For much of Proctor’s early history, the school’s primary mission (first as Andover Academy and then Proctor Academy after its 1874 charter) was to educate the children of the Town of Andover. In that sense, “day students” and families have been integral to our community since Proctor’s inception.
During our 2024-2025 Day Family Welcome Event, Interim Head of School Steve Wilkins, highlighted the importance of day students to our identity as a school. Steve referenced three distinct groups of students (and families) attracted to Proctor:
- Some students seek an alternative to traditional classroom-based education, preferring a more dynamic and experiential learning environment.
- Bright, creative, and innovative learners who happen to learn differently than the average, neurotypical student and who benefit from Proctor's tailored approach to learning.
- Local students who contribute to the school's diverse community of learners, fostering critical thinking, empathy, global awareness, and collaborative skills in all students.
The magic of Proctor lies in bringing all of these populations together, committed to our unique educational model to provide college preparatory academics in a supportive environment, combine classroom learning and experiential education, and stay true to our informal campus culture while maintaining high standards of respect.
While day students take part in study hall, eat meals in the dining hall, attend extra help sessions in the evening, participate in all campus activities, and have access to all Proctor has to offer, life as a day student differs from those of boarding students.
Three of our Day Student Leaders (Emma Harrell ‘25, Jane Bartlett ‘25, and Yousef Radwan ‘25) share their perspectives and advice below on how to navigate the challenges and take full advantage of the opportunities of being a day student at Proctor.
What are the benefits of being a Day Student at a boarding school?
Emma ‘25: “After three years of being a day student, I have come to love and appreciate being a day student and the benefits and opportunities that we enjoy. Going home after a long day and being greeted by our dogs, having home-cooked meals, and sleeping in our own beds. And, although we may make up only around 30 percent of Proctor’s population, I truly believe we are such a tight-knit, supportive group that we always find a way to come together while also seamlessly integrating with our friends who are boarders. I will always be grateful for the strong connections I’ve made with fellow day students.”
Yousef ‘25: “Living the double world of being able to see all your peers at school for the 15ish hours you are there and then coming home to see family at night before bed is a reality for day students that boarders wish they had. For me, it is the feeling of privacy that comes from getting away from everyone and simply winding down from the day at home.”
Jane ‘25: “You have the best of both worlds! Your days and evenings are spent at Proctor, however, you get the support of your own home… and bed!”
What are some of the challenges of being a Day Student at a boarding school?
Emma ‘25: “However, as much as I do appreciate being a Day Student, I can recognize some of the challenges that come with it. As a Day Student who lives about 30 minutes away from campus, the commute can become tiring and it is sometimes difficult to attend extra help sessions.”
Yousef ‘25: “Though the commute does have its pros and cons, it can be especially irritating in the first year for parents who get the text for a ride at 10:30 pm some nights. On top of that, the slick ice during the winter time makes from some challenging road conditions on certain days, to the point where you’re better off missing that first class or two for safety reasons.”
Jane ‘25: “A challenge of being a day student is that I never want to leave school! I love my friends and teachers so much it’s hard to say goodbye at the end of the day.”
What advice would you share with new Day Students regarding how to best take full advantage of all that Proctor offers?
Emma ‘25: “After being a Day Student and learning from my sibling's experiences (who were also day students), I have come to realize that taking full advantage of what Proctor has to offer is the best way to feel a part of the community. Staying late on weekends to hang out with friends, going to all the dances, and participating in all the great weekend activities are some of my favorite things that I have done as a Day student these past three years.”
Yousef ‘25: “Although it may seem cliché, take hold of all the different programs that the school has to offer. As a day student, you still have the ability to join in on off-campus programs, come to various events on Sundays, and meet all of the boarding students as well. All of that being said, once again, you are fortunate to have the ability to come home each night and share a piece of your day with family.”
Jane ‘25: “To take full advantage of being a day student at Proctor, have at least one dorm sleepover at your time at Proctor, open your home up to boarders, and leave for classes on time (don’t speed!).”
Click Here for more photos from the start of the 2024-2025 school year!
- Community and Relationships
- Residential Life