Your Home Away from Home: Boarding Program at WMA in Wilbraham MA
What to Expect From Boarding at WMA
Wilbraham & Monson Academy is one of the leading prep schools in New England. Renowned for our innovative curriculum, top-tier athletics, strong community and engaging educational environment, we understand the key role that on-campus housing plays at private school.
More than 50 percent of our students live on campus. WMA strives to provide boarding that reflects the nature of its students and private school culture. As a result, our dormitories are comfortable, nurturing and community-oriented.
See below for a list of suggested items to bring to campus as a boarding student.
It's probably the best decision we've made for our daughter, academically and personally. She's grown and become mature ... ready for college and the world.
- John Venditti, WMA alumna parent
Dorm Parents
Just as Wilbraham & Monson Academy becomes a “home away from home” for boarding students, a dorm parent is a “parent or guardian away from home.” Dorm parents are full-time teachers and coaches at WMA, so the multiple roles they play in students’ lives allow them to get to know their boarders on a personal level.
Away from the classroom or the field, dorm parents live in the dormitories with students. At night and on weekends, they guide students with homework during study hours, watch television with boarders in the lobby and grant permission to students to hang out with friends off campus.
Dorm parents are fully involved in the development and parenting of WMA teenagers, and each dormitory has at least four dorm parents taking care of each floor or hall of boarders. Additionally, there is always a dorm parent on duty to assist and guide boarders whenever needed.
Take A Peek Into WMA's Boarding School Dorms
Wilbraham & Monson Academy has four dormitories for its boarding students:
We encourage students to make their rooms feel like home. They may choose to add personal touches like posters, bedding and other decorations to create their dream room.
Transportation
With advance notice, WMA can offer transportation for boarding students to and from specific locations:
- Peter Pan/Greyhound Bus Station in Springfield, Mass.
- Amtrak Train Station in Springfield, Mass.
- Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut
- Logan International Airport, Boston
During the school year, students sign up for transportation through the Deans Office. Transportation can be arranged between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. for the major breaks and long weekends during the academic year. Boarding students are not allowed to sign out for overnight/weekend trips during designated on-campus weekends.
Dorm Life: FAQ
What dorm type will I live in?
There are four different dormitories on campus. All dorms have adults (dorm parents) that live in apartments inside of the building. These adults help with dorm coverage one night a week and rotate weekends. Each dorm also has a prefect, who are student leaders that also help students and dorm parents in the dorm. Every dorm has an open common space with comfortable furniture, a refrigerator, and a microwave. Dorm assignments will be sent to all new students in early August.
We also want to know what dorm life will be like?
All new students will live in a double room with a roommate from their grade level of a different background. Our team takes a lot of time and effort making sure these roommate pairings are done thoughtfully based on interests and routines. Each night from Sunday - Thursday you will have your room checked by a dorm parent for cleanliness, study hall from 8 - 10 p.m., and lights out at 10:45 p.m. On weekends, we offer a variety of weekend activities that students are encouraged to participate in.
Weekend Activities - An example of what we offer on the weekends.
How can I wash my clothes at school?
In regards to laundry, there are a few different options for our students. Students can choose a laundry plan and have their clothes taken off campus, washed, and returned. Or students can use the washers and dryers located inside each of the dormitories.
- E&R Laundry - Off-site laundry service.
- Automatic Laundry - On-campus laundry option. You will create an account to monitor wash times and account balance.
More Than a Massachusetts Boarding School
Beyond boarding at Wilbraham & Monson Academy, there are a variety of educational elements that set this private school in Massachusetts apart from the rest. WMA sculpts global leaders through its Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics & Finance program and encourages travel and hands-on problem solving. Our students come from 12 states and 32 nations. No less than 100 percent of our 400 students go to college. Due to the caliber of student that makes up WMA's student body, we're dedicated to providing pleasant and comfortable homes away from home.
If you're looking for a boarding school in Massachusetts, we do hope you consider us. Our New England prep school awaits students who are ready to change the world. By applying and practicing thoughtful, purposeful and novel thinking techniques, WMA's students leave eager to make a difference all around them.
To learn more about your child's potential future at the Wilbraham & Monson Academy prep school in Massachusetts, contact us!