Upper School | Grades 9-12 Forward-focused preparation for the real world through the development of character and intellect 2 Why Hawken? We were founded to be different.
From its earliest days, Hawken School has been committed to developing both character and intellect. We believe that living meaningful, productive lives requires traits such as compassion, integrity, initiative, confidence, and resilience as well as a commitment to lifelong learning. Providing a strong academic foundation while nurturing these essential attributes equips Hawken students with the tools they need to realize and fulfill their potential both personally and professionally.
Hawken was founded as an educationally progressive school, and we remain academically progressive - because that’s what it takes to prepare students to thrive in a changing world. From recognizing the value of a co-educational environment to designing programs, learning spaces, and innovative schedules that support learning by doing, Hawken boldly adapts to and reflects the values of the present to prepare students for a promising future.
“Preparing students to become successful, productive adults is a top priority at Hawken. But we believe that who students become is just as important as what they become. We intentionally create our innovative programming and our community culture of inclusiveness in ways that inspire our students to go out and be good people who do good things in the world.” D. Scott Looney, Head of School
To meet our Head of School, visit hawken.edu/HeadofSchool
3 4 character “Fair Play is something you have to cultivate something is youhave to “Fair Play Tommy, Student Hawken community stand what right.” is upfor community Hawken by our bonds with each other. People in the the in each People other. by our bondswith It’sand nurture. magic;it’s not something you have to work on. Our character is defined character on.Our defined is work you haveto “The main purpose for which the school exists is the development of character.” James A. Hawken, Founder
Character matters
At Hawken, we believe that success encompasses much more than good grades and college placement. Living a life of meaning and consequence requires you to focus on becoming the best version of yourself.
Our motto of “Fair Play” is displayed in every classroom, encouraging every member of our community not only to be smart, but to be mindful of how we need to treat each other. Students and faculty alike work to create a community that values civility, kindness, appreciation, and generosity.
Hawken students gain experience with the concepts of character and Fair Play by serving on the Student-Faculty Senate, participating in campus stewardship and service projects, and through thought-provoking speakers who come to campus “To me, the culture of high character is throughout the year. one of the profound differences between Hawken and other schools. By the time students graduate, the pieces that stand out are the character traits and the Did you know? service and leadership opportunities.” Lynne Gerace, Parent
5 6 academics “Some oftheclassesmydaughterhasgottenmost John Emig, Parent from atHawken have beenrelated totopicsshewasn’t out of her comfort zone andforcedout ofhercomfort hertothinkcritically.” passionate aboutinitially. Thecourseshave pushedher Academic mastery
Hawken’s exceptional academic preparation is designed to support inquisitive and high achieving students like you. Here, you don’t have to wait until you’re in college to study things you’re passionate about. Our in-depth academic offerings and wide array of courses enable you to deepen your understanding and to immerse yourself in challenging and thought-provoking classes - like our many Advanced Placement offerings or high-level courses such as “Multivariable Calculus,” “American Foreign Policy,” “Differential Equations,” “Shakespeare,” or “Robotics.”
No matter what the subject, you will find that learning and genuine understanding – not memorization and testing – are at the forefront of every class at Hawken.
Hawken is the only school in the Freshman year Cleveland area that is a member of the Global Online Academy Each student at Hawken has a unique schedule based on (GOA). Students who elect to academic strengths and interests. Ninth grade courses include: take an additional GOA course have options that far extend a Humanities 9 • Physics • Humanities Lab typical high school curriculum, Math: Algebra through Calculus based on preparation such as biochemistry, Arabic, Art: Performing, Design, Visual • Chinese, Latin, French and app development. or Spanish: at the appropriate level
“The math department really encouraged me to Twenty-four seniors in the see math as not just a tool but as something you Class of 2017 were recognized as National Merit Semifinalists could get imaginative with. Before I had seen and Commended Scholars – math as something I needed to conquer in order to that’s 23% of the senior class! At Hawken, you will be part of move on, but then the math department helped me a student body that comprises reframe the purpose of math and took creativity the best and brightest students from writing to problem solving with math. And in Northeast Ohio. because math is the basis of science, I learned that I could not just learn science but actually Did you know? do it and bring my imagination to it as well.” Hilary, Student For more information on Upper School curriculum, visit hawken.edu/UpperSchool
7 Meaningful learning
We know that the best way to learn is to ‘do.’ Whether in our STEMM Research Program, Entrepreneurship course, or one of our many seminars, you will be challenged and inspired as you make connections across disciplines and broaden your academic perspective.
