Loomis Chaffee - Review #9

Approachable teachers and staff, overwhelming pride in the school from everyone on campus. Close relationship of day students and boarding students. Post graduate students integrated very well into the senior class

Participating in athletics was by far the best choice I made. You meet so many new people this way and create a bond with particular people much easier. Plus, it’s a great way to travel and see other boarding schools. Sometimes, “the island” can feel a bit isolated.

I would have played 3 sports. As collegiate athlete, that’s easy for me to say. However, there are so many options for sports and levels of experience, no matter your grade that you have to seize the opportunity.

The school was very lenient in terms of mistakes made. If you ever got in trouble, whether warranted or not, the school is willing to work with you and not cast you out. Also, the engaged class rooms made learning genuinely fun for the first time for me personally. Finally, the history and little nuances of the school were always interesting to learn about.

I would say check out the tunnels but that would get you kicked out of school. Keep your ear to the ground for all the crazy conspiracy theories people have. Makes for a fun time. In terms of dorm life, they’re all the same upperclass wise. It all depends on the dorm head and who’s there with you. Chicken tenders and fries always the move from the snack bar (which I unfortunately forget the name of).

An incredibly wide range of classes offered. Such unique courses to expand your horizons and learn what you’re truly passionate about. Prepped well for the rigors of college despite the small and personal learning environments that don’t usually come in a college setting. Some professors can and bee a bit self serving, but they are few and far between. The majority care greatly about the learning and the academic welfare of each and every student.

Large diversity of sports and competed at the highest level of New England preparatory schools. Although mandatory, there were alternatives to playing a sport that engaged students physically, such as dance as well as independent gym time.

It is very competitive, but as a non participant, the performances were an incredible experience to observe.

Simply put if you have a passion for something, there is a group on campus that does too. It’s very easy to get involved in any activity you are looking for.

Obviously dorm life can be very restricting. There are curfews and sign outs, etc. There are staff at the end of the hall on each floor, so your overall experience really banks on their personality. They attempt to get the dorm involved in things and there are occasional dorm meetings. The best experience you’ll have in dorm life is the friends you make there. They make or break it.

The cafeteria set up is a great, classic dining hall feel. The food is not great whatsoever. It may look good at first, but it’s not. You will get used to it. Every Thursday was a family style, which was a formal sit down dinner with the entire school. You would sit with your dorm. Most of these ideas are pretty consistent throughout New England boarding schools.

Town life is pretty not existent. Windsor is a small town. Very close proximity to the school and everything is a short walk if you are looking to go to the grocery store or something. No real shops you would spend much time at. There is a very close train station right in a town which is convenient.

Despite there being already established cliques and friend groups, students are always open to new friends in new incoming students. With boarding schools, kids come in for one or two years and can make lifelong friends.