Creating Patterns for Life

The Experience for a Lifetime:

Throughout the Lower, Middle and Upper School years, a USM education develops the strongest possible foundation for achieving success in college and for embracing the challenges of the 21st century. Alumni consistently credit USM for providing an invaluable foundation for their future endeavors and achievements.

Early Does It:

University School introduces students to a wide variety of learning experiences at early ages.  Foreign language instruction begins in Pre kindergarten, when children's young minds are most flexible and receptive.  University School students become enthusiastic, self directed learners, because we make sure learning is gratifying and meaningful to them.

Focused on the Individual:

Our teachers know each student well and can readily determine whether he or she needs extra challenges or assistance.  USM cultivates an extraordinary enthusiasm for learning with students of varying interests, abilities, and backgrounds, providing individual attention and helping them reach the uppermost range of their academic potential and personal promise.

A Palette of Opportunity:

We believe it is important for them to stretch and explore many possibilities and opportunities.  USM students study art, music, drama, and physical education.  Our no-cut athletic policy means that everybody who wants to play a sport has an opportunity to do so.  Students in Middle and Upper Schools are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of competitive and intramural sports.

Keep Them Moving:

Physical education is good for students' minds as well as for their bodies.  Daily physical education in Lower School includes dance and movement classes which take place in our own dance studio.  Our state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with weight training, aerobic, and cardiovascular equipment provides the perfect place for our focus on fitness in the Middle and Upper Schools.

Great Expectations:

University School has a community culture that reinforces positive patterns for life.  Our students learn how to relate with one another as classmates and teammates.  In addition to working well with each other, our students are outgoing and self-possessed with adults.  They feel safe taking risks and facing new challenges in an atmosphere of support and mutual respect.   

Doing Great Things:

Our parents and teachers are valuable role models and communicate the importance of volunteerism.  Participation in community service projects begins in the Pre kindergarten and culminates with a forty hour community service graduation requirement in Upper School.  Throughout the school, citizenship and responsibility are encouraged and reinforced in ongoing service activities.

Feeding Friendships: 

Family-style dining gives students an opportunity to get to know and appreciate each other, make new friends, and socialize with teachers as well as students of different ages.  On a rotating basis, students are assigned different tablemates for lunch – encouraging friendships and helping new students acclimate quickly and become part of our community.  

Prepared for the 21st Century:

Our students are comfortable with computers starting at an early age.  State-of-the-art technology is introduced at an early age through the use of interactive white boards in the classroom. Our curriculum, from math to foreign language, to art and everything in between, is integrated with technology.

The Next Step: 

Beginning in ninth grade, students meet both individually and in college counseling groups to discuss issues relevant to the college search and application process. The College Guidance team assists each USM family in discovering which colleges best match a student's talents and interests in a suitably challenging academic, extracurricular, and personal environment.  After determining the most appropriate choices, our College Counselors assist in the admissions process.

Friends Forever:

Students make friendships that last a lifetime.  Throughout the history of our School (founded in 1851), alumni have recognized the benefits of attending University School long after graduation.  Alumni serve as exceptional resources for each other. Whether you are looking for professional contacts, college advice, or a friendly face in a new town, your fellow alumni can help