Lawrence Academy
Groton
Massachusetts
United States
Overview
Lawrence Academy embraces an individualized approach to learning in a highly collaborative community of 400 boarding and day students. LA features a balanced academic program of intellectual development, self-discovery, wellness, and a desire to serve the greater good. Our curriculum is supported by LA`s advisory program; daily meetings between adults and a group of 4-8 students. In the classroom, faculty teach students how to think, not what to think, and commit to recognizing, inspiring, supporting, and empowering students as learners and as people. For students seeking additional support, LA offers a Learning Support program to help students acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the LA classroom. Co-curricular activities are key to the LA experience. In our arts program, our Dance students are mainstays at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, while the LA Singers frequently grace the stage at Carnegie Hall. Young performers have a variety of music-focused courses, several vocal and instrumental performance groups and lessons available to them at Lawrence Academy. In addition to these on-campus offerings, Spartans are also encouraged to venture off campus for instrumental music studies at the nearby Groton Hill Music Center. Athletically, LA Spartans compete in the Independent School League and our student-athletes often move on to compete on NCAA squads. Clubs, diversity groups, and leadership roles of nearly every ilk also encourage students to develop in confidence and character. Winterim, LA`s two-week experiential education program, takes students outside the classroom. Science excursions to the Galapagos Islands, volunteering at a refugee camp in Greece, or exploring the legal system in Boston and Washington, D.C., are just a few of Winterim`s opportunities.
Academics
Summary: Through its academic program, LA lives its mission to recognize students for who they are and inspire them to take responsibility for who they want to become. That student-centered, individualized approach to teaching and learning is an essential part of an LA education. Lawrence Academy’s faculty teach students how to think, not what to think: they’re focused on helping students develop essential skills that will help them be successful, both in learning and in life. To help each and every student be successful, teachers are constantly assessing students’ interests and needs, and adapting to them, creating exceptional connections in the process. At Lawrence Academy, students are not only asked to learn facts and retain knowledge, they’re also encouraged to do the work of artists, historians, linguists, mathematicians, and scientists. Throughout their time at LA, students study the traditional high school subjects — art, English, foreign language, history, math, and science — and will graduate having picked up important skills and with knowledge of key tenants within each subject. However, under the guidance of faculty, how they learn those skills and tenants is largely up to them. Lawrence Academy teachers get to know their students’ learning styles to understand how to best teach them, and learning is a collaborative process. Within LA’s classrooms, students are often using hands-on, research-based methods to master material. The faculty at Lawrence Academy design curriculum and implement pedagogy with the intent of helping students mature into confident, self-aware problem solvers who experience education as a means for realizing their individual potential as responsible citizens with the capacity to positively impact others and the environment.
Department Director Peter Hess
Student/Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Average Class Size: 13
Summer Programs: Not Offered
Full Time Teachers: 64
Number of AP Courses Offered: 0
Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 65%
Number of IB Courses Offered: 0
Learning Support
- Evening Study Assistance
- Learning Center
- Learning Differences Support
- Study Skills Assistance
- Subject Tutoring
- Technology Center
- Writing Center
- ADD/ADHD Support
English
- Creative Writing
- Playwriting
- Poetry
- Composition
- American Literature
History
- European History
- Honors
- Medieval History
- United States History
- World History
Foreign Languages
Humanities / Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Human Geography
- World Issues
Sciences
- Anatomy
- Animal Behavior
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Genetics
- Geology
- Marine Biology
- Oceanography
- Ornithology
- Physical Science
- Physics
- Physiology
- Computer Science
Math
Computer Studies
- Multimedia
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
Music
- Band
- Choral Music
- Composition
- Individual Instructions
- Music History
- Music Theory
- Voice
- A Cappella
Performing / Visual Arts
Special Programs
- Study Abroad
- Community Service
- Personal Finance
- Independent Study
- Internships
- Leadership
- Learning at Sea Programs
- Outdoor Education
- Semester/Year Off-Campus
- Scuba
- Public Speaking
- Student Council
- Science Research
Distinctive or New Programs
- R
Campus Life
Dorm Life
Number of Dorms: 9
Average Students Per Dorm: 25
Number of Girls Dorms: 6
Number of Boys Dorms: 3
Dorm Amenities
- Laundry Facilities
- Lounge
- Wireless Internet
Other Dorm Amenities
Microwave; TV in Common Room
Facilities
- Baseball Field
- Basketball Court
- Fitness Center
- Football Field
- Indoor Basketball Court
- Pool
- Technology Center
- Volleyball Court
Other Facilities
- Tennis Courts
- Turf Field
- Ice Rink
- Softball Field
- Soccer Field(s)
- Dance Studio
- Weight Room
- Fitness Room
- Athletic Training Suite
- Nashoba Valley Ski Area (skiing)
- Groton Country Club (golf)
Clubs & Organizations
- Amnesty International
- Community Service
- Debate Club
- Diversity Club
- Dorm Proctors
- Environmental Club
- Food Council
- Foreign Language Clubs
- Honor Council
- International Club
- Jewish Student Organization
- Literary Magazine
- Newspaper
- Outing Club
- Peer Counseling
- Peer Tutoring
- SADD
- Student Activities
- Student Government
- Student Publications
- Theater Club
- Yearbook
- Yoga Club
- Young Democrats
- Young Republicans
Arts & Athletics
Summary: We are passionate about the arts at Lawrence Academy. Wherever you turn, you will find a welcoming, inclusive, and fertile environment to foster your curiosity and creativity. Whether you pursue a broad exploration of several artistic disciplines, or an in-depth study of one, emphasis is placed on both the creative skills you need to express yourself, and the technical skills needed to communicate your vision effectively. Athletics are also highly valued at Lawrence Academy. We believe that athletics help students understand the rewards that come with hard work and play, as well as the importance of working with teammates to find both group and individual success.
