The time has come again for prep school acceptances. This is just a thread if anyone has questions about Groton School, as the decisions have recently been released.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
As with all “Ask Me Anything” threads, all students/parents/alum/staff are welcome to chime in to answer questions.
Sports requirement (I feel like I got several various answers on this and other kids we know who interviewed came away with a different answer) - what exactly is it. Is there a three season requirement or two sports plus something else?
Here is a little snippet from the Groton handbook:
Second and Third Formers are required to
participate in three seasons of interscholastic
sports during the school year or two seasons
of interscholastic sports and one season of
dance or theater.
• Fourth Formers are required to participate
in three seasons of interscholastic sports
during the school year or two seasons of
sports and one season of dance, theater,
Groton Community Engagement, or an
approved Faculty Sponsored Activity.
• Fifth and Sixth Formers are required to
participate in an afternoon activity every
term, including at least two seasons of
interscholastic sports or dance over the
course of their Fifth and Sixth Form
years. In the other seasons, students may
participate in dance, theater, Groton
Community Engagement, approved
Faculty Sponsored Activities, Strength
and Conditioning*, or management of a
varsity team.
Thank you! And second form is 8th grade and so on?
(So helpful)
Oh! How onerous is the Latin requirement? It seems a bit like a waste of time to me, as opposed to an extra math class.
Yes, 8th grade = 2nd form, 9th grade = 3rd form, etc.
At first, Latin did seem like a waste of time, but it really gave me a better grip of English grammar and it definitely exercises your memory. Latin is very precise, and requires time management and preparation (probably more than other subjects). Groton has one of the best classics departments, and the teachers are really amazing.
If you had to change 1 thing about Groton what would it be?
@dogsmama1997 Recent Groton grad here. I know kids who weasled out of the sports requirement, doing two terms of dance or theater in 8th or 9th grade. I know of kids who didn’t fulfill the two-term sports requirement over 11th and 12th grade and still graduated. If you’re really into something other than sports, don’t let the written rule hold you back. The most important thing is that you’re doing some sort of afternoon activity.
@ReluctantDad I’ll weigh in on this one. Saturday classes. I’m so glad I went to Groton, and, in retrospect, I wouldn’t choose anywhere else. But oh man. Saturday classes got me down, because it meant Friday night was a homework night, and homework was assigned every Saturday, so I spent a good chunk of my “weekends” doing work. (Then again, I went to bed by 11:00 most weeknights, so I often did save long-term projects for the weekend.)
Thanks for taking questions! 1) Does the comparatively small size of the student body (w/ geographic isolation) ever feel claustrophobic 2) What does the student body think of Curtis Sittenfeld’s novel Prep – as a literary work, sure, but mostly on accuracy of the culture.
Do you know if it is possible switch from boarding to day school? Thanks!
@DevonAultOrBust No problem!
Personally, I really love the small size of the student body, because you get to know the community very well. I definitely don’t feel claustrophobic in the setting- it’s a very comfortable size, and your legs don’t get too tired walking around 
Groton’s location isn’t claustrophobic, but it definitely lives in its own bubble. I used to live in the city, so living in such isolation was a dramatic shift for me. However, I adjusted easily and the location doesn’t really affect me too much. Also, there are weekend trips off-campus to nearby malls and centers offered, which I like to go on to take a breath of fresh air before delving back into prep school life.
I have yet to read Prep! You could let me know (feel free to message) about some of the specifics that you would like to confirm the accuracy of.
@mmao123 Sorry, I don’t know about this one.
@pepperonipizza I wouldn’t want to DM you any spoilers, nor is any one of them especially important. I’m sure you’d have fun reading it. The heart of the book is whether a middle class girl from Indiana can fit in with the to-the-manor-born crowd at “Ault” a k a Groton (Sittenfeld’s alma mater). The twist in the end turns out to be, given the book’s reception…interesting. I found the protagonist completely unsympathetic and the portrayal of Groton (inadvertently?) appealing.
We’re enthralled with Groton. Alas we’re on the waitlist, and feeling bummed about that but recognize there are long odds. We’re also not as excited as we hoped about the places we did get in, and considering just punting them and reapplying next year.
So, next few questions: How many people do you think come off the wait list, or get in by re-applying the next year? Does anyone transfer in from other boarding schools? I know you can’t give definitive answers here, but hey there’s not much else we can do at this point so just keeping our fingers crossed. Enjoy Groton!
@DevonAultOrBust Thank you!
I’m not sure of waitlist statistics, but I know a few individuals who have applied for 2nd form and gotten in as a 3rd former. Groton has quite a few kids from other boarding middle schools, such as Fay, but I haven’t seen any students come from other prep HIGH schools.
Yes kids “transfer” in from other schools. But they apply just like everyone else. They often have a reason for switching schools like a sports team.
I’ve heard the dress code is not actually as strict as it’s written, at least for girls, is that true? I was told by a friend that girls get away with wearing leggings and black or grey jeans.
@dogsmama1997 Yep. Until a year or two ago, the dress code listed appropriate items separately for boys and girls. It was updated to be gender-neutral, so collared shirts are no longer required (technically), but some teachers might still question boys for not wearing one. Most girls wear leggings or colored jeans (including black/grey). Hoodies are popular. You’ll probably be told off for wearing a shirt (not sweatshirt) with writing on it, but it really depends on which teachers see you.
@stargirl3 so what to wear on revisit day? several curious girls want to know and I had said no jeans. LOL
by March 28th, snow on the road should all melt? scared on driving on the slippery road as we are from deep south. Also, is there a Nordic skiing sports/club at Groton? thanks!
This is Massachusetts, not Greenland. 
There will be no snow on the pavement unless there is a storm on the 27th.