Masters Open Houses Draw Large Crowds

Hundreds of prospective families from near and far gathered at The Masters School this past Saturday, October 20, to learn more about the School and experience firsthand the day-to-day of a Masters student by attending a sampling of classes.

The Open Houses were also an opportunity for families to learn about Masters’ signature programs, and to meet administrators, deans and coaches.

The Middle School session took place in the morning, while the Upper School event took place in the afternoon. Families kicked off the day at the Claudia Boettcher Theatre where they heard from the respective division heads, current seniors who came to Masters in the fifth grade, and Head of School Laura Danforth.

“There are three questions that I’d like you to consider,” Danforth said to both audiences, “Will I fit in and be happy? Will I thrive? Will I be prepared to succeed in the future?” She provided specifics on how Masters helps students meet those goals, and spoke about the importance of balancing curricular demands and developmental needs. “While we make no bones about having high expectations, we do so in a constructive, supportive environment, where students are respected and can be their true selves.”

Upper School Open House Highlights


After reading the School’s mission, Danforth told families that those words are our “promise to you” and guide the work of every person at Masters. “We are a community that moves beyond the self to the common good. We must embody justice, kindness, patience and joy if that is what we expect to see in our students.”

Recognizing the Middle School years as a time of “tremendous change,” Head of Middle School Tasha Elsbach explained to families that the program at Masters values the whole child and addresses students’ physical, social, emotional and cognitive changes. “It is truly designed to be developmentally appropriate. It really meets Middle School students where they are at.” Speaking specifically about cognitive development, Elsbach spoke about the importance of experiential learning in making learning meaningful, relevant and applicable. “The question we ask ourselves is how do you make learning sticky so students remember it for the rest of their lives.”

Upper School Head Nikki Willis encouraged parents and guardians to think about the kind of student they hope to see graduate and assured them that Masters shares that common objective. “You want critical thinkers, resilient young adults, who are going to take on the world, take on new challenges. You want them to have skills that are transferable beyond the classroom, you want them to be academically ready, but also ready to be independent.”

Middle School Open House Highlights


Following the presentations in the theater, families attended a series of 20-minute sessions that covered a range of curriculum and programming, from performing arts and athletics, to science, humanities, and equity and inclusion. They were even treated to a fencing demonstration and Preludes rehearsal. Those interested in boarding attended a presentation with members of the residential life team.

While thanking the faculty for their hard work and dedication, Danforth said, “What a spectacular day for our community. Both Open Houses were filled with eager, happy, and hopeful families – all of whom were so impressed with the teaching they experienced and the friendliness throughout campus.”

Director of Enrollment Management Emma Katznelson echoed Danforth’s sense of pride. “Saturday’s Open Houses were tremendous successes. Family after family shared how incredibly impressed they were by our campus, our school leadership, and most of all, of faculty, students and parents.”

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