John Reinhardt '12

What is the best thing about Berwick Academy?
The best thing about Berwick are the teacher-student relationships. We are friends and that is a special aspect of the school. Because I felt so comfortable with the teachers I could engage in classes and the community so much more than if I wasn't friends with any teachers. I've heard so many stories of students spending late nights with teachers getting extra help. It's that effort that makes the teachers great. Finding extra help is so easy and it is necessary to get a better understanding of the tough classes.

Who was the best teacher/coach you had at Berwick Academy? Why?

I loved all my coaches and teachers at Berwick, but Coach Connolly was the best coach/teacher. I had Mr. Connolly as a teacher sophomore year and found his classes were run very similarly to his practices. All his drills and exercises were explained well and always helped with the bigger picture, like the game or a paper. He can transform any player to play any position at his best level. He also leaves great feedback on papers and teaches so many different ways to write essays. You can see so much knowledge and passion in his instruction in both English and Soccer and that was a great motivator to do well. When he yells, every bit of what he says bites and is true. Because of this he has a great success record for his teams, and gives young writers confidence in their reading/writing. I spent so much time with him over the past four years and have formed so many strong memories. He has great a story or a riddle that is perfect for passing anytime downtime. 

What was the best class you took at Berwick Academy? Why?
The best class I took at Berwick was "Unheard Voices." Like I said in the exam, this class didn't just involve learning about Unheard Voices, but was also about learning a better way of living. The teacher motivated us to do all the work and to respond thoughtfully; our discussions were so deep, interesting and engaging. I wish it was a full year course, and I hope it will come back to the course selection soon.

How did Berwick Academy help you with the college process and with finding a college that was the right fit for you?
The college process for me was a breeze, partly because I started the search so early and because my college advisor knew me so well and was straight forward in what he thought of the decisions I would make. Berwick has to get a Denison rep to visit.

How did Berwick Academy prepare you for college?
The workload and time commitments I had at Berwick made me manage my time well, and that is the biggest challenge at college, but I've handled it well. I am used to the hours of work, so I get my work done. I know what to do when I don’t understand things. I feel comfortable visiting my professors. The friendships I made with students in the grade above me were the best mentors for preparing me for my life ahead.

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Berwick Academy

Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 550 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Post-Graduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.