The Gunnery - Student Review

The Gunnery

Alumni Review #3, Class of 1997

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1. Class of 2000, enrolled at Cornell University
2. Class of 1999, enrolled at University Of Rochester
3. Class of 1997, enrolled at University of Pennsylvania

College Enrolled

University of Pennsylvania

Home Town, State (Country)

Years Attended Boarding School

Activities During Boarding School

soccer, wrestling (captain), lacrosse

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?

I initially chose the Gunnery as my high school because of its location. After my first visit to the school, I knew I would enjoy being amongst the rolling hills of Litchfield County, hiking and biking through steep rock park, or swimming in the local rivers. I feel nature was a powerful component of my Gunnery experience. Another aspect of the school which I thought was irreplaceable in terms of my education at least, was the small size of the school. The small size led to a strong tight community and close relationships with friends, but it also provided additional depth to the academic experience. Small class sizes provided intimate learning experiences. I felt students were educationally nurtured in terms of their unique learning needs. This personalization of teaching provided limitless educational opportunities.

2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?

The Gunnery opened the door for me to the next stage of my life and it provided me the opportunity to go where ever I wanted to go next.

3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?

Advice: Learn all you can learn, do all that you can do, and enjoy all that you can enjoy.

4.) What did you like most about your school?

I liked the components of the Gunnery experience - academics, friends, nature, athletics, teachers, etc. Each component in combination provided a well rounded high school experience.

5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?

Explore Steep Rock

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?

After the Gunnery, I wanted to try a completely new experience so I went from a small rural boarding school to a large urban university at the University of Pennsylvania. This change taught me a lot about what I enjoyed in relation to Gunnery academics. Number one was certainly small class sizes where everyone participates, you have a personal relationship with your teachers, and your teachers are always accessible. This means that no one is hesitant to ask questions (because of the comfort level), the class can slow down or pick up according to the groups pace, and you can learn until your curiosity is satisfied.

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?

The Gunnery has beautiful playing fields. It has fine facilities. An after class activity was mandatory, and most students chose sports. There were a lot of good athletes at the school and we were competitive with other schools.

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?

I did not participate in the Arts programs, but the school plays and art showings were always memorable. The campus body came together for the events and was very supportive of the artists.

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?

There were a variety of activities like literary magazines, art activities, and community volunteer activities.

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?

A lot of close bonds were made at school. I have a lot of wonderful memories about spending quality time with friends in the dorm. You got to select your dorms and there are a lot of options. You can be with 8-10 friends in a small dorm or being a large dorm with 20-30 people. You usually had a roommate in order to get a bigger room. Living with your friends is a lot of fun.

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.

There is one dining hall and there were a variety of food options at all times - cooked, cold, salads, cereals, vegetarian, meats, etc.

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.

Washington, CT is small town. The majority of land in town is a beautiful park with hills, cliffs, and mountain river.

2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?

It is a small community and everyone knows each other fairly well. Even for a small community, it was pretty diverse. Social groups had a variety of characters with different characteristics and backgrounds. The differences between the different friends created a lot of interesting, and amusing conversations, and experiences.

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