“I have never felt so intellectually comfortable and stimulated.”

Celia - Class of 2010 Andover, Massachusetts

“One of my favorite classes so far is Modern European History,” says Celia, “in part because all the kids in it were so bright. Learning from my classmates has been an important part of my academic success—as well as a fun and often comical experience.”

Sure, the material was compelling, but according to Celia, it was Dr. Quattlebaum’s interactive teaching methods—from doing the “boogaloo” (as he calls it) and dancing on desks to passing around items from his personal collection of historic memorabilia to singing impromptu songs—that kept students so engaged.

“Unlike in many public schools, teachers here direct their lessons toward those most passionate about learning,” she notes. “Not only are PA teachers incredibly supportive, they are inspirational.

“I have never felt so intellectually comfortable and stimulated. At Andover I can engage in any type of conversation with friends, classmates, or teachers—whether it be about the election in Zimbabwe or my opinions about a campus speaker or my interpretation of a literary passage—without feeling ‘too smart’.”