Almost exactly a year ago, I was accepted into II Form at Groton. I was ecstatic. A year later, I know I won’t be returning to the circle this fall. Groton is amazing, don’t get me wrong. It just wasn’t the place for me. The stress changed me into someone I didn’t want to be and I fell under the spell that Groton is the perfect place for everyone. Choosing to leave was hard. Leaving prep schools is considered bad and worse than being kicked out. It means that you are admitting defeat, which isn’t easy to do. It took me a while to realize that I wasn’t giving up, but I was making my life better. Groton is amazing place that is great for some people, while others not so much. Anyone else who is considering leaving a prep school should know the one thing to keep in your mind is that you’re not worse than anyone else. You are making a hard decision but you aren’t giving up. I wish you all the best.
I know several people who have chosen to leave boarding school. They all have gone on to do quite well. Kudos to you for knowing yourself and what makes you happy at such a young age. There are many paths to accomplishing your goals and dreams. Best of luck to you!
I’m so sorry to hear that things didn’t work out at Groton. My son is a third former there and I’ve often wondered about second form. I’m not sure if he would have been ready for this experience a year earlier. That extra year at home could make a world of difference. I know that everyone living together in that one space can be tough, and it has been a particularly difficult year in second form anyway. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you choose for next year.
Good luck, @dramaticdebate. I remember being “here” with you when you got in, and I commend you for posting your story.
@doschicos @Momto4kids @stargirl3 Thanks for the support! >:D<
Dramatic debate: a number of kids leave prep school every year, but rarely do they post about it here. Yours is a valuable lesson and an important one for others to hear, especially those who think that prep school (or a particular group of schools) is the be-all and end-all. Thank you for posting. Your maturity and self awareness will serve you well as you move forward. I wish you all the best for the future!
Proud of you for making the best decision for YOU. Hope your new school is an amazing experience . I always want everyone to be EXCELLENT, wherever you end up.
One huge thing that separates adults from kids is that adults realize that what’s best for them trumps what other people think.
It sounds as though you’ve made a huge stride towards adulthood with your decision.
And I applaud the way you phrased your post. Instead of ranting about how awful the school is, you praised Groton, but simply said it wasn’t the right place for you.
You sound like the type of kid I love teaching. The best of luck to you!
Would you mind expanding a bit on what type of stress you were facing? Was it external (from the school or parents), or internal (self-imposed)??
@sgopal2
As I explained to another mother over PM, I have never gone to anywhere that was anything like Groton. I stress myself out often and am a worrier. Groton School is amazing but time is scarce. I would skip recreational events to work and study. It was from the school, but it was also from me.
Hope that helps!
I join others in saluting your courage to leave one of the most vaunted prep schools in the country, but also to share that here.
Best wishes for wherever life takes you.
Good luck, and thanks for sharing your story!
@SevenDad @twinsmama Thanks so much!
I wish you the best of luck. Most kids at your age would not have been mature enough to figure out when its time to leave. I’m sure you will be successful in life.
@sgopal2 Thank you so much!
I am a parent of a kid who has self imposed stress, and she takes what she does very seriously. I couldn’t be more proud of her… she goes to a boarding school (that is a ton of work) but a lot more laid back about how knowledge is achieved, which creates the right balance for her… message me some time if you’d like to know more. But in the mean time I think you made a really great choice for yourself. Good luck with your pursuits!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I think it’s important for parents to see that sometimes it’s just not a good fit. My son had some similar thoughts this winter - but now that he’s home on Spring Break he feels he’s going to continue. He just needed some love from his parents! (Not that he could bring himself to say that…)