High School F.A.Q.
Overview
Who goes to Wentworth
Parents choose to give their children a Wentworth education for many different reasons, but they all come with the same expectations in mind. Families come to WMA because they are looking for a safe, proven school that can support them in helping their child to prosper and that is just what you can expect from a Wentworth education. We understand that you want something that other public and private schools don't offer, a school and people whose goal is to inspire and motivate your child to become a proud, independent, successful adult. There is an overwhelming sense of pride and fellowship that comes with being part of the Wentworth Corps of Cadets for both parents and their child that can only be experienced when you see your child marching in formation onto the parade field in their Dress Blues, saluting their senior officers, celebrating a touch down with cannons firing, and crossing the stage at graduation having achieved more than either of you ever thought was possible. When your child graduates as a member of the Wentworth Corps of Cadets, they have earned so much more than just a diploma, they have earned their place in 130 years of respect and accomplishment that will be with them for a lifetime.
How does the military part of the school work?
Think of Wentworth as a college preparatory academy and college campus with a military style structure. Students are called "cadets" and organized into military styled groups for the purpose of team building, leadership development, accountability and uniformity. Wentworth Cadets, unless under voluntary ROTC contract in the college, do not have any obligation to the armed forces. Historically, 3% of high school graduates pursue military service.
Do Wentworth cadets have military obligations after they graduate?
High school students are NOT under any obligation to the uniformed services. College cadets, and only when under voluntary ROTC contract, do have an obligation they take freely to serve in the US Army.
How many students are there?
Current enrollment for boarding cadets is approximately 205, and enrollment for college civilian students is approximately 575.
Is the school accredited?
Wentworth's high school and college are accredited by or associated with:
- The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
- Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education
- Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
- Council of North Central Two Year Colleges
- American Association of Community Colleges
- Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States
- The Association of Boarding Schools
Wentworth has been accredited continuously since 1918
Where are the students from?
Cadets come from over 32 US states and 11 foreign countries.
What is the average ACT/SAT score?
College bound graduates have an average ACT score of 24, an 1120 on the SAT I, and 1650 on the SAT II.
What percentage of high school cadets go to college?
Historically, 95% of graduates attend their college of choice. In recent years the percentage has been as high as 99%.
Where do they go?
Recent colleges and universities include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Kansas, University of California, University of Southern California, Embry Riddle, the U.S. Air Force Academy, University of Missouri-Columbia, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, University of Mexico-Monterrey, Northern Arizona University, University of Iowa, University of Cincinnati, Loyola University-Chicago, University of Oklahoma, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Texas A&M, The Ohio State University, and Auburn University.
Academics
What is the quality of education at Wentworth?
- 94% of faculty possess advanced degrees
- Nationally recognized top performing service academy (college) prep program
- 8 consecutive years of Distinguished Academic Recognition from the State of Missouri
- National award winning high school principal
- Historically, 95% of graduates attend college of choice
- Eligible high school students can pursue college credits
What is the importance of earning your Associate's (Arts or Science) degree at the completion of high school?
For gifted students who need greater academic challenge, an accelerated academic program provides the academic challenge to keep their talents focused on academic achievement. Additionally, it allows capable students who are pursuing careers in medicine, engineering, business, and others, an opportunity to complete their undergraduate education at a faster pace in order to pursue post-graduate studies and/or enter the workforce sooner.
What does having an Associate's Degree at the completion of high school do for you?
Capable students can complete their undergraduate studies quicker to pursue further education or their professional careers. Additionally, this will provide for significant savings in the cost of undergraduate education.
If a high school junior or senior is taking college courses, will the college course be "watered" down?
Absolutely not! In fact, Wentworth's College has been continuously accredited for 75 years and has received numerous national awards and recognition for the quality of their curriculum. A high school student MUST demonstrate by GPA, documented coursework, and class standing that they are capable for college level academics. Each student approved for college coursework must be approved by both the high school principal and the college provost, and are monitored very carefully to ensure he or she has not taken coursework beyond his/her capability.
What is the difference between Dual Enrollment (credit) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
Dual Enrollment (DE) credit is completed college coursework that a students earns by successfully meeting college level expectations for a particular class. The student is given a college transcript, which can be transferred to any college in the nation. Wentworth College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Advanced Placement (AP) credits are "honors" level classes that a student takes in his or her high school. Based on his/her grades, a student will receive a score between 1 and 5, along with a letter grade. The most significant difference between DE and AP is the acceptance of AP credit is subject entirely to the whim of each individual college or university, based on a vast array of standards that differ from college to college. DE credit is a college transcript with college credits that is accepted at face value by a college or university. Where an AP credit may not be acceptable, a DE credit is college credit and acceptability is not a question.