In our three-semester scientific research program STEMM Pathways, approximately 100 students start by learning research methodology, scientific writing, and critical analysis of scientific claims, before moving on to a research proposal and summer internship guided by a mentor. The program culminates in a juried symposium judged by scientific professionals from throughout Cleveland. STEMM Pathways gives our students access to expert mentors, real research, and meaningful outcomes.
The semester-based Entrepreneurship course takes a different approach. It combines traditional economics, finance, writing, and research skills with hands-on experience and leadership training – but there is nothing traditional about it. Working with Cleveland entrepreneurs to find solutions to actual problems – with real deadlines and hard deliverables – students learn resilience, creativity, and time management as they devise and present solutions. These interdisciplinary skills are highlighted as students pitch their own start-up ideas to investors and mentors.
In short, thinking beyond the textbook – and applying that knowledge to the world around you – makes learning meaningful.
As part of Hawken’s STEMM program, students participate in a summer research project with a mentor at NASA, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, VA Hospital, University Hospital, or another research lab. For six of the last seven years, a Hawken STEMM student has received a Grand Prize at the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair, earning an all-expense paid trip to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Did you know? “Throughout my time at Hawken, I’ve realized it’s not about the grade. It’s about the learning. The roadblocks along the way are just opportunities for learning. My teachers reinforce this idea; they’re not all about grades either. They want development and growth. Here they focus on learning and the real world.” Andrew, Student 8 “Entrepreneurship looks like what school should look like. Rather than waiting for a class to end, I would spend hours and hours outside of class working on my projects. You’re rewarded for learning and growing, and there are real consequences when you don’t produce because you’re working with real people on real problems. Entrepreneurship changed me as a person and gave me skills that I can take with me and use for the rest of my life. Before Entrepreneurship, I thought grades would define how successful a person can be. After the class I learned that it’s how you learn, how you adapt, and how you respond to failures.” Ian, Student
9 10 real world “In thesummerof2011,we completed ourfirstimmersionlanguageexperienceinChile. A smallgroup ofstudentsandafacultymemberwent down tovisitapotentialsister that firstvisit.This program hasalso inspired programs in Quebec, France,China, Rome, each experiencebetter.” and Ireland; adventure eachnew buildsupontheexperiencesofprevious groups tomake activities forfuture classes.The result? We’ve now returned twicetoChile,buildingon Rick Rick Tate, Chair LanguageDepartment school. Students lodging, food,logistics,andcreating dealtwithtransportation, alistof Real world learning
At Hawken, learning doesn’t end when you leave the classroom. It happens throughout our 325-acre campus, at labs, museums, and non-profits across Cleveland, and even in canoes on the rivers of Pennsylvania. The meaningful use of resources in Cleveland provides a depth of understanding that can’t be obtained from books alone. By applying constitutional law precedents while observing actual court cases in the “In Pursuit of Justice” class, or engaging in authentic conversations in Spanish at Newcomers Academy, Hawken students gain the full advantage of all the world offers.
Just as you will apply your learning to the real world at Hawken, you will also be part of a community that mirrors that world. Our community is intentionally co-educational and diverse so that Hawken students learn to appreciate both differences and similarities in other perspectives, approaches, and responses. Respect, empathy, and friendship are the norm among all Hawken students. Seminars such as “Gender, Culture, and Power,” or “Public Opinion and American Policy” dive into the complexities of society, and it is this exposure to various viewpoints that will allow you to navigate the world with confidence, empathy, and intellect.
“I am a 100% believer in coeducation. Juniors and seniors have an opportunity to We get so much out of building friendships design a Hawken Project – an off-campus mentorship with a professional in the and working with the opposite sex. student’s field of interest. Past project topics We hear other perspectives, and it’s the include Film and Documentary Production, Habitat Reclamation, Ballpark Operations, best way to learn.” and Financial Market Research. Hannah, Student
Did you know? “My daughter is a pretty confident girl, but she didn’t really know what her ‘thing’ was. The stereotype is that girls aren’t really into STEMM. Well, in ninth grade she took a Physics Intensive, and in three weeks she built a huge Dance Dance Revolution pad that included sound and lights. She had to use a laser cutter and wire circuitry. She felt so proud. She came home and said ‘I am an engineer.’” Gigi Kates, Parent
11 “What sets Hawken apart are the Intensives. If you can go and act and see and do and speak and create, then it makes your education stick. During Intensives kids have a different relationship with teachers because they’re together all day for three weeks. They see teachers in a different way and get to know them as human beings. Those three weeks when they’re outside the classroom, taking trips, digging deep – students experience learning in a different way and at a different level. It’s really exceptional.” Lari Jacobson, Parent
The cost of Intensive trips is covered by tuition, so finances do not prohibit any students from participating in an Intensive class.
