Third Open House Draws Crowd to Circle
Groton’s Admission Office warmly welcomed about 110 families—some 350 people—to campus for its third annual Open House, on Saturday, October 6. The event was the school’s best attended Open House yet.
Although visitors came from around New England and even a few other countries, the event’s focus was local—and the vast majority of attendees came from the Boston metropolitan area. The Open House provided a casual opportunity for anyone to learn about Groton, as well as the message that the Circle is open to all, including those who know nothing about boarding school. “It’s an effort to attract people who might be uncertain, who wonder, ‘is boarding school right for me?’” explained Director of Admission Jamie Funnell.
The Groton Circle, wearing its first fall colors, served as a scenic backdrop as families arrived on campus around 1:00 p.m. The event began with a welcome from Headmaster Temba Maqubela in the Campbell Performing Arts Center, followed by panel discussions with faculty and students that covered academics, student life, athletics, global education, diversity and inclusion, the arts, and affordability.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors explored the campus, watched athletic games, and attended sessions on topics of particular interest. The Schoolhouse’s Sackett Forum served as an academic smorgasbord, with teachers offering information on each of Groton’s academic departments. Those interested in college counseling, diversity and inclusion efforts, global education, community engagement, or the day student experience headed to the McCormick Library, while those curious about music and theater spoke with Performing Arts Department Head Mary Ann Lanier in the Gammons Recital Hall.
In another important session, Director of Financial Aid Bill Riley explained Groton’s aggressive approach toward affordability, particularly for families in the “middle” who may assume (often wrongly) that they won’t qualify for aid. Other afternoon meetings covered spiritual life, residential life, visual arts, and student activities. Coaches from every season lined the Athletic Center as well, ready with information for curious athletes.
In another important session, Director of Financial Aid Bill Riley explained Groton’s aggressive approach toward affordability, particularly for families in the “middle” who may assume (often wrongly) that they won’t qualify for aid. Other afternoon meetings covered spiritual life, residential life, visual arts, and student activities. Coaches from every season lined the Athletic Center as well, ready with information for curious athletes.
The Open House was a huge success, and Groton School hopes to see many of its new visitors on campus again.
Groton School Mission: To inspire lives of character, scholarship, leadership, and service within a diverse, inclusive, and close-knit community.
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