Student FAQ's
- How did you choose Buckley? Hide
“The first factor that struck me about Buckley was the balance of academics, the arts and athletics. In choosing a school, I wanted to ensure that no area of learning was left unexplored, and no talent unrecognized by the time I graduate. At Buckley, I felt confident that I would leave satisfied with my self-understanding.” -Adam A. ‘07
“When I was applying to new schools for the 9th grade I chose Buckley because it offered plenty of exciting opportunities. I quickly learned that there is no field Buckley neglects to excel in. Whether it’s the class discussions, the basketball team, the play, or video art, Buckley has a faculty who loves teaching and makes every experience a memorable one. In addition to seeming like an all-around top notch school, I quickly got a sense of what it meant to be a part of the Buckley community. Buckley provides a supportive and especially fun environment where no one is in competition; rather, everyone collaborates together. So, going to Buckley was an easy decision which proved to be a good one.” -Shawn G. ‘05- What was it like to be a new student? Was it hard to make friends? Hide
“I like to think that my transformation from “the new kid” happened on the five days on Catalina Island (an outdoor education trip for all 7th graders!). On the trip, we experienced memories that will last a lifetime. After the trip, my classmates and I came back to school having experienced the same things together. We found ourselves telling others about an experience we shared and before we knew it, a bond was made and it will last forever.” -Jeff S. ‘08
“Because Buckley is a small school, students always welcome new students into the community. At Buckley, one person can make a difference in the composition of a grade and can quickly become a recognized figure on campus. Buckley is a great place to be a new student. Just ask one.” -Alex F. ‘05
“I came to Buckley in seventh grade from a public school and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to adapt to private school life. The classes were small enough for me to get to know my peers quickly, the teachers introduced themselves to me personally to make sure I felt comfortable with each subject, and most importantly, I had the outdoor education trip to Catalina Island to look forward to at the beginning of the year. Buckley is a small school, so the faculty and administration have the ability to focus on helping each new student have a smooth transition.” -Tracy W. ‘06
“As a new student people were very welcoming. There was always a place on campus to go to meet people. Especially after the Joshua Tree trip in 9th grade, I was able to solidify friendships that began forming within the first few weeks of school.” -Courtney E. ‘06
“Buckley takes great care of its new students. The school goes above and beyond to make each student not only have a smooth transition, but a fun and exciting one as well. Buckley makes sure new students have friends even before the year starts. For me, day one at Buckley was surprising because all the students wanted to learn about me, and the same was true for my teachers. Within a week, I was going to pool parties and meeting even more new people. Buckley is a fantastic place for new students. Making friends is not a task, rather, it’s a given.” -Shawn G. ‘05
- What activities can I get involved in? Can anyone participate? Hide
“You can get involved in almost anything at Buckley. You can be part of the yearbook or newspaper staff, or a member of several clubs that not only give back to Buckley, but to the community as well. You can perform in the musicals and plays, play an instrument in band or orchestra, sing in choir, present a piece of artwork, help out a teacher as a Teacher’s Assistant, and even play a few sports while you’re at it.” -Courtney E. ‘06
“Students at Buckley are offered numerous school activities that range anywhere from playing on an athletics team to participating in the school play, or from joining one of the campus clubs to creating one. In middle school, students are assigned a different elective each semester so that they can become familiar with what Buckley has to offer. In high school, students are free to choose their own electives including visual arts courses (photography, ceramics, drawing and painting, video graphics, etc.), publication courses (yearbook, journalism, etc.), or performing arts courses (dance, theater, choir, band, orchestra, etc.). In most classes anyone can participate, but some of the more advanced courses have certain requirements.” -Tracy W. ‘06“Personally, when I began at Buckley I witnessed the degree to which students enrich the school, excelling in activities and clubs around campus. I felt my own desire to become involved. I wanted to be one of the kids acting in the exciting assembly videos, or writing for the newspaper, or even writing for the website. If anything is to be loved about this school, it’s the fact that if you have the will to get involved, you will find yourself immersed in more ways and faster than you ever imagined.” -Adam A. ‘07
- How much homework do you typically have? Hide
“The homework load is undeniably different for each person; the time needed to complete the homework can be anywhere from 15 minutes a class to five hours (the former being a project held to the last minute).” -Tim T. ‘05
“Homework amount is something that depends on what grade you are in, what classes you are in, and what other activities you have after school. Every person takes a different amount of time to do the same assignment so it is hard to say. It also depends on what night it is (and what is due the next day), but I would say it’s about two hours a night (for a tenth grader).” -Sara W. ‘07
“The amount of homework varies in each academic stage while at Buckley. In middle school, you typically have around 20-30 minutes per academic subject. In 9th and 10th grade the amount increases to 30-40 minutes per subject. In 11th and 12th grade the time increases again to about 40-50 minutes per subject. Depending on your personal work speed and other individual habits the homework load can take more or less time.”
