Through road trips, family dinners, service activities, sports, and much more, you form close bonds with classmates that last through college and beyond.

As Clarkson School students, you are ready for college.  Academically, socially, and emotionally – you are ready to live in a community and embark on an early college adventure together. The Clarkson School Student and Family Handbook is a resource that can provide you detailed information on the Clarkson School experience including but not limited to all of our policies, expectations, and resources. 

As Clarkson School students you are college students. You should possess a great deal of responsibility, as throughout each day bells do not ring between classes and parents do not wake you up in the morning. If you take 15 college credit hours, it means you are in class for at least 15 hours each week, and you have to balance the other hours with study time and activities such as clubs, sports, professional organizations, meals, recreation and of course, sleep. Many students also spend time learning about other colleges and universities for the years after The Clarkson School. Our students are often involved in community and church activities, and some even have jobs. Hours are also spent in discussions with other fellow Clarkson School students solving problems of the world.

"I have many times said that coming to the Clarkson School was one of the best decisions I ever made for my life.  Much is due to the wonderful people I've met, the warm nature of the community, I joined, and the support I received as I was transitioning to college life and academics".

Abigail Matthews (TCS '16) sings in the Golden Knotes, participates in multiple dance groups on campus, and works as a Peer Educator and Ambassador for The Clarkson School.

Our Community

Living & Learning
Clarkson School Students team bonding

The living environment and sense of community is as important to The Clarkson School year as the enriching academic experience. The Clarkson School administrative offices are adjacent to residence halls Newell House & Ormsby House, and are easily accessible. Our staff is here to support you and your transition into college.

Clarkson School Students are housed in wings of an undergraduate residence halls, in suites consisting of two rooms and one bath, shared by four students. Each of the floors has a common area furnished with couches and chairs, used for socializing, studying and meetings. An undergraduate student House Advisor lives on each floor and is responsible for maintaining a safe and civil living environment. A Clarkson School alumnus (a current Clarkson University Sophomore) also lives on each floor to give advice and mentor our current students. "Family dinners" for staff, students, House Advisors and Mentors provide an opportunity for everyone to get together regularly. Announcements are made, birthdays and special events are celebrated and occasionally we have guest speakers. Field trips are scheduled to places of interest. Special programs are offered in residence halls for weekends and special occasions. Personal, academic and career counseling is available to all students. The year begins with an extended orientation program and concludes with an end-of-year gathering and commencement.

 

The University

As a Clarkson School student, you are an active member of the Clarkson University campus and are welcome to join any of the dozens of student clubs and organizations offering everything from kayaking to video games to Irish dancing. You as a Clarkson School student, however, have the added advantage of being members of a smaller community with its own social activities and traditions. We strive to create a deep sense of belonging that eases the transition into college life.

 

The Location

We are located in Potsdam, New York – a small, safe college town with enough coffee shops, movie theaters, and restaurants to keep things interesting. The Clarkson School is close to the Adirondack Park offering six million acres of mountains, rivers and hiking trails that make for one beautiful backyard. Some of our students volunteer at the local animal shelter, food pantry and Habitat for Humanity to give back to the community. Some students venture out to Lake Placid for skiing and snowboarding or cultural capitals like Montreal and Ottawa that are only two hours away (bring your passport!).