sports programs. Both humanities and sciences are strong, with humanities being particularly outstanding.

School Features
1. Emphasis on Writing: The school places a high emphasis on writing, with demanding requirements and numerous assignments in English and history classes. Through weekly writing assignments, interactive plenary sessions, and one-on-one feedback, students learn how to construct well-built paragraphs that form the foundation of eloquent, organized essays.
2. Chapel Talks for Seniors: 12th-grade students can apply to give Chapel Talks, sharing their learning and life experiences with peers, while also gaining information and support from various sources.
3. Strong Academics: Academics are very rigorous, with 2-3 hours of homework daily. The school offers a diverse range of academic courses covering literature, science, history, art, and other fields.
4. STEM Focus: The STEM department is dedicated to cultivating students' abilities to investigate and solve 21st-century problems. Students can earn a certificate for completing problem-solving, reasoning, and technological experience (ExPRT) through department-designated ExPRT courses or approved extracurricular programs or competitions.
6. Preference for Middle School Graduates: The school tends to prefer admitting students who have completed middle school in the US, making the application process quite competitive.

Middlesex School, located in Concord, Massachusetts, is a top-tier private boarding school. Since its establishment in 1901, the school has been dedicated to providing a holistic educational environment, fostering future leaders with a global perspective, critical thinking skills, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
The school's curriculum encompasses traditional subjects, AP courses, and interdisciplinary research projects, with a particular emphasis on inquiry-based learning. It stimulates students' curiosity through discussions, research, and practical activities.
Small class sizes ensure that each student receives ample attention. Teachers act as mentors both in and out of the classroom, helping students overcome challenges, and providing personalized tutoring to meet diverse learning needs.
Regarding extracurricular activities, arts, music, and drama are supported by advanced facilities and technology, enabling students' creative expression. Sports offerings balance competitiveness with individual interests, providing a wide range of choices.
In terms of social service and a global perspective, the school cultivates students' global citizenship through systematic courses and programs, focusing on guiding students to participate in practical activities and deepen their sense of social responsibility.

Founded in 1901, most campus buildings are centered around 'The Circle', a grassy area at the heart of the campus. For 9th graders, mobile phone usage is quite strictly regulated; on weekdays, they typically only have half an hour to use their phones at 10 PM. The school's five core values are honesty, respect, kindness, gratitude, and courage. Everyone participates in extracurricular life, joining thriving arts programs (including one-third of the entire school performing in vocal, instrumental, or theatrical groups), providing opportunities for everyone from beginners to advanced artists; similarly, every student participates in sports, and Middlesex offers ample room for development for both elite athletes and newcomers to team sports. Any student wishing to study a course not specifically offered in the curriculum guide may apply to the Academic Office, and upon approval, will undertake a one-semester independent study. The Middlesex English curriculum is challenging, with high writing requirements and its own writing standards. A writing workshop, a weekly seminar designed to help students master expository writing, is also offered to 10th graders. To foster global awareness, the school takes students on study tours to other countries and regions for practical learning.