On October 6, 2023, Concord Academy will welcome families to campus as part of the annual Family Weekend event, inviting them to experience the CA community in action. Family engagement plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of each student, so whether families are curious about academics, athletics, or arts, they will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with student life and the school’s culture. Welcome remarks from the Head of School, Henry Fairfax, will take place in the Elizabeth B. Hall Chapel, followed by a productive day of classes, practices, rehearsals, and other community gathering opportunities.
This year’s Family Weekend will feature a slightly different schedule than of recent years, allowing families to see students in class firsthand. Last year, students participated in Community and Equity programming in assembly with Larry Spotted Crow Mann in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day. This year’s shift to a modified Friday schedule will allow families to attend every class, gaining a better understanding of the teaching and learning experiences. The decision to have families and students in classes together may lead to crowded classrooms and congested hallways, but will also offer a more realistic classroom environment compared to an overview of the course for families. Transitioning back to a similar format adopted pre-COVID, this year’s Family Weekend will offer a great way to connect with the community and share with families a glimpse of classroom discussions.
At the conclusion of classes, a wide range of activities will take place across campus. Music ensembles will gather to perform in the chapel, followed by open rehearsals and sport practices for families to gain insight into the vibrant after-school life at CA. Boarding families will also have the chance to visit boarding houses and learn more about the boarding community. Families of color and international families will each have opportunities to connect with each other in specialized programming throughout the weekend. This year will also feature a Meet-and-Greet with various departments for families to meet faculty and ask questions, as well as conversations with the College Counseling Office for 10th and 11th grade families.
With classes in full swing and students settled in for a year of exploration, families will get to experience CA through the student lens during Family Weekend. The opportunity to engage in discussions, meet other families, and learn more about the student experience is a great way for families to connect and explore all that the CA community has to offer.