Welcome to Pilgrim School
Dr. Mark A. Brooks, Head of School
Our motto at Pilgrim School is simple:
We grow students.
From preschool through Grade 12, every Pilgrim School student receives individual attention from faculty and staff. Whether it is guiding a Junior Kindergartener through rhyming sounds, coaching fourth graders in team sports, helping middle school students learn organizational strategies or guiding our high school students through the college application process, Pilgrim has a team of professional and caring faculty and staff members to work with your student.
One of my greatest pleasures as the Head of School is getting to know each of our students. My door is always open to provide a pep talk, offer congratulations on an achievement, or encourage someone to try harder. My personal mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of all Pilgrim School students.
A Pilgrim School college preparatory education gives our students an advantage in life. Every Pilgrim senior matriculates to the finest colleges and universities. Pilgrim accepts less than 400 students in our entire program, which encourages friendships that might not occur on a larger campus. Younger children look up to their older classmates and aspire to attain their privileges; in turn, our Secondary classmen are role models for the Elementary students.
Pilgrim has a traditional, structured curriculum that includes phonics, sequential math skills, foreign language instruction, athletics, and a fine arts program. But we also look ahead, preparing our students for 21st century careers that may not yet exist.
Our technology program provides another benefit that begins in preschool. Apple computers are available in every classroom. SMART Boards are available in more than half of our classrooms. This interactive technology engages students with its touch-sensitive display connected to a computer image. Individual Apple laptops are issued to students in seven grades, including first! Overall, there are more than 300 computers on campus for student use. Pilgrim’s use of technology keeps our students up-to-date and keeps their creative minds open to new possibilities.
Pilgrim’s nurturing environment allows our students to take risks – safe risks that inspire personal growth. There are no try-outs for school plays, cheer team, yearbook, athletics, or any other extracurricular activities. On the contrary, we actively encourage our students to try out new activities and be well-rounded individuals. Academics and AP classes are important, as are student participation in clubs, school government, community service, and after-school enrichment such as music or ceramics.
When Pilgrim alumni are asked what makes Pilgrim special, one of the answers we frequently hear is that close friendships are made and maintained after graduating. Graduates also speak of the connections they build with faculty members. Pilgrim students are accustomed to interacting with their teachers, and even at the largest universities they are not shy about approaching faculty with questions and comments. It’s the Pilgrim way!
All members of the Pilgrim community speak of the sense of family that makes Pilgrim special. Parents, visitors and new students comment on the warm and friendly welcome they receive on campus. I invite you to call or visit and to discover and join the Pilgrim family for yourself.
With best wishes,
Mark A. Brooks
Head of School
PS: Every Friday while school is in session I send an e-letter filled with Pilgrim news to Pilgrim parents and other interested individuals. If you would like to find out more about the exciting activities that take place on our busy campus, send your e-mail address to ksmith@pilgrim-school.org to be added to the list. We do not share e-mail addresses with any other groups. You can also read the e-mails on our web site [link here].
