Scattergood’s unique status as a boarding school allows a students to gain experience in many areas. Our curriculum covers much more than academics. In the course of one weekday, a student will sit quietly in Collection, attend classes, be part of a cooperative work crew, exercise their creativity in an art project, take part in physical education, eat meals with their friends and teachers, prepare for their next day's classes, hang out in the dorm or student lounge, and spend time with their roommates. In addition to this, some days offer student or community meetings and special events such as presentations from visitors. Flowing through all these activities is the sense of community that comes from living and learning together.

When alumni look back on their experiences here, it is interesting to hear what they found most memorable. Often it was the learning that occured outside of class that had the biggest impact: working alongside others on crews to support the daily functioning of the community, listening to the stories of friends during late night talks in the dorm, paddling down a river on spring trips, or learning how to clerk a community meeting.

No one ever said that teenage years were easy, but Scattergood provides a supportive and encouraging place for teenagers to navigate those years together. There is enough structure to provide a safe and stable learning and living environment and enough freedom of expression and leadership opportunity as well.

Structure of student schedule (46k PDF)

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

Collection

The community gathers in the meeting house at 8:25am for a 15 minute period of silence, which we call Collection. Before this meeting, a staff and student crew have prepared breakfast for those who wish to attend.

Classes

Academic classes begin at 8:50am and continue until lunch at 12:45pm. Students are usually fully involved in classes during this period of time. The only exceptions are some language classes that meet after lunch or in the evenings. Students are enrolled in a full load of classes during all of their four years here, even if they have completed their required classes for graduation.

Lunch

Lunch brings the whole community together again, for our main meal of the day. Faculty and students sit at assigned tables of six for a family-style meal and conversation. These table assignments change every two weeks with the aim of helping everyone know each other better through the course of the year. Daily announcements are made following the meal, including mention of the fresh produce and meat from the Scattergood Farm which was used in the meal.

Crew

The hour after lunch is work crew time for many faculty and students, and free time for those who have their crew at another time of the day. These crew assignments change monthly for students, and include everything from cleaning dishes to working on the farm, cleaning the dorms to working in the library. During this time, the student bank is open for students to deposit or withdraw money.

Art/Project

Project time lasts an hour and a half beginning at 2:15pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Projects include art classes, work projects, independent activities, and just about any creative enterprise staff want to sponsor. Academic credit may be earned during these projects.

P.E.

Sports and physical fitness activities begin at 4:00pm and last for an hour and a half on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Some optional P.E. classes may also meet on Tuesday and Thursday.

Dinner

Quiet/Study Time

"Quiet/Study Time" begins at 7:30pm. Students are expected to be quiet in most locations on campus, but can be noisy in the gym or art building. Most students use this time to study or work on group projects. Students showing any academic problems are expected to be in structured study hall during this time.

Dorm Time

Staggered Dorm Times begin between 10:00pm and 11:20pm, depending upon one's grade level and degree of demonstrated accountability.

Lights Out

Lights Out is 11:05pm, except for seniors and second-semester juniors, who do not have a lights out requirement.