I transferred to Montrose School last July, the summer between 10th and 11th grade. While most students transfer at the start of high school or when their family moves, my reasons were very different.
I first heard about Montrose when I moved to Massachusetts from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida the summer before 8th grade. My older sister, Nicole, has friends among the teachers here at Montrose through the Catholic community, and it was through her that I first learned about the school. I had another encounter with Montrose, between 8th and 9th grade when I took a creative writing course during the summer of 2012.
My family has known Mother Olga for quite a few years, and it was through her that I learned even more about Montrose the summer before junior year, as she spoke highly of the school. Mother Olga described the atmosphere as supportive, academically rigorous, and authentically Catholic. After hearing about the school for a third time, I decided to look further into the application process. So, in early July, my dad and I called the school to see it was even an option for me to transfer, as it was so late in the year.
I will always be incredibly inspired and touched by the encouraging and genuinely caring, welcoming attitude revealed by every single person I talked to and met at Montrose last July — and since. This played a significant role in my decision to transfer. All of the qualities Mother Olga had mention about the school proved more than accurate.
I visited Montrose in mid-July. A few of the girls came to show me around the school, and I immediately caught on to the strong friendships and family atmosphere. The fact that these girls were willing to take time out of their summer to show me, a prospective student, what the Montrose atmosphere was like spoke volumes. After that visit, I took some time to think about and solidify my decision to come to Montrose. What influenced my decision the most was the truly Christ-like attitude I encountered at Montrose, both from the faculty and from the girls. Once I was accepted, I had to organize my schedule, choose my classes, and complete my summer work all within the course of one month. Throughout this process, the faculty was reassuring, patient and cooperative.
On the first day of school, I didn’t know what to expect. I had visited the school in the summer, but was unsure of the atmosphere the school would have once the ball started rolling. The first day of school, I received warm welcomes and helpful tips. I was overwhelmed with the kindness of all the girls throughout the school; this was consistent among various grades coming up to me, introducing themselves, asking if I needed any help, or if they could show me where to go.
I now look at my decision to come to Montrose as one of the best decisions I have made. With mass everyday, helpful teachers always willing to lend a hand, and such a caring family environment, I encourage any student looking for an authentically Catholic school to consider Montrose. Montrose consistently demonstrates the spirit that everyone is looking out for you.
Thank you Ms. Hills, Mrs. Convery, Mrs. Ginnetty, Dr. Bohlin and all the students who came to see me last summer and who have made my transition to Montrose so positive. Thank you for your support throughout this whole experience. I will always remember the Christ-like kindness you all displayed. You showed me that Montrose is the right fit for me.