Hawken has a satellite location in University Circle. All students have access to the Gries Center in the heart of Cleveland’s vibrant research and non-profit community.
Did you know? 12 Engagement through Intensives
Because we truly believe in learning that is meaningful and connected to real world experiences, we designed our innovative schedule that makes more time for engaged learning through classes we call Intensives.
At the end of each semester, Hawken students participate in Intensive courses, an academic class that meets all day, every day, for three weeks, allowing for hands-on, in-depth learning that you won’t find elsewhere. You’ll enjoy uninterrupted time to fully immerse yourself in a single subject which will afford you more opportunities to travel outside of the classroom to interact with experts and professionals across Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, and the globe.
Starting freshman year, you can study the universe in our “Physics Cosmology” Intensive, or explore the immigrant experience in Cleveland in one of our “Humanities 9” Intensives. In subsequent years you can explore the conditions and causes of “Homelessness” while partnering with a local social service agency, or you can plunge into “Honors Marine Science” and learn by doing in The Bahamas.
No matter what you choose from over 40 Intensive course offerings, you’ll have a transformational experience.
To learn more about Intensives, visit hawken.edu/Intensives
13 14 community “In acollegeprep environment, you might want eachothertosucceedandwillhelp competition. At Hawken, studentsgenuinely other on.Success isn’t azero-sum gamehere.” dance events, plays,games–just to cheereach other tomakesure thathappensonaregular basis. Theygotoeach other’s performances, anticipate thatthere wouldbelotsandof Deborah Gold, Parent Picture yourself at Hawken
Are you passionate about Chemistry? Do you love to sing? Are you an athlete who wants to compete in college? At Hawken, you can be and do all of those things. Here, you’ll join a class of students brimming with diverse interests and talents who appreciate and respect one another for who they are. From the first moments at the ninth grade retreat in August to Senior Appreciation Day in June and beyond you will make lifelong friends, experience countless “aha” moments, discover your innate potential, and embrace a myriad of opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
“Outside of class, we have over 50 student-led clubs and activities. From
the start of freshmen year, students are Almost half of Hawken’s encouraged to find activities of interest. 9th grade class enters in the Cultivating student passions is critical Upper School, so you will join a to the development of Hawken students. community that is as excited as Ultimately the goal is to have students you to meet new friends and start find multiple places at school where they a new adventure. Our 62 new can contribute and develop their passions.” ninth graders this year come from Julie Agar, History Teacher, Class Dean 32 different middle schools!
“Hawken has helped me grow Each Hawken student is part of an tremendously. My greatest advisory group comprised of 9 -11 students from the same grade. Each accomplishment has been discovering group is led by a faculty member who serves as an advisor during a student’s who I am as a person in this world. tenure at Hawken, conducting student- Something that has completely parent conferences, overseeing scheduling, and assisting with all shocked me is that I am much smarter aspects of a student’s time at Hawken. than I thought I was. Hawken has helped me discover so many new interests from singing and dancing Did you know? to community service involvement.” Amber, Student
15 An exceptional faculty
It’s evident just from walking the hallways and visiting the classrooms at Hawken that teachers here are not only passionate about what they teach, they also love what they do. And they genuinely enjoy being around students.
You’ll find that your teachers at Hawken aren’t just interested in your class performance; they’re interested in you as a person. Knowing that they are invested in your growth and success will motivate you to do things you never believed you were capable of doing.
“I really love how the teachers at Hawken teachers are experts in their fields and exemplify life-long Hawken treat us with respect and learning. You will be taught by PhD’s, dignity. When I talk to my teachers, Fulbright recipients, and National they truly listen to what I have to Endowment for the Humanities scholars. say. This kind of relationship inspires me to be a lifelong learner and gives Hawken students have the me the confidence I need to share my opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty in an independent study. ideas and opinions with others.” Recent independent studies have Bethany, Student included Russian Language, Hinduism and Buddhism, and Computer Science.
