School Overview: |
Beacon
|
|
| School Membership(s) | Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools | |
| Religious Affiliation | Nonsectarian | |
| Grades Offered | Grades Kindergarten - 12 | |
| Offers Post-Graduate Year | Yes | |
| Learning Difference Programs | Yes | |
| Learning Programs Supported | Gifted Education, Executive Function Coaching, Mild Learning Differences | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | |
| Student Body | ||
| Total Students | 35 students | |
| Student Body Type | Co-ed | |
| Students by Grade | ||
| Academics and Faculty | ||
| Total Classroom Teachers | 15 teachers | |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 3:1 (National school avg.: 13:1) | |
| % Faculty w/Advanced Degree | 75% | |
| Average Class Size | 3 students | |
| Number of AP Courses | 32 courses | |
Advanced Courses
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||
| Art History | Biology | |
| Calculus AB | Calculus BC | |
| Chemistry | Chinese Language and Culture | |
| Comp Government & Politics | Computer Science A | |
| English Language | English Literature | |
| Environmental Science | European History | |
| French Language | German Language | |
| Human Geography | Japanese Language & Culture | |
| Latin: Vergil | Macroeconomics | |
| Microeconomics | Music Theory | |
| Physics B | Physics C | |
| Psychology | Spanish Language | |
| Spanish Literature | Statistics | |
| Studio Art (2D and 3D) | U.S. Government & Politics | |
| U.S. History | World History | |
| Average SAT score | 650 | |
| Classroom dress code | Casual | |
| Finances and Admission | ||
| Admission Deadline | Jan. 31 / rolling | |
| Tuition Notes | Tuition ranges from $37,500 in the Lower School to $46,500 in Grade 12. | |
| % on Financial Aid | 10% | |
| Admissions Director | Dede LeComte | |
Education without
boundaries…
At the core of Beacon’s philosophy is the tenet that
students’ unique perspectives fuel education. We believe that
we have a great deal to learn from our students, and that it is our
role as educators to guide, challenge, empower, and
inspire–not to dictate or confine. The elements of the Beacon
experience are:
I. Individualized Education
The hallmark of a Beacon education is our completely individualized
approach. We believe that every student can harness his or her own
learning style and flourish under the guidance of committed
teachers and mentors. This means that each student, from our
youngest to oldest, is involved in course selection and program
design. Additionally, our individualized approach gives the unique
advantage of offering extra challenge or support on a
course-by-course basis, rather than assigning students to an
overarching “track” that defines their experience.
This approach can offer students an otherwise
elusive balance in the classroom.
II. Intellectual Inquiry
A key aspect of the individualized programs at Beacon is their
inherent focus on intellectual inquiry. Students are encouraged to
think across the curriculum, engage in interdisciplinary
exploration, and discover learning not as an accumulation of facts,
but a pursuit of understanding. To this end, students who express a
strong interest in a certain subject are encouraged to explore it
through coursework and independent study. Courses can be built with
a definite focal point in mind, or evolve as an interest is piqued.
There is no limit to course selection, and our teachers work with
students to assure that they are continually engaged and inspired
by their learning.
III. Compassionate Community
The Beacon community is founded on mutual respect between students,
teachers and administrators. When students are engaged in a
positive learning environment, they become more willing to take
risks and grow as individuals. We find that our relationship-based
approach leads to teachers assuming a mentorship role with their
students; there is constant dialogue and interaction, in and out of
the classroom. Within the student body, there is a daily emphasis
on interpersonal virtues such as kindness, courtesy, empathy, and
respect for differences. Beacon aims to foster in our students a
lifelong commitment to and awareness of others.
IV. Academic Excellence
At Beacon, we understand that self-esteem and self-efficacy are
born of real accomplishment. For this reason, the centerpiece of
each student’s program is his or her areas of strength. We
challenge our students to achieve their goals and equip them with
the tools they need to excel. Academic excellence goes beyond an
“A” on the report card–it entails
above-grade-level study, authentic products and sustained
commitment.
V. Self-Directed Learning
Under the guidance of our motto, “Find your own light”,
each student plays an integral role in creating his or her course
of study at Beacon. This is the perfect opportunity for avid
students to follow their interests and create their own ideal
school. Self-directed learning fosters intellectual curiosity,
intrinsic motivation, a sense of ownership and a desire to learn,
whether it manifests as a love for mathematics, expressionist
painting, mechanical engineering, foreign languages, elite
athletics or violin performance. Beacon students relish the
opportunity to build programs that reflect their passions and help
them realize personal goals. Their input is not only heard; it is
actively solicited on a daily basis.
Profile last updated: 04/08/2013
View all schools in: Stamford, Fairfield County, Zip 06902
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