GLENELG COUNTRY SCHOOL
Tenth grader Brinley and eighth grader Sureena brim with enthusiasm when they share details of their educational journey at Glenelg Country School (GCS). Extensive academic and extracurricular opportunities match in scope the school’s sprawling 90-acre campus. And while these two students have chosen to explore different options, their experiences share one common thread: a supportive environment that encourages all students to achieve.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL PROUD TO BE A STUDENT AT YOUR SCHOOL?
BRINLEY: I am proud that I attend a school that cares about diverse groups of people by creating different affinity spaces where students who have similarities can openly share their own thoughts and opinions without fear of being judged by others. I love the enthusiasm of the students from every division! I really could not ask for a closer school community than what GCS has to offer. When I first came into the school in seventh grade, I did not know a lot of people. However, it was not long before I really felt at home. The overall atmosphere of the school is an incredibly positive one, and when I am not on campus, I am proud to represent myself as a Glenelg Dragon.
SUREENA: I am proud to be a student at GCS because it has given me many opportunities to grow academically and personally. For example, I have expanded my interest in singing and acting by taking on the lead in the middle school play last year as Moana. Also, I was encouraged to try a variety of sports: cross country, basketball, and lacrosse.
WHAT TEACHER/ COACH/MENTOR HAS MADE THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU, AND WHY?
BRINLEY: The teacher who has had the biggest impact on me is Coach Bonn. I have had him as a P.E. teacher, indoor & outdoor track and field coach, and a ninth-grade dean. This past school year he has taught me the importance of using a skill that you have to maximize success, how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and the overall practice of improving yourself little by little consistently. I had never considered participating in track & field until I came across Coach Bonn. He saw something in me that has never been pointed out to me and took the time to work with me and explain to me how I can use this newfound skill to my advantage. With this, it led me to break four school records in my freshman year, and I would not have done it without Coach Bonn.
SUREENA: The teacher who has made the biggest impact on me is Ms. Britton, my math teacher two years in a row. She taught me to think about solving math problems in ways that I didn’t think was possible. She was always available when I needed extra help. Since she was also my advisor last year, she made sure I was on top of my work and checked in with me on other subjects as well. Ms. Britton always made me feel comfortable in the classroom and really helped me grow academically.
WHAT DO YOU THINK DISTINGUISHES YOUR SCHOOL FROM THE OTHER INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS?
BRINLEY: I think that the difference is that GCS uses any resource it has—whether geographical, academic, or athletic—to stretch their students’ minds and creativity. I have never seen a school that uses its campus in such an interactive way to teach its students regardless of what grade they are in. GCS uses the forest for art projects, the amphitheater for entertainment, the pond for science observations, and even the roundabouts for senior car parades.
SUREENA: What I think distinguishes our school from other independent schools is the opportunity to connect with everyone. Since the class sizes are small you get to interact with students in your grade and others in the middle school.
