An inspired legacy of learning,

leading, and serving

Ravenscroft School celebrates all the

possibilities that can be experienced by ONE

unique individual – the potential of ONE child

– the power of ONE idea – the thrill of

ONE discovery – the broadening of ONE

mind – the inspiration of ONE teacher

– the integrity of ONE brushstroke – the

lessons from making ONE mistake – the

making of ONE leader – the weight of

ONE opinion – ONE act of service –

ONE round of applause...

– OUR MISSION –The Ravenscroft community, guided by our legacy

of excellence, nurtures individual potential and prepares

students to thrive in a complex and interdependent world.

Consider the significance ofone moment. At the same timethat a kindergartener watches thewings of a new butterfly unfurl, one of our ninth-graders is starting tograsp the structure and function ofDNA. At roughly the same moment,a smile bursts across the face of a first-grader after reading a particularlytrying passage without any prompts whatsoever from his teacher. Acrosscampus, a rousing discussion in Advanced Placement ComparativePolitics has spilled over the boundaries of clock and classroom.These students have experiencedwhat some might say is predictable,but we at Ravenscroft would agree is novel — because they have learned it for themselves in a moment of personal and intellectual transformation that is celebrated byour entire community.

We recognize potential, one child at a time. In our vibrant community of young

seekers and scholars, ONE individual will stand out from all the others, in our minds as well as

yours: your child. A Ravenscroft education is founded on the conviction that each young

person has inherent gifts and interests of great worth. We foster those gifts and interests and

grow them into passionate and meaningful pursuits — in the classroom, on the field, in the studio, and throughout the

local and global community. What we help each student accomplish is great, yet the way we do it is simple: we place a

priority on knowing your child — and developing all of your child’s possibilities, while preparing him or her not only to

thrive academically and otherwise in college, but to live a life of purpose and meaning in all the years beyond.

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ENGAGING MINDS — EMBRACING EXCELLENCE — ENRICHING LIVES

As an independent college-preparatory

school, Ravenscroft — both its

atmosphere and its people — nurtures

the following attributes in our students:

● an active curiosity,

● a daily delight in learning,

● a devotion to excellence in

academics and personal character,

● an appreciation for one’s

talents and passions, and

● a growing sense of responsibility

for self and others.

Over time, in ways both deliberate and spontaneous, your child becomes forever changed — ready to thrive in a complex and interdependent world.In fact, our graduates often say howtheir experiences here gave them not only a strong intellectual foundation, but also a sure moral and ethical compass, which togetherpointed them toward lives of significance and fulfillment. Such atransformation could happen at onlyone place — Ravenscroft.

TRANSFORMING YOUNG LIVES, ONE MIND AT A TIME

“Over time, I’ve come toappreciate how my yearsat Ravenscroft helped medevelop a strong sense of identity. The teachershere knew me — andknew me well. From thetime I was small, their encouragement and influence helped me know myself and discovermy own strengths and potential.”

Emily Procter ’86Actor and community volunteer

MANY INDIVIDUALS, ONE CLOSE COMMUNITY

“In a community that spans Pre-K through grade 12,teachers can have a tremendous influence on a youngperson’s entire life. It’s a great responsibility, one thatcomes with great rewards — such as watching the children I taught in kindergarten collect their diplomasat graduation or teaching the sons and daughters of my former students.”

Carolyn EverettHead of Lower School

If you ask what it means to be

a part of the Ravenscroft

community, you’ll get a lot of

different answers. Yet, every

answer will reveal the strong sense

of identity, responsibility, and

friendship cultivated here.

A sixth-grader might say it’s

reading aloud to a class of second-

graders, marveling all the while

at how small they seem. A pre-

kindergartener might say simply

that he wishes “show and tell”

happened every day, because his

classmates let him know his words

are important. And leave it to one

very cool 11th-grader to suddenly

enthuse that the best way to

know and appreciate teachers and

classmates is to spend a week

hiking and camping with them.