-Julius H. ‘05- Do you have a good relationship with your teachers? Hide
“My relationship with my teachers is one of comfort and trust. I feel that I can always approach any of my teachers and express to them any thought of concern or even just casually chat.” -Tal R. ‘07
“The teachers that I have this year are very understanding and very approachable. Each teacher is willing to go over any question I might have whether during or outside of class. My history teacher is extremely dedicated to his work and extracts the best out of all his students.” -Tiffany T. ‘07
“I have great relationships with my teachers. They are all extremely approachable, and encourage you to talk to them. They are also very willing to help. Some teachers even respond to my e-mails (with questions for an assignment due the next day) at 10 or 11 o’clock at night.” -Adam F. ‘07
“Buckley is known to be a small community. With small numbers come more friends, smaller and more comfortable learning environments, and best of all, close relationships with teachers! It is such a valuable thing to have teachers willing to meet with you outside of the classroom. In my personal experience, I have found teachers at Buckley to not only by guiding my growth as a student, but also guiding my growth as a person.” -Jessica B. ‘05
- What do you think about the lunch program? Hide
“The lunches range from the usual cheese pizza to more unusual meals, not characteristic of the typical school lunch program, such as barbeque tri-tip sandwiches. Each meal comes with salad, fruits, chips, pasta, and a delicious dessert.” -Ryan S. ‘07
“The lunch program is great. The meals are affordable, fun, and taste great. I always look forward to lunch time. The people who run it are great, too!” -Alex F. ‘05
“It is wonderful having well-balanced, tasty, and healthy meals without worrying about packing your own lunch! There is always a constant variety of food options for special dietary needs, including vegetarian.” -Julius H. ‘05
- In your opinion, what is the best thing about Buckley? Hide
“The best thing about Buckley has to be the people in the community. Everyone is extremely approachable. It is great to know that everyone cares about you. You walk through the campus, and everyone says, “Hi Adam.” It’s amazing to be in such a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name and your teachers and peers are always willing to help.” -Adam F. ‘07
“The best thing about Buckley is definitely its supportive, nurturing, and intimate environment which allows you to think intelligently, independently, and morally on a daily basis.” -Julius H. ‘05
“To me, the best thing about Buckley is the community and the opportunities to which that community caters. Complimented by relatively small size, the intimacy at Buckley allows students to establish relationships with faculty and students alike, leaving them with a sense of being tightly intertwined in the atmosphere. Having these relationships enables students to extend their interests and passions perhaps past the limits they set for themselves initially. For example, while English was not my best subject in 9th grade, I have excelled to the AP (Advanced Placement) course as a senior due to my close-knit relationships with a series of amazing English teachers.” -Victoria A. ‘05
- Do you feel prepared for life after Buckley? Hide
“Since Buckley is a college preparatory school, you are well prepared to meet the challenges of any college. In addition to the solid academic base, you also receive a moral education that is instilled for a lifetime.” -Julius H. ‘05
“As a senior, I’ve had to begin coping with the reality that soon I will be leaving this place I call my safe home and venturing into the open world of college. Academically I’ve been told time and time again that I will have no problem. Buckley has prepared me undoubtedly for the academic nature I will face in college.” -Victoria A. ‘05
- Is it hard to adjust to wearing a uniform? Hide
“Not at all. It’s rather an easy adjustment. I find that the uniform is a practical way to rid a lot of unnecessary hassles. Kids are encouraged to dress properly, and girls usually do not waste time in the morning selecting their attire.” -Amanda B. ‘05
“Honestly, the uniform becomes a relief. There is plenty of variety so the uniform doesn’t get boring, and students can still express themselves through their clothing by sporting club or team sweatshirts that show off their individual interests. The idea of a uniform can be a bit daunting at first, but it is easy to adjust to.” -Tracy W. ‘06
“No, it’s so easy! With a uniform you don’t have to worry about picking out an outfit everyday. There is no pressure and you can wear the same thing everyday!” -Sara W. ‘07
“I feel so lucky to only have to worry about my skirt, polo, and knee high socks in the morning as I get dressed. We all wear the uniform and try to add our own unique mark to it, but to be honest we certainly don’t mind the ease with which we choose our daily outfits. The simplicity that the uniform promotes allows students to focus on more important things than the new hot fad.” -Victoria A. ‘05
