With the last of its many summer opportunities finishing up this week, Tabor Academy will open its doors for its 142nd school year on September 4. In advance of that date, beginning on August 31, the faculty will welcome over 180 early returners for preseason athletics, as well as about 40 student leaders who will help prepare for the opening of school in various ways.
The Tabor community will welcome eight new teachers and 155 new students this year. The student body hails from 22 countries and 23 states across the country, 19% are international students, 15% students of color. “It is a strong and diverse group, and everyone is eager to get started,” said Kerry Saltonstall, Director of Communications.
Saltonstall went on to share some new developments for the coming year. “After successfully implementing significant changes to the academic and athletic schedule last year, the school has planned important structural changes to student life this year. Outwardly, this change will be evident in new dress expectations for students from the previously mandatory “professional dress” to a more business casual approach, with students dressing for success whenever they decide it is appropriate. More substantially, our new Office of Community Life will help focus Tabor’s diverse community on the benefits and responsibilities of becoming a truly inclusive community. Collaborating with faculty and student leaders from Student Council, the Deans Office, the International Student Center, and the Office of Equity & Inclusion, this office aims to have a powerful and lasting impact on both student learning and campus culture.”
Academically, the school’s course catalog boasts 170+ courses, many of them new offerings from the faculty born of the opportunity for more electives due to the school’s move to a trimester system last year. “Additionally, the 75-minute class periods we put in place last year opened new opportunities to explore more authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom, such as collaborations with local schools and non-profits, including assisting with local marine research projects. We hope to expand on these efforts,” said Saltonstall.
In athletics, Tabor is starting its second season in the Independent School League, where they will be defending championship titles in Girls’ Basketball and Hockey. This will be the second year the Seawolves will field a Volleyball team.
Finally, the school is commencing their 10-year accreditation self-study this fall with NEASC: New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Saltonstall said, “Tabor is changing in exciting ways and we hope you will keep up with all the happenings on our website news channel and through the local press. There will be many lectures and cultural offerings this year that will be free and open to the public, as usual, and we always have spirited athletic contests to enjoy. Come out and join us!”