One of America’s most respected independent boarding schools, Wasatch Academy (estb. 1875) boasts 300 students from 38 countries from around the world Located in the western state of Utah, Wasatch Academy (estb. 1875) is one of America’s most respected independent (private) boarding schools. This top-ranked preparatory (classes VIII-XII) school boasts 300 students from 38 countries worldwide on its muster roll, providing them a unique international study experience combining academic rigour with co-curricular and sports education. Unsurprisingly, Wasatch graduates are welcomed into America’s top-ranked colleges and universities such as Amherst, CalTech, Cornell, Harvard, Boston, Emory, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Purdue, Northwestern, Stanford, and Columbia. Founded in 1875 by Duncan McMillan, a Presbyterian minister who named it after the famous Wasatch mountain range which runs through Utah, over the past 137 years the academy has evolved into a unique higher secondary distinguished by its internationally diverse student body. Comments Joseph Loftin, headmaster of the school: “There are four uniquely distinguishing characteristics of a Wasatch education. First is Wasatch Academy’s teacher professional development programme, which trains faculty to employ a neuro-developmental approach to assess learning strengths and help students gauge how they can learn best. All full-time teachers and dormitory parents are trained in this pedagogical methodology. Second is an exceptional outdoor programme to build character and leadership skills. Third is our global campus hosting students from 38 countries and 28 American states. Finally our tight-knit community encourages every student to express her talents and develop at her own pace. Few schools worldwide can match the capabilities of our faculty in addressing the developmental needs of each student while cultivating awareness of principles that reinforce personal integrity and strengthen community health.” All this is backed by an enviable teacher-student ratio of 1:8 enabling teachers to work individually with students to reinforce natural aptitudes and fill educational gaps. Generous scholarships are granted to students who can’t afford its thought-provoking US$50,000 (Rs.25 lakh) annual tuition-cum-boarding fee. This year Wasatch Academy awarded US$3 million (Rs.15 crore) in financial aid, including US$1 million (Rs.5 crore) to foreign students. Mount Pleasant. Located in central Utah, Mount Pleasant (pop.3,260) borders six national parks, forested mountains and vast fertile tracts. In this small but steadily growing town, new buildings stand alongside historic edifices such as the Carnegie Library, Liberal Hall (the original Wasatch Academy school building built in 1875), and several vintage homes on the US Historical Register. The latest addition to the city’s infrastructure is the Sanpitch Recreation and Heritage Center, set in a 100-acre site housing a 1.2-acre, 50,000 sq.ft roofed arena, and capable of hosting equestrian events, rodeos, horse and car shows, concerts, trade shows, and sporting events. The nearest international airport is in Salt Lake city, 160 km by road. Given its rich natural setting, Mt. Pleasant and its environs offer a host of adventure and outdoor activities including trekking, snowmobiling, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking, camping, and snow kiting. Temperatures are extreme, ranging between -10o-5o C in winters and 23o-38o C in summer. Campus facilities. The…
