Hi! I was just accepted to Peddie for next year. I am a freshman now, so I’ll be entering as a sophomore.
Questions:
Do incoming sophomores feel like they miss out on things? Also, does anyone know how many are accepted? In what ways are the requirements different? Do you still need to take the arts course (with the musical, visual, and theater arts)?
What are the requirements when it comes to sports? I know one sport is required for your first semester and that you can go to the gym, but what are the other requirements? Some people have said that you need one PA each season, but I’ve heard a lot of different things. Also, how competitive are the JV teams? Are there options to play a sport recreationally? Is it okay to not be super athletic (I play only one sport competitively)
What is the dress code? Can girls wear jeans? T-shirts and sweatshirts (no logo)?
Is there a Drivers Ed course? I’ll be a day student, and I really want to learn to drive.
Do day students miss out on things? Is it weird for them to stay for dorm activities or things like Family Style Dinner? Also, how often do day students stay overnight?
How much downtime does an average student at Peddie have? What are Sundays like?
How competitive are the classes/students? Also, are there bad teachers?
Congratulatiosn!
I can answer a few of your questions.
It is ok to not be super-athletic. You may even find a new talent. Theater, pit band and stage crew count as a sport (after the first tri-mester) as does robotics (2nd and 3rd trimester.)
Everyone can wear jeans on Wednesdays. School sweatshirts are allowed.
Driver's Ed is not offered. However, there is a course offered at PDS the first week of June through one of the area driving schools. There are probably others.
Day students do not miss out - they are invited to all activities. Get yourself involved. Sign up to go to SNAs (Saturday night activities.) Stay on campus for dinner and beyond. It is not uncommon for some day students to come at 7 and stay until 8 or 10pm. The more you do the faster you will acclimate. I think day students can stay for dorm activities (not sure). Day students can stay for Family Style but, honestly, it doesn't seem like many want to. Day students can stay overnight most weekends or if inclement weather is forcasted, though there are procedures to follow.
Downtime varies by student, grade, rigor of classes, and involvement in other activities. Sundays vary. (Sorry, I know that is non-specific.)
The classes are rigourous. From what I can tell (sample size of 1 + his friends), the kids are not that competitive with each other but they have high standards for themselves. Also, from what I can tell, the teachers are always willing to help and support any kid that seeks it.