Prospect Hill Academy Attends College Pathway Program

On Friday, May 2, 12 fourth grade students from Prospect Hill Academy, a K-12 Charter School located in Somerville, visited Wheelock College for a campus tour and discussion. The students were awed by a backstage tour of Wheelock Family Theatre and viewed costumes from the latest production of “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.” Wheelock College students led the tour of important hubs of campus activity such as the Campus Center and dining hall, classrooms, and the Earl Center for Learning and Innovation, a state-of-the-art learning space for students, faculty, and the Boston community that is equipped with the latest technologies for learning.

Following the tour was a discussion during which the Wheelock College students shared information about academics and life at an urban college with a strong mission-driven focus. The Prospect Hill Academy students had plenty of opportunities to ask questions, which the students prepared for prior to their visit. Their teacher, Clair O’Connor, said, “I liked how [the discussion] was led by the college students. They really seemed like they wanted to help the kids and listen to them. No one judged them for their questions and it felt really comfortable.”  Using question starters such as “What are you most excited about when you think about college?” The students asked questions about topics such as living in a campus residence hall with a roommate and about a typical college student’s schedule.  The day culminated with lunch on Wheelock’s campus.

The Prospect Hill Academy students enjoyed their exposure to a college experience. One student commented:  “Thank you for showing us around your wonderful school. It was one of my best experiences as a fourth grader. You opened my eyes to go to college.”

Since 1888, Wheelock College has been providing a transformational education to students passionate about making the world a better place—especially for children and families. The College leads a variety of pre-collegiate programing for 4th to 10th grade students with the goal of creating a pipeline of early exposure. Wheelock believes a strong college pathway can be laid early to create the necessary awareness, inquiry and reflection needed to support the successful preparation of college-going youth.

If you would like to schedule a tour and/or discussion with Wheelock College students and staff, please reach out to Cara Dembkoski, Strategic Partnerships and Programs Coordinator in the Office of Government & External Affairs, and Strategic Partnerships at 617-879-1147 or cdembkoski@wheelock.edu.