Is Groton School Right for Your Child? Academics, Community, and More

Groton School is a boarding school in Groton, Massachusetts, known for its strong academics and close-knit community. Founded in 1884 by Episcopal priest Endicott Peabody, the school places a strong emphasis on character, leadership, and service. Students are encouraged to think deeply, grow with purpose, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Admissions

CategoryDetails
Total Enrollment380 students
Representation28 states, 23 countries
Student–Faculty Ratio4:1
Average Class Size11 students
Students of Color51%
Students Receiving Financial Aid44%
Campus Size480 acres
Endowment$511 million

Curriculum

Grade LevelCourses & Structure
Second Form (Grade 8)– English
– Math
– Science
– Latin
– One modern language (Chinese, French, or Spanish)
– Art (rotates each term among steel drums, visual art, and theater)
Third Form (Grade 9)– English
– Math
– One language
– Art (choose from visual art, theater, shop, private music lessons, choir, chamber orchestra, or jazz ensemble)
– Two additional subjects selected from: science, Foundations of Global History, or a second language
Fourth, Fifth, Sixth Form (Grades 10–12)Wide flexibility to shape academic paths with courses in:
– Math
– Science
– Computer Science
– Electives such as:    
Power and Politics: Dictators and Democrats    
Tigers, Elephants, and Cell Phones: Modern India    
Jane Austen 
Literature of Resistance and Resilience  
Reading Film: One-on-one academic tutorials with faculty for specialized topics

The GRAIN Initiative

Groton is deeply committed to financial accessibility through its GRAIN (Groton Affordability and Inclusion) initiative, launched in 2014. Starting in 2025, Groton will offer free tuition to families earning $150,000 or less, regardless of citizenship.

In 2024–25, the school reported:

Financial Aid StatisticsDetails
Students Receiving Aid44%
Average Boarding Family Contribution$13,650
Average Day Family Contribution$11,261
Total Financial Aid Budget$7.6 million

Global Education: Preparing Students for the World

Groton believes that global understanding is essential in today’s world. Its Global Education Opportunities (GEOs) allow students to learn firsthand about different cultures, communities, and world issues.

These immersive, faculty-led trips combine academic learning with service, cultural exchange, and ethical reflection.

Recent GEO Destinations Include:

LocationFocus
PeruHomestays, Spanish/Quechua study, service teaching, visit to Machu Picchu
TanzaniaCultural immersion, Maasai traditions, language learning
IndiaVisits to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, and partner schools
ChinaHomestays in Chengde, cultural exchange, calligraphy, teaching
FranceLanguage and cultural immersion in Angers and Paris
Greece & ItalyExploration of classical civilization sites
Music GEOsInternational music performance and exchange in countries like Japan, Cuba, and South Africa
Sports GEOsAthletic tours paired with cultural learning (e.g., UK soccer, SA squash)

Groton also hosts G-PIE (Groton Program for Intercultural Exchange)—a global symposium where students and educators discuss key global topics like water security, artificial intelligence, and social justice.

Admissions Process

StepDetails
1. Inquiry FormComplete the Inquiry Form to join the mailing list and receive updates. Optional:
• Athletics Interest Form
• Performing Arts Interest Form
2. Candidate ProfileSubmit via Gateway to Prep Schools.
• Allows you to share your biographical info with 50+ schools.
• Required before accessing the application portal.
• Available starting early July.
3. Campus Visits & InterviewsGroup Tours: Student-led, followed by Q&A.
On-campus Interviews: Schedule after submitting the Candidate Profile.
Remote Interviews: Recommended if travel isn’t possible.
All interviews are preceded by an individualized student-led tour.
4. Standardized TestingRequired unless waived.
Acceptable tests: SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, ACT.
Test codes:
• SSAT: 3598
• ISEE: 220930
• TOEFL: 8224
English proficiency tests required for international students (Duolingo, TOEFL iBT, IELTS). Typical admitted scores:
• TOEFL iBT: 100+
• IELTS: 7.5+
• Duolingo: 125+
5. RecommendationsAccessed via Gateway after submitting Candidate Profile.
Required:
• Principal/Counselor Recommendation
• Current English Teacher Recommendation
• Current Math Teacher Recommendation
• Personal or Special Interest Recommendation (one or both optional)
Forms available in October.
6. Submit ApplicationSubmit via Gateway by January 15, 2025.
Required materials:
• Candidate Profile
• Candidate & Parent Statements
• Current Year Grade Report & Previous Grades
• Graded Writing Sample (non-fiction, in English)
• Test Score Reports
• Recommendations (as above)
• Multimedia or additional docs (optional)
• Clarity Financial Aid Application (if seeking aid)
All applications must be submitted electronically unless applying via a community-based organization.
Application ComponentDetails
Deadline for Fall 2026January 15
Application Fee$50 (fee waivers available)
Interviews & ToursOn-campus or virtual (year-round)
Additional ResourcesInfo sessions, interest forms, webinars, visits

Residential Life

Dorm life at Groton is intentionally designed to support students’ growth. Each dorm houses 12–24 students, with faculty living on-site as heads of house and mentors. Senior students, known as prefects, lead daily check-ins and help younger peers navigate boarding life.

Younger students in the Lower School (8th–9th grades) follow more structured routines and typically share rooms. As students advance, they gain more independence, preparing them for life in college and beyond.

Why Families Choose Groton

Groton offers a distinctive combination of academic rigor, personal development, and a supportive community. Its intimate size ensures that each student receives individual attention, while its extensive resources provide access to a broad range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

One of our students, Emma, was admitted to Groton with guidance from Ivy Talent. Although her family initially planned for her to begin studying in the United States at a later stage, a summer program experience inspired her to take the leap sooner. We worked closely with her to identify schools that aligned with her academic goals, athletic interests, and passion for the arts.

Emma’s leadership, athleticism, and character stood out in a highly competitive admissions cycle. Through focused preparation and tailored guidance, she was able to articulate her values and accomplishments with clarity and confidence. After receiving multiple offers, she ultimately chose Groton for its rigorous academics, inclusive community, and commitment to fostering independence and intellectual curiosity. At Ivy Talent, we’re proud to help students like Emma identify and pursue schools that align with their values and potential. Her success reflects the kind of thoughtful, strategic support we aim to provide every family we work with.

To learn how Ivy Talent can support your child’s path to a top school, contact us today.

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