Inside Cushing Academy's Summer Program: Academics, Activities, and Everyday Life on a U.S. Boarding School Campus

In our previous article, we covered opening day check-in at Cushing Academy’s summer program. Today, we take you deeper into campus life. Follow us to see how students spend each day at Cushing, and explore how the school’s diverse curriculum and rich activities combine to create a fulfilling, unforgettable summer experience.

01 A Structured, Rewarding Daily Routine

Each morning during the summer session, all students receive a Daily Schedule. It outlines class timetables, meal hours, campus events, athletics, and evening study periods in detail. This advance planning helps students organize their time and build strong time-management skills.

Sample Daily Schedule for Cushing Summer Academic Days

From classroom learning and recreational sports to evening study hall, campus life follows a balanced, well-paced rhythm. Students maintain academic productivity while enjoying plenty of time for socializing and relaxation.

Mealtime: A Window for Cross-Cultural Exchange

Cushing Academy places great value on building an inclusive campus community. During the summer program, students are asked to put away cell phones while dining. The school encourages everyone to step away from screens and engage in face-to-face conversations.

Students from all corners of the globe sit together, sharing their cultures, hobbies and life stories. Far more than a chance to refuel, every meal becomes an opportunity to meet new friends and build cross-cultural connections.

Assembly: Strengthening Campus Community

Every Monday and Friday before lunch, the school holds a 30-minute whole-campus Assembly.

Assembly agenda includes:

- Recapping weekly campus updates

- Announcing weekend trips and upcoming activities

- Reminding students to register for weekend events on time

- Recognizing students who actively participate in campus life and achieve outstanding results

- Sharing campus announcements and safety reminders

Cell phone use is prohibited during Assembly. By bringing all students together regularly, everyone stays informed on campus news, and the summer community builds stronger cohesion and a greater sense of belonging.

02 Diverse Academic Course Offerings

Cushing Academy’s summer program features an extensive curriculum covering a wide range of disciplines to match varied student interests and learning goals:

- Academic credit-bearing courses

- English & language learning courses

- Science & STEM courses

- Business & leadership courses

- Art & design courses

- Performing & visual arts courses

- Athletics courses

All classes run with small student cohorts. Instruction prioritizes interactive discussion, group collaboration and project-based learning. Students are encouraged to voice opinions and participate actively, sharpening academic abilities, critical thinking and communication skills.

Afternoon classes usually wrap up at 3:45 PM. Students then enjoy roughly one hour of free time. They may head to the Student Center, gymnasium or outdoor fields to study, exercise or unwind, maintaining a healthy balance between academics and leisure.

03 Varied Athletics to Enrich Campus Life

After dinner each day, a full lineup of athletic activities opens to students, offering a great way to decompress and connect with peers. Regular intramural friendly matches are held, including basketball, soccer, tennis and volleyball. The campus fitness center remains open for strength training.

Campus Fitness Center

Basketball

Volleyball

Tennis

Yoga

Soccer

Sports enliven after-school life and serve as a powerful bridge for international students. Through teamwork and friendly competition, participants strengthen communication, build team awareness and practice cross-cultural collaboration, forming friendships in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.

04 International Day: Celebrating Cultural Diversity

International Day stands out as one of Cushing Summer’s most anticipated signature events.

Students from all over the world prepare creative displays showcasing their home cultures. Through traditional costumes, song and dance performances, handmade crafts and cultural presentations, they share the unique charm of their homelands with the entire campus.

The venue buzzes with excitement and applause. Different cultures intersect and inspire one another. While appreciating global diversity, students learn to understand, respect and embrace cultural differences.

Far more than a cultural showcase, International Day serves as a living lesson in cross-cultural communication.

05 Friday Nights: Vibrant Evening Experiences

Every Friday evening, multiple parallel activities take place across campus, and students can freely choose what to join:

S'mores Night

Gather around the campfire to make classic American roasted marshmallow s’mores and experience iconic U.S. campus culture.

Ice Rink Open Skate

The on-campus indoor ice arena opens free of charge, with skate rentals available for all students.

Turf Night

Outdoor sports including soccer and ultimate frisbee continue late into the evening, keeping campus full of energy.

Food Truck

Campus food trucks serve treats such as ice cream sandwiches for students to sample authentic American nighttime campus fare.

Laser Tag

Students form teams for laser tag matches inside the Student Center, completing collaborative challenges. This activity remains hugely popular.

The wide selection of activities ensures every student can find hobbies they love and enjoy a rich campus experience beyond the classroom.

Students gathering to watch the World Cup

06 Exciting Weekend Trips

Beyond on-campus events, the school organizes themed off-campus trips every weekend. Students sign up in advance, and faculty chaperone all excursions to ensure safety while helping participants explore American culture and society. Recent trips include:

- Shopping at Natick Mall

- Candlepin Bowling

- Movie screenings at Gardner Cinemas

- Six Flags New England Theme Park

- Boston Aquarium & Whale Watch

- Guided tours of Harvard University & MIT

- Mulligan's Miniature Golf

- JFK Presidential Library

- Canobie Lake Water Park

- Boston Duck Tour

- Outlet shopping at Wrentham Premium Outlets

Whale watching

MIT campus tour

Six Flags New England

Miniature golf

Additionally, shuttle buses run every Sunday to nearby Starbucks, Dunkin’, Chipotle and other restaurants and retail areas to meet students’ daily shopping and dining needs.

Summer School Is More Than Classroom Learning

For many participants, Cushing Summer means far more than academic coursework.

Classroom lessons boost academic capability; sports nurture teamwork; International Day broadens cross-cultural horizons; and diverse campus events plus weekend trips encourage students to explore new cities, cultures and perspectives.

Within just a few weeks, many students transform from reserved newcomers into more confident, proactive and open-minded young people, making lifelong friends from across the globe.

A summer program is not merely a short academic experience, it is a precious journey of growth, independence, self-discovery and cross-cultural exchange. Every day of learning and exploration expands students’ outlooks, builds practical skills, and lays valuable groundwork for future international study and life.