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L ower School is the first place

most of our students realize

just how significant and

treasured they are on our campus.

A curriculum both intellectually

engaging and developmentally

appropriate awakens each one of our

students to the joy of discovery —

from a field trip to the Farmers’

Market to an overnight trip to Camp

Kanata to interactive Smart Boards

that make sharing their ideas fun.

Academics are rounded out with

regular instruction in foreign

languages, art, and music, in

addition to laboratory experiences

that make science exciting. Books

beckon readers throughout the

Lower School, and by first grade,

writing begins in earnest — a vital

form of expression that is taught

across the curriculum throughout

all grades until graduation day.

Along the way, Ravenscroft focuses

on making each transition as

smooth as possible — grade to

grade, year after year.

The Lower School

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Lighting a fire: Classes at Ravenscroft — from

violin class in kindergarten to Biotechnology —

crackle with expectancy of discoveries waiting

to be made. That’s because the breadth of

what our teachers know about the subjects they

teach is surpassed only by their passion for

teaching young people. To them, teaching is as

much about developing relationships with their

students — getting to know individual interests

and learning styles — as it is about delving into

subject matter. They know that one tiny spark is

all a young mind needs to fire away with limitless

intellectual possibilities. Yet, be assured that our

caring and accessible faculty — over 50 percent

of whom possess a postgraduate degree —

continue to support, encourage, and inspire

our students day after day, so that no good idea

ever flames out.

Students at Ravenscroft find their minds engaged in critical thinking and unceasing intellectual

inquiry. Small classes come alive with spirited discussions, varying opinions, and questions that

appear to have no answers. In a sixth-grade science classroom, you’ll find students bent

over microscopes, examining fibers, blood, and fingerprints as part of a forensics study.

In other classrooms, students are putting Socrates on trial and an AP Biology class is studying

enzyme action. Another is strangely silent, though, because the AP Environmental Science

students are out conducting a field study of water quality.

ENGAGING MINDS

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“The teachers makelearning fun by doing projects like catapults. It’s seriouslearning, but it’s fun.”

Rollins, Fifth Grade

“The attitudes of thefaculty are always the same toward you. They alwayscome in with a smileon their faces, readyto teach you in a way that is the best. That's what makesRavenscroft MiddleSchool a fun, warm,happy school filledwith laughter.”

Tiandra, Eighth Grade

The Middle School

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A t first, the transition to Middle School is all about

developing responsibility and managing time. Students at

this age learn to think for themselves and ask questions.

They show initiative in exploring their own interests and abilities, and

they develop leadership skills — all within a warm and supportive

environment. As students move through Middle School, they learn to

work independently and collaboratively in groups and on teams. They

have more homework, which reinforces the ideas introduced during

the school day. Writing assignments are more complex and a host of

special projects such as the Global Issues Forum — topics to research

and problems to solve — await them. Math and language arts classes

build on concepts introduced in the Lower School. Placement in

appropriate level classes and an emphasis on study skills culminate in

a solid foundation to support learning in higher-level courses.

Hands and feet — a youngmind’s ideal companion at all ages:Sure, our students use textbooks, but

“hands-on” experiences are what

really get their brains going. Led by

their nationally recognized science

teacher, second-graders plunge

undaunted into their latest project —

designing, engineering, and building

a suspension bridge that everyone can

enjoy — and yes, walk across — on

the Lower School playground. Fifth-

graders act out their favorite Greek

myth before their classmates — a

technique that assures they will

remember not only the story, but its

significance to them. Third-graders

visit Masonboro Island as they explore

coastal ecosystems. Upper School

students may maneuver a challenging

ropes course to build confidence in

themselves and trust between

classmates, or explore a nuclear

reactor to better understand laws of

physics. By graduation, they will have

bonded on camping trips, toured

major art museums as a way of

enhancing their own art experience,

or breathlessly awaited a judge’s

accolades at an out-of-town choral or

band competition. And a great many

of them will have traversed oceans,

continents, and distant cultures on

their individual quests for knowledge.

