Loomis Chaffee - Review #21

The unique community feel is certainly special. As an arriving senior, it was tough to get acclimated to a place that people had been at for four years. Some other boarding schools I looked at place certain athletic teams all together in the same dorm. At Loomis, I expanded my horizons and met so many unique people from every corner of the globe.

The best thing that happened to me was meeting a handful of friends who I have grown very close with over the course of the 2 years I've known them. Also, my exposure to certain courses that helped guide me later on in deciding my major in college.

If I could do one thing differently it would have been to put myself out there socially more so early on in the school year. Coming in for only one year, I was essentially behind the curve. In the end it all worked out, but if I could change one thing it would have been that. For kids attending boarding school, I would just say have fun and enjoy your time there, it definitely flies by quickly and you definitely will discover some of your best friends in life while there.

It is all about the people. The exceptional teachers and students will incredible talents and life stories is what I liked most. the place was great and so was the education, but the people is what I will look back on most fondly.

The SNUG is life. There is nothing better than seeing Rich in the morning for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. Not to mention the absolutely delicious chicken tenders and selection of candy available. If your an upperclassmen guy, Batch is probably best in terms of dorm head and facilities. Taylor (where i lived) as well as Warham are great but that is all dependent upon who is there with you.

Every teacher I had in my one year at Loomis definitely cared about each individual there. Coming from a large public high school, I felt I had taken numerous classes that were quite unique. At Loomis Chaffee, I found some certain classes and departments that I had never gotten to pursue yet in an academic setting. In fact, my one year at Loomis helped guide me in the direction of my current major/concentration in college. The academic environment is competitive, but not in the traditional definition. Each student, along with the teachers, seemed to push each other to be better and grow academically.

The athletic programs were highly competitive at all levels. Some schools which have post-graduates focus on bringing in new upperclassmen to win championships in various sports. However, Loomis attempts to build the four year students and develop them over the years, utilizing the talents of post-graduates to push the programs over the top. They care a great deal about everyone at all levels of the program. It also was nice to not force participation in sports and instead offer alternative physical activities.

The depth of classes available was incredible. Although not directly involved in the department, many of my close friends were and they could attest to the quality. It certainly could be seen during performances.

The best part of the extracurricular activities is that they are seemingly endless. At every turn, every season, there is something to be involved in. From athletics, to the arts, to volunteer work, an endless supply of activities for the student body.

First and foremost, I would have to say the dorms are old(the majority). However, there is something unique about that. The prestige that comes with a school established in 1914 is unprecedented. The rooms are comfortable with plenty of storage for clothing. Late night food access is limited past check in times in the dorms. However, a dorm budget allows for plenty of late night food on the weekend.

The dining hall can get a bit hectic at times. The rooms are gorgeous and the round tables allow for easy social interaction. There are plenty of choices from what is served that day in the hot lines to sandwich and salad bars as well as a few other alternates. Sometimes its tough to get to the dining hall in time for dinner on certain days following sporting events, but that is a rarity.

The town is convenient for students to pick up snacks and anything they could possibly need throughout the school year. It is a bit of a sight for sore eyes, but it is nice to get out and walk around town during the spring and early fall.

Lots of intermingling among people are different age levels as well as cultural backgrounds. The seniors tend to be very close as a class and that definitely comes with more time spent on "The Island" over the years.