Miss Porter's School - Review #3

I would definitely have to say that something unique about Porter's is the connection between Alumnae (called "Ancients") and students. The ability to talk about shared experiences and traditions across generations is something I rarely saw before coming to Porter's. Another important part is the Old Girl- New Girl matching system between new students and Seniors. As a freshman I depended on my Old Girl to guide me through my first year and it was amazing to be able to repay that debt as a Senior by helping my own New Girl.

Porter's allowed me to figure out who I was in an accepting environment. I found my academic passions over the four years and established goals for my future. The best thing to happen to me was meeting the friends that I have now because even though we've graduated this is certainly not the end.

Advice: Don't say no because you've never tried something. I started alot of things I'm currently pursuing in college at Porter's and I would be missing out if I hadn't have signed up for that club or that horseback riding lesson.

The people. Buildings are only so much without memories of others to make them special.

Things you must do: suntan behind the pool building, eat the tollhouse cookie pie, try something new, order Chinese food with 15 of your closest friends.

The thing I liked the most was that there were always enough classes to take. I could probably have filled an extra two years with classes that I never managed to take because I ran out of time. Classes are small so you have to learn responsibility soon after arriving, but teachers are accommodating and will give extra help sessions. You dictate your own workload. There are a lot of class requirements (understandably aimed at preparing you fully for college), but the classes range from Beginner levels to AP. Students are most competitive through the desire for all around success. Not merely for themselves, but for there friends as well.

Athletics at Porter's has definitely gained momentum over my four years. Teams regularly make League and New England Championships and are contenders for titles. There is mandatory participation that is increasing in strength as time goes on which has affected students abilities to explore other hobbies such as theatre or dance which meet at concurrent times. Facilities are up to date, but sometimes smaller than desired.

I personally found my art classes to be my sanctuaries throughout my academic days. I took photography, theater, and art history classes as well as having private voice lessons and singing in the school's choir. I also took dance classes and participated in extracurricular theater productions. The arts department has impressive facilities for such a small school and the range of opportunities is endless when catalog classes are supplemented with Independent courses of study (advised by a teacher). Every year Arts Week brings the art community more into the school at large.

There is definitely something for everyone. Some clubs are very informal with others requiring auditions or applications. You decide your desired commitment level and can adjust it as you like. Students can also start new clubs if interest is shown.

Dorm life is where friendships are made and kept alive. Dorm snacks are made regularly and birthdays celebrated to foster a family like environment. Dorm parents do want to connect with their girls and have filled every perceivable role in these dorms. Roommates cannot be requested until after your first year and even then you cannot request a specific dorm which is frustrating at times. Seniors live in two connected dorms and share a large kitchen and common room as well as a back patio. This brings the class together more than anything.

Dining is informal and buffet style except for Sit Down dinners on Tuesdays and Thursdays (in the fall and spring) and special occasions. Dinners with advisory groups occurs once or twice a semester. You can always find something to eat (no matter your preferences or diet restrictions) and the staff is open to comments and requests. I most liked the range of options open to me as well as the round tables which made discussion easier.

Farmington is very safe and historic. The Hill Stead museum is up the road, and other off campus attractions include Blue Back square and Westfarms mall. There are shuttles to the movies, target, and ice skating which are coordinated but the Student Head of Social Activities. Within waling distance is a CVS, grocery story, nail salon, pizza parlor, and Starbucks. I most liked the welcoming environment of Farmington to our school.

Social life is very much what you make out of it. There are dances, mixers, coffee houses, and sit down dinners with nearby all boys schools. Boys are around, just only when you want them to be. Within the school community social life revolves around dorms, traditions, and clubs.