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H ere students delve

deeply into complex

subjects and

accomplish the rigorous course-

work that prepares them for

college. Upper School students

have the opportunity to explore

many new things. However,

they tend to select classes and

extracurricular activities that

match their natural abilities and

acquired interests. For those

ready to take the challenge,

Ravenscroft offers 27 Advanced

Placement courses along with

independent-study courses. Each

of our students meets regularly

with a faculty advisor — who over

the course of four years may guide

the student in important matters

such as whether to take an

honors-level class, planning a

senior internship, or listening to a

student rehearse a speech before

Student Government elections.

Our best for their best: Though our rigorous academic curriculum does prepare our students for elite and competitivecolleges and universities, that’s not the only reason we offer it.The main reason is that our students deserve nothing less: nothing less than classes that will stretch the boundaries of ordinary thought; nothing less than award-winning, highly-trained teachers to challenge and support them; nothing lessthan extensive and relevant technology resources available at every turn; and the finest classrooms, laboratories, and libraries you could imagine. All of which means one thing: while we expect our students to do their best, they know we give them ours, too.

EMBRACING EXCELLENCE

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“What’s so wonderful about advisory group is I get tospend time with these intelligent and funny students in a relaxed setting. We talk about all the importantthings, but we also have lunch together and joke around with one another. For four years I enjoy having a relationship with them and their families.”

Leslie PresselChair, Science Department

The Upper School

Developing Leaders, Cultivating Ethics: Leadership begins with a conviction and builds from there. We believe everyone has the potential to be a leader. In class, on the field or the stage, or through multiple extra-curriculars — opportunities for young people to lead abound. Some students run for elected offices, such as Student Government or Honor Council. Others lead less visibly, but just as significantly, by encouraging a class-mate or setting a good example. The Ravenscroft community celebrates and recognizes both kinds of leaders.Our Ethics and Leadership Program aims to help students become confident public speakers and recognize theirown leadership style, so they will be prepared when their own passion to lead emerges. Because leadership involves responsibility to self and others, we cultivate ethical behavior in large ways and small — from mutual adherence to the Honor Code to extending the common courtesies, like holding a door or helping a teacher.

Serving others — a product of ethical behavior — gives our students practical,real-world learning opportunities. From Safety Assistants in the Lower Schoolto Ravens Guides who mentor Middle School students, students gain confidence and a sense of identity when they realize they can have a positive influence on others. Whether it’s putting a pencil machine in the LowerSchool to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, starting an on-campus recycling program, suggesting a project to raise money for victims of natural disasters, or launching a hand-hygiene training program for employees at a local hospital, service at Ravenscroft begins with students seeing a need, creating a way to meet it, then leading and learning throughthat experience. Each time the progression repeats itself, our students aretransformed by their capacity to make a difference in the lives of others.

SERVING FROM THE INSIDE OUT

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“In a smaller community like Ravenscroft, it’s easy to stand out and be a leader. You can start a club. I started the Global Warming InterestGroup. We placed bins around schoolas a way to help students see how one little piece of plastic contributes to alarger problem.”

Shana, 11th Grade

“At Ravenscroft, students develop a sense of ethicalcourage, which strengthenstheir personal development.We educate servant leadersby helping them connectwith the heart, and thenchallenging them to action.”

Doreen C. Kelly, Head of School

Artists of all ages: Whether it’s a Pre-K art class, a kindergarten violin class, or second-graders practicing for their stage performances in “The Time Machine,” the foundation for art starts early. By the time students reach Middle and Upper School, a variety of drama, visual artsclasses, and performance ensembles are available to meet the needs of accomplished students ready for more advanced study. Studentsdrawn to the arts enjoy the opportunity to study at an advanced levelthrough honors and advanced placement courses. Accomplished and experienced faculty including visiting artists-in-residence, along with competitions, applied lessons, and dedicated studios, allow us to nurturethe talents and techniques of our most avid artists and performers.

