Student Questions

If you recall, in the participant survey, I asked if you had any questions for the staff. Some of you did have questions. I'm going to answer them here, so that everyone can see them.

Will there be tests? Do we get grades?
No, we will have authentic assessments in our immersion activities.
No, we are going to measure growth using self-reflection in proficiency skills with some feedback from your teachers.
You will get a certificate of completion at the closing ceremony. 
What time of day is the designated running/walking time? 
6:30-7:30 am
Are we able to have a daily exercise routine, as in going to the gym? 
There is limited gym time most days.
What is the shower situation like? Like is it a shared-bathroom down the hall or what?
Most rooms are a suite of two rooms linked by a bathroom in between them. So, four of you will share two sinks, one toilet and one shower. It will be very important for you to establish a schedule and stick to it. 
I'd like to know how much time for free we have in the day, particularly for showering. 
You have from 9:30-11:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 am to work out shower routines with. your suite mates.
Also, is there a secure place to store valuables? 
The door to your room locks automatically and only you, your roommate, and the staff can access it. If you have anything you want further secured, you can ask to put it in the office in the dorm. However, this will limit your access to it.
Is it okay if I bring my camera?
As long as it is not also your phone, yes.
What happens if I forget something really important?
If it is not an immediate need, we will call your family and ask them to mail it. If it is something more immediate, that we can replace, then someone from the staff will go get it and you will reimburse them.
Is there air conditioning in the dorms?
Yes, that would be a deal breaker for me. :)
Do we have any free time to complete modules for an online class? 
No, you will only have access to the internet once or twice for half an hour or so. Also, if your email requires dual verification with your phone, you might want to set up something different because you will not have your phone. 
I wonder if there will be time to explore other topics, for example philosophy, other than the classes that we are taking.
Absolutely! You will have the chance to research a topic of your choice and to discuss it with people who are likewise interested. 
Am I able to bring my tennis racquet?
You can. The tennis courts are not close to our dorms, however, and odds are that you will not have time to walk to them and play and walk back in the time we have for gym time. But you can certainly bring it in case.
Is my mom allowed to send me a package on my birthday as I will be turning 16 during this program?
Absolutely!!! However, it needs to be able to come through UPS, USPS, or FedEx. There is no one available to receive individual courier deliveries. 
​Are there procedures if someone is feeling destructive?
Yes, report those feeling to a staff member ASAP. We treat mental health just like physical health- we will contact a parent and set up a tele-health appointment with a provider. After the student has a chance to talk to that provider one on one, we will all create a care plan that will hopefully allow the student to remain at academy.  

Have any other questions?  Leave it in the comments.
Valete!
Princeps