Brewster Academy: Program Content

In this two-hour per day major course selection you will build your English (writing/reading), or math, or ESL skills. This will either give you a jump-start for your fall classes or help you catch up. You may earn credit equal to a whole school year! You’ll probably learn more in six weeks than you thought possible. Most do.

... and two other enrichment courses:

Don’t expect to be sitting in your classroom chairs all summer. No “stand and deliver” boring lectures from the front of the room. You will be very active, creating your own education by doing. You will see that learning can be intensive and fun.

Hands-on science

In science, you will probably get wet and maybe a little dirty while conducting field research on Lake Winnipesaukee and other sites of ecological interest near Brewster.

Digital Creativity

In computer graphics and video class, you will be deeply immersed – from start to finish – in the creative process. Using the latest, powerful Macintosh computers you’ll be combining art and design. What kind of design do you want to put on your own DVD jacket? You choose. Want to make it in Hollywood? You’ll get your chance when you

write, act in, edit, and produce your own digitally created movie.

Adventure Recreation

You’re on a rock face, suspended halfway between solid ground and the safety of the top. Your instructor is guiding your decision-making and your friends are cheering you on and belaying you.

What matters most at that moment?

Well, a lot of things – grit, determination, and strength for starters. But just as important are preparation, training, safety procedures, equipment, and back-up.

It’s just like life...

and this is practice.

Now, add to these elements – teamwork, diligence, planning, and initiative and you have the keys to a happy and successful life.

While having more fun in school than you may think possible, you will learn how to approach challenges with care and intelligence, not only in rock climbing, but also in a variety of other activities. You will kayak on crystal-clear New England lakes and rivers and at the Atlantic Ocean; paddle a canoe and tame exciting white water on the Androscoggin River; hike, backpack, plunge into an ice-cold pool, and camp in the White Mountains; and we’ll give you a chance to develop and demonstrate your creative side in our studio arts program. Of course, we play field and court sports and go to the beach and visit Boston, too.

Just for the fun of it.

Community Living

Everyone participates in recreation, games, and social activities in the evening. On three nights per week there are fitness, wellness, and court sports activities in our spectacular athletics facility, the Smith Center. This $8.5 million facility boasts the only indoor turf surface at any high school in the country, a 200-meter track, and an array of free weights, Body Masters, and cardiovascular equipment in the glass-walled fitness area overlooking the lake and mountains.

Most dorms are small, housing 10 - 17 kids, distributed by age and gender. They live in double rooms (mostly) and are overseen by a friendly, experienced staff of adults who live right in the dorms, mentor the study halls, teach adventure skills, and arrange and monitor free time in town and at our life-guarded, sandy beach.