Explore a pastime, nurture a passion:Inspired by gifted teachers and surrounded by our beautiful Fine Arts Center, students at Ravenscroft can freely experience the delights of artistic expression. Some find playing an instrument or painting pictures a relaxing pastime that complements academics. For others it’s an all-out passion they can pursue in an environment that celebrates and nurtures their gift. Either way, students feel comfortable expressing themselves in an artistic fashion — through performances, concerts, recitals, completing a portfolio, or seeing their artwork displayed in the Fine Arts Center’s gallery.

ENRICHING LIVES

RAVENSCROFT FINE ARTS

Outstanding Fine Arts Program:• Choral Ensemble • Concert Band• Drama• Jazz Ensemble• Percussion Ensemble• Photography• Strings Orchestra• Symphony Orchestra• Visual Arts• Wind Ensemble

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“The Fine Arts faculty put so much time, passion, and individuality into teaching; they are able to bring these kids to a level of excellence far exceeding expectations. Students learn, not only how to express themselves, but alsowhat it means to be an integralpart of something larger thanthemselves. Lessons learned of discipline and commitment to other students will have a positive influence for life.”

Ginny Watters, Parent

“Ravenscroft’s size is a big advantage when it comes to sports.You can participate in a sport youlove without feeling the pressure of400 kids showing up at tryouts.There are cuts, definitely, but moreopportunities for more students toget involved.”

Lanny, 11th Grade

Students not only stretch their minds, they test the limits of what their bodies

can do. For one student it might be finishing a one-mile run. For another it might be training with the hope of earning a state title.Both of them find it exhilarating to discover just what the mind andbody together can accomplish,

with encouragement and supportfrom coaches and teammates.

When it comes to sports, students enjoy a healthy balance of participation

and competition.

RAVENSCROFT SPORTS

State-of-the-art Athletic Complex:

• 47 competitive Middle School,JV, and Varsity sports teams

• Football and soccer stadiums• Baseball, softball, and multiple

practice facilities• Aquatics center• Eight-lane track• Six tennis courts• Fitness facility• Four gyms• Wrestling room

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ATHLETICS AT RAVENSCROFT

Students participate in many sports during daily physical education classes beginning in first grade and continuing through the ninth. Intramural and teamsports begin in Middle School, with more than 80 percent of students participating.Caring, knowledgeable, and experienced coaches help accomplished athletes gainconfidence and accelerate their performances, and help novice enthusiasts developskills that will help them enjoy the game and stay physically fit, too.

All of our athletes learn the value of belonging to a team, preparing for a game, andmanaging their time — skills valuable both on the field and in the classroom. Andall of them enjoy playing in and on some of the finest facilities you’ll find anywhere.While many go on to play in college and a few professionally, our athletics programbrings out the best each individual has to give.

ENCOUNTERING A

WIDER WORLD

Our school-wide International

Education program intersects

with nearly every academic

discipline and helps students

of all ages explore, understand,

and connect with the vast world

around them. Technology brings distant cultures and geography

right to students’ fingertips. Thanks to videoconferencing

capability, our students can collaborate with students across the

globe. Lower Schoolers, for example, may develop writing skills

by communicating with international e-pals. Foreign language

instruction and study gives them yet another way to approach the

world and its people, as do frequent guest speakers, who inspire us

with their personal experiences and insights.

One journey leads to another: After all that, it’s no wonder

our students itch to do some real, live exploring of their own.

Middle School students may tour the Costa Rican rainforest (at left

and above), Quebec, or England. Upper School students cross the

equator to explore Chile, Argentina, or Peru. Exchange programs

place students with families in Spain and elsewhere, improving their

conversational skills and giving them a cultural understanding

impossible to gain from textbooks. A tour of Italy and Greece

gives them a clearer understanding of the Classical age, while

four weeks studying in Spoleto, Italy, takes their artistic talents

to a whole new level.

