Monie and Chan Hardwick

As Blair’s Headmaster since 1989, I speak for all of us here when I say that we hope the on-line catalog and this Web site will give you a sense of the positive direction of the School and our community commitment to maintaining the strength of Blair’s reputation as one of the most respected boarding schools in the country, a tradition that goes back to 1848. Part of that success will be obvious to you on a visit to Blairstown, but you can get a glimpse of Blair’s progress in the catalog’s photographs of our facilities and campus. However, as with any good school, the essence of Blair can only be suggested in the words and pictures of a catalog or Web site. To grasp fully the strength of this School, you have to be involved in the daily life which students and faculty make together. Thus, the progress from prospective candidate, to applicant, to successful admission and acceptance may seem a long road, but the real educational journey will happen here with us, taking advantage of the many opportunities, both tangible and ideal, that Blair offers.

If there is a philosophy that embraces all we do here, I would tell you that the faculty and I seek to balance two goals—goals that direct the mission of this School. First, we understand that the years spent at Blair must be purposeful in preparing each student for college (and college admission). In that regard, a thorough and varied grounding in academic skills, study and performance are critical as we work with students individually to craft an academic program that emphasizes areas of strength while fulfilling the expectations of competitive college admissions. Further, we know that academic preparation is only part of being ready for college, so emphasis on social responsibility, involvement and leadership are parts of each Blair student’s life during the Blair years. The second goal concerns our responsiveness to the individual, an approach through our Advisor and Monitor systems to treat each boy and girl as an individual while maintaining the high academic tone and the expectations for personal growth in all we do. This balance between high academic and personal expectations and a willingness to provide individual focus is, if not unique to Blair, perhaps our greatest strength.

So I invite you to consider the on-line catalog and this Web site. As much as a catalog or Web site can, we have tried to make it an honest picture of who we are and what our goals are. The next step is a visit to Blair, after which you will know what to do. You will get a sense of our traditions, our values, the kind of people we are, and you will sense whether or not you want to pursue joining this educational community. Most boys and girls who visit do want to be part of Blair, and the Admissions Office will guide you through the application process.

When you visit, if possible, I hope to have the chance to say hello and welcome you personally to Blair. With this letter and introduction, I wish you the best on your journey toward considering Blair Academy.

T. Chandler Hardwick, III
Headmaster

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