We create a culture that celebrates boys. We recognize their innate competitiveness, their boundless energy, their need to learn with their hands and by doing, their sense of humor, their sense of justice and fairness, and their age-appropriate learning needs; and we teach accordingly. We develop compassion and empathy; and teach that such traits are not feminine or masculine but the full expression of being a man.
– Joseph T. Cox, Ph.D., Headmaster
Preparing your son academically for the future is undoubtedly
one of the most valuable benefits of a Haverford education. But more
importantly, we give boys a foundation of skills they need to lead a
fulfilling and meaningful life. As our statement of vision reads, “the
Haverford faculty prepares each boy to be future-ready through
developing his character and his emotional intelligence, as well as his
academic, artistic, and athletic talents.”
Those who have studied boys’ learning
tell us that reading is the most critical Lower School skill boys need
for future academic success, and our reading and study skills
specialists devote major resources to providing the necessary language
arts foundation in the earliest years. In Middle School, the experts
agree that boys need help organizing their learning, and we patiently
work with Middle School boys on mutual goal-setting and following
through on assignments. In Upper School, young men need to develop
empathy and emotional intelligence, and Haverford has been on the
cutting edge of research substantiating the importance of peer
leadership and counseling skills.
The Haverford School has a consistent vision of the best that boys can be. Our teachers know that boys and girls interact differently with the educational environment, and we teach to the unique needs and strengths of boys. This helps them realize their full human potential – socially, morally, and intellectually. At Haverford, young men get a strong academic foundation, make lifelong friends, and learn to serve their wider community.