The School:
Deerfield Academy was established in 1797 to provide education for the young people of rural Deerfield, Massachusetts.
A Brief History:
Unlike many old schools established in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, modern Deerfield owes its existence to a determined headmaster who came on the scene in 1902. Frank Learoyd Boyden took Deerfield from the brink of closing and turned the school around, firmly establishing it as one of America's top private boarding schools before his retirement in 1968. Mr. Boyden's accomplishments were the subject of The Headmaster, a book written by a Deerfield alumnus.
Academics:
70% of Deerfield's highly qualified faculty hold advanced degrees in their subject. The school offers 19 academic courses at the AP level as well as a host of other courses in the following departments:
Computer Science
English
Fine Arts
History
Language
Math
Philosophy and Religion
Science
The school provides new students with a laptop.
Facilities:
The Frank L. and Helen Childs Boyden Library is an important academic center on campus. The Koch Center for Science, Math and Technology dedicated in 2007 is a model of energy efficient, environmentally friendly construction.
The athletic facilities at Deerfield are remarkable. A natatorium, a Robert Trent Jones designed golf course, a boat house, 95 acres of playing fields - the list goes on and on. Your athletically inclined child will have a field day at this school.
Finances:
Deerfield awarded over $6 million in financial aid for the school year 2008-2009. If your family income is below $80,000, you will pay nothing to attend Deerfield. Families with incomes between $80,000 and $220,000 will find scaled financial assistance to help make a Deerfield education affordable, indeed, possible.
Matriculation:
Deerfield graduates can be found at top universities and colleges at home and abroad.
Commentary:
Deerfield sounds as though it is in the middle of nowhere. Don't let the location fool you. Within minutes of the school is Hartford International Airport, a very convenient airport which will allow you to visit your child with ease. The school is very selective, has first rate facilities and faculty to match. This is a top school. Make sure what your child offers jibes with what the school is looking for.
