Deerfield Academy
7 Boyden Ln, Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
We live our Core Values: Citizenship in a spirit of humility, empathy, and responsibility. Face-to-face interactions characterized by joy and generosity of spirit. Connectedness to our unique setting and the contemporary world. Reflection and balance, promoting intellectual vitality and self-understanding. Pursuit of mastery built on a foundation of breadth and versatility. Shared experiences, large and small, as sources of relationships, identity, and community.
Deerfield Academy is a private, coeducational boarding and day college-preparatory school, located on a scenic 300-acre campus in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Founded in 1797, Deerfield is one of the oldest independent schools in the United States. The school enrolls approximately 650 students, with 89% boarding and 11% day students.
FAST FACTS
Head of School:
Dr. John P.N. Austin
Director of Admissions:
Chip Davis
Gender:
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation:
Nondenominational
Total Enrollment:
653
Percent Boarders:
88%
Percent International:
12%
Application Platorm(s):
Gateway
Testing Plan:
Required
Curriculum
Deerfield offers a wide array of courses across seven academic departments, including many electives, so students can choose from a variety of classes that will interest and challenge them. Students wishing for more flexibility and opportunities in their course of study may pursue alternate study or off campus options.
Programming
Each term, students are required to participate in a cocurricular activity. Unlike an extra-curricular (such as a club or alliance), these are organized, out-of-class programs focused on everything from athletics and the arts to community service. Your “cocurric” might be varsity soccer in the fall, afternoon studio time in the winter, and service at a local elementary school in the spring. However you choose to engage, your cocurric will help you grow as a leader, teammate, community member, and collaborator—all while enjoying yourself and making new friends.
Activity/Sports Requirements
Athletics play a big role in our students’ lives at Deerfield Academy. We believe the quality of our interscholastic and recreational programs can offer our students the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills and instill important life skills including discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and humility. These skills complement what Deerfield students are already receiving in their classes. It is a goal of this department to have every Deerfield graduate leave here with a desire to lead a rewarding and active life.
Dress Code
Deerfield operates with multiple different dress codes that change based on context. These include academic dress, casual dress, and free dress.
Seated Meals
The Academy believes that sit-down meals provide an important opportunity for enhancing the community. For this reason, family-style meals are served seven times per week. Boarding students attend all sit-down meals. Day students attend all sit-down lunches and are encouraged to stay for the evening meal.
Study Hall
Garonzik study hall is a distraction free environment in which to study. Study hall runs 7:45–9:35 Monday–Thursday evenings. 9th and 10th graders need to set a schedule of nights they would like to attend and communicate that schedule to their faculty residents and the study hall proctors. 11th and 12th graders may attend as drop-ins, but they should come for the entire time block in order to minimize distracting traffic in and out of the study hall. Students should leave their phones in their rooms or place them on the table at the front of the study hall.
Saturday Programming
Deerfield does not hold academic classes on Saturdays; instead many of our students participate in co-curricular activities.
Residential Life
Deerfield's residential life is designed to support students' personal growth and development. Students live in dormitories that are organized by grade level, with older students serving as mentors to younger ones. The residential system fosters a sense of community and provides students with the support they need to thrive academically and personally.