“When I think about Winsor girls, I think bold,” exclaims Anshi. “Every Winsor girl that I know just pushes the boundaries.”
“Winsor,” she adds, “is a place that prepares strong women, in every sense of the word, to take ownership of making the world a better place.”
Now a Harvard undergraduate, she’s one of the thousands of students and alumnae living out the mission of the Winsor School of Boston, a leading independent school for academically promising girls in grades 5-12.
In the words of a senior, “Winsor girls have a passion to create change in the world, and that’s something that the world definitely needs.”
In today’s world, “we need one another now more than ever,” reflects Head of School Sarah Pelmas. She often reminds students of the power in community: “We thrive in helping others to thrive.”
Photo: the Winsor School
Winsor graduates have been leading lives of purpose, generosity, and joy for more than a century. Today, the school continues to build on a tradition of providing girls with an education second to none.
In preparing girls to “contribute to the world,” Winsor opens girls’ eyes to their own extraordinary potential to “contribute” in countless ways, from cutting-edge Global Studies, to hands-on STEM courses, to extensive arts and athletics.
Every day, their equally passionate teachers build an unparalleled academic foundation and the creativity, critical thinking, and confidence the future demands.
What makes Winsor so “magical?” In students’ own words: “Everyone who’s here is really excited about being here.”
- “Having such smart and strong girls around me, I feel like I’m in a community where I’m accepted and can be myself.”
- “The teachers are all super, super supportive.”
- “If you’re a little quirky, that’s totally fine.”
- “Being in a class of 60+ girls who really care about you and want you to succeed is really special.”
Located in Boston’s dynamic Longwood Medical Area, Winsor’s historic campus features extensive new arts and athletic facilities and innovative academic classrooms, inspiring girls to explore, lead, and collaborate.
Its 470 students come from every corner of Boston and more than 50 surrounding communities.
The school strives to be “a place where everyone feels welcome,” reflects Julian Braxton, director of community and multicultural affairs. Affinity groups are a powerful way in which the school lives out its ideals of welcome and support.
Groups include SISTERS, short for Sharing Individual Stories Through Everyone’s RootS, a support system for girls of African-American, Afro-Caribbean, Cape Verdean, and Latina descent; SOMOS, an affinity group for Latina Heritage and Hispanic Heritage students, and AsIAm, for students of Asian descent including the Indian subcontinent.
“The best part,” explains one Winsor student, “is knowing that everyone comes into our group with an open attitude. We bond with one another and share parts of ourselves and honestly become each other’s sisters.”
From the start, “we try to teach girls the importance of actively and positively defining yourself,” adds Mr. Braxton.
At Winsor, “we want every girl who comes through the door to feel like this is her place,” explains Ms. Pelmas. Each fall, the school’s Parent Network for Diversity also sponsors a “welcome” event, helping girls and families feel at home at Winsor.
Winsor’s lessons—and friendships—stay with girls for their lifetimes. The college choices of Winsor graduates reflect the strength of both the school and its students. While college is in girls’ immediate futures, Winsor truly prepares them for life.
“We’re excited to share why Winsor is such a special place,” says Pamela Parks McLaurin, director of admission and financial aid and a Winsor graduate herself. When she talks to girls, she weaves a simple invitation into her conversations: “Challenge yourself. Enjoy yourself. Be yourself.”
The admission team looks carefully at every girl who applies, and seeks girls who will thrive here. Intellectual curiosity, academic ability, motivation, a generous spirit, and a respect for difference are all part of what Winsor seeks.
On Monday, Nov. 12, the school’s annual Admission Open House will offer interested families a firsthand glimpse of Winsor girls and teachers in action on a typical day.
