Post-Graduate Program

Overview

Though Avon Old Farms School is comprised primarily of students in grades nine through 12, we also accept a handful of postgraduate students annually. Postgraduates, or PGs, are students who enroll in an extra year of high school between graduation and matriculation into college. In a typical year, Avon is home to between 15 and 20 PGs. Some are seeking an additional year to boost their grades and improve their academic profiles, while others are looking for an extra year of high school athletic experience before making the transition to the collegiate level. Some have deemed it wise to pursue another year of high school to gain maturity, and to ensure that they are thoroughly prepared for the rigors of college.

Although PGs attend Avon for only one year, they are fully integrated into the school community, and are valuable members of the senior class. Most importantly, the School seeks to ensure that this extra year is worthwhile and fulfilling for the PG student, and that he is better for having experienced it.

Coursework

The Academic Dean designs each PG schedule to enhance the student’s academic profile and to ensure that he is prepared for the intellectual intensity of college. Stronger students may take the Advanced Placement level of English 4. The academic workload is challenging for a PG at Avon, just as it is for all of our other students, but the support networks and resources are in place here for focused, hard-working boys to be successful.

Extracurricular

Interest among PGs for admission to Avon Old Farms is keen, and competition for the few coveted spots is elevated; therefore, expectations are high for those PGs that are accepted. We expect our postgraduate students to immerse themselves in the community, and we rely on them to assume leadership roles in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in the dormitories. PGs at Avon should contribute to the School in a variety of ways, while remaining mindful of their own personal goals as they prepare for the transition to college.

College Counseling and Matriculation

Postgraduate students at Avon receive a great deal of personalized attention from the College Counseling Office. PGs begin meeting with our college counselors very early in the year – sometimes even over the summer – to be as completely prepared as possible when it comes time to apply to colleges. Our counselors can help revise PGs’ college lists, or help them generate new ones featuring a number of schools ranging in selectivity. The members of our college counseling staff are among the first at Avon to make it clear to our PGs that without hard work and dedication, a postgraduate year can not be beneficial. To that end, our PGs are consistently seeking academic improvement, and are receptive to the guidance from their college counselors.

Postgraduates at Avon are highly motivated, hard working, and are each an essential, welcome addition to the campus every year. They bring a variety of interests and abilities, and greatly enhance the School's diverse community.