One comment that we often hear during interviews for new students is the speed of our admissions process: interview today, start tomorrow. Prospective parents and students come in expecting the typical lengthy application process, during which a school’s administration purports to determine whether or not the student is a good fit. I’d like you to consider a different approach.
Most students who apply to The Beekman School are coming to us from programs that have already been preparing them for a college education. Since core academic subjects in all such schools tend to be relatively standard, it’s understood that a student coming to Beekman is usually already at (or at least close to) grade level in a college preparatory program. We have found throughout our experience that we do not require an artificially prolonged process to determine that the student is ready to make the academic transition to our school. The only question is whether or not the student is ready.
When I interview students – which I do with all those who are exploring attending The Beekman School – I want to see that they are eager to be in school, and they are ready to start applying themselves to their courses. Everyone in that interview room knows the student is capable. We encourage all of our students to demonstrate the potential we believe they possess. It is this welcoming and empowering policy that makes Beekman unique!
Our accepting admissions policy has been central to the mission and values of our school since its founding nearly 100 years ago. Yet it would be incorrect to equate our straightforward admissions process with a lower level of standards. We readily acknowledge that not every student is ready to put forth the effort necessary to succeed, regardless of the encouragement and personalized support that we offer.
Each year there are students who are withdrawn before June, just as there are others who are not invited to return in September. We firmly believe in giving students the opportunity to prove themselves, to better themselves, and to build self-respect through their efforts. However, students must apply themselves or we won’t allow them to simply “fill a seat.” Our belief in a student’s right to try does not conflict with our exacting standards. If you don’t work, you don’t stay. It’s that simple. If you want to try, however, we are thrilled to welcome you and support you in that effort.