New Students

We can't wait to welcome you onto campus and into our community as the newest member of #PenguinNation.

Welcome to the Waddle

We want to make your transition into the Waddle as easy as possible. This page contains helpful resources, important dates, and essential information.

Our Admissions team is eager to hear from you and help your family in any way we can, so don't hesitate to reach out! You can contact us at [email protected] or (978) 827-7300.

Mark Your Calendars!

Please review our 2023-24 Academic Calendar for complete details of the school year, including winter and spring breaks, free weekends, and family weekends.

New international students and preseason athletes arrive on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, for registration and dorm move-in. These students begin their Cushing journey a few days earlier than the rest of the student body.

All other new and returning students arrive on Saturday, September 2, 2023 for registration and dorm move-in.

Orientation begins on Sunday, September 3.

Below is a helpful timeline of events, recommendations, forms, and responsibilities leading up to your arrival at Cushing this fall:

May
Follow Cushing on social media: Facebook Facebook (Cushing Academy Parents) — Private parent group Instagram Twitter YouTube Complete your current school year in strong academic standing. Schedule physical/medical exam to be completed within one year of the first day of school.

June
Parents complete first round of forms in MyCushing by June 15. These forms include course selection, community read, roommate questionnaire, and other administrative forms. 2023-24 Course Catalog available 2023 Community Read List available Schedule meeting with academic advisor to discuss your course selections. An invitation to schedule the meeting will come via email. Complete health forms and select fall afternoon activity. These forms will become available later in June. Send final transcripts to the Academic Office. Receive information on Fall varsity sports tryouts and summer training. (Notifications will be sent when forms are available)

June

Parents complete first round of forms in MyCushing by June 15. These forms include course selection, community read, roommate questionnaire, and other administrative forms.
- 2023-24 Course Catalog available
- 2023 Community Read List available
Schedule meeting with academic advisor to discuss your course selections. An invitation to schedule the meeting will come via email.
Complete health forms and select fall afternoon activity. These forms will become available later in June.
Send final transcripts to the Academic Office.
Receive information on Fall varsity sports tryouts and summer training.

(Notifications will be sent when forms are available)

July
Health Forms due July 15. Review What to Bring and start dorm shopping Make travel arrangements to arrive at Cushing on your move-in day

August
Community Handbook becomes available Make sure friends and family have your new school address: 39 School Street Ashburnham MA 01430 You may ship items to school after August 15th to retrieve on your arrival

Don't Miss Fall Family Weekend!
October 20-21, 2023

At the height of fall foliage, we invite parents and family of Cushing students to campus to get a first-hand sense of the Cushing experience at Fall Family Weekend. The weekend includes in-class visits, meetings with teachers and advisors, arts showcases, athletic events, and a parent reception with our Head of School. You won't want to miss this event, so be sure to put it on your family calendar!

New Student Resources

Health Form + Back to School Webinars

Director of Health and Wellness Jessica Patria and Director of Student Affairs Sarah Catlin will be hosting two webinars to answer questions about health forms, school forms, and general ‘return to school’ queries. You can register for one of the webinars using the links below:

Departmental Contact Information

Academic Affairs: [email protected]
Student Affairs: [email protected]
College Counseling: [email protected]
Athletics: [email protected]
Health Services: [email protected]
Counseling: [email protected]
Business Office: [email protected]
Advancement: [email protected]

Our Warm and Welcoming Campus

When you step on our beautiful 162-acre, vibrant campus and meet our community, you will immediately understand the power of Cushing.

Flickr album: Campus Tour | Height: 400px | Theme: Nested | Skin: Default - Transparent