From your first day as an Altamont Knight to the day you cross the stage in your cap and gown, there are certain qualities you’ll find only at Altamont. I went to The Altamont School for five years, but some of my classmates were at Altamont for the whole eight years. Whether you’re at Altamont for only one year or the whole eight years, you will definitely be able to relate to these eight things. Until college, I didn’t realize how much I valued some of these things. Looking back on my time at Altamont has made me so grateful to have been a part of the Altamont community, and I am forever thankful for that.

1. The cafeteria looks like Johnny Rockets

Altamont’s dining hall really does look like the interior of Johnny Rockets. Unfortunately, they don’t serve delicious milkshakes. But I do remember when I toured, my eyes lit up when I saw the cafeteria.

2. You stand up when a non-student walks in the room

My first day at Altamont, in 8^th grade, my math teacher walked into the classroom. Almost in unison, all of the other students stood up as if to greet her. I followed along and stood up also, but I had literally no idea why we were all standing. Later that day, I found out that whenever a teacher, guest, etc. enters the room, all the students stand up as a sign of respect until dismissed. Even now in college, I have the urge to stand up when a professor walks into the classroom. Oh they trained us well… They trained us really well.

3. Your substitute teachers are related to your current teachers

The substitute teachers at Altamont are related to current Altamont teachers. Yupp. You heard me. Mrs. Wattleton and Mrs. Classe are the mother and mother-in-law, respectively, of two current Altamont teachers. What is so neat is that these two women, just like Altamont teachers, really take the time to get to know you and at the end of the class, they pretty much know everyone’s name. I think this shows just how close-knit the Altamont community is.

4. "Gold or White Team?" is a frequently asked question

Whether you are on the gold or white team is a big deal. No, really, it is. Gold and white team is a long time Altamont tradition, and it’s basically like the different houses in Harry Potter. If you are the first person out of your family to attend Altamont, you are randomly put onto the gold or white team. If you are a legacy, you are on the team that your relative was on. Throughout the year, there are many gold versus white competitions where points are obtained. At the end of the academic year, the winner would be announced, and everyone goes crazy. Oh and in case you’re wondering, I was on the better of the two teams: the white team.

5. Senior privileges are a huge deal

At whatever grade you start your Altamont career, you always hear about senior privileges. The main two things senior privileges consist of are skipping the lunch line on Fridays and leaving campus during your study hall. I was one of the few who did not have a study hall my senior year, so I never got to leave campus during school, but I did love skipping the lunch line on Fridays. I (obviously) always hated this privilege while I was in 9-11^th grade, but when I got to actually skip people in line, I didn’t mind it one bit.

6. Activities period is a thing

Activities period is a thirty-minute block mid-morning where you can hang out with friends, get help from teachers, and finish homework that you were supposed to do last night. Activities period was one of the best things to happen to Altamont.

7. The library is the hangout spot

The library is pretty much where everyone hangs out before school, during activities period, after lunch, and after school. Different grades and friend groups hang out in different parts of the library, and the teachers definitely notice who hangs out with who from walking through the library. Ms. Martin, the librarian, sometimes has to get us to quiet down if it’s getting too rowdy in her library, but usually it’s not too bad.

8. There is no football team

Unlike most high schools in the south, Altamont does not have a football team. This is because, there are literally not enough people to play football; so, basketball is the big sport. Our Homecoming is based around the big basketball game versus our rival school, another private school in the Birmingham area. Students are fairly good about coming and supporting the games, especially since the Spirit Club got revived.