Boarding at MSH

About the Mastery School of Hawken Boarding Program

The Mastery School Boarding Program is a great option for local, national, and international students who want to live and learn on a vibrant campus in the heart of University Circle and attend the Mastery School of Hawken. Current 8th and 9th grade students can apply to the Mastery School of Hawken to join in their 9th or 10th grade years. The Mastery School is a perfect school for curious students who want to develop a sense of agency over their education. If you are excited by the idea of working with a world-renowned expert to solve a problem that is relevant to your community, then the Mastery School is the place for you.

Your Home Away from Home

The Mastery School of Hawken’s University Circle campus is steps away from world-class museums, Case Western Reserve University, and one of the world’s top medical districts. Our campus is a collection of 100-year-old mansions that have been carefully converted into classrooms, science labs, and maker spaces. In the middle of our campus is our residential hall, where you will find eight charming dorm rooms, two living rooms, and two kitchens.

Boarding Important Dates

To register for any event, please click on the RSVP links below or through your applicant checklist if you have started the application process.

For more details, email MasteryAdmission@hawken.edu or call (440) 423-8801

Prospective Parent Virtual Visit:
(RSVP Here)
Thursday, 11.2.23, 7:00 PM (on Zoom)

Prospective Parent In-Person Visits:
(RSVP here)

Wednesday, 12.6.23, 9:00 AM

Thursday, 1.4.24, 9:00 AM

Fall Open House:
(RSVP Here)
Sun 11.12.23, 1:00 PM

Spring Open House:
(RSVP Coming Soon)
Sun 4.21.24, 1:00 PM

Boarding Application Deadline: 2.9.24

Boarding Notification: 3.08.24

Boarding Responses Due: 4.10.24

Application Process

The application process for students interested in the boarding program at the Mastery School varies slightly from that of students looking to join the day program. This process strives to ensure that students align well with both the Mastery School academics and the residential program.

While we encourage all families to visit campus, we understand that this may not be possible for some families. In this case, please reach out to the Mastery School Admission Office to discuss alternatives.

Acceptance to Mastery School of Hawken Boarding Program is dependent on two factors: applicant qualifications and availability of space. Because spaces are limited and the applicant pool is competitive, it is to the candidate’s advantage to complete their application by the admission deadline listed above for entry in the fall of 2024. Applications completed outside this timeline are considered on a rolling admission basis and may be subject to limited space and/or limited Flexible Tuition.

We encourage parents and guardians to join us for one of our Parent Visits on campus or our Virtual Parent visit on November 2, which will be immediately followed by a boarding information session. We also encourage all families to attend the Fall Open House on November 12. The open house will include a special session for those interested in the boarding community as well as a tour of the boarding house.

Frequently Asked Questions:

List of 12 items.

Are there 7-day, 5-day, and international boarding options?
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Yes, students may apply to the 5-day or 7-day boarding program; international students are invited to apply to the 7-day boarding program. There are geographic requirements for 5-day boarders. If you have any questions, please reach out to MasteryAdmissions@hawken.edu.
Where is the Mastery School located?
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The Mastery School is located in University Circle, the cultural, medical, and academic heart of Cleveland. The campus’ refurbished mansions, including the boarding house, contribute to its intimate and collegiate feel. The campus is a short 20-minute drive to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
How many students are in the boarding program?
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Mastery School boarding students get the best of all worlds: a small, intentional community with the resources and opportunities of a large high school. The boarding program is designed to accommodate 18 boarding students who are part of the Mastery School’s 150-student community and Hawken School’s 650 high school students.
Can you apply to both the day and boarding program?
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No, it is necessary to decide if your student is applying to be a day student or a boarding student before you submit the application, as there are different considerations and different deadlines. Our admission officers are happy to speak with you to help you decide which option would be best for your student.
Can you only start as a freshman?
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No, the Mastery School considers applications for 9th and 10th grade students.
Are dorms co-ed?
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Yes, the dorm is gender inclusive. The building is gender separated but within the same building.
Will I have to share a room?
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Yes, all dorm rooms are shared. We believe that the relationship with a roommate is an important part of the boarding experience and our residential team works carefully to match roommates.
Who is on the Residential Leadership Team?
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The residential team is led by the coordinator of residential life. Additionally, three faculty members serve on the team to ensure safety and security and to provide support for evenings, weekends, and activities. The head of the Mastery School, dean of students, and campus security coordinator also support the boarding program.
What is there to do on the weekends?
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Each weekend, the residential team schedules activities, including trips to professional and college sports games, downtown, shopping trips, amusement parks, or state parks. In addition to their normal weekend athletic and co-curricular commitments, students can explore the dozens of world-class museums in University Circle, go to their favorite coffee shop, or picnic at Wade Oval Park.
What do evenings look like?
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After school, students are required to participate in a co-curricular activity, whether that is playing on a sports team or participating in theater, one of our many clubs, an internship,or a lesson or activity outside of school. Dinner is served at 6:00, and study hall is generally from 8:00-10:00, with lights out starting soon thereafter.
Is the dorm open over breaks?
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No, the dorms will close, but we will assist in helping pair 7-day boarding students with local homestay families if they are not able to be home on breaks.
What is the security for the dorm?
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The campus security coordinator works closely with the coordinator of residential life to ensure students' safety and security. Safety measures range from regular check-ins when students are on and off campus to a state-of-the-art security system for the residential building. In addition to on-campus resources such as our school counselor and nurse’s office, we consult closely with local first responders and medical practitioners.