Mentorship and Advisory Groups
Starting in 9th grade, every Gann student is assigned to an advisory group consisting of eight students and a faculty or staff advisor. The advisory group program is part of Gann's "whole-student approach" to education and ensures that every student receives personal attention and mentorship.
Advisory groups meet weekly for all four years at Gann, and individual students and advisor will meet one-on-one as needed. For many students, advisory becomes one of their most treasured resources at Gann—a place to go for support, to seek guidance on matters both academic and social, to try out new ideas, to wrestle with challenges, and to talk about what's going on at Gann and in the world. Advisory groups become close friends that often stick together well after graduation.
Typical topics of discussion include:
In addition to academic success, advisory helps create students who think about and act on behalf of their community — who are prepared to sacrifice and stretch themselves for others. This community focus is part of our identity as a Jewish school.
Advisory groups meet weekly for all four years at Gann, and individual students and advisor will meet one-on-one as needed. For many students, advisory becomes one of their most treasured resources at Gann—a place to go for support, to seek guidance on matters both academic and social, to try out new ideas, to wrestle with challenges, and to talk about what's going on at Gann and in the world. Advisory groups become close friends that often stick together well after graduation.
Typical topics of discussion include:
- What do you hope to accomplish during your four-year Gann journey?
- How do you constructively engage with people whose opinions are diametrically opposed to yours?
- How does your identity as a Jew co-exist with your other identities?
- How do you best balance a rigorous course load with an active social life?
In addition to academic success, advisory helps create students who think about and act on behalf of their community — who are prepared to sacrifice and stretch themselves for others. This community focus is part of our identity as a Jewish school.
Conferences
Each year in January or February, advisors, students and family members meet to discuss the student's progress. These conferences cover not only academic work, but also social, extracurricular and personal growth as a leader.End of Year Report
Understanding a student's strengths and opportunities is important for both the student and his or her parents. Advisors will provide a detailed written report that will be sent home at the end of the year. Parents should feel welcome to contact their student's advisor at any time if they have questions or concerns. Advisors will also contact parents as needed.From the students:
Advisory has been one of the most central parts of my Gann experience. As early as freshman year, my advisory quickly became a place where I could be myself and get used to the Gann environment in a judgment-free setting. Over the years, I have really enjoyed how close our advisory has gotten and looked forward to every meeting that we have together.
Aaron Butler, Class of 2017
I came from public school and didn't know anyone in my grade. By the time I started classes, I knew a teacher and a group of kids, so I felt much more comfortable during my first days of school.
Jonah Gold, Class of 2020
- GANN ACADEMY
- 333 Forest Street
- Waltham, MA 02452
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- F: 781.642.6805
