Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Cushing Academy exists for students and develops curious, creative, and confident learners and leaders.
Vision
Cushing Academy is recognized as a unique educational setting whose faculty, staff, and facilities exist to nurture the optimal growth of students with a range of talents, abilities, and interests in a supportive, diverse, and community-oriented environment that promotes and values intellectual challenge, the arts, athletics, and cultural competence.
Core Values
Cushing Academy believes that:
- An education that sparks curiosity, provides intellectual challenge, offers adequate support, and hones analytical thinking not only fosters independence, but also establishes the foundation for a lifetime of learning and the pursuit of excellence.
- Creativity must be encouraged and nurtured in all aspects of school life.
- Working with peers with a variety of learning styles, as well as with a range of academic, athletic, and artistic strengths and interests, enriches the educational experience for all students.
- A strong sense of self-esteem, self-discipline, and self-confidence allows students to persevere and, thus, to grow through challenges into optimistic, active, and “useful” and “leading” citizens of the world.
- Through athletics, community service, group activities, and collaboration across disciplines, students develop valuable social habits and interpersonal skills that will help them become successful, fair-minded, and leading members of society.
- Learning to make informed choices and to advocate for oneself is fundamental to achieving a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
- Seeking to understand others, as well as respecting and valuing differences, is essential for a judicious, meaningful, and fulfilling life.
- A sense of social responsibility, moral courage, gratitude, integrity, and humility, modeled by trusted mentors and peers, paves the way for becoming an active and contributing member of one’s school, community, society, and the world at large.
Portrait of a Graduate
The Portrait of a Graduate details and supports Cushing’s mission to educate the mind, shape the character, nurture the creativity, and foster the well-being of each student. As a lens through which we examine ourselves and our work, this portrait guides and informs all aspects of school life.
A Cushing graduate learns, lives, and leads by these ideals:
In my personal journey, I:
- strive to be self-aware, self-disciplined, and self-controlled.
- take initiative, adapt, and persevere.
- live with optimism, passion, a sense of humor, and humility.
- make informed choices for a healthy, balanced life.
- advocate for myself.
- pursue excellence in all areas of my life.
In my intellectual journey, I:
- think critically, creatively, and reflectively.
- listen and communicate actively, thoughtfully, and effectively.
- take risks and grow through challenges.
- approach lifelong learning with openness and curiosity.
In my community journey, I:
- respect, support, and show gratitude.
- value, engage fully in, and contribute to the diversity of my communities.
- collaborate with others.
- understand social systems.
- serve others as an active citizen.
In my ethical journey, I:
- act with empathy and compassion.
- act with integrity.
- act with personal and social responsibility.
- act with courage on behalf of others and myself.
Cushing Academy
39 School Street
Ashburnham, Massachusetts 01430
978-827-7000
admissions@cushing.org
Ashburnham, Massachusetts 01430
978-827-7000
admissions@cushing.org
Cushing Academy
Cushing Academy exists for students and develops curious, creative, and confident learners and leaders. Founded in 1865, Cushing is a co-ed, college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 and PG. Our students, who come from over 30 states and 30 countries, excel in our outstanding academic, art, and athletic offerings. We welcome you to visit our community and beautiful 162-acre campus in Ashburnham, Mass., just one hour from Boston, to experience all that Cushing has to offer.