Are the credits transferable?
As a result of Wentworth's accreditation, all high school and college credits are transferable.
Military
How does the military part of the school work?
Think of Wentworth as a college preparatory academy and college campus with a military style structure. Students are called "cadets" and organized into military styled groups for the purpose of team building, leadership development, accountability, and uniformity. Wentworth Cadets, unless under voluntary ROTC contract in the college, do not have any obligation to the armed forces.
What percentage of students goes into the military?
Historically, 3% of high school students pursue military careers
Do Wentworth cadets have military obligations after they graduate?
High school students are NOT under any obligation to the uniformed services. College cadets, and only when under voluntary ROTC contract, do have an obligation they take freely to serve in the US Army.
Demographics
Where are the students from?
High school cadets come from over 32 US states and 11 foreign countries.
How many girls are there?
Girls make up 30% of the cadet population, which currently equals 35 girls.
Do they live in the same dorm?
Girls live in a separate floor of a dorm and have a faculty member who lives on the floor with them. Wentworth has very strict policies pertaining to the living arrangement and acceptable interaction between boys and girls.
Are they in the same company as boys?
In all facets of Wentworth life, girls participate alongside boys, with the exception of their living arrangement. Their company, Tango Company, is very competitive with the other companies. A campus wide award for Academic Excellence is usually held by Tango cadets.
What percentage is from outside of the U.S.?
Approximately 15% of cadets are from foreign countries.
What is the ESL program?
The ESL (English as a Second Lanugage) program is a dedicated program for international students with poor English proficiency. In order to be accepted to Wentworth, an international student must first demonstrate English proficiency through a telephonic interview and a writing sample.
Athletics and Extracurricular
What athletics are offered?
Football, girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, co-ed club soccer, wrestling, track, cross country, tennis, golf, boys baseball, girls softball, and swimming. Whenever there is interest in a new sport a team is put together.
What intramural sports are offered?
Soccer, Frisbee golf, volleyball, basketball, swimming, baseball, flag football, and weekly activities from the Activities Director
What do cadets do for fun?
Because students live at Wentworth, you can expect to see a wide variety of activities for entertainment. Wentworth has a very committed employee base that participates in all manner of activities that range from taking students Christmas caroling, hosting movie nights, bowling trips, shopping excursions, "pick up" games of many sports, board games, holiday themed activities, and more. Wentworth enjoys the strong support of a parent association that sponsors dances, holiday celebrations, birthday lunches, movie nights, and more. There are also extensive athletic facilities available on weekdays and weekends, and organized activities to include paintball, rock climbing, professional sporting events, and more.
What happens on weekends?
Weekends may include mandatory sleep-ins, formal dress parades, organized sports, intramural sports, an organized activity, study time, free time, movie trips, community service projects, furloughs home, and more.
Is there a prom, homecoming, Valentine's Day, or other dance or event?
Yes to all the above!
How safe is the campus?
Wentworth is staffed by adults 24 hours a day when students are on campus and enjoys a very positive relationship with local law enforcement. Furthermore, Wentworth has strict policies with regards to hazing, touching, and student violence. By any standard, Wentworth can be considered a very safe campus.
Parents and Family
Do faculty members live in the dorms?
Yes, each floor has a resident faculty member and each floor also has a TAC (Commandants Office) officer.
Are cadets allowed to have cell phones?
High school cadets are allowed to have cell phones, which are regulated by an industry wide proven process. College cadets have been allowed to have cell phones for many years, and have a separate policy with regards to their use.
Are they given laptop computers?
Wentworth requires laptop computers for academic purposes, but does not issue them.
Is there internet available?
Yes. The campus is fully wired and offers several wireless hot spots.
Is there a bed time, or can the cadets go to bed as they please?
High school students must be in bed at 11:00 pm, and college cadets must be in their rooms and quiet at 11:00 pm.
Can cadets access myspace.com?
Wentworth has approved Facebook as the only authorized social networking site for college cadets to access through its network. The decision was based upon the more stringent rules Facebook has regarding protecting user privacy and identity. High school cadets are not allowed to access any social networking sites.
Do non-cadets go to classes with the cadets?
Civilian college students who are non-cadets attend college classes alongside their cadet counterparts. Class sizes range from 5 to 15.
Can friends or family visit?
Absolutely! Wentworth is an open campus and welcomes families to visit at any time.
What type of medical care is available?
Wentworth employs two registered nurses and offers a fully operational 18 bed infirmary capable of providing first-aid and response to minor ailments and injuries. Less than one mile away is a regional hospital and several family practice offices, and within 35 miles there are level-III trauma centers.
