<p>Anyone know much about the program?<br>
I did look on the web site, but academically? socially?
Do they have the opportunity to play sports much - by which I mean, do they compete for spots on the "upper" (JV/Varsity) teams? I know many have said Groton is more "artsy" so this may not be a good option.<br>
We recently have begun to think about other options for my now 7th grade daughter for next year for a variety of reasons (we had previously figured we'd wait for her to complete 9th at current school like her brother did).</p>
<p>(totally biased view, having friends go there)
it's less of a program and more of a grade. 8th graders transition fairly well there, especially because there are around 30 people max every year
im pretty sure the 8th graders play for JV, but I could be wrong. apparently the sports options get bigger as you get older? not sure about that
sports are still good, and with two rival schools less than an hour away groton has to keep up (though they're famous for studying on sports days up till before it starts while the other schools practice their techniques the whole morning)</p>
<p>they have pretty much every sport for 8th graders that a normal new england school would have -not volleyball, im sure XD- and groton is very refined artsy if you ask me (some of their student work seem very professional) </p>
<p>good luck to your daughter :)
(btw i don't actually get paid for this so ill probably be wrong about some things)</p>
<p>Linda,</p>
<p>You might as NEprepgoer to confirm, but it is my understanding that they had 2 8th graders playing on the varsity girls hockey team last season. From that I would say that they don't restrict them from varsity athletics. </p>
<p>With girls, there isn't as much physical difference between 8th graders and PGs as with boys. That being said, I wouldn't bet on this being an all too common experience.</p>
<p>I have no idea if she would "make the team" but she's the type of kid that would need something to strive for. </p>
<p>I guess I mean "grade" by "program" - and in general what is it like for 8th graders.</p>
<p>I was curious about the question you raised so I just looked at Groton's website. It looks like at least half the sports offered have a "thirds" team in addition to JV and Varsity which is a lot of teams considering Groton's size.</p>
<p>I went to groton as an 8th grader. And played Varsity Hockey my eighth grade year. I played on a "thirds' team in the fall (freshman team) a varsity in the winter, and a JV in the spring. it is based on ability not age.
As far as sports go, groton loves sports, even though we might not be the best at them. Everyone goes to others' games when they can and we really get into playoff games etc.
Groton, I feel, is an all around school, not "artsy" or "athletic" powerhouses, but more good at everything.
I would strongly recommend the 8th grade here, it really helps you transition in to 9th and it is a ton of fun, nicknamed "Camp Groton"</p>
<p>goaliedad- we actually had 4 eighth graders on our varsity team last year, 3 which played regular shifts, one that played, although not as much. Two of them started, as well.</p>
<p>Yes creative, which is why I wondered if 8th graders were limited in any way.
Thanks for the reply NEprepgoer.</p>
<p>Four 8th graders - that is impressive. I guess I only heard about the 2 starters. Thanks for confirming.</p>
<p>Oops - sorry Linda. Didn't mean to barge in just surprised to see so many teams for a small school!</p>
<p>No problem creative, I'm glad you jumped in! No barging....I agree about so many teams.</p>
<p>Here's a question...from the Groton web site...
[quote]
A breakdown by Forms is as follows: Form II (8th grade) - 25; Form III (9th grade)- 85; Form IV (10th grade)- 88; Form V (11th grade)- 84; Form VI (12th grade)- 76.
[/quote]
I'm wondering why there are less 12th graders than 10th and 11th.</p>
<p>P.S.
To Creative - I just re-read my post and I didn't mean for it to sound snippy and it did. I'm really sorry. I just meant to be agreeing with you. I tried to edit my post above to say this and the time was too late.</p>
<p>I know other school like SPS are similar in stats. 6th form is often smaller. Hate to say it but I think its usually due to attrition - kids leaving due to expulsion, health issues, etc. Schools like Groton and SPS don't take new 6th formers. Sometimes it can be due to the fact that the class proceeding it, the one that just graduated, was very large. As an example, if they over enroll one year, they will cut back on accepting students the next.</p>
<p>That makes sense.</p>
<p>i'm pretty sure sports are required at groton, so they have a "freshman" team, which actuall is all the ppl who wouldn't normally try out. groton is is very small school; 30 kids in 8th grade, moving up to 80 for 9th grade. very few are day students. it is known for being wealthy, but is much more inteligent than most "rich kid" schools, and is ranked almost always very high in bs ratings. it is pretty difficult to get based on the small class size.</p>