Read more details about Loomis Chaffee on their 2025 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Loomis required all students to participate in a sport each trimester, which was a great way to get all students both involved and engaged with the school and the other students. It was a great experience to be able to try new sports, as soccer was really the only sport I played and the only sport I wanted to play.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
Soccer team made me who I am. The team, coaches, atmosphere, etc. were great. As a freshman, I was very nervous, but everyone was so welcoming so it was not a big deal at all! I grew my confidence because of the confident people around me and the welcoming aspect of the people around me.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I think I would have been more open to joining even more groups. That is the best way to make friends, meet new people, have new experiences, etc. It also is very important to have different groups of friends!
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The people. Both staff and students. It was pretty rare to interact with people who were mean or cold, and that made the experience 10x better. No matter where you are, I think that's what you will remember and how you will judge your time in school. As long as that hasn't changed, LC is a great place to be!
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Sadly, I would have said the SNUG... but apparently it is not a thing anymore!!!! If there is a replacement and they sell chocolate chip muffins, YOU MUST GET IT!
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The majority of the classes I took were small classes. That was amazing because I got to know my teacher and get help and ask questions whenever I wanted. That is the best way I learn, definitely a personal opinion, but I think it's important in HS to have that experience. The teachers were very open to having 1 on 1 conversations with students to help them out whenever they needed it!
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
We were very good at almost all sports when I was at LC. It was part of the environment, so when you were on a sports team you felt like you were a part of a larger community. That is not something you experience at a lot of schools, and it comes from the top all the way down. It was a great way to make everyone feel important and tight-knit. As a day student, it allowed me to bond with the rest of the kids there and have after-school activities that I truly enjoyed! The coaches were also great - they got top-notch coaches.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I enjoyed the orchestra, but it did feel a bit like a large group where you could get lost. It's pretty difficult to have an orchestra where you don't feel that (unless it's a small orchestra which kind of defeats the purpose), but sometimes if you were in the back you felt like a bit of an outsider. Outside of that, the orchestra was very good and always pushed you to be better, which is the whole point of joining a group like that!
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
I did not join many extracurricular activities other than sports and the orchestra.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a day student, so I did not have a dorm life. However, as a day student, it was always fun to go to the dorms and hang out with friends. There are big common rooms for all dorms which was great to study together, hang out, or do whatever! Great to get away from the usual scenes.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
LOVED the food at LC. Although cafeteria hours were not 24/7 (would love that), it was open most of the time and the cooks and staff were awesome - always nice and welcoming. There were a ton of different options, and although the SNUG is no longer there, that was my FAVORITE (loved the chocolate chip muffins... to die for).
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
I only really went two places around school - Dunkin and Buffalo Wild Wings. Both were amazing, Dunkin was a great break for anyone (boarders always hopped into day students' cars), and BWW was great to get to watch sports games or just get some AMAZING wings. There was also a diner across the street that I can't remember the name of but was great for Saturday mornings.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Because sports were such a big part of the school and I love soccer/sports, the social life was great. A lot of friend groups were centered around sports, and it was great to bond. Day/boarder wise, day students definitely felt a little left out sometimes, but once you had your group of friends who were bordering, you were all set. The social life was centered around dorms and boarders.
Daily Schedule:
Weekday
8:30 AM
Start school!
Weekend
8:30 AM
Start school!
12:30 AM
End school!
Read more details about Loomis Chaffee on their 2025 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Loomis required all students to participate in a sport each trimester, which was a great way to get all students both involved and engaged with the school and the other students. It was a great. . .
Because we have a smaller campus than most prep schools in New England, we benefit from a strong sense of community. Everyone is a familiar face and in turn, Loomis feels more like “home”. . .
Mandatory extra-curricular activities in each season, ranging from competitive athletics, theatre, bands, choirs, volunteer work, environmental clubs, etc appealing to a wide variety of interest.Dorms and academic buildings positioned around a main “quad” grass. . .
Show more reviews (27 reviews)
Recent Articles
Education Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Outdoor Adventure in Shaping Young Minds
The concept of outdoor education dates back to the early 20th century as educators sought ways to engage students beyond traditional methods. Early efforts initially focused on direct, experiential learning in nature, but later evolved to incorporate academics, collaborative skills, and a focus on environmental responsibility. Outdoor education today equips students with critical life skills, preparing them for the world beyond the classroom.
Why a Progressive School?
Sending your son or daughter to a progressive school sounds like a real leap of faith. It is until you look more closely at the kind of education your child will receive. Then you will understand the idealism in action which progressive schools embody.
Academics: International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement
We compare and contrast the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement. We also explore their distinct educational philosophies, curriculum structures, assessment methods, and global recognition to help students and parents make informed decisions about which rigorous academic program best suits their educational goals and learning preferences.
