As a college-preparatory school, The White Mountain School’s curriculum is structured according to the traditional liberal arts model; however, our ultimate focus is the intellectual engagement and development of our students.
The research is clear: academic success in college depends on the development of research skills, critical thinking skills, and communication skills. We have long studied the current research on teaching, learning, and academic achievement in college and interviewed college admissions officers, surveyed students, and solicited feedback from some of the most highly respected educators in the country. During and after that process, we developed our list of six Essential Skills and four Essential Habits for White Mountain students, which include:
- Research Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Communication Skills
- Quantitative Reasoning Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Study Skills
- Curiosity Habits
- Reflection Habits
- Collaboration Habits
- Persistence Habits
These skills and habits—naturally developed through student-driven inquiry—are what students need to thrive as learners in high school, college, and beyond. Taking this one step further, we give students frequent, specific, and actionable feedback on their development in the Essential Skills and Habits. When you combine a culture of student-driven inquiry and small class sizes with targeted feedback on our Essential Skills and Habits, students develop into dynamic learners and become creative problem-solvers.