Advisory Program


Our advisory program ensures that each student has a home base throughout the academic year. Each advisor has on average eight student advisees, so they can get to know them well and stay informed about each student's progress in order to best support them. The advisor is also the first person to whom parents can turn when they have questions.

A student meets with his or her advisor frequently, as time is set aside in the schedule each week. On some days, a student may meet with the advisor for a quick check-in. On other days, the entire advisory group will meet together to discuss events or readings, plan activities, or put their heads together to offer each other advice or insight. Often advisors and students meet simply to chat or to have lunch together, and they'll also work together during kitchen duty at some point during the year. 

OUR GOALS
 
  • Help students adjust to a new school environment and/or the expectations of each grade.
  • Build community among students and faculty to encourage a sense of belonging and respect.
  • Provide academic support and guidance.
  • Support social and emotional growth and development.

"I absolutely adore my advisor."

"I absolutely adore my advisor and the other students in our group, and I always find myself looking forward to Tuesdays and Fridays, when I get to see them. I'm always able to get the support I need and it's a great way to stop and take a breath during the school day.."

— Rachel, Auburndale, MA

Sample Advisory Activities

Group Discussions
Advisories will often use meeting time to discuss a specific article, video, or current event and the manner in which it relates to students' lives. 

Academic Scheduling and Advising
Advisors regularly make time to help students make decisions regarding their academic schedules and course loads and/or to go over narrative feedback received from teachers each mod. 

School News and Updates
Advisors keep students informed about important CSW news and events.

Friendly Competition and Fun
Students and their advisories occasionally get together to play board games, do community service, or share a meal.

CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.