The White Mountain School
Overview

Set among the beautiful mountains of northern New Hampshire, The White Mountain School is a college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12. Since our founding in 1886, we have remained true to the original focus of New England boarding schools: the development of mind, body and spirit. We develop the mind through our college preparatory curriculum and through a campus-wide ethos of inquiry and engagement in learning. We develop the body through sports and other physical activities, making full use of our spectacular natural setting. We develop the spirit through reflection, exploration of meaning and purpose, and service in the broader world. In the context of a traditional liberal arts curriculum, we engage students in authentic inquiry– asking and pursuing questions that matter to them. This inquiry process not only leads to enduring learning, it helps students develop the skills and habits essential for academic success. Our students learn how to frame a question, how to find and evaluate research resources, how to synthesize information, and how to formulate an argument. They develop habits of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. In short, they become great learners.

Academics
Summary: The White Mountain School has a traditional college preparatory curriculum. However, it is the intellectual engagement and development of the student that is our ultimate focus. Every class is an opportunity to practice the skills, virtues and habits of mind necessary for success in the 21st century. Within each discipline we offer a range of courses from introductory-level to Advanced Placement, Honors, or student-designed independent studies. But whether a class is labeled as history, science, world languages or visual arts, it serves to further The White Mountain School’s focus on curiosity, critical thinking and communication. Curiosity- We work to nurture our students’ curiosity. We ask them to identify and examine phenomena that spark big questions. Our curriculum serves to guide and inspire students in discovering their passions. Critical Thinking- Because we encourage students to pose their own questions, we also teach them to identify and ask the right questions. We seek to instill an inquisitive spirit, one that challenges assumptions and dares always to ask the most important questions of all: “Why?” and “How do I know?” Communication- The ability to communicate well, to speak and write with clarity and grace, is and will remain a skill essential for success in schools, colleges, the workplace and the civic arena. Responsible and effective communication is practiced and honed with every discipline and subject area, whether through participation in discussions, essay writing or the creation and delivery of presentations.
Department Director Michael Peller
Student/Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Average Class Size: 10
Summer Programs: Offered
Full Time Teachers: 24
Number of AP Courses Offered: 8
Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 59%
Number of IB Courses Offered: 0
English
- Creative Writing
- Honors
- Literature
- Poetry
History
- European History
- Honors
- United States History
- World History
Foreign Languages
Religion / Philosophy
- Ethics
- Moral Philosophy
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Social Justice
- World Religions
Humanities / Social Sciences
- Economics
Sciences
- Anatomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Physics
- Physiology
Math
Computer Studies
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
Music
- Individual Instructions
- Music History
- Music Theory
- Recording
- Voice
Performing / Visual Arts
Special Programs
- Community Service
- Independent Study
- Leadership
- Outdoor Education
Distinctive or New Programs
- L
Campus Life
Dorm Life
Number of Dorms: 4
Average Students Per Dorm: 23
Number of Girls Dorms: 2
Number of Boys Dorms: 2
Dorm Amenities
- Laundry Facilities
- Lounge
- Wireless Internet
Other Dorm Amenities
Student Life
On weekends, faculty offer a range of activities that students can sign up for. Activities include outdoor outings such as moonlight hikes, ski trips or mountain bike riding; shopping trips to outlet centers, Burlington, or the local towns; art excursions to movies, plays, and art exhibits; campus sponsored cultural events, cookie baking in faculty kitchens and games etc.
Facilities
- Basketball Court
- Fitness Center
- Indoor Climbing Wall
- Technology Center
- Soccer Field
- Dance Studio
- Weight Room
- Athletic Fields
- Cross Country Trails
Other Facilities
Clubs & Organizations
- Astronomy Club
- Chess Club
- Community Service
- Diversity Club
- Dorm Proctors
- Environmental Club
- Foreign Language Clubs
- Gardening Club
- International Club
- Literary Magazine
- National Honor Society
- Peer Tutoring
- Photography Club
- Sexualities Club
- Student Activities
- Student Government
- Theater Club
- Yearbook
Arts & Athletics
Summary: With the idea that ‘everyone plays’, all students are required to participate in afternoon activities each of the three seasons. Our extracurricular options are diverse and range from Community Service, Farm and Forest and theater to Lacrosse, Rock Climbing, and Cycling.
Arts Department Director: Rachel VanWylen
Athletics Department Director: Nate Snow
Arts
Interscholastic Sports
- Basketball
- Cross Country Running
- Freestyle Skiing
- Lacrosse
- Mountain Biking
- Nordic Skiing
- Nordic Ski Racing
- Rock Climbing
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
Recreational Sports
- Alpine Skiing
- Alpine Ski Racing
- Canoeing
- Cross Country Running
- Dance
- Freestyle Skiing
- Hiking
- Ice Climbing
- Kayaking
- Lacrosse
- Mountain Biking
- Nordic Skiing
- Outdoor Education
- Rock Climbing
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
Graduates
Summary: Our college counseling program mirrors the rest of our school program in its respect for each student's interests, talents, and values. We strive to help students ask questions and find answers that will lead them to meaningful post-secondary experiences.
College Information
Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%
Middle Percentile of SAT Scores | Reading | Math | Writing |
---|---|---|---|
25th percentile | |||
75th percentile |
College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:
Vital Information
Student Body Type: Coed
Total Boarding: 107
Total Day: 30
Total Enrollment: 137
Boys: 76
Girls: 61
Boarding Grades Offered: 9-12
Day Grades Offered: 9-12
School Type: High School
Dress Code: Casual
Applications Accepted: SAO
Application Deadline: Rolling
Tuition & Financial Aid
7-Day Boarding: $61,400
5-Day Boarding: N/A
Day Tuition Fee: $31,980
Need-Based Aid: Offered
Payment Plans: Offered
Students Receiving Aid: 48%
Average Awarded: $41,224
School Finances
Merit Scholarships: Not Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %
Average Merit Scholarship: $
Current Endowment Amount: $2,139,926
Contact
Director of Admissions: Julie Bradley
Admissions Phone: 603 444 2928 x219
Fax: 603 444 5568
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.whitemountain.org







