This is a Prototype Web Site Archived for Historical Purposes Only
Demonstration Developed in 1995 by Tay Vaughan ('62) and Hilary Knight ('97)
Visit www.The GovernorsAcademy.org for the most current version

Welcome to Governor Dummer Academy
America's oldest independent boarding school.

One Elm Street
Byfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
508-465-1763 Voice
508-462-1278 Fax
Home: www.gda.org

Guidance and Health

Governor Dummer Academy recognizes that students' needs sometimes encompass more than academics, athletics and extracurricular activities. The Academy therefore maintains a broad support system that encourages students to share their personal issues with their teachers, dormitory parents, peers and advisors in an atmosphere of warmth and confidentiality.

As advisors, GDA faculty members are mentors, confidants and advocates who make themselves available to all students. In addition to the formal advisor system, under which students and faculty members meet regularly, students may find help through the Academy's Counseling Group, which is composed of several experienced and trained faculty members led by the Director of Counseling.

Governor Dummer's Big Brother/Big Sister Program forges important links among peers and assists incoming students in adjusting to their new environment. Senior dormitory proctors, chosen for their responsibility, sensitivity and generosity, also help in guiding students through the inevitable conflicts of adolescence.

The Director also conducts regular seminars in human relations and sexuality, drug and alcohol abuse, divorce and eating disorders.

The Academy also maintains the Duncan Health Center, which is staffed by registered nurses 24 hours each day, to meet students' medical needs. The 12-bed facility permits initial evaluation of health questions at all times.

The school doctor makes regularly scheduled visits to the Academy three days a week for problems that do not require emergency care, and is available at all other times. If conditions require further attention, students are taken to the Anna Jaques Hospital in nearby Newburyport.