Culver educates its students for leadership and responsible citizenship in society by developing and nurturing the whole individual – mind, spirit, and body – through integrated programs that emphasize the cultivation of character.
As a boarding school, Culver offers an opportunity unlike that of typical secondary schools. Here, students learn to develop leadership by meeting challenges head-on and placing others before themselves. Values-based and mission-driven, we honor Henry Harrison Culver’s vision with every person who passes through our halls, in a school rich in tradition and committed to excellence in all we do. Culver students take learning seriously, but they also enjoy a high degree of freedom and fun. They embrace responsibility, service, and teamwork as essential to becoming leaders of character.
General Info:
Address: 1300 Academy Road, Culver, Indiana 46511
Phone: (574) 842-7100
Website: www.culver.org
Q&A with Culver Academies:
What makes Culver Academies unique?
Since 1894, Culver Academies has been turning out capable and confident young people committed to using their unique gifts and talents in service to their communities. As one of the largest boarding schools in the country, Culver is a place of endless opportunities, and we are committed to excellence in all that we do. You will find that our mission unites and defines us – an education that prepares leaders, while nurturing the whole individual, with an emphasis on character.
Culver offers an extraordinary education on a beautiful lakeside campus just a short drive from Indianapolis and Chicago. From a collaborative learning model that emphasizes student-led inquiry to a focus on inclusion and opportunities for global study, from out-of-the-ordinary courses like the Practice of Innovation and Equine Sculpting to vibrant programs in athletics and the arts, Culver invites students to play an active role in shaping their futures.
What is Culver’s age/grade range?
Culver offers a co-educational, boarding school experience for students in grades 9-12.
Culver Summer Schools and Camps (https://www.culver.org/summer) offer summer programs for campers ages 7-17.
What is Culver’s enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
The application deadline for admission, financial aid, and Distinguished Scholarship consideration is January 15, 2022. Decisions will be released on March 1, and Culver’s enrollment deadline is April 10, 2022.
Does Culver offer financial assistance?
Culver offers nearly $14 million in financial assistance each year. Financial assistance is offered in the form of need-based financial aid and merit scholarship for qualified students. Visit www.culver.org/afford for more information.
What are the standard school day hours?
As a boarding school, a lot happens each day. Classes begin at 8:30 AM and rotate through 4, 85-minute class periods each day. Students are able connect with faculty members from 3:15 PM – 4:15PM each day, and athletics and co-curricular activities take place from 4:15PM – 6:00PM. After dinner, student-led organizations meet and we begin quiet study hours on campus from 8:00PM – 10:00PM.
Wednesdays follow a special schedule that allows for residential life leadership training and all school meeting in the afternoon.
Does Culver offer before/after school care? Does Culver Academies offer afterschool activities?
In a sense, yes. Students are engaged in on-campus activities all throughout the day and on the weekends.
Is there a uniform or dress code?
Yes, all students wear a uniform during the day.
How many children attend Culver? How many students are in the average classroom?
We have 832 students in grades 9-12. The average class size is 14 students.
Does Culver offer support for students with special needs?
Culver offers a variety of resources for students with learning differences.
What specialty classes / extracurricular activities does Culver offer (gym, art, language, sports etc.)?
We offer 185 courses each year in 15 different academic departments. A full listing of Culver’s extensive course offerings is available here. These courses include 26 AP courses and 21 honors courses.
UNIQUE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Leadership Education
Headquartered in the new Schrage Leadership Center, this age-targeted curriculum focuses on servant-leadership, character development, design thinking, ethics, and mindfulness.
Ron Rubin School for the Entrepreneur
Crafted around action learning, this program includes a gourmet coffee and tea shop, entirely managed by students.
Global Pathways Spring Program
Over 100 students travel the world each year, participating in cultural exchange and service opportunities.
Horsemanship Program
We have taught wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice on horseback since 1897, and our equestrians have made 18 presidential inaugural appearances.
ATHLETICS
Through healthy and high-level competition, students learn sportsmanship, display and develop their knowledge and skills, and become part of something bigger than themselves. Students can compete on the national level (prep) and state level (Varsity and Junior Varsity) on 65 sports teams.
• 19 girls sports
• 21 boys sports
• 51% of student-athletes play two or more sports
• 82% of students participate in athletics
What extra safety measures is Culver taking during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In general, our campus is returning to normal in many ways. However, we are still taking precautions to keep our campus community healthy. Culver is mitigating the spread of COVID-19 on campus using the following strategies:
Culver has mandated vaccines for students without medical or religious exemptions.
Culver is conducting weekly COVID testing for unvaccinated members of our community.
Masks are required for spectators at all indoor sporting contests.
Large surveillance testing (vaccinated and unvaccinated) will take place upon return from major breaks.
Who should parents contact for more information about Culver Academies?
Parents and interested students can request their viewbook and more information here: https://www.culver.org/
Families may also contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected] or (574) 842-7100.