I was a Fairmont student from 3rd grade through 12th. I started off at the Edgewood campus, and…read moreboth I and my parents were very happy with Fairmont, so I went on to attend high school at the Prep Academy. I graduated this year, and I am now on my way to Stanford University on scholarship. While I understand that the successes of children rely partially on individual talents, I know I would never have gotten to where I am now without the help of Fairmont. Edgewood helped me to use the talents I have, and has taught me so much more.
The support system is phenomenal; Edgewood feels like a big family. The teachers care so much about their students and are extremely dedicated to their jobs, the administration is cooperative and willing to talk if there are problems, and the school itself, while small, still has all the facilities students need. I think it is the small size of the school that contributes to its excellence, in fact. The average class size I experienced throughout my stay at Edgewood was about 20 students or so. Academic assistance was extremely accessible, and teachers were qualified. I loved my time at Fairmont. Former students will say that it was too small, or too strict, or that the uniforms sucked, or that we got too much homework, but those are the complaints of children who are still unaware of how the things they complain about were actually extremely beneficial to their development.
Edgewood isn't just an academic haven, though it is known for its constant domination at academic pentathlon. The campus also provides physical education, music, art, computer, and foreign language classes as part of the curriculum, as well as study skills for the students who need it. Some of my fondest memories included being part of the class musicals we did every year, and taking voice lessons with the music teacher outside of school. That's another plus about Edgewood; if a child wants further instruction in art or music, or extra tutoring, teachers will provide these services outside of normal class time at a reasonable rate. However, for children who need help in a certain subject, teachers designate certain hours of their time before and after school as well as during lunches at times, as open to academic assistance. This means children can come visit them and receive the help they need, free of charge. Edgewood also provides after- school classes in chess, soccer, and other activities.
Available sports at Edgewood are volleyball (girls), football (boys), basketball (boys and girls), and soccer (boys and girls). Most of these are split into two teams: DSL (for 5th and 6th grade) or junior high (6th, 7th, and 8th). Practices take place during PE and/or after school, and kids are never kept away from their homework too late. During sports seasons or the week of a school production sometimes students will miss class, but teachers are very understanding and will work with these students. I played each of these sports (except football) at one point, and I had little to no trouble keeping up with school. Students can also participate in school ASB either as class representatives or by running for office. Supervised school dances are planned, a ski trip is planned annually, and from grades 4 to 8, a class trip is organized. I remember going to Sacramento, Catalina Island, Astrocamp, San Francisco, and Washington DC, and having a fantastic time on each trip.
Really, Edgewood is as good as it gets. I grew up and learned life skills at Fairmont, and so have my brother and sister. We are a Fairmont family, and we are very happy with what we have been provided with. I know it's hard to spend money on school when the public school system is free and often a good option, but I have to say that although there is nothing wrong with attending public school, my family will never regret sending us kids to Edgewood. It was worth it.
