Danger Zone One

The following is an abridged article from Venus Magazine, a monthly periodical that covers topics including health, fashion, lifestyle, travel, cooking, technology, entertainment, current events, and spotlights women who are “diverse in age, appearance, background and culture.” [Article originally published four months ago.]

SUCCESS AT SUMTER:
A LIFE IN EDUCATION
By Sienna Leni

Near the outskirts of Pallad City rests Sumter Private Academy, a prestigious all-girls boarding school secluded deep in the scenic Vadian District. An institution that redefines the term elite, Sumter is well-known internationally for its academic excellence and impressive list of alumnae, many of whom have become prominent figures in business, politics, science, sports, and the arts.

Founded over a century ago by Ira Sumter, the academy’s celebrated legacy has continued to grow over the years, and even more so within the last two decades—a feat some have credited to the current headmistress, Ilsa Thorne.

Thorne is no stranger to working in education. Having graduated from Yalen University with honors, she taught abroad for nearly a decade and was employed at highly regarded academies in Vitalia, Taured, Shalimar, and Feihong. Able to speak five languages, Thorne planned to continue working overseas, until she was offered a headmistress position at Silica City’s illustrious Almara Academy. She stayed at Almara for three years, before being hired as headmistress at Sumter.

“Almara was a fine academy, but they were very much set in their ways,” Thorne admitted. “Despite my role as headmistress, my hands were frequently tied by an administration who wished to coddle the students—often at the expense of their education. Sumter, on the other hand, was built upon different principles and stuck to them. I was hired with the hope that I’d adhere to the academy’s original philosophy with as little deviation as possible.”

For almost twenty years Thorne has sought to follow the academic beliefs set by Ira Sumter, in an effort to “mold today’s young women into the trailblazers of tomorrow.” Serving grades 10-12, Sumter is hailed as one of the foremost girls’ academies in the country, with many willing to pay top dollar to get their children in the door. Universities now vie for the opportunity to enroll Sumter alumnae, even offering exclusive privilege benefits to prospective students. With such a sterling reputation, Sumter has attracted a student-body entirely composed of those from only the most affluent backgrounds. Critics have claimed that graduating from Sumter is akin to being given an automatic “golden ticket” to a successful career path, with little effort required. Thorne remains adamant that, while girls are enrolled at Sumter, they are not given special treatment because of their status or wealth.

“Ira Sumter believed in a firm but fair approach to education,” Thorne explained. “We take no shortcuts here. These girls are expected to study hard, harder than they would be expected to at any other school, and they are required to perform at a level significantly higher than other schools as well. Our reputation for excellence is a testament to that.”

Sumter’s explicit teaching methods, no-excuses behavior policy and direct instruction style may seem outdated to some. However, Thorne rejects most “progressive” teaching methods, believing that Sumter’s tough-love behavior system is not only what sets it apart from, but has also allowed it to surpass, other girls’ academies throughout the country.

“Schools are lowering their standards, a practice that makes it academically easier on students and professionally for teachers,” Thorne says. “Less and less becomes required from everyone, but what does that say about how education is valued in this country? What message does that ultimately send? I’ve taught in Feihong, Taured, Vitalia, and Shalimar, where it’s the opposite and educational standards are constantly being raised each and every year. In Taured, for example, they believe that the next generation always has the potential to exceed the last, and new students’ are routinely tasked with more than their predecessors. That is the model that needs to be followed, and it is exactly what we do at Sumter.”

When asked about her reputation as a strict, no-nonsense headmistress, Thorne openly embraced her austere approach to managing students. “If strict means disciplined, then yes—I am very strict. Students are not tied to their desks and I’m not wandering the halls with chains, but I foster an environment where advanced learning is the utmost goal and any disruption to that is simply not tolerated.” It turns out that this outlook is not just for the students, but applies to her own lifestyle as well. “Being strict is really about maintaining a healthy, functional, and sustainable existence without needless distraction. It’s not about living an insular lifestyle or restricting the good things in life. If more people practiced personal discipline, there would much less vice and overindulgence in the world. That’s been my outlook since I was a young woman.”

At 57 years of age, Thorne is confident she will remain at Sumter for another twenty years. “It has become a second home and, in many ways, it’s now my driving passion. I’m invested in the future of this academy and will do everything in my power to ensure the legacy of Ira Sumter carries on for generations to come.”

Danger Zone One. Story by Midnight. Art by Salaiix.