Did you know? 16 “Hawken pushes teachers to try new things; this makes us better teachers, and it makes students partners in the process as their feedback is critical to shaping new curriculum.” Brendan Daly, Science Department Chair
17 Get inspired to lead “While Hawken is very focused on academics, All clubs at Hawken’s Upper School are you don’t really get the full Hawken student initiated and provide an opportunity for community involvement and leadership experience if you don’t try anything new. development. Club leaders will mentor and From sports to theatre to different clubs, nurture you as you become a leader in your own right. Serve as a Writing Center Intern or as Hawken has it all. In addition to being on the a peer tutor to cultivate your mentoring skills. golf team, I am thrilled to be a member of our Try something new by joining clubs like Model UN, The AffirmativeNo school newspaper, Chess theater group, the Hawken Players’ Society, Club, Speech and Debate, Disc Club, Hawken and also Rockapella, a small vocal ensemble. Players’ Society, Improv Club, and more. They have given me the opportunity to meet Is there a club missing from the list? Start one new friends while doing something I love.” yourself, and you’re sure to find students willing Jane, Student to join you in a new adventure!
18 At Hawken, student leaders are given genuine, real-world experience. For example, students elected to the Senate are charged with shaping school policy including the dress code and honor system; senior Peer Leaders mentor “Hawken believes in leadership as an their freshmen cohorts through weekly avenue for developing character in oneself meetings. Opportunities like these and in others. Seniors can be peer leaders, allow you to practice responsible team captains, and editors of publications; leadership and citizenship. students in all classes can be elected or selected for positions in our House System, on the Hawken Integrity Council, on the Senate, and in various clubs. Hawken’s Outdoor Leadership Program prepares In all cases, student leaders work closely students for five-day camping expeditions with adult mentors in order to shape the including backpacking, snowshoeing, culture of student organizations. bouldering, snow camping, 40-hour solos, We believe all Hawken students need canoeing, and more. The program emphasizes highly developed character and strong confident command, skills mastery, and ethical skills for the positions of leadership they discernment in everything from helping a peer may attain in the future.” on the challenge course to being part of a group building a snow shelter. Kim Samson, Upper School Director
Did you know? 19 20 athletics “Playing on a team provides a really strong support system. I’ve formed great Athletics: Game on relationships with coaches here, and two We know that winning isn’t everything, but of my best friends play with me on the our commitment to become “our better selves” propels us to be at the top of our game basketball team - so we’re able to go physically and mentally in every endeavor both on and off the field. Hawken is home to athletes through a lot together. It can be hard to who work hard and play hard, proving their skills balance the demands of playing sports, but in the multitude of championships and awards won throughout the years. Our sports tradition you have to find the time, and teachers are is one of “Fair Play,” where dedication, hard work, really flexible. Sportsmanship is a huge and sportsmanship are valued. emphasis. Even when we play teams that Sports offerings may not display good sportsmanship, we do
Cross Country • Football • Field Hockey • Golf a good job of keeping our cool. Fair Play is Soccer • Tennis • Volleyball • Basketball ingrained in us. The sports teams are really Swimming/Diving • Wrestling • Baseball Softball • Lacrosse • Track and Field close; we do a lot of team bonding and it becomes part of our identity.” Caroline, Student
21 Hawken Athletics Highlights
Hawken School is Hawken also holds 5th on the all-time list a state title in boys Swimming alone accounts for of Ohio High School lacrosse, a non-OHSAA 79 state event championships. Athletic Association sport, for a total of Hawken also has state placers in State Championship 34 state championships these sports, as well as in girls Titles with 33 state in school history. 79 tennis, girls golf, and wrestling. championships.
Hawken girls swim team holds the State championships: Football boasts one of the record for the most consecutive winningest programs in state championships in Ohio high • Girls swimming area history with school history in any sport. This • Boys swimming over 300 wins accomplishment is an ongoing record; • Girls track & field and nine playoff appearances. with 18 current consecutive state titles • Boys golf and 26 state championships overall. • Boys soccer • Boys lacrosse Hawken has won numerous individual and relay event state championships, including titles in boys and girls swimming, boys golf, boys and girls track and field, boys cross country, and boys and girls tennis.
