<p>
</p>
<p>Will there be pressure on the students to succeed both academically and athletically, yes. Does it compare to the pressure that would be placed on the same student as Andover or Exeter, no. We highly value our accomplishments in and out of the classroom but most of the pressure appears to come from within and from parents. Different students will feel more or less stressed and pressured at different times during their tenure at Deerfield. The school is competitive but it is done in a lively manner and students don’t tend to be lampooned by their peers for falling short. Everyone is going to fail at some point.</p>
<p>College acceptances certainly raise the competitiveness and anger will ensue when a student feels that they were turned down for a less qualified Deerfield student. That said, the power of the Deerfield community tends to keep this to a minimum and the community really does a fantastic job of keep spirits high. I remember talking to two students who were displeased with their final choices and I believe I was able to help both of them. I also know many others who did the same. So yes, pressure will exist, but it is certainly not a pressure cooker school.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Not a chance at Deerfield. The school and faculty are extremely accommodating for outside activities even when not connected to the school. I never knew a student who wanted to participate in any Extra Curricular and wasn’t able to do so. The more you take on, the less free time you have, sure; but if you can handle it the school won’t stop you. If a debate, conference, or competition take you away from the school for a week they happily accommodate. Dr. Curtis does a fantastic job of congratulating students for their outside endeavors and accomplishments.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I’ve seen both. Entering as a 10th grader is standard. Half of the class does it, so it is normal. Entering as an 11th grader is a little more difficult; however, most times by the fall break they already have close friends. Living in dormitories does wonderful things for friendships. The school has mandatory class events and trips in an effort to promote class bonding, but I doubt this is any different than other top boarding schools. The biggest aspect that I feel is different about Deerfield is our community. It is an amazing feeling to walk around a campus and have everyone wave and say hi. This is not just some face that gets put on for visiting students, it actually happens. I never experienced this anywhere else. As a new student it is a remarkable feeling and makes you feel welcome.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Oh boy.</p>
<p>I wouldnt change anything major and much of what Ill list below is a list of classic complaints from a high school student. The largest thing I would have changed would have been the removal of two faculty members who consistently made life miserable for students. One of them has already been removed/left as far as I can tell.</p>
<p>-The sexual intimacy policy: Everybody knows what goes on with students during co-ed visits. Which is why some faculty overlook this rule and let it go on. Other dont. So as youd imagine the students know when and where to do certain things. It becomes a somewhat comical joke and a game. I understand the school needs the rule for legal reasons and to somehow ease the nerve of protective parents but it is impractical and needs to be addressed. When a student is caught in violation of this rule the book is thrown at them. There is also a policy on lights/lighting during these visits, dont get me started </p>
<p>-Housing: It should be simple, but its not. Every year there is a flaw that allows disgruntled students to claim the process was unfair or not transparent enough which is why they claim they were giving bad housing. Have a open lottery and let students pick their room.</p>
<p>-Internet: It shuts off at 11. This is silly considering most students have smartphones with internet. There was also a group of students that managed to hack the internet so it worked all night for them. Another outdated rules that just irritates students.
There is probably more to add, but I just cant think of it right now. If I do later, I will post it.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>People will know who is on Financial Aid and who isnt. Its a small community and many openly talk about it. Quite honestly it would be more awkward if there was a conversation going on about Financial Aid and a student people knew was on it, kept their mouth shut. It would seem they were ashamed and Deerfield respects openness. There are plenty of ways people will know if you are on Financial Aid, its not a big deal, and nobody is going to say anything about it. I never once overheard a student being picked on in public (or in private) for being poor or on Financial Aid.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>If they are home they absolutely know. Ive seen parents provide the alcohol. A word of advice: Youre student WILL drink in high school. Provide them an environment that is safe and controlled for them to do it. As I said earlier, the parents that did everything to protect their children in high school ultimately failed them. The most protective parent I knew, her child was in the hospital first semester of college. Enough said.</p>
