Groton 8th grade vs 9th grade

grotonalum
Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:38:33 +0000

I attended Groton & began as a Second Former (8th grade) and loved it. I highly recommend starting in 8th grade. It gives you a huge opportunity to adjust (since those grades don’t count towards college) and get ahead. Also, the community environment is amazing. Pillow fights in the middle of the night & all sorts of fun “kid” antics. Also, alumni and Sixth formers read you bedtime stories and all sorts of fabulous traditions take place in 2nd form. If your daughter/son is interested then I say - Go for it.
I have no idea how stiff the competition is for 8th compared to 9th, but I do know that applicants who apply for Third Form (9th) who are desirable candidates, but not quite ready/up to par, are sometimes offered the opportunity be accepted as Second Formers (and repeat 8th grade). I think we had three - five such kids in my class.
Another thing to note: The class size doubles in Third Form and I often think it would have been harder (for me personally) coming in then. I wouldn’t trade 2nd form for anything!