-
The Adults Students Trust Most Are Often Not the Ones on the Org Chart
Boarding schools are full of titles. Head of School. Dean of Students. Department Chair. Director of Admissions. Director of Residential Life. Titles matter. Leadership matters. Structure matters. But if you ask most students who they trust most, the answer often has very little to do with the organizational chart. It is not always the person…
-
The Hidden Academic Crisis of February: Why Struggling Students Stop Asking for Help
February is one of the quietest months in schools. It is also one of the most dangerous. By the time February arrives, the energy of the fall is long gone, the excitement of January has faded, and the pressure of the spring has not yet begun. Students are stuck in the middle. That middle is…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
Daring to Be Different in Boarding School Admissions: A Conversation with Clayton Johnston
In the world of boarding school, there are people you read about, people you listen to, and every once in a while, people you genuinely look up to. Clayton Johnston is one of those people for me. Clayton is the Director of Admissions at Brentwood College School, located on the breathtaking coastline of Vancouver Island…
-
Special Announcement: Beyond the Bell CEO Joins the Royal Thai Scholars Program
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from Beyond the Bell! Our CEO, J. Andrew Waugh, has been selected to join the Royal Thai Scholars Fellowship at Brewster Academy this summer. This prestigious opportunity will see Andrew working closely with Thailand’s top high school graduates, who are preparing for their academic journeys at U.S. boarding schools. The Royal Thai Scholars Program is a…
-
Welcoming Jacqueline Danielle to Beyond the Bell!
I am beyond excited to welcome Jacqueline Danielle to Beyond the Bell Blog & Consulting as our new Director of Strategic Partnerships. Jacqueline’s expertise in education consulting, leadership development, and student success will be a key asset to our team as we continue to grow and support schools, educators, and students. This moment is especially…
-
The Power of Involvement (Part 2): Michael Ayalon’s Guide to Growth and Leadership
In life, certain individuals profoundly influence your journey, and Michael Ayalon is one of those people for me. Michael is more than a mentor; he is a trusted friend and a true inspiration. His dedication to empowering students and fostering leadership has left a lasting impact on countless lives, including mine. As the CEO of…
-
Beyond the Curriculum: The Lifelong Lessons of Residential Life
Let me start by wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! With the holiday break upon us, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the people and roles that make boarding schools truly special. Ask anyone in a boarding school community what the hardest role is, and you’ll get all kinds of answers because every…
-
Biography
Welcome to Beyond the Bell! I’m J. Andrew Waugh, an educator, college counselor, and passionate advocate for helping students unlock their full potential. This blog is inspired by my own journey, which began in boarding school as a young student navigating both academic and personal challenges. Like many, I struggled to find my footing in…