My DD is choosing between Loomis and Pomfret. We are planning to revisit both schools, but wanted to hear thoughts from others. I definitely have my favorite, but it’s ultimately her decision. She is not really into the arts, nor a sports superstar. She is looking for challenging academics, and specifically loves math.
I will readily admit that I do not like Loomis. I have known a number of people that went through LC and they are all pompous entitled so and sos. Pomfret is much more down to earth. Much less socially competitive and money oriented. I know two people that went to Pomfret; one 25 years ago and and one kid, now. Very artsy and multi faceted. More laid back. I went to college with friends and acquaintances that attended Choate, Pomfret, Loomis, Westminster, Westover, and so on…they all had a distinct personas
Do not make your decision based on a handful of experiences a fellow CC user had 25 years ago. Attend revisit days. Do research. Be decisive. To me, the clear choice would be Loomis. Then again, I do not know much about your daughter outside of the basic information you provided. Good luck and remember, between Pomfret and Loomis, your daughter will receive a great education either way.
100% agree with @LaxPrep. Revisit days will help you get a sense of the two schools. Also, agree choice would be Loomis. I think @Center has made it clear where his/her bias exists so I would take that into consideration with the comment. I have heard similar comments as Center claims from friends about students at Exeter, Andover and Deerfield. I have smiled nicely and done our own research into the schools and culture of the students, as best we can. In any school, there are bound to be a mixture of terrific kids and some that are not so great for any number of reasons, whether personality, elitist attitudes or something else. Good luck with your choice. Congrats!
@seasidestory Funny- first time post. Of course there are elitists and jerks at every one of these schools but there is no doubt that the more academic a school is, the harder it is to get into, the less the emphasis on sports, the percentage of day students and so on…that there will be a difference in the student body of a school based on these factors and others. Revisit days are great but they are also selling tools and everything is beautiful and hunky dory. Further, I stated my own bias as well as other bits of information. @JCAmine There is also a lot of defensive-ness about schools on here. In other words, everyone is biased.
I only know one person who went to Pomfret. She later went to a NYC university and had to leave because of a false assault allegation which brought in NYPD, SVU, etc. No one asked her to leave, but she eventually transferred to a European University.
Know a few kids who went to Loomis. Seemed quite normal to me. Loomis has a much better academic reputation than Pomfret. Go to revisit day and see how it feels. Best of luck.
My DD attends Loomis. If you would like information from a current parent, please feel free to PM me. We are very happy there on multiple levels.
Our son was accepted at both, as well as several others mentioned often on this board, and we decided on Loomis. Full disclosure - we are FA and Pomfret wasn’t close in their offer compared to others. We didn’t revisit.
He has been very happy this year, and unlike an earlier poster, I dont get any real sense of snobbishness. On the contrary, one of the reasons we chose Loomis was it was very clear to us that learning and thinking were paramount there vs looks, clothes, status, money or prestige. It’s NOT a snobby school. It’s smart, and rigorous, and pretty ambitious. It’s also supportive, brilliant, and fun.
Honestly, I put my decision to apply and ultimately enroll as the best decision I’ve made in my son’s life, and one of the best in mine as well. The past year has been great for him, for our relationship, and consequently, for me.
We had several good revisit days at other schools, but after revisit day at Loomis, it was just glaringly obvious this was where DS fit. We signed the papers that day and haven’t had a single reason to question that decision in the interim.
Feel free to ask more specific questions and I’ll try to answer. I live pretty far away, so admittedly much of my info will be second hand, but happy to help.
PLD