Residential Experience
Advantages of a Residential School
Living at school opens up many possibilities for academic and personal growth. Thanks to our residential setting, HMA students have:
Plentiful time to dive deeply into academic pursuits, specifically project-based learning
Authentic, lasting relationships with faculty who also live on campus – every student is known to his/her teachers as an individual
Authentic, lasting friendships with peers from different parts of Ethiopia they might not otherwise meet – our diversity is a strength
Opportunities to build community and create community norms that respect others' differences
The experience of personal growth and independence while supporting others
The chance to practice leadership and responsibility in everyday life
Residential advisors—who are often faculty—live in separate apartments within the dormitories and are there to help students adjust to and take full advantage of the boarding school environment.
Our “Gojo”, or house, system, places students in small groups that meet 3-4 times a week together with two faculty advisors for formal Social Emotional Learning programming and informal games and conversation. Gojos function as students’ families on campus, ensuring that every student truly feels that HMA is his or her home away from home.
We are attentive to the needs of the whole student. We have robust athletic programming and (safety permitting) schedule activities such as off-campus hikes. Our Wellness Center is staffed with a full-time nurse, and we provide nutritious meals prepared in a commercial kitchen. We maintain a large cleaning and maintenance staff to ensure our facilities are well cared for.
