Exploring Wayland Academy

Wayland Academy was founded in 1855 and is located in the town of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, about an hour's drive from Milwaukee and two hours from Chicago. It is a prestigious college preparatory boarding school with a focus on academic rigor, personal development, comprehensive college guidance, and small class teaching support.

Accompanied by clear skies, we arrived at the ninth stop of our school visit journey - Wayland Academy. The clean and serene campus, along with its historic buildings, immediately captured our attention and sparked a sense of longing.

First, we stepped into the elegant Swan Library, where students warmly welcomed us, allowing us to quickly feel the warm atmosphere of this century-old school. Admissions director Andrea and principal Jason personally greeted our visiting group, sharing Jason's experiences and challenges during the pandemic, while Andrea highlighted the harmonious relationships among students on campus. Surprisingly, despite the pandemic, the school saw a growth in student numbers from 130 to over 200, a testament to its educational quality and appeal.

To better experience campus culture, the school arranged student guides from different countries, grouped by language, to provide in-depth insights into campus life. They also provided thoughtful snacks along the way, adding warmth to the entire journey.

Next, we entered the solemn and peaceful Kimberly Chapel, where the orchestra was rehearsing. A soft light fell perfectly on the cross in front of the church, as if echoing the melodies in the air. The music flowed gently, blending a sense of holiness and tenderness, quietly embodying the Wayland spirit of reverence, heritage, and creativity.

Leaving the chapel, we continued along the campus paths, passing by Roundy Hall, a century-old building now serving as the school's administrative office, witnessing Wayland High School's legacy and development.

Soon after, we reached the fully equipped Discovery Hall. Here, we first visited the lecture hall and meeting rooms, essential venues for student club meetings, school lectures, and various activities promoting intellectual exchange and creative interaction.

We then entered the futuristic Science Education Center, a facility equipped with high-standard science labs, a robotics club space, chemistry classrooms, a creative workshop, and an observatory, providing students with a broad STEAM exploration platform. We experienced science courses firsthand and learned about students' 3D printing models, woodworking designs, and creative projects.

Continuing our tour, we visited the student dormitories. The girls' dormitories are modern buildings with excellent facilities, offering double rooms with shared bathrooms. The boys' dormitory, Wayland Hall, is spacious and bright, also featuring double rooms with private bathrooms. The overall living environment in both dormitories impressed us with its functionality and comfort.

Girls Dorm

Boys Dorm

We then explored the versatile Pickard Hall, starting with the campus dining hall. The dining area, with its wooden round tables and chairs, exuded a cozy and homely atmosphere. The daily meals catered to diverse tastes and nutritional needs, showcasing the school's meticulous care for students' physical and mental well-being.

After dining, we visited the indoor sports court and swimming pool in Pickard Hall, providing students with spaces for daily exercise and weekend leisure activities. The hall also houses a package receiving area and weekend activity zone, ensuring students enjoy convenience and variety in their compact academic lives.

The final stop in Pickard Hall was the creative Arts Studio, where students immersed themselves in various art forms, expressing their understanding of beauty and individuality, reflecting Wayland's openness and inclusivity in arts education.

Back in the cozy library, we joined an English literature sharing class, engaging with students and teachers discussing their insights into English literature, experiencing the profound analytical power behind language.

In another classroom within the library, we delved into media studies, where students showcased creative media works, impressing us with their innovative content and diverse forms. The enthusiastic teaching and interdisciplinary approach at Wayland left a lasting impression on us.

Our last campus visit took us to the spacious comprehensive sports center, where students energetically trained and competed on the basketball court, embodying the vitality of sports within the campus space.

Here, we met two Chinese students, engaging in friendly conversations and sharing their adaptation experiences at Wayland, offering practical advice for students with less firm language foundations. The school's dedicated ESL language support program provides ample assistance and guidance for international students.

Subsequently, the sports director detailed the school's sports curriculum and competition projects, promoting confidence and determination through sports and embodying a holistic educational philosophy.

Concluding our visit to the sports center, we reached the end of our Wayland Academy visit journey.

Back at the familiar campus dining hall, we enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the school. The thoughtful arrangement of food and orderly dining etiquette among students reflected the warmth of campus culture.

After the meal, the school thoughtfully presented us with exquisite mementos, leaving us feeling warmly appreciated. Despite the brief visit, every moment was filled with gains and emotions. Wayland's sincere welcome and hospitality resonated deeply within us, showcasing the historical and vibrant campus.

As we bid farewell, we captured a group photo in the campus, preserving these precious memories under the radiant sunlight.

Wayland is more than just a school; it embodies an educational warmth that can be truly felt.