My two sons applied to a total of 5 schools this year. A short list, yes. I will post on each of the schools over the next fe weeks but will start with Pomfret
First, the school is located in a remote, rural location. The nearest town is probably 15-20 minutes away by car. There is no sidewalk, so you have to leave and get back to the campus in a vehicle if you are going to town.
Second, are the academics. I went to the revisit day and sat in on a Science class. The students did not seem engaged and only one student (an International student from China) answered all the questions. I can quickly contrast this to Governor’s Academy where I sat in a science class on DNA and the students were engaged, asking critical thinking questions, etc. The time at Governor’s went by fast and I actually learned something. Pomfret also said they were moving towards eliminating AP courses. I am not sure how that would affect how the school is viewed when students apply for college. I must admit that I don’t know enough about AP courses but I do know most high schools offer them.
Third, are the facilities. The buildings, grounds, etc. are in great shape. I did not see a dorm room but if the rest of the facilities are anything to go by, it should be more than fine.
Socially, I think this would be my biggest concern. I read on another blog that there is a lot of bullying at Pomfret and that the administrators and faculty ignore it. That student attended last year and moved to another school this year she said. I did not see bullying but quite a number of the students who came to the revisit day were in cliques, as if they were from the same middle school/area. They definitely knew each other from before. This might be different and they might become open to getting to know and interact with the other students once school starts, but they kept to their groups that day. The students that did not have groups were kind of left out. This might be natural since they don’t know each other but I would worry about that. I also felt that a “show” was being put on for the revisit day. I contrast the atmosphere at Pomfret to revisit day at other schools and it just seemed “over the top nice”/ not genuine.
Finally, let me say this. Another person could have attended Pomfret’s revisit day and have a different opinion but these were my perspectives.
Hi @ahunter, thank you so much for this detailed and comprehensive review of your Pomfret experience. This school year will be my first year attending Pomfret and because I’ve never actually visited the school, I’ve been browsing for information online. Honestly, I’ve just gotten out of a school with an unenthusiastic/lethargic student body, so I’m kind of worried about the one international student who could actually answer any of the questions. Was that because the other kids didn’t know the answers, or because they didn’t want to participate? And could you please post the link of the blog that was talking about bullying at Pomfret? And last question, how rigorous were the academics at Pomfret compared to some of the more well-known schools like Hotchkiss? Sorry for the plethora of questions, and thank you for your time!
-Sunny
- I think the academics at Pomfret is not as rigorous as a Phillip Exeter or Hotchkiss, probably a mid-range in terms of prep schools. The school administrators talked about moving AWAY from doing AP courses in the future. So........?
- I found the bullying information on two different sites. Here is one
http://www.greatschools.org/connecticut/pomfret/1274-Pomfret-School/
- In terms of the students answering the questions, I think that was the most troubling to me. It was a small class. The students were comfortable. You could also tell that the teacher had not planned a "special" class for visitors. This was it - the real deal. So I don't know.
- Let me say this to you - anything in life can be done. you just have to figure out HOW. You can make it from any school, anywhere in the world to any college/university you want to go to.
- You have to plan ahead, and it make take working harder than others,
- Registering for college courses near your home in the summers to build your resume.
- starting to study now (yes now) for the SAT exam, instead of waiting.
- Asking to sit in classes on more rigorous courses that will help with your SAT (not necessarily taking the course)
- reading extensively so your college essay will stand out when it is written
- engaging in activities outside of the classroom during the year and during the summer that will build your resume and let you stand out from other students (all depending on the college)
Good luck and enjoy the academic year.
Wow, that was fast! Thank you for your quick reply, your answer was very helpful! As my parents say, the school helps but it’s all up to the student. I especially appreciated your advice-I will be a freshman, but I will definitely be following your advice in the following years. Good luck to your sons, and have a great year!