I found the academics to be excellent. The school prepares students to be individual thinkers. Teachers encourage students to explore issues with the intentions of developing critical thinking skills. There is a well rounded core curriculum that provides a basic learning structure but allows for some options in choosing elective classes. Small classes encourage the deep discussion of daily material and allow for amazing access to and direct instruction from teachers.

Athletic programs are an integral part of life at the Gunnery. Most students participate in a sport each trimester either at the JV or Varsity level. Gunnery values sports as part of the socialization process and to help build character. Every coach that I had was very fun to play for and taught the value of effort, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.

The school has a diverse art and visual arts program each year. There are several interesting plays, performers, musicals, and exhibitions each year. The performance building is very comfortable and an excellent environment to enjoy the arts. Several teachers lead trips each year to take students to the opera and ballet in Manhattan.

There are a multitude of extracurricular opportunities at the Gunnery. Student government is taken very seriously by the administration and treated with a fair level of autonomy. Many students engage in charity fund raising or design personalized projects of interest. The schools offers a semester long student designed service project where one can choose to undertake a learning project in a city of their choosing.

Dorm life is dorm life. Gunnery is unique in that it offers single and double occupancy rooms depending on the living situation you prefer. The dorms are set up in several different mansion style homes that are all well maintained. The single rooms are not big, but very livable and comfortable. Double rooms are large enough to hold a full length couch and other living items.

The food was great. There are distinct and diverse meal options prepared by a group of dedicated chefs. The school completed a luxurious new dining hall last year that is beautiful and flooded with natural lighting.

The Gunnery is in a small New England town. Some celebrities like Conan O’Brian and Dennis Leary have homes there, but value it because it is so peaceful. There is great deli and food mart only steps from school, but for more “mall type” activities, one would need to drive 15 minutes to town. The schools offers weekend trips to the mall and movies.

Social life was great. The people are very nice and supportive of one another. You really become close to certain people in this environment.