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passatons
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Academics

Are laptops or ipads provided? Or do we need to buy one? our son will be starting next year

At Harvard-Westlake, students in grades 7 through 12 must bring their own laptops to school daily, as part of the school's 1-to-1 laptop program. Unfortunately, iPads, Android tablets, and Microsoft Surface RT devices are not allowed as primary devices.

Recommended Devices

The school recommends the following laptops:

  • MacBook Air
  • MacBook Pro
  • High-spec Windows laptops (e.g., Microsoft Surface Pro)
Loaner Program

While students must provide their own primary laptops, Harvard-Westlake offers a laptop loaner program for temporary use if a student's device is unavailable. For more detailed information regarding technology requirements and specifications, please refer to the Middle School Handbook and Upper School Handbook, which outline the policies for the upcoming school year Middle School Handbook and Upper School Handbook.

Recent questions at Harvard-Westlake

Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

Given that re-enrollment contracts are due February 13 what is the procedure for families awaiting conditional financial aid appeals before committing to the 2026–2027 tuition deposit

Families at Harvard-Westlake who are waiting for financial aid appeal decisions before the February 13, 2026 re-enrollment contract deadline should take proactive steps to ensure their needs are addressed.

Direct Communication Required It is essential for families with significant extenuating circumstances to reach out to the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible. This communication is crucial for discussing the potential for conditional enrollment based on the outcome of their appeals.

Documentation for Appeals The school typically requires documented proof of unforeseen emergencies or financial reversals for an award review. Families should prepare any necessary documentation to support their appeal.

Contact Information For specific instructions or to inquire about the status of an appeal, families can contact:

  • Greg Gonzalez, Director of Financial Aid: 818-487-6607 | ggonzalez@hw.com
  • Marian McCorry, Associate Director: 818-487-6605 | mmccorry@hw.com
  • General Email: financialaid@hw.com
Financial Aid Resources Further information can be found on the Harvard-Westlake Financial Aid page, which outlines the application and review process.

picmapped98
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Registrar

Sorry for the complex q - with HW summer program registration opening this month, which for-credit courses are recommended to clear the summer health or speech requirements to make room for a dual-language schedule in the fall? thx!!

With the Harvard-Westlake summer program registration opening this month, students aiming to accommodate a dual-language schedule in the fall can benefit from specific for-credit courses designed to fulfill graduation requirements.

Recommended Courses

  • Speech Requirement: The Public Speaking course is the primary option available during the summer, which is essential for fulfilling the communication requirement.
  • Health Requirement: The Health course offered through HW Online is a common choice for students, allowing them to clear this requirement and free up their fall schedule for dual-language studies.
Additional Options

While the focus is on Health and Speech, students may also consider other for-credit courses such as Geometry, French 1, and Spanish 1 & 2 to meet year-long requirements.

For more details on course offerings and registration, please visit the Harvard-Westlake Summer Programs portal.

Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Wellness

Does my son have a personal counselor who can work with them for college admissions, or do we need someone outside the school?

At Harvard-Westlake, each student is assigned a personal counselor, referred to as a Dean, starting in their sophomore year. This model ensures that your son will have consistent support from the same Dean throughout his junior and senior years, providing a tailored approach to college admissions.

Counseling Support

The Deans at Harvard-Westlake integrate academic advising with college counseling, offering:

  • Expert Guidance: They are well-versed in recommending colleges that fit your son's profile and can provide insights into admission statistics relevant to Harvard-Westlake students.
  • Individualized Sessions: Your son will have one-on-one meetings to discuss college selection and application strategies, ensuring a personalized approach to his college journey.
Considering External Counselors

While the support from the Deans is comprehensive, some families opt for external college consultants for additional assistance. This may be beneficial if your son requires:

  • Intensive daily oversight
  • Specialized support for athletic recruitment
  • Additional brainstorming for essays beyond what the Dean can provide
Firms like Cardinal Education and Ivy Coach are known for their experience with Harvard-Westlake students, should you consider this route.

For more information, you can access the official College Counseling Handbook through the Harvard-Westlake Student/Parent Portal.

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