Arts Department Director: Dina Mordeno
Athletics Department Director: Kevin Potter
Notable Achievements: NEPSAC Girls' Volleyball Champions NEPSAC Boys' Hockey Champions NEPSAC Football Champions
Arts
Interscholastic Sports
- Alpine Skiing
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Crew
- Cross Country Running
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Climbing
- Lacrosse
- Mountain Biking
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Recreational Sports
- Aerobics
- Alpine Skiing
- Alpine Ski Racing
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Dance
- Golf
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Outdoor Education
- Snowboarding
- Track and Field
- Weight Lifting
Graduates
Summary: The College Counseling Office’s approach to college counseling adheres well to the school’s student-centered philosophy. Our experienced team of college counselors works to help each student identify colleges that fit his or her individual academic, extracurricular and personal needs.
College Information
Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%
| Middle Percentile of SAT Scores | Reading | Math | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | |||
| 75th percentile |
Vital Information
Student Body Type: Coed
Total Boarding: 173
Total Day: 243
Total Enrollment: 416
Boys: 230
Girls: 186
Boarding Grades Offered: 9-12
Day Grades Offered: 9-12
School Type: High School
Dress Code: Casual
Applications Accepted: SAO, Gateway to Prep
Application Deadline: January 15th
Tuition & Financial Aid
7-Day Boarding: $70,760
5-Day Boarding: N/A
Day Tuition Fee: $56,795
Need-Based Aid: Offered
Payment Plans: Offered
Students Receiving Aid: 32%
Average Awarded: $42,653
School Finances
Merit Scholarships: Not Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %
Average Merit Scholarship: $
Current Endowment Amount: $34,977,777
Contact
Director of Admissions: Mike Polsonetti
Admissions Phone: 978 448 1530
Fax: 978 448 1519
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.lacademy.edu
Nearby Schools
- Groton School - 2mi / 3 km
- Middlesex School - 13mi / 20 km
- Hillside School - 18mi / 28 km
- Cushing Academy - 18mi / 29 km
- St. Mark’s School - 20mi / 33 km
- Fay School - 21mi / 33 km
School Events
Lawrence Academy Admissions Spring Open House:
Saturday May 20 2023 - Saturday May 20 2023
10:00:00am - 12:30:00pm
For students and families considering school options for the fall of 2024 and interested in taking an introductory look at Lawrence Academy, we invite you to come to campus for an informational morning on campus. Registration will begin at 10:00 AM and the program will conclude by 12:30 PM. The morning will include a panel of student and faculty members, an overview of the admissions process, campus tours, and a picnic lunch at Park House, our Head of School’s residence. We hope you can join us!
Zoom In On LA: The Parent Experience:
Thursday Jan 26 2023 - Thursday Jan 26 2023
07:00:00pm - 07:30:00pm
Learn all about what it’s like to be a parent of a student at Lawrence Academy. You will hear from faculty about communication with parents and parent involvement on campus and from a panel of current parents about their experiences with Lawrence Academy.
Zoom In On LA: Signature Programs:
Thursday Jan 19 2023 - Thursday Jan 19 2023
07:00:00pm - 07:45:00pm
Hear from Lawrence Academy faculty and students as they dive deeper into Lawrence Academy’s signature programs, including Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Advisory; Winterim; and the Groton Hill Music Center partnership.
Zoom In On LA: Academics:
Thursday Jan 12 2023 - Thursday Jan 12 2023
07:00:00pm - 07:45:00pm
Hear from our academic leadership as they provide an overview of our individualized, supportive, and student-centered educational program at Lawrence Academy. Each department head will look deeper into the LA programs: Language, Math, Science, History, English, Art, Learning Support, and College Counseling. Finally, you can join department-specific breakout rooms to speak directly to faculty members and current students.
Time to Apply Virtual Event:
Wednesday Dec 14 2022 - Wednesday Dec 14 2022
07:00:00pm - 07:30:00pm
Hear from Lawrence Academy’s admissions team, current students, and current parents about the process of applying to Lawrence Academy. We will overview the application process, provide some tips, and answer any questions that you have before submitting your application on January 15, 2023! This session should last no longer than 30 minutes. We hope you can join us! Register at: https://www.lacademy.edu/admissions/events-fairs.
