Admission FAQ’s
There are lots of choices in education today, but recent studies have shown that independent schools rank high in many categories. They typically provide academic excellence, provide motivation, teach leadership skills and students who attend these schools have a high level of success in their professional lives. To learn more, check out The Truth About Boarding School. A sampling of study results show that only 50% of public school students feel they are being academically challenged compared to 70% of day students at independent schools and 91% of independent school boarding students. Similarly, only 49% of public school students feel motivated by their peers, compared to 71% of day students at independent schools and 79% of boarding students.
What makes LWS different than other schools?
We are unique in that we combine college preparatory academics, experiential education, and service. We do what we do better than anyone because we invented it. Lowell Whiteman defined “experiential” when he founded the school in 1957. We have a program which challenges, supports and engages our students. Our graduates are comfortable with who they are, confident in their abilities, and ready to lead remarkable lives. Our programs combine excellent academics with skiing/riding or foreign travel, and outdoor adventure.
Who is the ideal LWS candidate?
Students entering grades 9-12 who have unique dreams, perspectives & goals. Every student must be willing to commit to academics and to either the foreign travel or ski/ride programs. We accept applicants of all ethnic and religious backgrounds who present credentials indicating that they can succeed in the school’s academic environment and participate in our well-established outdoor program. All LWS applicants should be college bound.
Applicants are evaluated and accepted based on previous academic work, proven work ethic, community involvement, application essay quality, on-campus interview, and other factors. Prospective students must choose between one of two programs:
1) Competitive snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding, or
2) The LWS Global Immersion Studies program
Where is Lowell Whiteman School located?
Our campus is located just outside beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA. Steamboat is a historic ranching community and ski destination resort that has retained its old west heritage and small-town atmosphere through its rise to "Ski Town USA." The school is located north of town, 15 minutes from the famous Steamboat Ski Resort. Our campus is nestled in the mountains, bordering acres and acres of open space and mountain terrain. Miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails surround our campus. It is picturesque, tranquil and private. Founder Lowell Whiteman picked the perfect spot for his school. Check out our page on how to get here.
How do the programs work? What is Intersession?
All students participate in the school’s orientation, fall camp, and desert week trips. These three trips are held before the second week in October. Through the fall, students can choose between backpacking, horsepacking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, canyoneering, or canoe trips. Students get a chance to bond with each other and their teachers. This helps reinforce our efforts in the classroom. They learn the rudiments of camping, as well as other skills on the river, on bikes, mountain climbing or horseback riding.
Competitive skiers and riders participate in all classes in the fall. Most are involved in dryland training with Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club until mid-November. In winter, they drop two academic classes for the training and competitive season. Teachers work with the student-athletes' schedules to ensure academic success with the remaining classes. LWS Ski Coordinator, Gina Wither, acts as a liaison with teachers, students, and coaches. In spring, when the Foreign Travel groups leave, LWS Intersession begins and previously dropped classes are held on campus. Competitive students use this intensive academic time to make up any missing work. Teachers work one-to-one or with small groups of students, and most competitors really excel this time of year.
Global Immersion Studies students participate in fall activities provided by LWS. In winter, they carry a normal class load and work with their assigned foreign travel group to help plan their travels and learn about the countries they will be visiting. In groups of 10 and two faculty members, they leave in the spring for their four-week foreign trip, while the competitors have Intersession back at school.
In May, normal classes resume until graduation in June.
What are the academic requirements to be accepted as a LWS student?
We do not use a specific formula to determine an applicant’s eligibility. Academics at Lowell Whiteman are rigorous and challenging. We look at a student’s academic record, and try to assess whether or not the student’s commitment to learning can make them a successful student here.
How much does it cost?
Our 2012-13 boarding tuition is $36,400. Day tuition is $19,400.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, about one-third of our students receive financial aid.
What is the time-line for the admissions process?
We accept applications on a rolling basis, and we typcially notify families of our decisions within a couple of weeks of receiving the application. New students may be considered for admission at mid-year if they demonstrate extremely strong academic skills.
How does Admissions work?
1) Complete the application form – see Our Admissions page.
2) Decide between either the competitive snow sport program or foreign travel for your student.
3) Request transcripts and three recommendations be sent The Lowell Whiteman School.
4) A complete application also includes a $100 ($200 if applying internationally) application fee for applicants.
5) Consider a personal visit and campus tour, attend classes if possible.
6) While you are visiting us, we’ll conduct a student interview to ensure a good fit.
Is the SSAT required for admission?
The Secondary School Admission Test is recommended, but not required.
What kind of college placements do Lowell Whiteman graduates achieve?
See College Placement.
Where are school schedules, calendars and other important information?
Check out our Academics page. It has our school day schedules which very by season and a calendar maintained in Google.