Tabor Academy

<p>Are there any current parents or students from Tabor active on the board here? I tried the search feature but the results were all from the various Master Lists.</p>

<p>I am interested in overall information about the school, as well as a few specifics.</p>

<p>Are the students down-to-earth and friendly? Is there an awareness or emphasis on the socio-economics of their dorm and classmates?</p>

<p>In terms of curriculum, do they offer German? </p>

<p>I am really intrigued by this school and would appreciate any insider-info someone could offer. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Well, I’m neither a student nor parent, nor did I even apply. But I did go down to Marion (Tabor’s town) the other day to play some tennis. The campus is stunning. It is right on the water, and sailing is very popular I’d guess. Also, it is literally less than a half mile walk to a small town area with a general store and other small shops (there’s ice cream).</p>

<p>Haven’t been on in a long time, recently read through some old posts…current student at Tabor, just let me know if you still need info, either here or through PM!</p>

<p>Thank you for your offer. Tabor is on a (very) short list of US schools we are considering.</p>

<p>Could you write a bit about the culture of the school? Is it a very casual environment or more formal atmosphere in the classrooms, for example. </p>

<p>Another question we have, and cannot seem to find an answer to, is whether or not they offer a German language program? I see that they offer AP German (Is that accurate?) but I do not see anything other than that.</p>

<p>It seems the students who attend generally enjoy the school, and I have read the students are down-to-earth and friendly. Have you found that to be true?</p>

<p>Are the students allowed to wander about the town on their own?</p>

<p>Is there anything in particular you do not like about Tabor? </p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

<p>One of the most defining aspects of the culture at Tabor definitely comes from the mutually respectful yet very friendly relationship between students and teachers. Students are of course expected to pay attention, work hard, ask questions, and participate in class. With small class sizes, there’s no flying under the radar even if you want to! However, classes are also a lot of fun because with a smaller campus comes closer relationships between students and teachers. Students frequently have dinner with their teachers, go to them for advice, etc. Teachers really care about their students at Tabor and it shows in the classroom. The classes are difficult but knowing that you can always ask questions of other students/your teachers is really helpful and there’s definitely a community spirit.</p>

<p>They did not offer a German language program this past year because of low interest. In the past, they have offered AP German. There are teachers who speak German fluently and with sufficient interest I’m sure the program could be restarted - definitely something to ask the admissions counselors.</p>

<p>I have found that the students are generally down to earth and friendly. My favorite part about student relationships at Tabor is that students are friends across all classes. It’s not that seniors are only friends with seniors and juniors, or that freshmen tend to stick within their own class. Everyone truly has friends in every grade level - I know that I personally went to a concert this past summer with one of my best friends who is in my grade and another girl that we became good friends with who is now entering her sophomore year. Age/class is not a limit to making friendships and students are really helpful, especially in the beginning of the year. I was showing a student where a classroom was one day and she actually laughed and said that it seemed if you stood in one place for a minute staring at your schedule, at least two people would inevitably stop and ask if you needed help. As with any school, there are people who don’t get along, but it seems to be minimal and generally becomes more a case of avoiding that person than ever having anything turn into true nastiness.</p>

<p>Students must sign out when they are going places off campus, indicating when they left and where they are going. If you go far enough, you must get explicit permission from your dorm parent to do so. There are also specific check in times when students must return to campus and check in with their dorm parent, or they will face consequences. </p>

<p>I have really enjoyed my experience at Tabor. My sister attended before me and I didn’t hesitate to follow in her footsteps. The things I don’t like are mostly nitpicky things - the cell phone policy isn’t great in my opinion, all places must be opened with a prox card after 5:00, and the study center is closed to all people at 6:00. Small things like that have not changed the fact that I am a completely different person (for the better!) than I was when I entered. I have gained so much confidence and so many time management skills that I know that I will be well off when I attend college next year. I would not trade my 4 years at Tabor for 4 years at any other school.</p>

<p>If you have more questions/want clarification, just either write in this thread or PM me - I’ll make sure to check this thread periodicially. Hope this helped!</p>

<p>Thank you so much for all that insight. I did, indeed, find it very helpful.</p>

<p>It is clear that you feel very fond of your school. As I said, it is one of a few schools we are considering. Whilst it doesn’t meet all of our needs, it seems to be an excellent possibility.</p>

<p>Best of luck in the upcoming year!</p>

<p>I’m glad that it helped! Thank you for the well wishes and good luck in your continuing search for schools :)</p>

<p>Hello Kris8,</p>

<p>My son hot admitted in to Tabor. He is strong in Math and Science. How is the curriculum at Tabor in those two areas and hownchallenging the classes are? Are the teachers show interest and excitement to teach or they are nonchalant?. Looks like Tabor is more sportsnoriented…how are the coaches? Do you consider tabor students as overachievers or average kids with average goals and fun school experience?</p>

<p>Munnangi: Kris81’s post is about a year and a half old. This poster may no longer be active on this board but, perhaps, someone else with information about Tabor will step in to help you.</p>

<p>I would think that Tabor would be a great fit for a kid who is strong in math and science. The school has a challenging math curriculum - including linear algebra and multivariable calculus. And there’s an absolutely wonderful and diverse science program - which includes an amazing (and unique) marine biology program. The school really takes advantage of its location on the water - marine biology students can expect to get wet! The program also includes a sailing & study expedition to the Caribbean!</p>

<p>And I know you didn’t ask, but Tabor has one of the best theatre programs of any of the New England schools. The students are involved in every aspect of the production from lighting to set design.</p>

<p>And, from what I can see, there’s great interaction between students and teachers. Tabor is one of my favorite schools - I’ve yet to find anything about the school that I don’t like!</p>

<p>I heard from a father who went to the revisit day to Tabor. He was taken to an algebra class. He said that he was quite impressed with the level of attention that students are given in the classroom. </p>

<p>@RedJacket, try doing an “Advanced Search” and filter for threads w “Tabor” in the title of the thread</p>