Groton caps off successful admissions season by welcoming 99 new students

Groton School welcomes its 99 newly enrolled students after an admissions season that set standards in many areas. 

In total, 68 percent of admitted students said yes to Groton, tying the mark for highest yield in the 21st century. In addition, Groton achieved 100 percent yield of eighth-grade applicants for the first time ever, and a record 71 percent yield for ninth-grade boys. For the second year in a row, more than 50 percent of the new Groton students are people of color.

Nearly ten years after being adopted as the school’s number-one priority, the GRAIN (GRoton Affordability and INclusion) tuition- and cost-containment initiative continues to have a positive impact on Groton’s student body, as nearly half of newly enrolled students will receive financial aid as a result.

“It’s nice to see that 44 percent of admitted students will receive some financial aid,” said Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Ian Gracey. “With the kind of socioeconomic diversity this group of students brings, it’s so clear that GRAIN is working.”

This latest group of new students hails from seventeen states and nine countries. Total applicants were 1,520.

 

The announcement follows two special events for accepted students and their families on campus, where they could see for themselves the many things that set the Groton experience apart.

 

These events, in late March and early April, included performances by student musicians and a peek into some of the traditions Groton holds dear, including Parlor in the Headmaster’s House and morning services in St. John’s Chapel. 

 

Parents spent mornings at panel discussions with Groton faculty and current parents and a residential life presentation with dormitory heads and prefects, while accepted students started a day with their Groton guides by attending class and seeing first-hand what a day on the Circle is like. 

 

After lunch, families were invited to attend class or meet leaders from academic and co-curricular programs, Health and Wellness, College Counseling, athletics, the arts, and student clubs in the Schoolhouse’s Sackett Forum.

 

Mr. Gracey credited the Groton student body for offering such a warm welcome during these revisit events. 

 

“The enthusiasm of our students during revisits is so palpable. It’s a central factor, I think, for a lot of admitted students to choose Groton,” he explained. “They love their school, and they’re so excited to show off Groton. They get really excited about hosting these talented kids.” 

The results speak for themselves, as 75 percent of students who attended revisit events said yes to Groton, the second highest rate in the 21st century.