Hello my name is Katie and I am a senior at The Agnes Irwin School. I came to Agnes Irwin in Kindergarten and from the moment I walked in the door, I have loved it here. It is a special place for me because of the family history associated with it. My mom graduated from Agnes Irwin in 1979, and my sister graduated in 2007. All of us had the same class color - red! Whether you are looking at Lower School, Middle School, or Upper School, I can say with confidence that Agnes Irwin is a nurturing and loving place. It is easy to make great friends that will last throughout your years at Agnes Irwin and beyond.
When I moved up to Middle School in 5th grade, I was so excited. I felt so grown up wearing my new kilt and seeing all the Upper School girls roaming the same halls as I did. A highlight of my years in Middle School was 6th grade Medieval Night. In history, we studied Medieval Times and dedicated a night to it. We all dressed up, put on plays, and ate food similar to what they ate in medieval times. The big chicken leg was delicious! In 7th and 8th grade, the classes become more challenging; however, the teachers are helpful and always available for assistance when needed. In 7th grade, we went on a trip to Baltimore where we focused on the marine biology in the Chesapeake. In 8th grade, we went on a trip to Lowell, Massachusetts where we learned about industrialization in the early 1900’s. Then, before I knew it, I was ready and excited for Upper School.
9th grade came with many changes. I became great friends with a lot of the new students, and schoolwork became more challenging. Although Upper School is more rigorous, once again the teachers are helpful. Mrs. Willing, my math teacher, helped me tremendously in freshman year geometry! By junior year, Advanced Placement courses become available for a greater challenge and by senior year, you have a wide variety of courses from which to choose. Along with basic academic requirements, you must take one credit of art by graduation as well as complete 40 hours of community service. The workload is difficult but always manageable. I’ve never felt too overwhelmed!
Athletics also becomes a more important aspect of your life in Upper School. The level of competition rises, but the coaches help us prepare accordingly. The unity and bond formed between teammates carries over to the hallways and allows for the grade barriers to be broken. I’ve also formed bonds with my coaches on a personal level. I know I can always count on my softball coach, Lisa D’Orazio whether I need advice on how to improve or if I am just having a bad day and need to talk to someone. Last season, the softball team won our 3rd consecutive Inter-Ac championship. It was so exciting. This year we will kick off our softball season with “open gyms” in the winter, and we will work hard to try to win the championship and make it a 4th year in a row. What I love about athletics at our school is how supportive all the students are of one another. Last year, a group of juniors drove 45 minutes to cheer on the volleyball team in their biggest game of the season!
In 11th grade, I began the college search. AIS begins the process in January, which allows students to become properly acquainted with the college process before senior year. During the summer after junior year, I visited colleges, and the college counselors at Agnes Irwin were available meet with us and make suggestions about what other colleges may be a good fit. Now, at the beginning of my senior year, as I apply for colleges I feel as though Agnes Irwin has helped me develop into a competitive applicant. Although some of the college I am applying to are large co-ed colleges, I feel confident that I will be able to keep up with my academics as well as find my niche socially. The transition from all-girls to co-ed I do not think will be a challenge because although I attend an all-girls’ school, Agnes Irwin partners with Haverford on many events and programs, so we have the opportunity to collaborate with guys as well as girls.
I would not trade in my Agnes Irwin experience for anything. I invite you to just take a look. Set up a tour or a full-day visit for your daughter here. You’ll be able to see why I love this school and make your own memories that will last a lifetime.
- Katie