Lawrence Academy Admissions Fall Open House:
Saturday Oct 29 2022 - Saturday Oct 29 2022
08:30:00am - 12:00:00pm
Please join the Lawrence Academy community for an open house overviewing our educational program. The event will include a welcome from our head of school, academic and community life panels, the opportunity to meet LA faculty, and the chance to explore our signature programs and afternoon activity offerings. Optional campus tours will be available at 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM.
Lawrence Academy Admissions Athletics & Arts Reception:
Saturday Oct 08 2022 - Saturday Oct 08 2022
01:00:00pm - 03:00:00pm
Please join the Lawrence Academy community for an athletics and arts reception. The program will include a welcome from our head of school, a student panel, an opportunity to speak with program leads in the arts and athletics, and the chance to enjoy an afternoon of games on campus.
Lawrence Academy Spartan Sneak Peek - Virtual Information Session:
Monday Oct 24 2022 - Monday Oct 24 2022
03:00:00pm - 03:45:00pm
Are you starting your school search and eager to learn a bit more about Lawrence Academy (commonly known as “LA”)? Attend one of our weekly “Spartan Sneak Peek” virtual information sessions to listen in on an overview of LA, our mission, our offerings, and what differentiates us as a school. You will also hear from a current Lawrence Academy student and a current Lawrence Academy parent as they discuss parts of their own LA experience. The session should last about forty-five minutes.
Lawrence Academy Spartan Sneak Peek - Virtual Information Session:
Monday Oct 17 2022 - Monday Oct 17 2022
03:00:00pm - 03:45:00pm
Are you starting your school search and eager to learn a bit more about Lawrence Academy (commonly known as “LA”)? Attend one of our weekly “Spartan Sneak Peek” virtual information sessions to listen in on an overview of LA, our mission, our offerings, and what differentiates us as a school. You will also hear from a current Lawrence Academy student and a current Lawrence Academy parent as they discuss parts of their own LA experience. The session should last about forty-five minutes.
Lawrence Academy Spartan Sneak Peek - Virtual Information Session:
Monday Oct 03 2022 - Monday Oct 03 2022
03:00:00pm - 03:45:00pm
Are you starting your school search and eager to learn a bit more about Lawrence Academy (commonly known as “LA”)? Attend one of our weekly “Spartan Sneak Peek” virtual information sessions to listen in on an overview of LA, our mission, our offerings, and what differentiates us as a school. You will also hear from a current Lawrence Academy student and a current Lawrence Academy parent as they discuss parts of their own LA experience. The session should last about forty-five minutes.
Lawrence Academy Spartan Sneak Peek - Virtual Information Session:
Monday Sep 19 2022 - Monday Sep 19 2022
03:00:00pm - 03:45:00pm
Are you starting your school search and eager to learn a bit more about Lawrence Academy (commonly known as “LA”)? Attend one of our weekly “Spartan Sneak Peek” virtual information sessions to listen in on an overview of LA, our mission, our offerings, and what differentiates us as a school. You will also hear from a current Lawrence Academy student and a current Lawrence Academy parent as they discuss parts of their own LA experience. The session should last about forty-five minutes.
Lawrence Academy Spartan Sneak Peek - Virtual Information Session:
Monday Sep 26 2022 - Monday Sep 26 2022
03:00:00pm - 03:45:00pm
Are you starting your school search and eager to learn a bit more about Lawrence Academy (commonly known as “LA”)? Attend one of our weekly “Spartan Sneak Peek” virtual information sessions to listen in on an overview of LA, our mission, our offerings, and what differentiates us as a school. You will also hear from a current Lawrence Academy student and a current Lawrence Academy parent as they discuss parts of their own LA experience. The session should last about forty-five minutes.
Lawrence Academy Spartan Sneak Peek - Virtual Information Session:
Monday Sep 12 2022 - Monday Sep 12 2022
03:00:00pm - 03:45:00pm
Are you starting your school search and eager to learn a bit more about Lawrence Academy (commonly known as “LA”)? Attend one of our weekly “Spartan Sneak Peek” virtual information sessions to listen in on an overview of LA, our mission, our offerings, and what differentiates us as a school. You will also hear from a current Lawrence Academy student and a current Lawrence Academy parent as they discuss parts of their own LA experience. The session should last about forty-five minutes.
Lawrence Academy Spartan Sneak Peek - Virtual Information Session:
Monday Aug 22 2022 - Monday Aug 22 2022
03:00:00pm - 03:45:00pm
Are you starting your school search and eager to learn a bit more about Lawrence Academy (commonly known as “LA”)? Attend one of our weekly “Spartan Sneak Peek” virtual information sessions to listen in on an overview of LA, our mission, our offerings, and what differentiates us as a school. You will also hear from a current Lawrence Academy student and a current Lawrence Academy parent as they discuss parts of their own LA experience. The session should last about forty-five minutes.
