THE BOLLES SCHOOL: Providing the foundation for a successful life
Bolles students understand that pursuing excellence through courage, integrity and compassion is not only the school motto but the foundation for a successful life.
These themes help cultivate empathetic students with an “All Things Possible” approach to life, a passion for service and an awareness of the global community.
“We are fortunate as an institution to demonstrate high levels of excellence in all areas of study and student interest — in academics, the arts, athletics and through our many community outreach activities,” said President and Head of School Tyler Hodges. “We help students discover their interests and passions and hone them through expert faculty instruction and college-level resources.”
The Bolles School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school founded in 1933. One of the region’s most diverse institutions of learning, Bolles is home to more than 1,600 students in pre-K through grade 12 and postgraduates on four campuses.
The Resident Life program can accommodate more than 90 male and female students from around the globe. This year, boarding students represent 20 countries and 10 states. These students add their unique experiences to the day student body’s culturally robust environment.
Academically, Bolles offers courses in six languages (including Chinese, Japanese and Arabic) and 25 Advanced Placement courses. The School recently established a new academic partnership with Global Online Academy, an online course offering that complements Bolles’ existing curriculum in an international setting. Bolles also has educational partnerships with Mayo Clinic and Zimmer Biomet, as well as its own Anatomage virtual dissection table.
Bolles offers a comprehensive fine and performing arts program with courses in drama, dance, visual arts, chorus, music and band. Among middle and upper school students, 80 percent enrolled in arts classes this year, while 100 percent of lower school students are involved in art, music and theater instruction. Bolles hosts more than 40 on-campus and gallery receptions each academic year.
A global context is paramount to the Bolles experience. In addition to on-campus activities and language study, Bolles offers exchange programs with schools in England, Spain, Japan, China and France, as well as academic and service travel opportunities to Italy, Guatemala and the Florida Keys. Though travel to these places has been curtailed during the pandemic, students still have enjoyed cross-cultural exchanges in the classroom via engaging videoconference opportunities during the school year.
The school’s athletic successes are known worldwide with 61 sports teams at the middle, JV and varsity levels. Most students, 90 percent, participate in one or more sports at Bolles. A total of 63 Bolles students, former students and Bolles Sharks have participated in the Olympics over the years, and 13 Olympic athletes from Bolles have won 20 medals. Bolles students play by the school’s athletic motto: “Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.”
Students from the Class of 2020 offered or qualified for more than $4 million in merit-based scholarships for their first year of college — more than $16 million for their four-year college careers. The 185 graduates are attending 93 different colleges, universities and military prep schools and were accepted to 206 different colleges.
The school's approach to education champions innovation, global awareness and service. With a foundation in courage, integrity and compassion, Bolles students know how to be successful on the global scene as they progress into college and life.
Bolles Office of Admission
(904) 256-5030
admission@Bolles.org
Facebook: @TheBollesSchool
Twitter: @BollesSchool
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