Host Family Program
The Host Family Program is sponsored by the Friends of Curtis and coordinated by the school’s Office of Student Services. The program enlists members of the Friends of Curtis to serve in a voluntary capacity as hosts to welcome Curtis students and introduce them to people and places beyond the school’s musical and academic programs.
The program provides students opportunities to get to know people in addition to their Curtis teachers and colleagues, and parts of Philadelphia beyond the immediate Rittenhouse Square area. The program also offers students opportunities to expand their music interests beyond the world of classical music.
For hosts, the program provides opportunities to introduce Curtis students to the many resources (cultural, historic, athletic, etc.) in the Delaware Valley, to participate in the lives of young artists by attending their recitals and concerts, and to get to know Curtis from a more intimate perspective.
While these introductory experiences are essential, it is also hoped that both hosts and students will develop a level of personal interest and comfort that will enable the relationship to grow in more personal, mutually rewarding ways.
It is also the program's objective to assure that every Curtis student has the opportunity to participate. Participation is encouraged but not required. All new incoming students not living with their parents are automatically matched to a host. If over time, students choose to opt out of the program, they may do so.
While hosts can express preferences for types of students that will be assigned (e.g., international v. domestic, instrumentalists v. vocalists, younger v. older, etc.), final assignments will be made by Curtis taking host preferences, as well as student needs, into account whenever possible. When either a host or a student is not comfortable with the assignment, Curtis will attempt to make alternative arrangements.
For more details contact Laurel Grady, assistant dean, student services and international student affairs.
