Lawrence Academy, an independent day and boarding school for students in grades 9 through 12, is located in Groton, Mass.
Our community welcomes 415 boarding and day students and prides itself on a warm, welcoming, and compassionate culture.
Our mission focuses on recognizing students for who they are, inspiring them to take responsibility for who they want to become, supporting them as they learn, and empowering them to take action for the greater good.
Individualized learning and empowerment is a cornerstone of our program, a focus that extends beyond the classroom to athletics, the arts, clubs, community service, and experiential learning (via our Winterim program).
Skilled at "teaching for understanding," faculty use innovative methods to help students learn in the way best suited for them.
Each day, our Advisory system uses student interests, needs, and passions to help build pathways to individual goals and aspirations.
We seek to see students grow in knowledge, confidence, and empathy, making meaningful contributions to the world once they leave our campus.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 408 students
- Yearly Tuition: $60,900
- Acceptance rate: 29%
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Lawrence Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Executive Functioning, ESL
Year Founded
1793
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
408 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
24%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
67 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
65%
Average Class Size
13 students
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1137
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
$60,900
Tuition Notes
Boarding tuition is $75250
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$42,653
Acceptance Rate
29%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Mike Polsonetti
Admissions Associate
Sara Gillis
Endowment Size
$38.5 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
21 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
32 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
A/V Club, Admissions Tour Guides, Art for All, Business Club, Club 1899, Community Service Advisory Board, Consortium (Literary Magazine), Debate Club, Did Jew Know (Religious Club), Environmental Sustainability Council, GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance), LA Embassy, Men's Club, Moral Courage Task Force, PAWsitive Vibes, Rise Against Hunger, S[Hair], Spartan Leaders (Residential Life, New Students, International Students), Student Government - Executive Board, Student Government - Faculty-Student Senate, Student Government - Judiciary Council, Student Government Committees (Community Life, Food, Special Events, AAA-Academics, Arts & Athletics), The Lawrencian (Yearbook), The Politics Club, Umoja (Unity), Yard Games Club
Arts and Music Programs:
LA Singers, Lawrencian Chorale, Performing Artists Series, Private Vocal or Instrumental Instruction, Spring One Act Play Festival, Technical Theater
A/V Club, Admissions Tour Guides, Art for All, Business Club, Club 1899, Community Service Advisory Board, Consortium (Literary Magazine), Debate Club, Did Jew Know (Religious Club), Environmental Sustainability Council, GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance), LA Embassy, Men's Club, Moral Courage Task Force, PAWsitive Vibes, Rise Against Hunger, S[Hair], Spartan Leaders (Residential Life, New Students, International Students), Student Government - Executive Board, Student Government - Faculty-Student Senate, Student Government - Judiciary Council, Student Government Committees (Community Life, Food, Special Events, AAA-Academics, Arts & Athletics), The Lawrencian (Yearbook), The Politics Club, Umoja (Unity), Yard Games Club
Arts and Music Programs:
LA Singers, Lawrencian Chorale, Performing Artists Series, Private Vocal or Instrumental Instruction, Spring One Act Play Festival, Technical Theater
School Notes
- Lawrence Academy embraces an individualized approach to learning in a highly collaborative community of 415 boarding and day students. LA features a balanced academic program of intellectual development, self-discovery, wellness, and a desire to serve the greater good. Our curriculum is supported by LA's advisory program; daily meetings between adults and a group of 4-8 students. In the classroom, faculty teach students how to think, not what to think, and commit to recognizing, inspiring, supporting, and empowering students as learners and as people. For students seeking additional support, LA offers a Learning Support program to help students acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the LA classroom. LA's two-week experiential education program, takes students outside the classroom. Science excursions to the Galapagos Islands, volunteering at a refugee camp in Greece, or exploring the legal system in Boston and Washington, D.C., are just a few of Winterim's opportunities. Co-curricular activities are key to the LA experience. In our arts program, our Dance students are mainstays at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, while the LA Singers frequently grace the stage at Carnegie Hall. Young performers have a variety of music-focused courses, several vocal and instrumental performance groups and lessons available to them at Lawrence Academy. In addition to these on-campus offerings, Spartans are also encouraged to venture off campus for instrumental music studies at the nearby Groton Hill Music Center. Athletically, LA Spartans compete in the Independent School League and our student-athletes often move on to compete on NCAA squads. Clubs, diversity groups, and leadership roles of nearly every ilk also encourage students to develop in confidence and character.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Tim Armstrong - AOL Chairman and CEO
- Dana Messina - CEO and Owner of Steinway Piano
- Audrey McNiff - Managing Director at Goldman Sachs
- Page McConnell - Keyboard Player for Phish
- Steve Heinze - '88 Olympian in Men's Hockey and Former NHL player for Boston Bruins and LA Kings
- Laurie Baker - Three time Olympian in women's hockey
- Antoine Wright - NBA player for Dallas Mavericks
- Tyler Beede - Player for the San Francisco Giants
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Lawrence Academy cost?
Lawrence Academy's tuition is approximately $60,900 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Lawrence Academy?
The acceptance rate of Lawrence Academy is 29%, which is lower than the national average of 69%. Lawrence Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Massachusetts with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Lawrence Academy?
Lawrence Academy famous alumni include: Tim Armstrong, Dana Messina, Audrey McNiff, Page McConnell, Steve Heinze, Laurie Baker, Antoine Wright and Tyler Beede.
What sports does Lawrence Academy offer?
Lawrence Academy offers 21 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Weightlifting. Lawrence Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for most sports offered.
What is Lawrence Academy's ranking?
Lawrence Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Lawrence Academy?
The application deadline for Lawrence Academy is Jan. 15.
School Reviews
5 5/17/2016
My son is at Lawrence and we couldn't be happier. Very supportive environment, caring teachers and accepting student body. My son is not involved in sports at all, is a member of the computer club but has still found friends and acceptance at this school. Very helpful advisors and rigorous academic program.
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