I having nothing to ask (for now) but I have to say my daughter LOVED Deerfield and it is at the very top of her list.
Is there a decent amount of weekend activities? The last thing I want is a mass student exodus on Saturday and nothing to do for the far away boarders. That is one of the reasons I like the idea of 100% boarding schools, hope I have not offended the day student people. Also, is the academic support available if a student is struggling in a class?
@blue77skidoo there are many repeat freshmen, including me, and we’re just placed into the ninth grade class. I honestly love how Deerfield’s schedule is structured, its approachable and friendly teachers, and its study body. The school is always alive, never dead. When I went to visit some boarding schools, the campus (including the students) just seemed dead. The structure allows you to quickly build time management skills and there is no time to really be home sick, since you are thrown into a fast-paced world that is always evolving. The students at Deerfield make it feel like home. The first few weeks are a little confusing, regarding who your friends are, etc, but once you start meeting people that you love spending time with, it feels like one big family. The teachers are amazing. They’re not boring people who just lecture you. Classes are often discussion-based and teachers truly respect what you have to say. Every teacher has something special about him or her, whether it be an incredible sense of humor or just having a really relaxing aura to them.
One thing that I’m not a fan of is that it always feels like there’s no down time. You’re always doing something, and when you’re not, it feels wrong. I’m home for Thanksgiving Break, and I keep thinking to myself, “Isn’t there something I should be doing right now?” But at the same time, this also gives students a zest for being active.
@blue77skidoo one more thing! The opportunities that Deerfield offers are incredible! Take advantage of every single one of them because they’re just amazing. The weekends are super fun. Every single there is a shuttle to Greenfield, and on some weekends, there are shuttles to Hadley or Northampton. There are dances, games, the Greer (a popular hang out spot), an open gym, and many more things that you can do. Like I said, the school is truly alive, so there is always something to do. Academic support is definitely available if a student is struggling in a class. All you have to do is talk to a teacher and set up a time to work with them. You have to take the initiative though.
Thanks so much for the valuable insight, input, and taking the time to answer my questions.
Another couple of questions if you do not mind? Do you have Saturday classes? Is there a dress code for girls and what do they typically wear to class? Thanks!!!
@MAandMEmom yay!! Deerfield is simply the best! 
@blue77skidoo haha no problem! NO SATURDAY CLASSES!! I think this helps nurture the feeling that Deerfield is home. You can sleep in on Saturday! You might have a game and there could be a dance. You can get your homework or choose to leave it for Sunday. The weekdays are like quick sprints, and the weekends are at a relaxing jogging pace. Girls usually wear dresses with cardigans or pants and nice shirts. The dress code is for girls to have 2 layers on top and skirts/shorts cannot be shorter than 4 inches above the knee.
Hi! If you have any questions about Deerfield, feel free to ask away!
I have one last question about Deerfield and will stop bothering you. I have heard 9th grade is the easiest grade at Deerfield. My one question for you is exactly how rigorous is Deerfield academically after 9th grade. I am worried if my daughter gets admitted she may be in over her head. She is bright and works hard but does not have her head buried in a book 16 hours a day.
Do you actually call the rich kids who bought their way in, epicureans. And is there a rivalry between them and regulars, those who got in because they are actually smart. Just asking, because it something I saw online.
@blue77skidoo It really depends on which classes your daughter chooses to take. Deerfield offers a wide spectrum of classes at many different levels. Should you choose a more rigorous class level, it will certainly require more time and effort to maintain a high grade. However, the counselors and faculty here are great at letting you switch classes if you feel like the course is too difficult or too easy for you. I can certainly say that no one spends 16 hours with their heads buried in books here.
@2001JET In no way are those rumors true. I am on financial aid, and have not felt any social pressure being on financial aid. Also, there is no rivalry between “regulars” and the “rich kids”. Everyone here has something unique to bring to the table. Some students may not be the best in academics, but instead excel tremendously in sports or fine arts.
Are the academics manageable or extremely intense? How would you describe the grade distribution? Is the community very competitive or supportive?
Thanks!
I would say the academics are relatively manageable, but again, it also depends on which courses you choose to take. Some people fill their schedule full with honors and AP courses, and for them, the academics may be a little bit more challenging. Overall, though, I think it’s very manageable. As for the grade distribution, most students average around an 89-91. The top 20% have averages ranging from 92-95 while the bottom 20% have averages ranging from 81-86. And in terms of competitiveness, I would say the community is very supportive. I personally came from a very competitive public school where it felt like each student was constantly competing against each other, and I really hated the negative atmosphere that encompassed my previous school. So when I came to Deerfield, I was really surprised at the warm support I received from other students. From my experience here, it really feels like other students help push and raise you to be your best. There is never a feeling of jealousy in the air. Instead, there is always genuine support and encouragement. Hope this helps!
Thank you for taking the time to write a very thorough answer! @Snowfire88
Another thank you shout out for taking the time to respond!!! Deerfield is sounding better with every response…March 10 cannot come soon enough!!!
How many lacrosse players come in each year? I heard there are between 10 -15 each for boys and girls lacrosse. Does the varsity team rely heavily on PGs? Are varsity athletics very demanding from a time perspective?
@blue77skidoo No problem, glad to help
@IrishMan I know your questions were directed to bingalot, but I hope you don’t mind me answering them.
- There is no designated number of lacrosse players Deerfield accepts each year, teams fluctuate every year, and athletic recruits depend on what the team needs. As for your statistics, I cannot confirm it, but I do not think that many lacrosse players come in each year.
- The varsity team does not rely very heavily on PG’s. On the girls varsity team, there is one PG. On the boys varsity team I think there are 2 or 3 PGs.
- Yes, varsity practices are demanding from a time perspective, but I know so many people who are successful in juggling both academics and varsity sports