Solebury School

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Solebury School
Location
Solebury Township
Information
Type Independent
Established 1925
Head of school Tom Wilschutz
Grades 7 - 12
Enrollment 235 total
Campus Rural
Athletics conference Penn-Jersey Athletic Association
Website www.solebury.org

Solebury School is a co-educational private day and boarding school located on a 90-acre (36 ha) campus in Solebury Township, Pennsylvania (near New Hope, Pennsylvania). Solebury School’s academic program features a college-preparatory curriculum, with courses and electives in various subject, with a focus on interdisciplinary and experiential education models.

History

Solebury School was conceived by Laurie Erskine, Julian Lathrop, Robert Shaw and Arthur Washburn in the early 1920s. It opened in September 1925 in a rented quarters with four boys and four teachers. A year later, the founders purchased Michener Farm, which remains the institution's site today. In 1949 the school merged with another local school, the Holmquist School for Girls, which had a similar educational philosophy and often shared events and productions.[1] It became one of the first coeducational independent schools in the country.[citation needed]

Sexual abuse

In 1997, David Chadwick, a music teacher was convicted of having sex with a 15-year-old female student. Upon learning of additional sexual abuse of students, in August 2014 the school issued a letter of apology on its website and sent copies by mail to alumni. The letter claimed the school had learned of fewer than ten incidents of sexual abuse of students in the preceding two years.[2]

In a second letter to alumni and parents, the school admitted one of its founders had a sexual relationship with a student.[3]

A grand jury is currently hearing evidence regarding alleged sexual contact between teachers and students covering and alleged knowledge and inaction by the administration covering a period of sixty years;[4]

In an article posted in Philly.com on December 14, 2014, it is revealed from depositions taken regarding the Chadwick case, in 1993 neither the headmaster or assistant headmaster knew it was illegal for a teacher to have sex with a 15 year old.[5]

Academics and Activities

Solebury's curriculum consists of required curriculum courses, Advanced Placement courses, Honors courses, and electives. A Learning Skills Program assists approximately 30 students who have learning differences in the basic language areas. For international students, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are offered during the full year. ESL classes are small and concentrate on communication skills.

Solebury students are required to participate in a sport or activity every trimester. Fall sports include boys and girls varsity soccer, cross country, and field hockey. Winter sports include boys and girls varsity and junior varsity basketball, and varsity wrestling. Spring sports include varsity baseball, softball, ultimate frisbee, track and field, lacrosse, tennis, and golf.

Campus and Student Body

A majority of Solebury’s approximately 235 students come from Pennsylvania and New Jersey; past students have come from at least 7 states and 8 foreign countries. Of the graduates in the past three years, 98% have gone to four-year colleges; the remaining 2% attend community colleges, pursue a post-graduate year of high school, or do not attend college subsequently following graduation.[citation needed]

All campus computers are internet-ready, with several dedicated technology spaces.

Solebury high school students are required to complete 10 hours of community service per year, while middle School students are required to complete 5 hours of community service each year.

Tuition

For the 2015-2016 school year, Solebury School tuition costs $53,950 for high school boarding students and $37,700 for high school day students, and $29,900 for Middle School students in grades 7 and 8. Approximately 30% of students receive some financial aid.

Student Leadership

Students may lead any campus clubs. They may also be elected by the faculty to serve on various groups:

  • Student Academic Committee Representatives a part of the Academic Committee, which reviews the status of students in poor academic standing and offers advice and strategies to help them.
  • Community Council, an organization with both students and faculty representatives. It plans events throughout the year: dances, a Halloween costume contest, a Valentine's Day carnation sale, and others. The group is also the primary means for students to express their needs and concerns, and to see that action is taken.
  • Diversity Committee, which aims to ensure that the school strives to accept ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity. Students and faculty may address the committee with concerns.
  • Judiciary Committee consists of a small group of students and faculty. Serious rule infractions are referred to the Judiciary Committee for review, who then make suggestions to the Head of School.
  • Juniors and seniors can be selected to be mentors to Middle School students, providing social and academic guidance when needed.
  • Peer Leaders receive special and extensive training on how to counsel their peers on common adolescents issues.
  • Peer Tutoring,a program with program a number of student volunteers to tutor other students who are struggling in classes.
  • Proctors are student leaders who oversee the daily routines and guidelines in the dormitories.[6]

Notable faculty

  • Chris Langhart - formerly head of the theatrical technical department at New York University, and served as Technical Director for the 1969 concert at Woodstock.[7] He is an integral part of Solebury's theater program, leading the theater tech crew in light, sound, and stage building. He teaches courses in Metalworking, Engineering (both mechanical and electrical), Acoustics, Scene and Computer-Aided Design.
  • Anna Whelan Betts - famous late 19th and early 20th century illustrator in the victorian style. [8]

Notable alumni

External links

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References

  1. ↑ http://www.solebury.org/about_solebury/history/index.aspx
  2. ↑ Mea culpa for sex abuse, Solebury School's apology shocks alumni, triggers D.A. probe; by Ben Finley, 31 August 2014, The Philadelphia Inquirer
  3. ↑ Solebury says school founder abused a student.By Ben Finley, 2 September 2014, The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  4. ↑ Grand jury said to be examining alleged abuse at Solebury School, By Ben Finley, 10 October 2014, The Philadelphia Inquirer
  5. ↑ Solebury School failed to act on initial abuse rumors, By Ben Finley, 14 December 2012, The Philadelphia Inquirer
  6. ↑ http://www.solebury.org/student_life/leadership/index.aspx
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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