We already knew that Groton was a storied New England boarding school whose graduates had played an outsize role in American government in the 20th century. Quickly, however, we began to discover what Groton is—a diverse and intimate community that might best be described by the School’s concept of “A Circle, Open.”
The school campus has long been referred to as “The Circle” because the Chapel, the Schoolhouse, the dining hall, and the dorms all face one another across a circular field, reinforcing the sense of community here. Yet the Circle is open, both literally and figuratively—it opens to vistas of the Wachusett and Monadnock mountains, and it opens to people from anywhere and everywhere.
Students and faculty come to Groton from all over the country and the world, from big cities and small towns, from public schools and private schools and home schools, and from families and cultures that appear to be vastly different from one another. The School was founded in the Episcopal tradition, yet seeks and actively supports students and faculty of all religious backgrounds. Still, the size of our Circle insists that we all come to know one another quite well, forming lifelong friendships that would be unlikely or impossible elsewhere.
The Groton Circle is open in other important ways as well. I am deeply proud of the School’s commitment to financial aid, which has increased the number of students receiving scholarship support to nearly 40 percent, in bold contrast to the old prep school stereotypes. I am also proud of the vast array of talented Groton students—the School is open and welcoming to scientists and artists, athletes and writers, classicists and computer programmers. They come to the Circle eager to give and take, to influence others and to be influenced by talented peers and a distinguished faculty, who are as devoted to their students as they are to their subjects, and who believe that good teaching should focus as much on character as on content.
Lindsay and I consider it a great privilege to work, live, and raise our children on Groton's Circle. We hope you’ll consider becoming part of our extended family.
Sincerely,
Richard B. Commons