<p>I was recently accepted to the Walnut Hill Summer writing program. I also applied for a scholarship but I won't be notified about it for at least 2 more weeks. My parents are very proud but are starting to get weary of sending their daughter across the country (10 days in Boston) and then to another country (10 days in England). Does anyone know anythign about this program? My parents really need reassurance that this is the REAL DEAL and not some scam. I assured them that the high school that sponsers it is very respectable but they still want more information.</p>
<p>Anyone know anything about it? Especially those from the Boston area?</p>
<p>I graduated from Walnut Hill in the 70's. At the time it was a struggling private boarding school for girls that was trying to become a school for the arts. In the last 20 years, in particular, it has blossomed and become co-educational and now boasts pre-professional affiliations with all the major cultural instutions in Boston (ballet, conservatory, etc). It has also developed its non-performing arts side (creative writing, visual arts) etc.. It has an array of esteemed artists on its arts advisory board and a very strong(academic and artistic), international student body. </p>
<p>It is located in Natick, which is a small town about 20 minutes west of Boston. Natick is next to Wellesley, a more well known suburb...The school is in walking distance of the small quaint downtown area which has the usual array of small New England town amenities. I think the highlights of the downtown are the seafood restaurant and outdoor store...but that is just my opinion, and I now only visit Natick periodically. If you watch coverage of the Boston Marathon it runs right through the downtown area. </p>
<p>The school is the real thing. A few years ago we thought of sending our son, who was intersted in creative writing, as a student. I forget who the visiting teacher was at the time, but she was highly published, etc.. </p>
<p>Hope you get a scholarship to make this doable. As to convincing the 'rents, good luck with that, too!</p>
<p>My daughter graduated from Walnut Hill last year. she started as a ballet major and eventually switched to visual arts. Daniel Bosch, director of the writing program, was her favorite academic teacher. The school is excellent. It is a warm nurturing environment. The summer writing program is new (it is in its second year) and they have also begun a summer program in visual arts. They have had for years summer programs in ballet and theatre and are very experienced in the care of teenagers away from home. You will not find a better more supportive, environment. Walnut Hill graduates go onto to top schools in liberal arts, conservatories, and speciality schools and many receive significant scholarships to the colleges of their choice. WHS has a lovely campus with an new student center and new academic facilities. The dorms are older, but homelike with dorm parents that live in each dorm. The commuter train to Boston is in walking distance to the campus. Boston is a wonderful city to visit in the summer. Your parents will be happy to know that curfew will probably mean that you will back on an 8:30 train, if you even have any time to go. My niece has applied to the writing program and is, also, hoping for a scholarship. Good Luck to you both!</p>
<p>Have you had your parents check out the Walnut Hill web site?</p>
<p>For example, they might be reassured by looking at the college placement of WH grads:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walnuthillarts.org/welcome/faqs.html#matriculation%5B/url%5D">http://www.walnuthillarts.org/welcome/faqs.html#matriculation</a></p>
<p>Thank you all very much for your help.
Unsoccer, did she apply to the writing program for this coming summer? If so, I hope to see her there!
My parents have looked at the website many times but they wanted to get an outside opinion. I am just afraid that this is a money scam like most summer programs. </p>
<p>Any further information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Blawned,
The school is reputable. The kids who go to the school get a fine education. The school has a good reputation and is now endorsing this program. This doesn't mean that the summer program will be perfect for you, worth the money to you, etc, etc.. Given that it is a relatively new program, you might ask the program if they can give you the name of some parents whose children attended, and some kids themselves- otherwise, it will be hard to find out more information than you already have. I think it a bit remarkable you found even 2 people on this board with WHS experience.</p>
<p>Blawned, Walnut Hill is a small school with a very small endowment. They use the summer program for several purposes. #1. It raises money for the school. #2. It gives opportunity to the teaching staff to earn income during the summer. #3. It serves to identify additional students for the school year program. Walnut Hill is a well respected arts school and there is nothing "scam" about it. That being said, I agree with robyrm that there is no guarantee that it will be worth it to you. Your parents may have doubts about spending the money and that is certainly something to discuss with them.</p>
<p>Walnut Hill is a VERY reputable arts school. </p>
<p>I think when parents/students are looking into summer programs, it is imperative to get the names of past students and their parents and call them up to get their perspectives. When my kids found summer programs (none were at schools, however), we researched them, and knew nobody who had attended. In every instance, we got the names of prior kids and parents and called up several....my kid talked to the kids, and I talked to the parents. Now, we have had families call us in the same way about programs my kids have attended. This is important to do with ANY program, not just Walnut Hill. However, I can say that Walnut Hill is well known, well respected, and nothing remotely like a scam. I encourage your family to get the names of former students/parents who have completed this program and then contact them.</p>
<p>Susan</p>