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When “Extra Time” Becomes a Public Debate.
Last night, Tuesday, May 19th, I found myself sitting in bed reading a Wall Street Journal article about the growing backlash surrounding SAT and ACT accommodations, particularly extra time. Almost instantly, I was transported back to my own testing experience as a student with ADHD and slow processing speed, wondering if the people around me…
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Beyond the Bell Announces New Chapter for Andrew Waugh at Franklin Academy
Some opportunities feel professional. Others feel personal. For Andrew Waugh, accepting the role of Admissions & Student Engagement Associate, Research Fellow at Franklin Academy feels like both. After spending the past several years working in boarding school communities across the country, Waugh will officially join Franklin Academy in August, bringing with him a background in student life,…
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Helen Waldron on Admissions as the First Act of Student Support
Opening Remarks At Beyond the Bell, we often talk about admissions as more than an entry point. Done well, it is the first act of student support. It is where schools begin to understand not just what a student has done, but how they learn, where they have struggled, and where they have the potential…
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A January Reminder: The Beyond the Bell One Minute Reflections on LinkedIn
As schools return from winter break and routines reset, I want to make sure Beyond the Bell readers are aware of something we have already put into motion. In early December, Beyond the Bell began publishing a weekly one minute reflection video series on LinkedIn. The series is public, ongoing, and designed to add a…
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The Pause That Teaches: Why Rest Matters in Boarding School Leadership
By the time this article is published, I will be packing a bag, shutting my laptop, and heading home to see my family for Thanksgiving. It will be the first real break I have had in a while, and it could not come at a better time. Between student life responsibilities, Beyond the Bell, and my…
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The Power of Choice: Why Student Autonomy Strengthens Retention
One of the persistent misconceptions in boarding schools is that student autonomy is a threat. Some believe that giving students too much choice will weaken discipline, erode traditions, or challenge authority. My experience has shown the opposite. When autonomy is cultivated with guidance, it becomes one of the strongest tools for building belonging, engagement, and…
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From Academic Probation to M.S.Ed
On July 25, I earned my Master of Science in Education! No confetti. No cake. No moment where the world stopped and clapped.Just me, in a dorm room, submitting my final capstone project between planning weekend programming, sending emails, and finishing my summer fellowship with the Royal Thai Scholars at Brewster Academy. It felt like…
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Why the Triple Threat Sounds Great on Paper but a Double Play Might Be Better
The “Triple Threat” model in boarding schools has been a hallmark for decades. It asks faculty to teach in the classroom, coach on the field, and supervise in the dorm. It is designed to create a well-rounded, student-centered culture where adults are always nearby to teach, guide, and support. On paper, it is a beautiful…
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Finding the Right Fit: A Boarding School Consultant’s Perspective
The Right Fit: As an educational consultant and student life professional, I am often asked the same question by families beginning their boarding school search. “What is the best boarding school?” It is a natural place to start. Every parent wants the best for their child. But after years spent living and working in dorms,…
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Looking Back, Moving Forward: My Path from Tallulah Falls to Brewster Academy
As I reflect on my first year at Tallulah Falls School in the role of Chairman of Student Activities and Weekend Programming and Residential Life Coordinator, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. This year has been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and connection with students, faculty, and staff alike.…