“We want our students to have global perspective and to be globally savvy. We want them to develop proficiency and to communicate in a second language.We want them to appreciate the diversity and richnessof other cultures and help solve the world’s problems.”

David KatesDirector of International Education

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By 11th grade, our college counseling staff initiates a series of

one-on-one meetings with each student — some of which

include parents, as well — to begin the process of discussing

college choices. Seminars, alumni panels, and visits from

college representatives from across the country help students

narrow the choices even further. Seniors receive extensive

support in essay-writing, interview preparation and practice,

plus the assurance that their college counselor is advocating

on their behalf. And while our graduates attend selective

colleges and universities, our primary goal is to help each

one of our students earn admission to the one college that

is best for them.

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

College counseling is comprehensive,

yet highly personalized, taking into

account the strengths, talents, and

passions that have been nurtured

here over the years. The college

counseling process begins in ninth

grade. Advisors work with students

to make course selections, and

counselors advise students on

testing strategies and extra-curricular

involvement to keep students on

track for the selective college

admissions process.

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“Ravenscroft not only preparedme exceptionally well for myundergraduate education, butalso for life. The Ravenscroftcommunity taught me aboutthe power of friendship and instilled in me a moral obligation to help those inneed. These principles haveenabled me to cope with life'schallenges and I know theywill continue to inspire me inmy future work.”

David Fajgenbaum '03

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PINPOINTING THE POSSIBILITIES

One afternoon in late April, a cluster of seniors — perhaps a

bit restless for what lies ahead — surrounds a map posted

outside the college counselor’s office. Colorful pins pierce

several dozen points on the map. Each anchors a tiny slip of

paper bearing one student’s name and chosen college or

university. Each pin-point represents something — but

certainly not everything — for which Ravenscroft has been

preparing students: the college of their choice. And each one

symbolizes the process of narrowing many possibilities to the

one choice that best suits them and their aspirations.

Something for the road ahead: When our graduates do make their final

departures, they carry a bit of Ravenscroft with

them. Their character bears the imprint of their

time here, which influences and shapes many of

their experiences throughout their lives. And

by the way, they do come back again — to

football games and alumni lunches and career

panels. Not surprisingly, a good many return

to the carpool line, this time in the driver’s

seat — collecting their own children, passing

on the legacy.

ONE MORE THING

You have one chance to choose an education that will transform your child’s life forever. We understand

it’s an important choice that represents careful consideration for your family — one that requires thoughtful

investigation. Nothing can capture the essence of Ravenscroft like a personal visit. We can tell you our

story, but we feel a visit will help you and your child experience it for yourselves. We want to hear your

story, too. So we invite you to contact our admissions staff for more information or to schedule a visit.

Tour our campus and ask as many questions as you’d like. While you’re here, the same idea that’s

uppermost in your mind will be uppermost in ours — what’s best for your child.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact the Admissions Office at 919-847-0900.

Meanwhile, visit us online at www.ravenscroft.org.

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...the stretching of ONE’S boundaries

– the sound of ONE voice – the

expression of ONE artistic gift –

the contribution of ONE

player – the strength of

ONE’S character – the

telling of ONE story – ONE

possible solution to a

problem – the thrill of ONE

game – the encouragement of

ONE friend – ONE sense of

humor that restores the spirits

of many – the influence of ONE

community – the impact of

ONE Ravenscroft education.

– OUR VALUES –An Engaged Mind, An Ethical Character,

An Aesthetic Appreciation, A Healthy Lifestyle, and

A Spiritual Foundation

Ravenscroft School7409 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27615

www.ravenscroft.org

Ravenscroft School, Inc., an independent, co-educational, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade college preparatory day school, does not discriminate against any persons, in admission, in violation of any applicable local, state, or federal laws or regulations.