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.

For over 150 years, Cushing Academy has transformed students as scholars, athletes, artists, and individuals who are endlessly curious and actively engaged in discovering new talents and interests. For example:

• Rigorous Academics: Our innovative curriculum prepares students well for college and life by emphasizing essential skills such as collaboration, communication, and global awareness. Widely recognized as a leader in educational innovation, our real strength is in the commitment of every teacher to the success of every student. As pioneers in Academic Support, we strive to meet students where they are and provide them with a powerful toolkit for academic success. Our internationally renowned ESL Program provides 360-degree support, which is tailored to students' needs, and prepares them to take full advantage of our curriculum.
• Spectacular Arts: Our expansive and renowned visual and performing arts offerings attract accomplished artists to Cushing, while at the same time, our "give it a try" philosophy allows the entire community to explore creativity and discover new talents.
• Exciting Athletics: With 26 teams in 14 sports, we offer opportunities for athletes at every level of experience, and thrilling competition that binds us together as Penguins for life. In the past 17 years, Cushing teams have won 25 NEPSAC championships in 6 sports.
• Welcoming Community: If there's one thing our visitors experience (and remember!) it's the multitude of friendly Penguins that happily share their own Cushing stories and strive to embody the spirit of our school.

The first words of our mission statement are, "Cushing Academy exists for students," and this is the daily focus of life at our school. This goal of putting every student as the primary focus sets the tone for all that occurs on our beautiful campus. Unique to Cushing, this phrase is a constant reminder to reinforce our singular focus to support student learning and experiences.

At Cushing, learning does not stop when classes end, but instead continues in the art studio, dining commons, dormitories, on playing fields, and in those moments when laughter is shared among friends. When you attend Cushing Academy, our focus is narrowly on you. Your good days, sick days, successes, failures, struggles, and victories… we will be right beside you through it all, continuing that learning process. Your experience as a Penguin will be unique, enjoyable, and memorable, as you pursue your passions, discover new interests, and make lifelong friends from all over the world. 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.

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.