I recently met with the new President of Becker College and his wife. They were visiting Worcester from their current home in Ohio and they wanted to find the best high school for their two children. After they toured our campus and met with our Director of Admission, Susanne Carpenter, the Johnsons met with me and Upper School Director, Ron Cino. Dr. Johnson informed me that they were looking at four Worcester area high schools; he then asked me only one question. He wanted to know what set Worcester Academy apart from other options they might have for their son and daughter.

My immediate answer to the Johnsons was “Worcester Academy students are the happiest students I have encountered in my 45 plus years in independent schools. They enjoy each other, they enjoy their teachers and coaches and they truly enjoy coming to school, being challenged and being supported.” That was my gut reaction to his thoughtful question.

I then went on to describe our mission, core values and vision. I emphasized that we are essentially urban, truly global and academically innovative. I emphasized our balance between the three A’s (Academics, Arts and Athletics). I told him about our three strategic plans and our salient growth over the recent decade. The more I think about it, I talked too much. My first instincts were correct. I am sure that the other three schools they were going to visit would talk of their unique missions, values and visions. We all talk about balance, challenge and support. Thus, I go back to my original thesis. What sets WA students apart from the other schools is that our kids are truly happy, and proud to be at Worcester Academy.

- Dexter Morse, Head of School