Will cadets get hazed or abused?
Wentworth has very strict policies on the abuse of power, hazing, and touching. Cadets who violate these policies face immediate punishment to include expulsion. Wentworth takes the safety and well being of every cadet as its #1 priority.
Can cadets smoke or consume alcohol? How about chewing tobacco?
No, no, and no. Wentworth is a tobacco free campus and has a very strict zero tolerance policy with regards to substance abuse.
Is medication allowed?
Yes. The infirmary and staff nurses provide supervision and the safeguard of all medication.
Can cadets have cars?
College cadets may have cars, high school cannot. High school cadets are not permitted to ride with college cadets.
Are there mentors or dorm advisors on hand?
Students have mentors/advisors both in the academic and the residential aspect.
How do you apply for admission?
The Office of Admissions has the necessary forms available online, and is very happy to send an application by mail by request.
How do you apply for financial assistance?
Financial aid is applied for through the school's website. Wentworth uses the National Association of Independent School's School and Student Service for Financial Aid as a third party source to collect the application and provide an independent review of the financial need of each applicant. The application is reviewed by the Wentworth Financial Aid Office and an award is determined based on an established formula.
How do I pay the school?
Wentworth asks that enrolling students either pay in full at the time of enrollment, or provide a down payment of 60% of costs and a monthly payment agreement at the time of enrollment. Wentworth will not enroll students without a financial arrangement in place that meets these terms.
Prospective Students
Are cadets allowed to have cell phones?
High school cadets are allowed to have cell phones, which are regulated by an industry wide proven process. College cadets have been allowed to have cell phones for many years, and have a separate policy with regards to their use.
Are they given laptop computers?
Wentworth requires laptop computers for academic purposes, but does not issue them.
Is there a prom, homecoming, Valentine's Day, or other dance or event?
Yes to all the above!
Is there internet available?
Yes. The campus is fully wired and offers several wireless hot spots.
What is the average ACT/SAT score?
College bound graduates have an average ACT score of 24, an 1120 on the SAT I, and 1650 on the SAT II.
What percentage of high school cadets go to college?
Historically, 95% of graduates attend their college of choice. In recent years the percentage has been as high as 99%.
Where do they go?
Recent colleges and universities include the University of Kansas, University of California, University of Southern California, Embry Riddle, the U.S. Air Force Academy, University of Missouri-Columbia, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, University of Mexico-Monterrey, Northern Arizona University, University of Iowa, University of Cincinnati, Loyola University-Chicago, University of Oklahoma, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Texas A&M, The Ohio State University, and Auburn University.
What is the racial/ethnic/gender make up of the school?
Wentworth is largely representative of the US population in terms of diversity. Approximately 15% are African American, 10% Asian, 5% Hispanic. 30% are female.
Will cadets get hazed or abused?
Wentworth has very strict policies on the abuse of power, hazing, and touching. Cadets who violate these policies face immediate punishment to include expulsion. Wentworth takes the safety and well being of every cadet as its #1 priority.
Can cadets smoke or consume alcohol? How about chewing tobacco?
No, no, and no. Wentworth is a tobacco free campus and has a very strict zero tolerance policy with regards to substance abuse.
What is the importance of earning your Associate.s (Arts or Science) degree at the completion of high school?
For gifted students who need greater academic challenge, an accelerated academic program provides the academic challenge to keep their talents focused on academic achievement. Additionally, it allows capable students who are pursuing careers in medicine, engineering, business, and others, an opportunity to complete their undergraduate education at a faster pace in order to pursue post-graduate studies and/or enter the workforce sooner.
What athletics are offered?
Football, girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, co-ed club soccer, wrestling, track, cross country, tennis, golf, boys baseball, girls softball and swimming.
What intramural sports are offered?
Soccer, frisbee golf, volleyball, basketball, swimming, baseball, flag football, and much more.
What do cadets do for fun?
Because students live at Wentworth, you can expect to see a wide variety of activities for entertainment. Wentworth has a very committed employee base that participates in all manner of activities that range from taking students Christmas caroling, hosting movie nights, bowling trips, shopping excursions, "pick up" games of many sports, board games, holiday themed activities, and more. Wentworth enjoys the strong support of a parent association that sponsors dances, holiday celebrations, birthday lunches, movie nights, and more. There are also extensive athletic facilities available on weekdays and weekends, and organized activities to include paintball, rock climbing, professional sporting events, and more.
What happens on weekends?
Weekends may include mandatory sleep-ins, formal dress parades, organized sports, intra-mural sports, an organized activity, study time, free time, movie trips, community service projects, video games, furloughs home, and more.
