The Lowell Whiteman School

Admission FAQ’s – Why an Independent School

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.

The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) also has more information at http://www.boardingschools.com and at http://boardingschools.com/media/6649/truth.swf.

What makes LWS different than other schools?

Inspiring MINDS, Inspiring LIVES……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.

Applicants are evaluated and accepted based on previous academic work, proven work ethic, community involvement, application essay quality, on-campus interview, and other factors.

Applicants will choose between one of three programs:

1) Competitive snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding, or
2) The LWS Foreign travel program or
3) The LWS Ride-Write program

All LWS applicants should be college bound.

Where is Lowell Whiteman School located?

In beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA.   Steamboat is a historic ranching community and ski destination resort.  Yet it has retained its old west heritage and small-town atmosphere through its rise to "Ski Town USA."  The school is located north of old 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?  What is Ride-Write?

All students participate in the school’s orientation, fall camp, and desert week trips.  Three trips are held before the second week in October.  Students can choose between mild or steep ascent backpacking, horse, bike, kayak 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  one or two academic classes for the training and competitive season.   Teachers work with training, ski/ ride camps, and competitive 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.   “Without intersession,” Brant Crossan ‘10 says, “I couldn’t begin to get a college prep education and ski at the level I have.” Brant recently attended a special training camp sponsored by LWS and SSWSC in Austria for two weeks.  See the Austria Ski & Study Abroad Program for more information.

Foreign travelers participate in fall activities (horseback riding, physical training, biking, climbing)  provided by LWS.  They also can choose a high school sport such as football, soccer, track and field, lacrosse, etc.  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.  They leave in the spring for their four week foreign trip while the competitors have Intersession back at school.

Ride-Write is a program combining the best of both worlds as it serves athletes interested in the experience of the foreign travel program and an elevated level of snowboard coaching.  Students have the opportunity to attend Competitions but the program is focused more on recreational riding.  In this program, you can improve all around riding skills in a variety of areas with a SSWSC coach.   Students do not drop classes during the ride season and they do go on foreign trip.

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 2009/10 Boarding tuition is $33,900. Day tuition is $18,200.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, about a one-third of our students receive financial aid. A modest amount of financial aid is set aside for merit-based, and a larger amount reserved for need-based .

What is the time-line for the admissions process?

Applications are due March 15th.  If vacancies still exist after March 15, qualified students will admitted as long as space remains.

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 $50 application fee for applicants living in the United States, or a $100 application fee for applicants living outside the United States
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.

Click here for an application checklist.

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.