22 “Doing a sport in the fall or at least one season during freshman year helps you structure your time, make friends, and show school spirit.… It’s fun. When I was a freshman I remember the seniors vividly – they were really smart kids. I would go to practice and sometimes they would be talking about classes and school work. It was nice to hear that school matters and that kids can be both smart and athletic.” Charlie, Student
“One great thing about Hawken is the amount of school spirit displayed by students, faculty, and alumni. It’s a lot of fun to see teachers participating in crazy house competitions during the pep rallies. As a student, I think that being a fan at our sporting events is fantastic. The energy that everyone brings to the games is amazing, and we have a lot of great cheers and traditions.” Matt, Student
For more information, visit hawken.edu/Athletics
23 24 the arts The Arts: Thinking outside the box
At Hawken, you can try something new in an “The mantra of the art department is ‘the part introductory arts course or hone your talents in to the whole,’ meaning that every element many advanced level classes. Either way, the arts at needs to work together to create a successful Hawken will allow you to think creatively, develop work of art. One element, no matter how problem solving skills, and help you build resilience fabulous cannot be used if it does not enhance – all skills needed in the real world. the whole piece. This teaches our students how to be flexible, cooperative, and creative Creativity is not reserved for the arts studio or stage at Hawken. Your acting skills will be utilized in while keeping true to their own voice and Humanities class when you study Shakespeare; an ideas. Training in the arts builds character eye for design will be tapped in Entrepreneurship through the discipline needed to hone the during presentations to companies. At Hawken, skills of perception, and develops skills of artistic talents are embraced and encouraged to critical and analytical thinking. Confidence allow students to develop and expand personal gained through instruction and practice interests. You will find countless ways to let your enables productive exploration and intelligent creativity shine. risk-taking, all important factors in the
Courses offered: ceramics, filmmaking, animation, development of character and intellect.” prototype and design, drawing and painting, acting, Denise Buckley, Visual Arts Department Chair stagecraft, jazz combo, string ensemble, concert band, chorale, and more.
“The culture surrounding the arts community is a very accepting one. It takes people of diverse interests working together. If you look at the choir you’ll see soccer players and wrestlers singing alongside committed singers and others just trying something new. Hawken is a place that allows people to be themselves. Fitting in at Hawken is being yourself.” Andrew, Student
The Hawken Players’ Society stages two major productions each year: in 2016-2017, HPS will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Les Miserables; last year they presented Metamorphoses and Into the Woods.
Did you know? 25 What you experience and accomplish at Hawken will differentiate you in the The journey ahead college application process. As you discover and develop your passions, you’ll find that your strong intellectual capabilities and experiences give you a voice and a unique story to tell, displaying an authenticity that attracts the interest of colleges worldwide.
With four full-time professionals, our expert college counseling staff works with you to find the best fit for your strengths, interests and desires. Hawken is proud of our record of preparing students for successful, fulfilling lives. Not at a glance at only are Hawken students more than twice as likely to get into top national universities and liberal arts colleges; forty percent of students in the Class of 2016 received merit scholarships totaling over $4.7 million. Hawken boasts a college matriculation rate of 100% and an engaged alumni network that spans the globe.
The impact of a Hawken education doesn’t end with college placement; it will remain with you throughout your life. Our alumni continually report how transformational their Hawken experience was in determining the trajectory of their lives – from attending top colleges and graduate schools across the nation to employment in a vast array of professional opportunities around To learn more about the globe, where they apply the skills, knowledge and confidence they have experiencing Hawken, visit acquired to make a meaningful difference in our ever-changing world. hawken.edu/Admission
26 Established Founded by 1915 James A. Hawken
Gates Mills Campus Faculty with Grades 9-12 advanced degrees 465 72% students
$7.8 National Merit Recognition million over past 10 years Financial Aid awarded annually
Students K-12 Student Body 109 receiving semifinalists financial aid 1,045 42% Boys & Girls at a glance at
Students of Color University Circle Campus The Sally and Bob Gries Center for 29% Experiential and Service Learning
Lyndhurst Campus Preschool – Grade 8 Transportation available in 580 20+ students communities
27 “It’s really easy to get to know people here because people are so friendly. When I shadowed at Hawken, it seemed like people wanted to get to know me. It was really welcoming. I was taken aback that people remembered my name just from my one visit. That was the difference.” Natsumi, Student
The best way to get to know Heather Daly Hawken is to come and visit. Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management For more information, [email protected] please contact us at 440.423.2955 or visit www.hawken.edu Susan Newman Associate Director of Admission We look forward to welcoming you. and Financial Assistance [email protected]
Holly Scott Associate Director of Admission, Upper School [email protected]
Bryce Woodson Admission Officer [email protected]
Laura Lewis Admission Coordinator and Marketing Liaison [email protected] Lower and Middle School 5000 Clubside Drive Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124 440.423.2950
Upper School PO Box 8002 Gates Mills, Ohio 44040 440.423.2955 [email protected] www.hawken.edu