<p>Nope... for everything. They'll give you fractions for math and science (like 85/100 or 36/40) but those eventually translate into 1-6 grades on your transcript.</p>
<p>I just noticed on the Deerfield website that they have a new headmaster/person/mistress. When did this take place? I was surprised</p>
<p>Just took over. Former faculty member and Dean at Andover. Very well regarded.</p>
<p>Margarita Curtis, our ex-Dean of Studies. She's phenomenal and from what I hear from the Deerfield grapevine she's really taking care of business as well.</p>
<p>What happen to the other headmaster? He was only on board at deer maybe 12 years. Deer seems to keep their headmasters much longer than that. It's good to hear that they replaced him with a top notch person. Then again, it is deerfield.</p>
<p>The old Headmaster has been recruited by the King of Jordan (a Deerfield alum) to start a boarding school in the Middle East.</p>
<p>xGods-Favoritex, Thanks for the info. Quite interesting</p>
<p>
[quote]
What happen to the other headmaster? He was only on board at deer maybe 12 years. Deer seems to keep their headmasters much longer than that. It's good to hear that they replaced him with a top notch person. Then again, it is deerfield.
[/quote]
I've heard that the decision to appoint as headmaster next year was extremely unpopular with the student body. Not surprising, considering Deerfield's conservative reputation. Anyone know anythign else?</p>
<p>Actually, the information I received was to the contrary although that is perhaps mitigated by a). my source knew I was from Andover and didn't want to insult me and b). he talked about the good impression she made after she had a chance to impress the Deerfield faculty and after perhaps this backlash of sorts died down. I think either way, the student body has contented itself with their new Headmaster and that the faculty has been especially impressed by Dr. Curtis.</p>
<p>Change can sometimes be difficult. I have no doubt that deerfield will be just fine.</p>
<p>Since 1902, when Mr. Boyden took over, Deerfield Academy has had only four headmasters -- a span of 104 years. The last three all served 12 to 14 years, but the first one held the reins for 66 years, a feat unlikely to be duplicated anywhere!!</p>
<p>Courtesy of Hazmat <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/01/education/01deerfield.html?ex=1298869200&en=866060d80efd236c&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss%5B/url%5D">http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/01/education/01deerfield.html?ex=1298869200&en=866060d80efd236c&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss</a></p>
<p>Abdullah is married to a Kuwait-born, Jordan-bred Palestinian, Rania Al-Yassin (now Queen Rania al-Abdullah), who is renowned for her philanthropic work. They have four children:</p>
<p>Hussein (born June 28, 1994)
Iman (born September 27, 1996)
Salma (born September 26, 2000)
Hashem (born January 30, 2005) </p>
<p>Still have questions about why Deerfield in Jordan? How about the muslim kids in USA? Lots of effort to educate the children of Jordan and now we see the fruits of attitudes following 911.</p>
<p>hazmat, your'e such a wealth of info...........thankyou</p>
<p>Hey.....wealth not but thanks as always for your kind words. My personal belief is more schools will be opened/begun in the Middle East at all levels. I applaud King Abdullah and also Deerfield for making the giant leap and getting this going. I am going to follow this and I hope that many kids get to have the grand experience and that exchange semesters will become a part of many schools. Sharing on this effort in Jordan.</p>
<p>"Deerfield in Jordan" - An idea whose time is definitely here! </p>
<p>With so much news from that region of the various madras type school where only fringe radical Islamic ideas are taught, finally a place where indoctrination isn't the primary goal with education only a tool to get that indoctrination.</p>
<p>Interesting to see that only 1 of the semesters of religious education is required to be Islam. I wonder what options are available for the other semester.</p>
<p>This gets me thinking on how little "world culture" is required in American education with most of it coming from "World History" or "Western Civilization" classes visited briefly in 9th grade. This educational perspective was developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when the US was a very isolated country with cultural links primarily with Europe.</p>
<p>With so few of our students being exposed to the thinking and cultural norms of the world around us, it is no wonder how the US stumbles from one misunderstanding to another (trying not to be political here).</p>
<p>If this country is to be a leader in this world, we must understand the world we lead. It is great that Deerfield is planting the seeds of American style prep education in a region that so sorely needs a diversified cultural education. Lets hope the thinking at home (Deerfield and all the other "Best Prep Schools") broadens to encourage a broader cultural education of tomorrow's leaders. This is how prep schools can lead the charge towards building tomorrow's world leaders.</p>
<p>And no, I don't have a Liberal Arts degree. Actually I have a business degree. I just have a strong appreciation of the subject.</p>
<p>goaliedad, another big hitter checks in........Your command of a plethora of subjects, speaks volumes. Thanks for the info</p>
<p>What I like about the new King's Academy in Jordan (aside from starting off with a really exceptional headmaster in Eric Widmer), is that it was conceived by not only by a Jordanian, but by its ruling monarch, who having been educated at Deerfield, found its methods highly inspiring in creating a school of much promise for his own people, and indeed for neighboring Middle Eastern countries as well.</p>
<p>As I understand it, King's Academy will be patterned after Deerfield in certain ways, but will naturally offer courses of particular importance and interest to Jordan's, and the region's, cultural heritage -- which is indeed ancient, complex and illustrious. There will also be courses focusing on the western world and its traditions. Additionally, I believe classes will be conducted in English.</p>
<p>This appears to be a most well-timed initiative, which will, no doubt, help bring about greater understanding between two very divergent cultures.</p>
<p>I wish it every success!</p>
<p>WoW another big hitter of info...........Thanks leanid</p>
<p>King's Academy is very lucky to have such a quality individual lead its institution - no doubt they will be in very good hands.</p>
<p>I wish Dr. Widmer the best of luck in Jordan.</p>