 | What's it like to live and learn at Cardigan? Today it seems harder than ever to provide a young boy with all the guidance and loving discipline that he needs. But without a highly structured environment and constant adult supervision, even the most responsible boy will spend more time on fruitless distractions than on activities that build character and intellect. At Cardigan, our daily routine is designed to help boys stay focused on pursuits that contribute to their development. It’s a demanding schedule, and it not only aids boys in their growth, it gives them the kind of time-management skills and study habits that many college students would envy.
6:40 EARLY TO RISE
“Sometimes my roommate sleeps through the alarm—’til I throw a pillow at his head.”
7:00 BREAKFAST AS A SCHOOL
“The French toast rules!”
7:30 ROOM INSPECTION
“My mother still can’t believe I make my bed every day.”
7:45 CLASSES BEGIN
“Being in class by 8 isn’t so bad when you only have to walk across campus.”
10:00 MORNING BREAK
12:40 LUNCH AS A SCHOOL
“It’s another good time to talk to your teachers like they’re regular people.”
1:15 STUDENT JOBS
“You never skip your job, because people count on you to do it, just like you count on other people to do theirs.”
1:35 ADVISORY AND CONFERENCE PERIOD
“You never feel lost here. Because whenever you don’t get something, you can ask a teacher right away.”
2:30 ATHLETICS AND CLUBS
“Sometimes I wish I could just go watch TV. But once we’re on the ice, I’m glad I’m there instead.”
6:15 DINNER IN COAT AND TIE
“Whenever somebody has a birthday, there’s a cake. And at Cardigan, there are a lot of birthdays.”
7:15 STRUCTURED STUDY TIME BEGINS
“I used to dread homework. Now I just do it. And that’s a lot easier.”
9:20/10:00 LIGHTS OUT (UNDERCLASSMEN/UPPERCLASSMEN)
“When you’re this busy all day, you fall asleep really fast.”
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| | Frequently Asked Questions | Prospective students and their parents often ask us questions to better understand the Cardigan experience. In an effort to help you decide if Cardigan is the right school for you, we’d like to share many of those questions here with you, along with answers, and hope that if you have a specific question, you will email it to us at admissions@cardigan.org or call the Admissions Office at 603.523.3548. |
| Q. | When is the best time to visit Cardigan and get a real-life impression of the School?
| | A. | While you're welcome to visit at any time, we highly recommend visiting our beautiful campus while school is in session. A family visiting during the school day will be toured by a current Cardigan student and have the chance to see the campus in full swing. Afterward, the family will meet the admissions staff and have an opportunity to ask more questions about the School. |
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| Q. | Are there any deadlines for admissions?
| | A. | Applications are considered on a rolling admissions basis, dependent on space. Although we review applications at any time during the year, we suggest that your application be complete by February 1 for placement in the following academic year. As soon as an applicant's file is complete, it is reviewed by the Admissions Committee. A formal decision letter is then mailed to candidates. Please review the requirements for a complete application.
Candidates wishing to be considered for financial aid should realize that financial aid decisions are made following the admissions process; therefore, they should be aware of the financial aid deadlines when beginning the admissions process. Further financial aid information is available here. |
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| Q. | Does Cardigan have a dress code?
| | A. | Yes. We believe that it is important to be dressed appropriately on campus.
Cardigan strives to teach overall life skills to its students, and we believe that neatness, organization, and presentation are keys to success in life. Daily dress includes a collared shirt, dress pants, and leather shoes. Students are required to wear a coat and tie for many of the meals served in the dining hall. |
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| Q. | What is there to do on the weekends?
| | A. | On weekends, Cardigan students can take advantage of all the fun and interesting activities available on and off campus. After classes and any sports commitments are completed on Saturday, there are many organized excursions and other interesting activities, including mountain climbing, skiing, trips to one of the local shopping malls, and cultural events at Dartmouth and throughout the area. |
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| Q. | May I go home on weekends?
| | A. | Many weekends during the year are “open,” so that students can go home or to the homes of classmates who live close by. If it is an “open” weekend, students may go home after all commitments are met on campus and the proper permissions have been acquired. Students must fill out a weekend slip and acquire parental permission by noon on Friday to get approval for weekend travel. |
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| Q. | May I bring my computer to campus?
| | A. | Students are allowed to bring personal computers to campus. In fact, we encourage our students to bring their computers, as it helps them with their schoolwork and completing assignments. Internet access, available certain times of the day and evening, is present in each and every dorm room, as well as in many other places around campus, including several computer labs and the library. However, students are not allowed to play video games or watch DVDs during the week. |
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| Q. | How does academic sectioning work?
| | A. | Students are placed in sections for each academic discipline. Sections are determined by a student’s demonstrated ability in each subject area, to ensure that all classes have students of relatively the same ability and experience. Students are assigned to a section for each subject at the beginning of the academic year. Those who make exceptional progress will often be moved up a section to ensure that they remain challenged. |
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| Q. | How will I be supported in my learning at Cardigan?
| | A. | All students are enrolled in a course called PEAKS (Personalized Education for the Acquisition of Knowledge & Skills), which allows for each student to help identify how he learns best. Academic assistance is also offered outside of the classroom by our PEAKS coaches during the afternoons and evenings. Additionally, “conference periods” occur regularly a few times each week; these provide opportunities for a student to receive extra help directly from the teacher of a class in which he needs it. To check out the courses offered at Cardigan, please click here. |
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| Q. | How does the advisor system work?
| | A. | Each Cardigan student is assigned a faculty advisor. The advisor, who typically advises three to five students, is usually a dorm parent, or someone who can closely monitor the student’s progress and be available to provide additional support throughout the year. The advisor also communicates often with the parents regarding the student’s progress, and is available to address any issues if they should arise. Written advisor comments are provided to parents at regular intervals throughout the school year. Our goal is that each Cardigan student has an adult in the community with whom he feels comfortable sharing his hopes, dreams, struggles, and successes. |
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