Pioneer Academy Dormitory is where you make your first friends as a new student, and where you flourish over the years, both academically and socially. Your dorm will become your home away from home, providing memories and friendships for life.
Living in a dorm among peers from different backgrounds teaches students to connect and relate to others of diverse backgrounds and develop cultural awareness that will help them successfully navigate life in college and beyond. Our boarders benefit from the healthy, robust, and honest exchange of ideas and perspectives. We live and learn together through helping, guiding, and nurturing each student as he pursues academic, athletic, arts, social, and life long goals.
Our residential approach is central to building inclusive communities. Pioneer’s residential community aims to cultivate and grow engaged, healthy, community-oriented, astute international citizens. Through a growth mindset culture, we provide daily opportunities for every child to navigate and practice the life, intercultural, and social skills necessary to be a thriving and inspired member of the world in which they live.
At Pioneer, education outside of the classroom is just as critical as education inside the classroom. When classes end campus comes alive with after school activities including sports, clubs, and community service. At Pioneer, there is something for every student! Students are encouraged to explore new interests outside of their comfort zone and offer ideas for organizations they would like to see offered.
Dorm Chaperons ensure dorms are spirited communities conducive to study but also fun places where residents can relax and engage with their classmates. The result is a supportive environment where lifelong friendships are forged. Each weekend, activities are offered to students that may include trips to local malls, restaurants, museums, movies, Six Flags, festivals, and sport games such as NBA, NFL & NHL.
Students are able to participate in a variety of activities after the school day has ended. Currently, the school offers 36 different clubs including Robotics, Drama, Model United Nation, Music, Art, Fitness, Science etc. We are always on the lookout for new clubs and expect these offerings to expand with student interest.
How will I keep in touch with how my child is doing?
Pioneer’s Advisory System is very unique for the residential life program. This system helps us to manage the goings-on of all students, including permissions, requests for leave, welfare, and discipline. Parents can always reach out to the Dorm Chaperon and Dorm Director as well to find out how their kids are doing.
Pioneer uses Alma as our school information system. Parents can get access in Alma in order to keep track of grades and assignments, as well as contact teachers and administrators at the school.
What do boarding students do during major holidays?
Pioneer Dorm is closed during the Winter Break. During other school holidays such as Thanksgiving and Spring Break, the dorm is open for boarding students. Dorm staff engage students with variant activities including out state trips and vacation house programs.
How do we manage the college application process?
The College Counseling Team works hard to find the right college/university fit for all students. Our College Counselors are available to discuss individual needs and to work with students. The College Counseling Department organizes university trips, career days, SAT mock exams etc in order to focus on comprehensive preparation for a student’s college experience. Support is provided in the completion of college applications, identification of a core group of schools, and admissions essays.
Do you provide transportation to and from the airport?
Yes. The school works to provide transportation via Dorm Team for students upon leaving for holidays or returning to school after break. These shuttles will run only at times determined by the Director of Dorm, and the dates are disclosed on the school calendar. We do not make individual trips for students flying in or out while school is in session.
What do students do on the weekends?
Pioneer provides a variety of activities for boarders each weekend, both on and off-campus. Due to our proximity to New York City, Pioneer is always searching for activities to enhance the lives of the students. Signups for weekend trips are available throughout the week. All activity fees are part of the other fees parents pay during enrollment
Do dorm students have study time everyday?
Boarding students are expected to spend 90 minutes in quiet study working to complete their homework. This time is monitored by the dorm staff and is consistent throughout the school year. For those students who require assistance during homework time, dorm staff is always available to help.
What security measures are in place?
The safety of the students and faculty who live and learn at Pioneer is our top priority. Security officers are on duty 24 hours a day. The Dorms are only accessible via swipe card. All boarding students are issued a key to their dorm room and swipe card that gives them access to their dorm only.
What is Pioneer’s dress code?
Students should be in uniform from their first school-day commitment until the end of the school day. Uniforms can be ordered before the start of school from this link . There is no dorm uniform at Pioneer.
What does a boarding student need to bring?
Dorm rooms are double occupancy and include study desk, closet and twin beds. Students should bring extra beddings, towels, clothing and laundry supplies, toiletries, and school supplies.
Medical Services
Pioneer has well-trained nurses during the school days. Every int’l student is enrolled in a health insurance provider. The Dorm Team makes the arrangement to see a specialist doctor whenever the need arises.
Policies
All policies related to the residence hall are located in the Dorm Handbook
The advisory system matches small groups of students to an advisor. The advisor performs a bridging role in the student’s life. They happen to be in the center of the communications between faculty and students, home and school, leading students on a healthy path toward college and life
Pioneer’s International students obtain a superior college-preparatory education while making lifelong friends from around of the world.
We are exceptionally diverse and a second home to students from 21 countries, including children of diplomats, ambassadors, other representatives to the United Nations and foreign dignitaries.