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. Lawrence Academy features a balanced academic program of intellectual development, self-discovery, wellness, and a desire to serve the greater good. Our curriculum is supported by Lawrence Academy’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. Our Research and Immersive Learning electives allow students to pursue topics independently. Meanwhile, the Omnibus program pursues essential and complex health and wellness conversations, including sessions that cover writing an effective email to a teacher, to discussions about healthy choices in the teenage years. Co-curricular activities are key to the Lawrence Academy experience. Our Dance students are mainstays at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, while the Lawrence Academy Singers frequently grace the stage at Carnegie Hall. Lawrence Academy 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 kind also encourage students to develop in confidence and character. Winterim, Lawrence Academy’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 in general, not just learn facts. 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: 5:1
Average Class Size: 13
Summer Programs: Offered
Full Time Teachers: 82
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
- Peer Tutoring
- 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
- Chinese-Mandarin
- French
- Latin
- Spanish
Humanities / Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
- 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
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Functions
- Geometry
- Honors Math
- Probability
- Statistics
- Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus
Computer Studies
- Multimedia
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
Music
- Band
- Choral Music
- Composition
- Individual Instructions
- Music History
- Music Theory
- Voice
- A Cappella
Performing / Visual Arts
- Acting
- Animation
- Art History
- Ceramics
- Choreography
- Dance
- Debate
- Design
- Directing
- Drama
- Drawing
- Fashion Design
- Film and Video
- Graphic Design
- Journalism
- Lighting Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Portfolio
- Pottery
- Printmaking
- Production
- Publications
- Public Speaking
- Screenwriting
- Sculpture
- Studio Art
- Theater Arts
- Theater Design
- Woodworking
- Modern Dance
- Jazz Band
- Digital Imaging
- Multimedia
- Illustration
Special Programs
- Study Abroad
- Community Service
- Personal Finance
- Independent Study
- Internships
- Leadership
- Learning at Sea Programs
- Outdoor Education
- Semester/Year Off-Campus
- Scuba
- Robotics
- Public Speaking
- Student Council
- Science Research
Distinctive or New Programs
Research and Immersive Learning, Winterim Program, Learning Support Program
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
- Acting
- Animation
- Art History
- Ceramics
- Choreography
- Dance
- Debate
- Design
- Directing
- Drama
- Drawing
- Fashion Design
- Film and Video
- Graphic Design
- Journalism
- Lighting Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Portfolio
- Pottery
- Printmaking
- Production
- Publications
- Public Speaking
- Screenwriting
- Sculpture
- Studio Art
- Theater Arts
- Theater Design
- Woodworking
- Modern Dance
- Jazz Band
- Digital Imaging
- Multimedia
- Illustration
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
Precentage 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: 176
Total Day: 249
Total Enrollment: 425
Boys: 232
Girls: 193
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: $67,875
5-Day Boarding: N/A
Day Tuition Fee: $54,350
Need-Based Aid: Offered
Payment Plans: Offered
Students Receiving Aid: 32%
Average Awarded: $40,035
School Finances
Merit Scholarships: Not Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %
Average Merit Scholarship: $
Current Endowment Amount: $29,600,000
Contact
Director of Admissions: Phillip Blood
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 Summer Admissions Webinar:Lunch with LA:
Wednesday Jul 20 2022 - Wednesday Jul 20 2022
12:00:00pm - 12:00:00pm
For students and families eager to explore Lawrence Academy, we invite you to attend one of our summer webinars. These webinars will include a 30-minute informational overview of Lawrence Academy and our educational program. We hope to see you there!
Lawrence Academy Summer Admissions Webinar: Lunch with LA:
Wednesday Jun 22 2022 - Wednesday Jun 22 2022
12:00:00pm - 12:30:00pm
For students and families eager to explore Lawrence Academy, we invite you to attend one of our summer webinars. These webinars will include a 30-minute informational overview of Lawrence Academy and our educational program. We hope to see you there!
Lawrence Academy Admissions Time to Apply Event:
Wednesday Dec 15 2021 - Wednesday Dec 15 2021
07:00:00pm - 07:45:00pm
Hear from Lawrence Academy’s admissions team, current students and a current parent about the process of applying to Lawrence Academy. We will overview the application process, provide some advice from our students and parents, and answer any questions that you have before submitting your application on January 15, 2022! The session should last no longer than 45 minutes.
Lawrence Academy Admissions Open House:
Saturday Nov 06 2021 - Saturday Nov 06 2021
08:30:00am - 12:00:00pm
Please join the Lawrence Academy community on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., for an Open House overviewing our educational program: • Welcome from our Head of School • Attend panels overviewing academic and community life at LA • Learn about co-curricular offerings and meet our co-curricular program leads
Lawrence Academy Admissions Athletic Reception:
Saturday Oct 16 2021 - Saturday Oct 16 2021
01:00:00pm - 03:00:00pm
Please join the Lawrence Academy community on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.., for an afternoon reception that features our student athletes in action: • Welcome remarks from Admissions • Overview of athletic program • Panel of student athletes • Chat with coaches • Head to games!
