Groton School
282 Farmers Row, Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-3363
To inspire lives of character, scholarship, leadership, and service within a diverse, inclusive, and close-knit community.
Groton School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school, located on a scenic 480-acre campus in Groton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1884 by Endicott Peabody, Groton School is renowned for its rigorous academics, strong sense of community, and commitment to character development. The school enrolls approximately 385 students, with 86% boarding and 14% day students. The student body represents 30 states and 24 countries, with 53% students of color and 14% international students. The average class size is 11 students, and the student-faculty ratio is 4:1. Approximately 44% of students receive financial aid, and the school is committed to meeting full demonstrated need for U.S. applicants.
FAST FACTS
Head of School:
Temba Maqubela
Director of Admissions:
Ian Gracey
Gender:
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation:
Episcopal
Total Enrollment:
385
Percent Boarders:
86%
Percent International:
14%
Application Platorm(s):
Gateway
Testing Plan:
Required
Curriculum
The Groton curriculum is designed to prepare students for “the active work of life” by encouraging breadth of intellectual exposure and depth of study. Beginning in the Second and Third Forms, with programs of study prescribed and continuing on through the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms, the curriculum as a whole introduces students to a wide variety of courses in the belief that this broad exposure will challenge and engage interests and capabilities that might otherwise lie dormant. The curriculum also fosters the development of critical and disciplined thinking, precise communication and scientific analysis, creative problem-solving, careful and logical thinking, and empathetic understanding of the social, scientific, and political background of Western and non-Western civilizations. We feel it will enable our students to address the challenges of the twenty-first century with confidence, compassion, and sound judgment.
Programming
A variety of programs are available to Groton students such as music, theater and dance, woodshop, religion courses, athletic programs, etc.
Activity/Sports Requirements
Groton offers a range of athletic opportunities, with teams for all ages and abilities. Each sport typically offers a Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Thirds team, allowing students to participate at various skill levels. Participation in athletics is encouraged, and students are expected to engage in physical activities as part of their overall development.
Dress Code
Groton's dress code, adopted in 2022, aims to create gender-neutral expectations that foster conversation and inclusivity. The policy encourages students to wear clothing that allows all members of the school community to feel that they belong and is appropriate for each occasion.
Seated Meals
The school emphasizes communal dining, with students and faculty sharing meals together in the dining hall. This practice fosters a sense of community and provides opportunities for informal interactions outside the classroom.
Study Hall
Study hall is an integral part of student life at Groton. As Fifth Formers, students are allowed to be outside of the dorm during study hall hours, reflecting the school's approach to balancing academic responsibilities with personal growth.
Saturday Programming
Weekend activities include athletic competitions, dormitory events, and cultural celebrations. For instance, during Parents Weekend, students participate in athletic contests and engage in discussions about global education opportunities. Additionally, the school hosts events such as Spring Fling, where students participate in games like dodgeball and tug-of-war, promoting school spirit and camaraderie.
Residential Life
Students learn from—and teach—each other. A late-night conversation becomes eye-opening when a friend has a different perspective. Dormitories at Groton are small, housing from twelve to twenty-four residents. The warm, home-like atmosphere encourages dormmates to get to know, and understand, one another.