The Governor's Academy (formerly Governor Dummer Academy) - Review #8

GDA has a beautiful campus lay-out; classroom buildings are separated nicely from the dorms. The volunteer work requirements really bring the students together into a close community. The school has a lot to offer culturally, socially and academically.

The best thing that happened to me in boarding school was just going. It changed my life and opened my eyes to a whole new world outside of NY. I see people from my old neighborhood in Queens and they are stuck there. I have done a ton of traveling, studied at one of America's top prep schools, and have a newfound openness to adventure, new places, people and things.

I would say don't keep your guard up when meeting new friends - before you know it, you will be graduating and hoping it won't end. And then, you are off to college and the real world. So take a step back, enjoy the life that you have there and it will reward you in many ways.

I loved everything about GDA and would recommend the institution to anyone. The school is one of the top prep academies in the nation.

Have a grilled cheese and vanilla milk shake in the Student Center - they are the best during those cold New England nights. Also check out the new library (it is enormous) and the new athletic facility (it is beautiful).

I liked the individual attention. I came from an inner city high school in New York city and never felt the one-on-one interaction that I felt at GDA. The classes are challenging, but at the same time very rewarding. Much of what I learned in GDA has been put to use in my adult life.

I was an all star varsity football, baseball and basketball player. GDA is a great opportunity to stand out and shine in a smaller school (I ended up playing basketball in college). In comparison with the other ISL schools, GDA is at the top. Their hockey program is second-to-none and the football team recently won the championship. Their basketball program produced such stars as Dan Gadzuric (who played at UCLA and is now in the NBA).

The theater program was exceptional. Also, each month we would have a trip to Boston to see different plays and musicals. I never thought I would like such experiences, but it was very rewarding.

I volunteered with the Special Olympics; it was a very rewarding experience. I really took a lot out of the charitable fund raisers that GDA gave to the community. The free time was also great, just to wander the woods and relax.

Dorm life was great - you get to know people from all over the USA, as well as the world. The dorm parents are there for you whenever you need them, and the dorms were sort of my sanctuary from classes. I could go back, relax, listen to music, and chat with friends (with whom I still remain close).

The food was excellent; they try to make different dishes so you do not become tired of the same-old same-old. You have a chance to sit with your friends or sit with professors - everyone is one big family there.

Closest town with life is Newburyport - it is a cute little harbor town with a ton of stuff to do. We used to go into town every chance we could get.

At first, since I came from a city neighborhood in NYC, I was somewhat against the way everyone spoke, dressed and even acted - but once I put my guard down I realized that we are all the same inside (even though I sounded a bit different with my NY slang). Everyone accepted me; I was even voted most popular, had a beautiful girlfriend, and a ton of friends that I still keep in touch with more than 10 years later.