Groton School - Review #9

All students were encouraged to join (and it was "cool" to join) organizations like Gay-Straight Alliance, Community Service, and student-run snack bars Scudder's and Dorys. Small school classes and small advisor groups meant a lot of one on one attention for everyone, not just talented students.

I feel like I learned a lot because I made mistakes and was corrected or learned the lesson myself. Groton definitely helped me develop a sense of ethics and I learned a lot from my teachers and classmates alike. I am so thankful for my experiences at Groton and I am the person I am today because of the 5 years I spent there.

I'm not sure if I would do anything differently. I wouldn't dye my hair red in 8th grade! That's about it. I learned a lot from my time there and do not have regrets.

Everyone was smart. Everyone brought something to the table. It really was amazing how much you learned from other classmates and teammates and not just teachers and books. Groton has such an exceptional community and you really learn how to be an intellectual.

The athletic center is pretty great if you are into sports. The performing arts center is great if you are into that. It is hard for visiting students to see, so you have to do it when you first arrive - go to Dory's and Scudder's! I hope it is still as fun as it used to be.

Hard. Groton is a challenging school. I liked the interdisciplinary approach: teachers wanted you to grow as an intellectual and not just recite information. AP classes and independent study offered for students who were up for the challenge.

Some teams/programs were stronger than others. All teams I played on had talented individuals and good coaches, and we really bonded together. I played sports for five years and think it helped me develop in a lot of different ways - I was a healthy kid, I socialized more through sports, I learned discipline and pushed myself, and I experienced successes and wins with people I was close with.

I did visual arts classes all through school but not music and theater. I was able to take a variety of classes including painting, photography, digital photography.

I started working at the student run snack bar Scudder's in 8th grade. I worked there (part-time, usually Friday nights) for my whole Groton experience and served as Head of Scudder's prefect my senior year. I was in charge of all purchasing, inventory, hiring and managing employees, supervising and training, and cooking everything on the menu. While my parents thought it was a distraction from my school work, I found that I learned a lot of important life skills and really played to my strengths in holding a position like this. I now serve as one of the people who organizes reunion events for my class because people know I can organize an event, communicate with vendors, and bring everyone together.

Dorm life was weird at first but ok eventually. I liked living with my friends a lot. It was strange having someone that wasn't your parent (faculty member) on your case all the time but I don't think I ever had a bad experience with a dorm parent.

Dining hall was great. Lots of options all the time. Like any school, there would be certain things that everyone would roll their eyes at but I do think as far as schools go Groton had a great setup and great cafeteria staff.

We didn't go into Groton much, occasionally for a meal with our advisor. It is a small, safe town with some restaurants and golf courses etc.

Groton did a good job of trying to get everyone involved but not pressuring the kids who didn't want to go to the dances, etc. to be a part of it. If you really didn't want to do it, no one would make you. A lot of the events were student organized which made them fun, and everyone wanted to go and support their friends.