Loomis Chaffee - Review #2

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” than “school.”Additionally, the small student to teacher ratio allows students to forge strong relationships with their teachers. Teachers genuinely care about your progress as both a student and as a member of the community. The small class sizes also invite discussion-based learning among classmates.Lastly, our English department is unmatched!

At first, I dreaded the idea of boarding school, but looking back, Loomis was the best 4 years of my life (even above college). I did most of my growing up with people that I will be friends with for the rest of my life. I was challenged in ways I could have never imagined, but the support I received from my peers and faculty members shaped me into the person I am today. Loomis teaches you to be independent, while at the same time not afraid to ask for help when you need it. The faculty I encountered provided lasting memories/lessons that I carry with me to this day. I continue to maintain relationships with both my peers and faculty and try to visit campus once a year. I have gone back several times to coach in the summer and during the fall when my Wesleyan practices were cancelled. Loomis gave me so much and I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything.

Go into it with an open mind. Everyone is on the same boat, so make new friends, try new things, and work hard to achieve your goals. It’ll pay off in ways you can’t see yet.

Sene of community. The feeling of feeling like a big fish in a small pond. No one was “popular” and I felt like I was able to get along with everyone.

Go to barts as much as you can with friends! I know some weekends will feel so boring, but sometimes those end up being some of your best memories.

Loomis provides a very challenging curriculum that prepares you beyond university. The small student to teacher ratio (as stated above) allows students to participate often and go above and beyond retaining information. The English department made college English seem easy. Every teacher is available beyond class times for students. Students truly have a voice and are challenged enough to be prepared for future schooling, but have the additional support when necessary.

Athletics were very competitive at Loomis. Due to the rigorous academics and competitive nature of athletics, student athletes must learn to manage their time and honor all commitments (a valuable lesson). Everyone is required to play a sport (club to varsity) or participate in an extracurricular activity (I.e. musical, instruments, or athletic training outside of an athletic team). This requirement encouraged students to be an active member of the Loomis community which brought students closer (athletes went to school musicals, musicians went to sporting events) .

I did not participate, but supporting my friends and going to one acts, the school play, or musical are memories I appreciate to this day.

There are endless amounts of clubs/activities you can join or even start yourself. I personally loved habitat for humanity because we were able to travel while also making a difference in other communities.

There were 40 kids assigned to each dorm, which was the perfect amount to feel comfortable. As a residential assistant, I was in charge of organizing fun dorm activities (ie. bowling, pool parties, barbeques, dances, etc.). Additionally, RAs are always available 24/7 as a support system or middle man to dorm staff. Dorm staff (sometimes family) opened their homes and acted like interim families for everyone in the dorm. I loved sharing a dorm with my closest friends, watching junky tv shows with the entire dorm, and having people to share all of my experiences (good and bad) with. Highlights were Interdorm dodgeball/pool party with the boys dorms and the all girls dance parties we’d have to decompress during exam weeks.

My freshman year, the food was inedible...by senior year, the food was amazing. The hours were generous and we were never limited on good. Family style sometimes seemed like a chore, but now I miss the days we’d dress up and share a family style meal with my dorm. Favorite night: dove bar night

The town was easily accessible, but there want much to it. We’d go eat at local spots, but other than that, we didn’t really spend much time in town.Favorite memories in town: team runs to barts For milkshakes and burgers

I loved that while there were friend groups, there was so much overlap. It didn’t feel cliquey in the sense that I ONLY hung out with specific people everyday. At Loomis, it was cool to be a little weird and we were encouraged to try new things and have fun as much as possible. While different now, when I attended there were 40% day students which allowed for boarders to have time off campus and eat the occasional home cooked meal.